LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Donna Neglia upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the 2016 Woman of the Year Award by the
Bensonhurst West End Community Council on May 4, 2016

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors and
community service are an example and inspiration to their colleagues,
friends, and family; and
WHEREAS, It is also the practice of this Legislative Body to take note
of and publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and
character whose endeavors have enhanced the quality of education in this
great State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Donna Neglia upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
2016 Woman of the Year Award by the Bensonhurst West End Community Coun-
cil to be celebrated at its 55th Annual Gala, at El Caribe, Brooklyn,
New York, on Wednesday, May 4, 2016; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Marine Park, Brooklyn, New York, Donna
Neglia was inspired by her nurturing teachers at Fontbonne Hall Academy
in Brooklyn to become an educator; and
WHEREAS, Donna Neglia earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary
Education from St. John's University in Queens, New York; upon gradu-
ation, she began her career in education at PS 188 in District 21, in
Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, Just two years later, Donna Neglia furthered her education by
obtaining her master's degree in Elementary Education and Literacy from
The College of Staten Island; during this time, she developed her skills
as a classroom teacher, as well as her passion for literacy; and
WHEREAS, In 2003, Donna Neglia and her husband, Steve were blessed
with the birth of their twins, Emily and Andrew; after a short leave,
Donna successfully applied to the UFT Teacher Center and was granted a
position as a Literacy Coach/UFT Teacher Center Specialist at PS 186;
and
WHEREAS, Donna Neglia quickly became part of a dynamic team which
facilitated a variety of professional learning experiences, including
demo lessons, workshops, study groups, and curriculum mapping; she
continued her own studies, through a partnership with Teacher's College
and worked as a presenter for the UFT Teacher Center's Literacy Networks
for five years; and
WHEREAS, In 2007, Donna Neglia gave birth to her son, Stephen; in that
same year, she was recognized as Teacher of the Year; and
WHEREAS, Three years later, Donna Neglia entered the New York City
Department of Education's Leadership in Education Apprenticeship Program
(LEAP); through this vital program's summer-intensive and year-long
internship program, she earned her School Administration Certification;
and
WHEREAS, After her internship, Donna Neglia served as Assistant Prin-
cipal of PS 186 and an invaluable partner with NIA in the PS 186/NIA
ExpandED initiative, the largest entity of 11 schools in three cities
involved in a national demonstration project led by TASC and supported
by both public and private funding; as a result of their combined
efforts, PS 186 and NIA increased learning time by 30% with enriching
educational and creative activities for over 500 children daily; and

WHEREAS, In 2014, Donna Neglia accepted the esteemed position of Prin-
cipal of PS 216; in her brief tenure as principal, PS 216 has already
been recognized as one of New York City's Showcase Schools; in addition,
this vital educational institution has been named a Leader in Me School;
and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her supportive husband, Steve
Neglia, and her three loving children, Emily, Andrew and Stephen, all of
whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her
achievements; and
WHEREAS, Principal Donna Neglia and her dedicated staff continue to
build a collaborative professional learning community, committed to
providing a rigorous and supportive learning environment for all of the
students that the school serves; and
WHEREAS, Donna Neglia has brought great credit upon herself by contin-
ually demonstrating an impressive dedication, an unparalleled devotion
and an unremitting enthusiasm for the quality of the educational
programs and opportunities offered at the schools where she has served;
and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her professional service, a
period of constructive involvement, Donna Neglia has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor, and has earned the respect and admiration
of her colleagues, family and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Donna Neglia upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the 2016 Woman of the Year Award by the Bensonhurst West End Community
Council; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Donna Neglia.