Honor Warwick Green Ribbon Schools

Senate Resolution No. 1840 BY: Senator METZGER COMMENDING the Warwick Valley School District for having two of its schools designated as Green Ribbon Schools WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize those schools, districts and institutions of higher education which strive for 21st-Century excellence by highlighting promising school sustainability practices and resources which reduce environmental impact and costs; improve the health and wellness of schools, students, and staff; and provide effective environmental and sustainability education; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the Warwick Valley School District for having two of its schools designated as Green Ribbon Schools; and WHEREAS, This year, both Sanfordville Elementary and Warwick Valley Middle School were among the 35 in the Nation named United States Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools; and WHEREAS, Designation as a Green Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education is indicative of successfully identifying and communicating promising practices which result in improved student engagement, academic achievement, graduation rates, and workforce preparedness as well as reinforcing federal efforts to increase energy independence and economic security; and WHEREAS, The Warwick Valley School District, which had the only two schools honored in the state, has been at the leading edge of green education, sustainability and energy-efficient practices for several years; its other schools, Park Avenue Elementary and Warwick Valley High, received Green Ribbon awards last year; and WHEREAS, As a Green Ribbon School, Sanfordville Elementary School has been noted for empowering its students to be "green" leaders in the school community; its Green Cub Club's third- and fourth-graders lead classroom and cafeteria composting activities, and share their knowledge with other students, often in public service announcements on video; and WHEREAS, Sanfordville Elementary School's outdoor environment is also notable; approximately 80% of the 120-acre school grounds is devoted to ecologically beneficial uses, including an outdoor organic vegetable garden, and a 3.6-acre pond and woodland area; and WHEREAS, The School's biggest project is the 9,000-panel solar array, powerful enough to offset most of the electrical costs for the entire school district; it produces an estimated 2.9 kilowatt-hours of power per year, and saves about $300,000 in electricity; and WHEREAS, Warwick Valley Middle School is considered an environmental beacon in the local community and beyond, offering seemingly endless educational opportunities for its students; and WHEREAS, Eighth-graders are required to participate in 20 weeks of sustainability education; the School's Project Lead the Way sequence offers classes in energy and the environment; green architecture; robotics; and design and modeling; in addition, the District encourages professional development so teachers can become experts in these subject areas; and WHEREAS, Sustainability is well-suited to the School Board's goals of critical thinking, communication, problem solving and collaboration; in one class, students work on the problem of an oil spill, testing products, examining data and finding innovative ways to handle the situation; and WHEREAS, The Warwick Valley School District has continually proven 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 National Green Ribbon School status stands as a resolute testimony to the special teamwork exemplified by Warwick Valley School District's family of students, parents, teachers and administrators, a community united by common goals and uncommon expectations; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend the Warwick Valley School District for having two of its schools designated as Green Ribbon Schools, 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 transmitted to Dr. David Leach, Superintendent, Warwick Valley Central School.