Senate Resolution No. 4299

BY: Senator STAVISKY

HONORING John Bowne High School upon the occasion
of receiving CTE Model Program Recognition for its
outstanding Agriculture Program

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 honor
John Bowne High School upon the occasion of receiving CTE Model Program
Recognition for its outstanding Agriculture Program; and

WHEREAS, Located in Flushing, New York, John Bowne High School is
the only school in New York City with a working 3.8-acre farm, and one
of the two schools in the city which have a four-year agriculture
program; and

WHEREAS, Currently, over 600 students take part in this exemplary
program which is staffed with nine experienced agriculture teachers; the
program has developed a rigorous curriculum, business partnerships, and
built state-of-the-art facilities in order to prepare the next
generation of agriculturalists; and

WHEREAS, Faculty and administrators have diligently worked to secure
several articulation agreements, work-based learning experiences, and
created a detailed and complete student work assessment; and

WHEREAS, Initially known as the Newtown Aggies, the Agriculture
Program at John Bowne High School was established in 1917, after
returning soldiers from World War I expressed an interest in learning
more about agriculture; and

WHEREAS, Freshman and sophomore students take classes in both plant
and animal sciences, allowing them to make an educated decision at the
conclusion of their sophomore year as to whether they want to major in
plant science or animal science for their junior and senior years; and

WHEREAS, The Program's four-acre land laboratory consists of a
poultry house, large animal barn, exotic animal laboratory, greenhouse,
and orchard and field crops, providing students an interdisciplinary
nurturing environment to succeed; and

WHEREAS, Through hands-on learning experiences and classroom
instruction, students acquire a well-balanced education; during their
first summer of enrollment, they work at the school's land laboratory
where they master various tasks such as caring for the orchard and
nursery crops; and

WHEREAS, The students also tend to their own garden plots; each
student is assigned a 15-foot by 15-foot plot of land on which to raise

a vegetable and flower garden; students keep the produce and plants they
have grown, and count their harvest as earnings towards FFA awards; and

WHEREAS, During the school's second and oldest summer program, the
New York State Department of Labor, Farm Cadet Program, helps place
students on numerous dairy, horse, goat and vegetable farms throughout
the state; each student lives and works with the farm family for the
summer; and

WHEREAS, Finally, during their third summer, students work at
veterinary hospitals, florist shops, nurseries, garden centers, pet
shops, zoos and aquariums in New York City; and

WHEREAS, Many graduates of the Program go on to agricultural and
technical colleges, Cornell University and many out-of-state
institutions throughout the northeast before establishing themselves in
agricultural professions including veterinarians, landscape architects,
teachers, florists, animal laboratory technicians and other related
professions; and

WHEREAS, Through the Agriculture Program at John Bowne High School,
92% of students passed the Regents or an approved substitution exam, 98%
of students passed a technical assessment, and 78% of students received
a technical endorsement on their diploma; and

WHEREAS, CTE Model Program Recognition is awarded to schools which
have demonstrated strong leadership; a clear vision and sense of mission
that is shared by all connected with the school; high quality teaching;
a challenging, up-to-date curriculum; policies and practices that ensure
a safe environment conducive to learning; and evidence that the school
helps all students achieve high standards; and

WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of Principal Dr. Howard
Kwait, and Assistant Principal of Ag and Business Steve Perry, the
Agriculture Program at John Bowne High School has continually
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 faculty and students as
well as for the entire community; and

WHEREAS, CTE Model Program Recognition stands as a resolute
testimony to the Agriculture Program at John Bowne High School's
standards of excellence, its uncompromising values, unparalleled
dedication, and the special teamwork of its family of students, parents,
teachers and administrators, who share common goals and uncommon
expectations; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor John Bowne High School upon the occasion of receiving CTE Model
Program Recognition for its outstanding Agriculture Program; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. Howard Kwait, Principal, and Steve Perry, Assistant
Principal, John Bowne High School.