LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Wolcott Street School of LeRoy, New
York, upon the occasion of its designation as an Emerging School of
Character by the Academy for Character Education at Sage College on
March 24, 2010

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 commend
Wolcott Street School of LeRoy, New York, upon the occasion of its
designation as an Emerging School of Character by the Academy for Char-
acter Education at Sage College at a banquet to be held on Wednesday,
March 24, 2010; and
WHEREAS, The Academy for Character Education is an advocate for char-
acter education, believing that it provides the basis for developing a
stronger, caring community; established in 2000, its mission is to
promote character education within the greater community by raising
awareness, educating, motivating and facilitating the infusion of posi-
tive character traits that become lifelong habits; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the Academy for Character Education is dedicated
to the mandate that character education needs to be infused into the
curriculum of all schools; therefore, each year, it recognizes those
schools such as, Wolcott Street School, which has served as an outstand-
ing leader in character education; and
WHEREAS, Wolcott Street School is committed to teaching good character
to its students and reinforcing such behavior in their day-to-day inter-
actions with peers and staff; and
WHEREAS, The staff, administration and teachers of Wolcott Street
School strive to send a consistent message to all of its students; all
adults within the school community are expected to model appropriate
behavior in their interactions, as well as dealing considerately and
consistently with others; students are also expected to respect the
rights and feelings of other students, teachers, visitors and staff; and
WHEREAS, "Catching Kids Being Good" is the underlying theme of the
discipline policy at Wolcott Street School; every class has clearly
posted behavior guidelines including: Rules of the Class, rewards for
obeying the rules, and consequences for disobeying them; the research
behind this idea comes from Lee Canter and his work with "Assertive
Discipline"; and
WHEREAS, Once all students know what is expected of them and are
familiar with the rewards and consequences, then the stage is set for
"Catching Kids Being Good"; good behavior is noted and consistent good
behavior is celebrated; extra free time, phone calls to parents, notes
home and parties are just some of the ways in which consistent good
behavior is both noted and honored; it is one of the building goals of
Wolcott Street School to be evermore creative and assertive in how it is
to achieve its goal to "Catch Kids Being Good"; and
WHEREAS, However, when misbehavior does occur, it is the student who
chooses to behave this way and thus receives the consequences; each
grade level's discipline plan, complete with its rules, rewards, and
consequences is reviewed with the building principal and then explained
to all students; finally, this plan is sent home to each and every
parent/guardian; and

WHEREAS, The hope of the parents and staff of Wolcott Street School is
that with clear expectations of student conduct and frequent "Catching
Kids Being Good," an extremely positive learning environment has been
created for the students where they can achieve great academic and
personal success; and
WHEREAS, Wolcott Street School has clearly 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 students and faculty as well as for the entire community;
and
WHEREAS, Being selected as an Emerging School of Character stands as a
resolute testimony to Wolcott Street School's standards of excellence,
its uncompromising values, unparalleled dedication, and the special
teamwork of its family of students, parents, teachers and administra-
tors, who share common goals and uncommon expectations; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Wolcott Street School of LeRoy, New York, upon the occasion of
its designation as an Emerging School of Character by the Academy for
Character Education at Sage College on March 24, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Wolcott Street School, LeRoy, New York.