LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the found-
ing of My First School, A Cooperative Experience

WHEREAS, Organizations which seek to enhance the education of our young-
est students help to provide children with a solid knowledge base upon
which to build their future studies; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those schools of commitment and high achievement whose purpose
and endeavors have been dedicated to the 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 commem-
orate the 50th Anniversary of My First School, which was celebrated at a
Dinner Dance on Saturday, March 22, 2014 in Floral Park, Queens; and
WHEREAS, My First School, A Cooperative Experience (MFS), is a unique
nursery school program dedicated to fostering the social, emotional, and
academic growth of early learners; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1963, MFS was started in the United Methodist
Church of Floral Park by parishioners, Caryll Winkler and Fanne Smith;
the school's mission from the beginning was to serve the needs of its
community, providing nursery school services that placed an emphasis on
parental involvement; and
WHEREAS, Originally known as the Floral Park Methodist Cooperative
Nursery School, this esteemed educational institution began with the
philosophy that children learn best through play and the participation
of parental figures from an early age; and
WHEREAS, Under the leadership of Rita Rosenstein, a distinguished
educator with 36 years service, MFS grew from a single pre-kindergarten
class for the children of church members to a renowned learning center,
with 12 classes serving 152 children ages 15 months to six years old;
and
WHEREAS, My First School's exceptional teachers are all masters certi-
fied and have training in current math, reading and writing programs
utilized by the Floral Park-Bellerose School District; all classes have
a paid assistant as well; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the years, MFS has remained true to its mission of
involving parents as an integral part of their child's education; in
addition to serving on various committees and the executive board,
parents take turns assisting inside the classroom as a Helping Parent,
forging greater ties with the children and their community; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable institution is the only preschool in New York
State to have a direct partnership with Adelphi University; it proudly
offers the Raising a Thinking Child program, a parenting class which
helps mothers and fathers guide young children to resolve conflicts and
get along better with others; and
WHEREAS, MFS and its members have displayed an outstanding commitment
to giving back to the community; the school hosts many special events
during the year, including an annual multicultural day, celebrating the
different cultures of the families it serves; and
WHEREAS, Although separate from the United Methodist Church in which
it is located, MFS proudly assists in church fundraising activities such
as the fall harvest fair and spring plant sale in gratitude for hosting
the school; and
WHEREAS, In addition, MFS has been a center for toy donations and
sponsor of the Hance Family Foundation's Annual 5k Race and Family Fun
Day; furthermore, it has worked with the foundation to present "Beauti-

ful Me," a special class which focuses on self-esteem and empowerment
for young girls; and
WHEREAS, Throughout its 50 years of commendable service, My First
School has become an integral part of the history of its community,
representing a dynamic, responsive and positive force within the Village
of Floral Park and the Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the founding of My First School, A
Cooperative Experience; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to My First School.