Senate Resolution No. 502

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of the Beagle
School of Saratoga Springs, New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those institutions of commitment and high achievement whose
purpose and endeavor 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
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Beagle School of Saratoga
Springs, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Beagle School, established in 1972 as a pre-school, has
remained unwavering in its commitment to educating young children
through the art of creative play for over five decades; and

WHEREAS, The Beagle School is aptly named after renowned scientist
Charles Darwin's famous ship, The HMS Beagle, in which he famously set
out from Holland to discover the natural world; and

WHEREAS, For more than 50 years, the Beagle School's instructors and
volunteers have fostered a sense of wonder and curiosity in children
along with a lifetime love of learning; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, multiple generations of families have
come to the Beagle School to embark on their educational journeys; and

WHEREAS, Each year, this vital early childhood institution educates
approximately 100 students, aged two to five, during the school year and
another 100 students in its summer camp, culminating in the education of
thousands of students throughout its five decade history; and

WHEREAS, The Beagle School teaches students from Saratoga and
beyond, some traveling as far as 25 miles to come to this highly
reputable pre-school nestled in the historical neighborhood of Saratoga
Springs; and

WHEREAS, The Beagle School's summer camp is fortunate to extend its
radius even further as families from around the country visit Saratoga
for the summer and enroll their children in this well-respected camp
known for the fun, educational and safe experience; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of its Director, Jessica
Todtenhagen, the Beagle School imparts the importance of community by
building one within the school, while also aiming to be a valuable and
contributing community member locally; and

WHEREAS, The school's curriculum includes exploration of the
outdoors, dramatic arts, math and language skills, as well as enriching
a child's education with life-skills, self-help skills and
problem-solving skills in preparation for kindergarten and beyond; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, the Beagle School teaches students about
kindness and how being a kind friend can truly make a difference in this
world; and

WHEREAS, Steeped in a proud and distinguished history, the Beagle
School may look back with pride upon its humble beginnings, find just
satisfaction in its purposeful growth and hold true of purpose in its
commitment to serving the educational needs of the citizens of Saratoga
County and beyond; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Beagle School, noting the
propriety of its goals, the constancy of its commitment, and the
significance of its accomplishments in preparing the youth of today and
leaders of tomorrow; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Jessica Todtenhagen, Director of the Beagle School.