2023 -- S 0451

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LC001322

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY 27 THROUGH MARCH 3, 2023, TO BE "PUBLIC SCHOOLS

WEEK" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Senators Lawson, Gallo, Picard, Felag, and Euer

     Date Introduced: February 28, 2023

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

     WHEREAS, Public education is the foundation of a 21st-century democracy; and

     WHEREAS, Our nation's public schools are where students come to be educated as

citizens of the United States; and

     WHEREAS, Each public school prepares our Nation's young people to contribute to the

society, economy, and citizenry of the country; and

     WHEREAS, Ninety percent of American children attend public schools; and

     WHEREAS, Local, State, and Federal lawmakers should prioritize support for

strengthening the nation's public schools and empowering local education leaders to implement,

manage, and lead school districts in partnership with educators, parents, and other local education

stakeholders and learning communities; and

     WHEREAS, Local, State and Federal lawmakers should support such necessities as

counseling, extracurricular activities, and mental health programs that are critical to help students

engage in learning; and

     WHEREAS, Public schools should provide an environment where all students can

succeed, beginning in their earliest years, regardless of who they are or where they live; and

     WHEREAS, Efforts should be supported to advance equity and excellence in public

education and to implement continuous improvement and evidence-based practices; and

     WHEREAS, Every child has the right to an education that helps them reach their full

potential and to attend schools that offer a high-quality educational experience; and

     WHEREAS, Stable, equitable, and adequate funding for great public schools for every

student in America is necessary to ensure that students have inviting classrooms and school

libraries with up-to-date resources as well as well-prepared and supported educators; and

     WHEREAS, Our nation needs to support the educators, including teachers,

paraprofessionals, and principals who provide a well-rounded and complete curriculum and create

joy in learning; and

     WHEREAS, The Nation's school buildings should have class sizes small enough to allow

students to receive one-on-one attention and to access support services such as health care,

nutrition, and after-school programs when needed; and

     WHEREAS, Students, teachers, and professionals make the Nation's schools vital

components of the community; and

     WHEREAS, Parents and communities are working hard to improve educational

outcomes for children across the country; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby proclaims February 27

through March 3, 2023, to be "Public Schools Week" in Rhode Island; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Commissioner Angelica M. Infante-Green,

Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, State of Rhode Island.

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LC001322

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