Senate Resolution No. 1173

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of Roscoe
Conkling Elementary School on June 13, 2025

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 this noble Empire
State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Roscoe Conkling Elementary School
on Friday, June 13, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Located in Utica, New York, Roscoe Conkling Elementary
School was established in 1925 and is a vibrant learning community which
values its children and remains dedicated to providing nurturing
learning experiences for them each and every day; and

WHEREAS, Named in honor of Roscoe Conkling, a distinguished
19th-century United States Congressman and Senator from Utica who was
known for his contributions to civil service reform and leadership
during the Reconstruction Era, the School has long exemplified his
values of dedication, service, and civic responsibility; and

WHEREAS, In addition to academic success, the students at Roscoe
Conkling Elementary School understand what it means to be good citizens,
and diversity is always celebrated; with an emphasis on character
education, students demonstrate a respect for themselves and one
another; and

WHEREAS, In 1995, after 70 years of operation, Roscoe Conkling
Elementary School was closed, due to declining student enrollment, and
repurposed as the Conkling Administration Building; and

WHEREAS, In September 2011, as part of a district-wide capital
project designed to renovate every school by 2016, Roscoe Conkling
Elementary School was reopened to help accommodate the growing student
population in the other nine elementary schools across the district; and

WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of its Principal, Heather
Galinski, Roscoe Conkling Elementary School's caring and professional
staff emphasize critical thinking, verbal and written communication, and
computer skills; and

WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, Roscoe Conkling Elementary
School fosters a love of reading and encourages a habit of lifelong
reading and learning; and

WHEREAS, This vital institution 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, Roscoe Conkling Elementary School is proudly aware of its
distinguished past, eager to fulfill its present commitment to parents,
students, and the community, 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
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Roscoe Conkling Elementary School
on June 13, 2025; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Heather Galinski, Principal, Roscoe Conkling Elementary
School.