J 1041: Honoring Willets Road School upon the occasion of its designation as a School to Watch by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform on June 26, 2025

 Senate Resolution No. 1041 BY: Senator MARTINS HONORING Willets Road School upon the occasion of its designation as a "School to Watch" by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform on June 26, 2025 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and commend the significant accomplishments of institutions of learning throughout the State of New York which dedicate themselves to the educational and personal development of the young people of this great 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 Willets Road School, located in the East Williston Union Free School District, upon the occasion of its designation as a "School to Watch" by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform, a prestigious recognition earned by only 42 middle schools across New York State; and WHEREAS, The Schools to Watch program honors middle schools that demonstrate academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity, and organizational structures and processes designed to support continuous improvement; and WHEREAS, This exceptional designation was conferred following a rigorous two-year evaluation process, during which Willets Road educators conducted a thorough self-assessment to identify both areas of strength and opportunities for growth; and WHEREAS, The process culminated in a comprehensive two-day site visit, during which administrators and principals from other recognized "Schools to Watch" visited Willets Road School, observed classrooms, and engaged in meaningful dialogue with students, families, faculty, district leadership, and members of the Board of Education; and WHEREAS, Principal Christine Dragone emphasized that this designation provides Willets Road School with valuable opportunities to connect with other exemplary middle schools across New York State and the nation, fostering the exchange of effective practices and supporting the school's ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and academic excellence; and WHEREAS, The honor bestowed upon Willets Road School is a reflection not only of its high standards of academic instruction, but also of its commitment to the social and emotional well-being of its students, the professionalism of its faculty and staff, and the dedication of its leadership; and WHEREAS, Willets Road School will be formally recognized for this extraordinary achievement at the National Forum's Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. on June 26, 2025, joining a distinguished network of Schools to Watch across the country; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to applaud the efforts of outstanding educational institutions that set a high standard of excellence, and in doing so, inspire students and faculty alike to pursue excellence in all endeavors; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Willets Road School upon the occasion of its designation as a School to Watch by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform, and to extend its sincere congratulations and best wishes for continued success; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Willets Road School and Principal Christine Dragone.