LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Public
School No. 172 in Brooklyn, New York

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, This Legislative Body is proud to commemorate the 100th Anni-
versary of Public School No. 172 in Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, This momentous occasion will be observed over a yearlong
centennial celebration through units of study, student projects and
performances, family movie nights, and a 1914 carnival; the celebration
will begin on February 12, 2014, and culminate with a Centennial Gala in
June; and
WHEREAS, Public School No. 172 was opened on February 2, 1914 to
educate the children of immigrant families that had recently moved to
South Brooklyn from Italy, Poland, Sweden, Ireland, and Germany; today,
the school continues to educate the children of immigrants from Mexico,
South America, the Middle East and the Caribbean; and
WHEREAS, Integrating all general education and special needs students
into the same classrooms, Public School No. 172 uses a workshop model
for reading, writing, math and social studies; and
WHEREAS, Over the past 100 years, Public School No. 172 has continued
its dedication to education and achievement; the school has won citywide
attention for the high test scores of its students, and recently earned
the National Blue Ribbon Award for academic excellence from the United
States Department of Education; and
WHEREAS, Since the mid-1980s, Public School No. 172 has been run under
the luminous direction of Jack Spatola who emphasizes professional
development for teachers and close monitoring of its students, partic-
ularly those in danger of faltering; and
WHEREAS, Within the 21st Century, Public School No. 172 stands
prepared to reach out, in earnest and enthusiastic quest of its mission,
to promote the maximum growth of every student, establishing standards
and building skills which will carry its students and the citizens of
its community into the future; and
WHEREAS, Public School No. 172 is proudly aware of its distinguished
past, eager to fulfill its commitment to parents, students and communi-
ty, 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
honor and commend Public School No. 172 upon the auspicious occasion of
its 100th Anniversary; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Jack Spatola, Principal of Public School No. 172, Brooklyn,
New York.