J 1173: Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Roscoe Conkling Elementary School on June 13, 2025

 Senate Resolution No. 1173 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of Roscoe Conkling Elementary School on June 13, 2025 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 accomplishments clearly demonstrate an enduring 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 commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Roscoe Conkling Elementary School on Friday, June 13, 2025; and WHEREAS, Located in Utica, New York, Roscoe Conkling Elementary School was established in 1925 and is a vibrant learning community which values its children and remains dedicated to providing nurturing learning experiences for them each and every day; and WHEREAS, Named in honor of Roscoe Conkling, a distinguished 19th-century United States Congressman and Senator from Utica who was known for his contributions to civil service reform and leadership during the Reconstruction Era, the School has long exemplified his values of dedication, service, and civic responsibility; and WHEREAS, In addition to academic success, the students at Roscoe Conkling Elementary School understand what it means to be good citizens, and diversity is always celebrated; with an emphasis on character education, students demonstrate a respect for themselves and one another; and WHEREAS, In 1995, after 70 years of operation, Roscoe Conkling Elementary School was closed, due to declining student enrollment, and repurposed as the Conkling Administration Building; and WHEREAS, In September 2011, as part of a district-wide capital project designed to renovate every school by 2016, Roscoe Conkling Elementary School was reopened to help accommodate the growing student population in the other nine elementary schools across the district; and WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of its Principal, Heather Galinski, Roscoe Conkling Elementary School's caring and professional staff emphasize critical thinking, verbal and written communication, and computer skills; and WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, Roscoe Conkling Elementary School fosters a love of reading and encourages a habit of lifelong reading and learning; and WHEREAS, This vital institution 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, Roscoe Conkling Elementary School is proudly aware of its distinguished past, eager to fulfill its present commitment to parents, students, and the community, planning with vision and purpose for the ebb and swell of growth and change it will encounter in the years to come; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Roscoe Conkling Elementary School on June 13, 2025; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Heather Galinski, Principal, Roscoe Conkling Elementary School.