2023 -- H 5820 ======== LC001329 ======== S TATE OF RHODE IS LAND IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023 ____________ H O U S 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: Representatives Casimiro, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Messier, Kennedy, Shallcross Smith, Ajello, Fogarty, and Bennett Date Introduced: February 28, 2023 Referred To: House read and passed WHEREAS, Public education is the foundation of a 21st-century democracy; and 1 WHEREAS, Our nation's public schools are where students come to be educated as 2 citizens of the United States; and 3 WHEREAS, Each public school prepares our Nation's young people to contribute to the 4 society, economy, and citizenry of the country; and 5 WHEREAS, Ninety percent of American children attend public schools; and 6 WHEREAS, Local, State, and Federal lawmakers should prioritize support for 7 strengthening the nation's public schools and empowering local education leaders to implement, 8 manage, and lead school districts in partnership with educators, parents, and other local education 9 stakeholders and learning communities; and 10 WHEREAS, Local, State and Federal lawmakers should support such necessities as 11 counseling, extracurricular activities, and mental health programs that are critical to help students 12 engage in learning; and 13 WHEREAS, Public schools should provide an environment where all students can 14 succeed, beginning in their earliest years, regardless of who they are or where they live; and 15 WHEREAS, Efforts should be supported to advance equity and excellence in public 16 education and to implement continuous improvement and evidence-based practices; and 17 WHEREAS, Every child has the right to an education that helps them reach their full 18 potential and to attend schools that offer a high-quality educational experience; and 19 LC001329 - Page 2 of 2 WHEREAS, Stable, equitable, and adequate funding for great public schools for every 1 student in America is necessary to ensure that students have inviting classrooms and school 2 libraries with up-to-date resources as well as well-prepared and supported educators; and 3 WHEREAS, Our nation needs to support the educators, including teachers, 4 paraprofessionals, and principals who provide a well-rounded and complete curriculum and create 5 joy in learning; and 6 WHEREAS, The Nation's school buildings should have class sizes small enough to allow 7 students to receive one-on-one attention and to access support services such as health care, 8 nutrition, and after-school programs when needed; and 9 WHEREAS, Students, teachers, and professionals make the Nation's schools vital 10 components of the community; and 11 WHEREAS, Parents and communities are working hard to improve educational 12 outcomes for children across the country; now, therefore be it 13 RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby 14 proclaims February 27 through March 3, 2023, to be "Public Schools Week" in Rhode Island; and 15 be it further 16 RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to 17 transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Commissioner Angelica M. Infante-Green, 18 Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, State of Rhode Island. 19 ======== LC001329 ========