Senate Resolution No. 3020

BY: Senator HAMILTON

COMMENDING Middle School 340 - North Star Academy
upon the occasion of its 150th Birthday

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those commemorative historical events which symbolize the growth
and development of the educational institutions which comprise the
communities of this great State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Middle School 340 - North Star Academy upon the occasion of its
150th Birthday, celebrated at its Annual Career and College Day on
Wednesday, June 7, 2017, in Brooklyn, New York; and

WHEREAS, As the brownstone blocks between Flatbush Avenue and
Vanderbilt Avenue were being developed, and as construction of Prospect
Park continued, a grammar school was built for the new community; when
its doors opened in 1868, the children were greeted by Jane Dunkley, the
first Principal, and the first woman to be in charge of a large Brooklyn
grammar school; and

WHEREAS, Designed by Samuel J. Leonard, Superintendent of the
Department of Buildings for the Board of Education in the City of
Brooklyn, he created and supervised the construction and repair of
school buildings, including P.S. 9; and

WHEREAS, Many of his designs employed a very early Romanesque
Revival style of building, using Rundbogenstil style, which added the
acanthus leaf brackets on the front door as well as the hooded window
caps on P.S. 9; and

WHEREAS, In 1879, James Naughton took over as Superintendent; during
his time, he added the wings to the growing school in 1887; and

WHEREAS, When P.S. 9 grew too small for his additions, James
Naughton designed the P.S. 9 Annex, to handle the overflow in 1895;
later, it was renamed P.S. 111; and

WHEREAS, Public School 111 has been a neighborhood institution in
the Prospect Heights section of Brooklyn for 110 years; although no
longer a grammar school, it continues to be used as a special high
school; and

WHEREAS, Over the years, this school has changed names, functions
and has been modernized on the inside, but remains a part of Brooklyn's
education system; the school and the annex are now considered individual
landmarks; and

WHEREAS, Steeped in a proud and distinguished history, Middle School
340 - North Star Academy may look back with pride upon its humble
beginnings, find just satisfaction in its purposeful growth and hold
true of purpose in its commitment to serving the educational needs of
the citizens of New York; and


WHEREAS, Middle School 340 is proudly aware of its distinguished
past, eager to fulfill its present commitment to parents, students and
the community, and planning with vision and purpose for the ebb and
swell of growth and change it will encounter in the years to come; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Middle School 340 - North Star Academy upon the occasion of its
150th Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Middle School 340 - North Star Academy.