LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating P.S. 277, Gerritsen Beach School,
upon the occasion of being named a National Blue Ribbon School by the
United States Department of Education

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those institutions of true purpose and high achievement whose
exemplary programs and accomplishment clearly demonstrate an enduring
pursuit of excellence in the education of the youth of the Empire State;
and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late P.S. 277, Gerritsen Beach School, upon the occasion of being named
a National Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Educa-
tion; and
WHEREAS, The P.S. 277, Gerritsen Beach School is a Pre-Kindergarten
through grade five school in District 22, Gerritsen Beach, Brooklyn,
which is comprised of approximately 450 students; and
WHEREAS, Designation as a National Blue Ribbon School by the United
States Department of Education is indicative of high level school stand-
ards set in pursuit of excellence; and
WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of its Principal, Jeanne Fish, P.S.
277, Gerritsen Beach School has consistently ranked among the top 10
schools in New York City; and
WHEREAS, True to its mission to provide a nurturing environment that
instills confidence and self-esteem in its children as they develop
intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically, the staff at P.S.
277, Gerritsen Beach School, along with parents promote life-long moral
and ethical values, enabling each child to achieve their fullest poten-
tial and celebrate their uniqueness; and
WHEREAS, P.S. 277, Gerritsen Beach School proudly offers numerous
innovative programs for its bright and enthusiastic students including
the EAGLE Gifted/talented program, a specialized program for Marine
Biology, an Integrated Performing Arts, an Off-Site Marine Biology
Program, Project ARTS, the Classroom Computer Center, the Wilson Reading
Program, Fundations, and the Waterford Early Reading Program, as well as
the Up River/Down River Program; and
WHEREAS, The teacher teams at P.S. 277, Gerritsen Beach School are
stakeholders in the educational process of its students; school capacity
building empowers its teachers to be effective, and supports the
school's efforts to build strong relationships; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, these relationships foster its mission to estab-
lish a culture for learning, ensure high expectations are embedded in
all work habits, and engage all teachers in inquiry-based professional
collaborations that strengthen instructional capacity per grade level;
and
WHEREAS, The students' families at P.S. 277, Gerritsen Beach School
share this strong belief in education that hard work and perseverance,
coupled with a positive outlook and teacher support, is the best recipe
for their child's success in school both academically and emotionally;
and
WHEREAS, As a National Blue Ribbon School, P.S. 277, Gerritsen Beach
School has been judged to be particularly effective in meeting local,
State, and national educational goals; it has also displayed the quali-
ties of excellence necessary to prepare young people for the challenges
of the 21st Century; and
WHEREAS, National Blue Ribbon School status is awarded to schools
which have demonstrated strong leadership; a clear vision and sense of

mission that is shared by all connected with the school; high quality
teaching; a challenging, up-to-date curriculum; policies and practices
that ensure a safe environment conducive to learning; a solid commitment
to parental involvement; and evidence that the school helps all students
achieve high standards; and
WHEREAS, P.S. 277, Gerritsen Beach School has continually demonstrated
an impressive dedication, an unparalleled devotion and an unremitting
enthusiasm for the quality of educational programs and opportunities
offered for the benefit of its faculty and students as well as for the
entire community; and
WHEREAS, The National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award stands as
a resolute testimony to P.S. 277, Gerritsen Beach School's standards of
excellence, its uncompromising values, unparalleled dedication, and the
special teamwork of its family of students, parents, teachers and admin-
istrators, who share common goals and uncommon expectations; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate P.S. 277, Gerritsen Beach School, upon the occasion of
being named a National Blue Ribbon School by the United States Depart-
ment of Education, noting the significance of its accomplishment and
recognizing the role such effective schools play in shaping the quality
of life in their community, State and Nation; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Jeanne Fish, Principal, P.S. 277, Gerritsen Beach School.