LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Schuylerville Elementary School, of
Schuylerville, New York, upon the occasion of its designation as a 2016
National Green Ribbon School

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 accomplishments 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 commend
Schuylerville Elementary School, of Schuylerville, New York, upon the
occasion of its designation as a 2016 National Green Ribbon School; and
WHEREAS, Designation as a Green Ribbon School by the United States
Department of Education is indicative of successfully identifying and
communicating promising practices that result in improved student
engagement, academic achievement, graduation rates, and workforce
preparedness as well as reinforcing federal efforts to increase energy
independence and economic security; and
WHEREAS, As a Green Ribbon School, Schuylerville Elementary School has
been judged to be particularly effective in reducing environmental
impact and costs, improving the health and wellness of schools,
students, and staff, and providing environmental education, which teach-
es many disciplines, and is especially good at effectively incorporating
STEM, civic skills, and green career pathways; and
WHEREAS, In 2011, Schuylerville Elementary School began its green
school efforts when elementary parent volunteers with support from
nonprofit partner and neighbor, Hudson Crossing Park, initiated a
program of getting young people outdoors, learning from the environment,
making sustainable choices, and prioritizing healthy lifestyles; and
WHEREAS, To date, more than 50 projects have been implemented as part
of Schuylerville Elementary School's sustainability efforts; some of
those projects include: the Turtle Count Challenge on World Turtle Day
each May; a well-established curriculum at multiple grade levels which
includes hatching insects, including butterflies; and, an annual Hudson
Crossing Triathlon, a jogging program called Towpath Tuesdays, as well
as an annual Hi-5k Challenge, which invites participants to complete a
five-kilometer race in some form, whether walking, jogging, racing,
biking, swimming, hiking, or kayaking; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Schuylerville Elementary School's sustainability
efforts included teacher leadership where nearly 120 fourth grade
students planted a White Pine peace tree in the outdoor classroom which
serves as a place to visit for inspiration in growing, learning, and
leading; in addition, system-wide improvements to the school's recycling
program and energy reduction technology have reduced the school's carbon
footprint; and
WHEREAS, Every year, the Schuylerville sustainable schools efforts
have been growing stronger and have been nurtured through investment,
ownership, and leadership from a wide variety of stakeholders, ranging
from kindergarten students to Hudson Crossing Park Board Members; and
WHEREAS, Schuylerville Elementary School has continually proven 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 Green Ribbon School status stands as a resolute
testimony to the special teamwork exemplified by Schuylerville Elementa-

ry School's family of students, parents, teachers and administrators, a
community united by common goals and uncommon expectations; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Schuylerville Elementary School, of Schuylerville, New York,
upon the occasion of its designation as a 2016 National Green Ribbon
School, 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 Schuylerville Elementary School.