Senate Resolution No. 1041

BY: Senator MARTINS

HONORING Willets Road School upon the occasion of
its designation as a "School to Watch" by the
National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform on
June 26, 2025

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the significant accomplishments of institutions of learning
throughout the State of New York which dedicate themselves to the
educational and personal development of the young people of this great
Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Willets Road School, located in the East Williston Union Free School
District, upon the occasion of its designation as a "School to Watch" by
the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform, a prestigious
recognition earned by only 42 middle schools across New York State; and

WHEREAS, The Schools to Watch program honors middle schools that
demonstrate academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social
equity, and organizational structures and processes designed to support
continuous improvement; and

WHEREAS, This exceptional designation was conferred following a
rigorous two-year evaluation process, during which Willets Road
educators conducted a thorough self-assessment to identify both areas of
strength and opportunities for growth; and

WHEREAS, The process culminated in a comprehensive two-day site
visit, during which administrators and principals from other recognized
"Schools to Watch" visited Willets Road School, observed classrooms, and
engaged in meaningful dialogue with students, families, faculty,
district leadership, and members of the Board of Education; and

WHEREAS, Principal Christine Dragone emphasized that this
designation provides Willets Road School with valuable opportunities to
connect with other exemplary middle schools across New York State and
the nation, fostering the exchange of effective practices and supporting
the school's ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and academic
excellence; and

WHEREAS, The honor bestowed upon Willets Road School is a reflection
not only of its high standards of academic instruction, but also of its
commitment to the social and emotional well-being of its students, the
professionalism of its faculty and staff, and the dedication of its
leadership; and

WHEREAS, Willets Road School will be formally recognized for this
extraordinary achievement at the National Forum's Annual Conference in
Washington, D.C. on June 26, 2025, joining a distinguished network of
Schools to Watch across the country; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to applaud the
efforts of outstanding educational institutions that set a high standard
of excellence, and in doing so, inspire students and faculty alike to
pursue excellence in all endeavors; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Willets Road School upon the occasion of its designation as a
School to Watch by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades
Reform, and to extend its sincere congratulations and best wishes for
continued success; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Willets Road School and Principal Christine Dragone.