LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating P.S. 34, the Oliver H. Perry
School upon the occasion of being named a National Blue Ribbon School by
the United States Department of Education

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those institutions of true purpose and high achievement whose
exemplary programs and accomplishment clearly demonstrate an enduring
pursuit of excellence in the education of the youth of 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 congratu-
late P.S. 34, the Oliver H. Perry School upon the occasion of being
named a National Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of
Education; and
WHEREAS, On September 7, 2012, P.S. 34, the Oliver H. Perry School was
recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School, one of the highest honors
in national education; and
WHEREAS, P.S. 34 was founded in 1867, and remains the oldest contin-
uously operating school in Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, Since being designated as a landmark building in 1983, P.S.
34 has developed into a neighborhood institution In Greenpoint, Brook-
lyn, New York, reflecting its rich culture and commitment to education;
and
WHEREAS, Blue Ribbon schools are designated as paragons of the educa-
tional system, expected to uphold significant improvement and achieve-
ment in their students; and
WHEREAS, The United States Department of Education only designates
three hundred schools with its Blue Ribbon award each year, placing P.S.
34 in an elite bracket of schools; and
WHEREAS, The award is targeted towards recognizing schools with over
40 percent of their students coming from disadvantaged communities,
making the task of significant achievement that much more difficult; and
WHEREAS, P.S. 34 was recognized as an "exemplary high performing
school" meaning they not only performed well in comparison to schools in
a comparable situation, but were ranked in the top 15 percent of schools
in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, P.S. 34 remains committed to developing a critical learning
environment and providing students with a well-rounded knowledge base
which lets them succeed beyond elementary school; and
WHEREAS, The National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award stands as
a resolute testimony to P.S. 34's standards of excellence, its uncompro-
mising values, unparalleled dedication, and the special teamwork of its
family of students, parents, teachers and administrators, who share
common goals and uncommon expectations; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate P.S. 34, the Oliver H. Perry School upon the occasion of
being named a National Blue Ribbon School by the United States Depart-
ment of Education, 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 P.S. 34, the Oliver H. Perry School.