Senate Resolution No. 5100

BY: Senator SEWARD

COMMENDING Moravia Middle School upon the occasion
of its fifth consecutive designation as a New York
State Essential Elements School to Watch

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those institutions of commitment and high achievement whose
purpose and endeavors prove a dedication 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
commend Moravia Middle School upon the occasion of its fifth consecutive
designation as a New York State Essential Elements School to Watch; and

WHEREAS, The Essential Elements Schools to Watch program is a state
administered national program which seeks to identify middle grades
schools that adhere to a rigorous set of criteria and are on a pathway
of continuous improvement; each school earning this esteemed designation
holds that honor for three years then must reapply and be reevaluated to
continue the honor of calling itself a "School to Watch"; and

WHEREAS, The educational community of Moravia Middle School strives
to nurture, inspire and empower all students to discover their passions
and achieve personal success; and

WHEREAS, This remarkable educational institution has been selected
for this respected title by New York State education leaders in
recognition of its academic excellence, responsiveness to the needs and
interests of young adolescents and its commitment to helping all
students achieve at high levels; and

WHEREAS, Moravia Middle School was chosen as a model school for its
academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity and
organizational support; and

WHEREAS, Moravia Middle School is unique in its approach to learning
through various initiatives such as literature and non-literature based
interdisciplinary units, flexible scheduling, House System 10th period,
development of character and anti-bullying units, daily team meetings,
project-based community service, grade level themes, and enrichment
classes; and

WHEREAS, The school also diligently works on its developmental
responsiveness by providing practice support for children, the House
advisor-advisee 10th period system, a school counselor who works with
the house teacher to meet each student's developmental needs on a
day-to-day basis, 6th grade orientation, Y Pals Program, and an open
house on the day before schools starts, as well as bi-monthly parent
teacher meetings; and

WHEREAS, Moravia Middle School also offers its students a character
education program, mainstreaming of special education students,

counseling through literature teams, a unit on political conventions,
Broadway Junior, and 3-strike activities, as well as a ropes course; and

WHEREAS, The school consists of a diverse population, therefore, it
is important to provide society equity strategies for economically
disadvantaged students; Moravia Middle School also offers various field
trip activities; forum, a whole middle school assembly at the beginning
of each day; academic instructional support for students who need a
little extra help with math and English; AIS classes which are co-taught
by three teachers; and multiple initiatives which deal with the
student's diversity of ability; and

WHEREAS, In addition, each student is required to take home and
careers, technology, art, music and foreign languages classes; and

WHEREAS, Finally, professional development is provided in house and
at the BOCES countywide facility; teachers work on summer curriculum
development, and are encouraged to be life-long learners, present
workshops on their best procedures, and practice self-reflection to make
data driving decisions to improve student achievement; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Principal Bruce MacBain, the
students and staff at Moravia Middle School know through experience they
are working and learning in a safe and friendly environment; the
school's impressive achievement is based on the relationships and
respect that have been established between staff, students and each
other; and

WHEREAS, Moravia Middle 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, The designation as a New York State Essential Elements
School to Watch has clearly made a contribution to the spirit of
excellence which is the tradition of Moravia Middle School; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Moravia Middle School upon the occasion of its fifth consecutive
designation as a New York State Essential Elements School to Watch; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Bruce MacBain, principal, Moravia Middle School.