LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 140th Anniversary of the New
York State School for the Deaf

WHEREAS, It is the custom 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 deaf youth in 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 commem-
orate the 140th Anniversary of the New York State School for the Deaf;
this auspicious occasion will be recognized with a week long cele-
bration, kicking off with Class Presentations on the history or culture
of Deaf Education, and culminating with a Talent Show on Friday, March
27, 2015, Rome, New York; and
WHEREAS, Established in 1875, the New York State School for the Deaf
(NYSSD), located in Rome, New York, empowers its Deaf and Hard-of-Hear-
ing students to realize their full potential both academically and
culturally, enabling them to become independent, responsible, life-long
learners and contributing citizens; and
WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, NYSSD, in partnership with
family and community, provides a rigorous, diverse, individualized,
bilingual education in a barrier-free communication rich environment;
and
WHEREAS, The steadfast and unyielding commitment of parents, educators
and administrators to provide the highest quality education for students
is the hallmark and tradition of the New York State School for the Deaf;
and
WHEREAS, NYSSD provides education services for children of all ages
with its deaf-infant, elementary, middle school and high school
programs; these programs follow detailed curricula developed from the
New York State Standards and Assessments and each student's program is
based on an Individual Educational Program (IEP); and
WHEREAS, With a safe and judgment-free school environment which values
different cultural and communication backgrounds, NYSSD also offers
several extra-curricular activities, clubs, vocational opportunities,
and community outreach; and
WHEREAS, The New York State School for the Deaf has continually demon-
strated 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, This esteemed educational institution has been an integral
part of the history of its community, representing a dynamic, responsive
and positive force within the educational system of New York State; and
WHEREAS, The New York State School for the Deaf is proudly aware of
its distinguished past, eager to fulfill its present commitment to
parents, students and the community, and 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 140th Anniversary of the New York State School for the
Deaf, noting the significance of its accomplishment and recognizing the
role such effective schools play in shaping the quality of life in their
community, State and Nation; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the New York State School for the Deaf, Rome, New York.