Honor Moravia School Achievement

Assembly Resolution No. 1165 BY: M. of A. Finch 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.