LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Marcene Johnson, Director of Educational
Services at Brookside School, upon the occasion of celebrating 40 years
of distinguished service to the Children of Ulster County on March 11,
2014

WHEREAS, New York State's commitment to education is unparalleled; its
history and stature are secured by the superlative caliber of its educa-
tional professionals and the students they inspire; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of those outstanding
educational leaders, whose dedication and achievements have been instru-
mental in developing character and academic excellence in the young
people of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Marcene Johnson, Director of Educational Services at Brookside School,
upon the occasion of celebrating 40 years of distinguished service to
the Children of Ulster County at the Kick-Off of Brookside School's
Community Week on Tuesday, March 11, 2014; and
WHEREAS, Marcene Johnson was hired as a bus driver by Ulster-Greene
ARC in 1973; the following year she became a teacher for the Brookside
School program; she was promoted to Master Teacher in 1976, and three
years later became the Director of Educational Services, the position
she continues to hold today; and
WHEREAS, Ulster-Greene ARC was founded in 1956 by families in Ulster
and Greene counties who insisted their children with disabilities have
the same opportunities as anyone else; its mission is to offer people
with intellectual and other disabilities opportunities to live and expe-
rience full lives; and
WHEREAS, Since the beginning of her illustrious career, Marcene
Johnson's vision remains that children with special needs be in the
least restrictive environment possible, and be provided educational
opportunities in an integrated setting; Brookside School implements this
inclusion model as students with and without disabilities are taught
within the same classes; and
WHEREAS, As a Universal Pre-Kindergarten site for the Rondout Valley
Central School District and an Ulster County Special Education
Preschool, Brookside School prides itself on offering every child
support, love, and rich opportunities to learn and grow; and
WHEREAS, For more than four decades, Marcene Johnson has touched the
lives of thousands of students; her commitment and stamina to the
demands of her job has earned her the admiration, esteem and affection
of her colleagues; and
WHEREAS, Marcene Johnson is a strong advocate and champion for the
acceptance of all students within the community and will subsequently be
honored at Brookside School's Annual Community Week; and
WHEREAS, Each yeah in March, Brookside School transforms into a small
community; classrooms become a variety of stores, and students are
taught how to go to the bank to cash their paychecks, as well as how to
spend their money at each store; and
WHEREAS, Community Week is a true testament to the creativity of
Marcene Johnson and the educators at Brookside School, and how they
fully engage each student in functional learning experiences; and
WHEREAS, Educators like Marcene Johnson provide a tremendous service
to the future of our State and Nation, inspiring generations of young
people in their educational journeys and ensuring their success in their
future years; and

WHEREAS, Marcene Johnson has clearly had an enduring impact on the
youth of Ulster County, as well as on the community-at-large, and
accordingly merits recognition and applause for her impressive dedi-
cation to others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of those individuals who work to support our proud tradition of
public education by providing their skills and talents to our schools;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Marcene Johnson, Director of Educational Services at Brookside
School, upon the occasion of celebrating 40 years of dedicated service
in education, and for her significant contributions to education in New
York State; and to wish her continued success in all of her future
endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Marcene Johnson.