James H. Donovan: Chairman of the Senate Education Committee

Jan 20 2011 Published by under Senate Work, Senator James H Donovan

Senator James Donovan is likely most famous for his service as the chairman of the Senate Education Committee. He led this role for fourteen years, during which he expanded educational programs, worked to reduce teenage pregnancy and illiteracy and created the New York City School Construction Authority. This authority enabled new schools to be opened without difficulty.

When Senator Donovan died, Ralph J. Marino said, as senate majority leader, “Jim Donovan’s most lasting contribution will be in the area of education, where he assured that quality and affordable education was this state’s top priority.”

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Utica’s Senator James Donovan Middle School

Jan 07 2011 Published by under Honors & Awards, Senator James H Donovan

Utica’s Senator James H Donovan Middle School is a school for sixth to eighth graders living in the Utica City District. The state’s test results give it a three out of ten rating in the GreatSchools Rating. However, it has an average rating of three out of five from the parental evaluation. The school was named after Senator Donovan in recognition of his contributions to education and schools in his senatorial district.

The school is a public school, which offers a specialized curriculum and educational philosophy. The school also works to “promote student diversity” by accepting students from outside the traditional school district boundaries. By doing so, the school often attracts high quality students through competitive programs.

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Senator James Donovan Lives On

Dec 23 2010 Published by under Honors & Awards, Senator James H Donovan

During his service as chairman of the US Senate Education Committee, James Donovan greatly influenced the quality of education in New York, and was considered “a man of the people”.

Even now, years after his death, Donovan is held with respect and recognized as a unique and significant person in New York’s educational development. Here are some of the facilities which were named in his honor: The Donovan Stadium at Murnane Field, James H. Donovan Science & Technology Building, James H. Donovan Education Resource Center, Donovan Memorial Park, Senator James H. Donovan Room, Oneida County Republican Committee Headquarters and the James H. Donovan Community Center Building.

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PARP: Parents as Reading Partners

Dec 16 2010 Published by under Senator James H Donovan

Senator James Donovan founded a program called Parents as Reading Partners (PARP) as a means to encourage children to read more. He understood that reading can greatly benefit children of all ages by expanding their horizons, stimulating their imaginations and preparing them for academic challenges. He believed that in order for children to read, they must consider the activity an enjoyable pastime.

As a means to achieve this goal, Senator Donovan encouraged parents to spend at least fifteen minutes every day reading with their child. He believed that the parents and child should switch off while reading in order to prevent discouragement of the child. The deeper involvement of the parents in the child’s life could also benefit the family in other ways. The child may be encouraged to share his or her opinions on the book, and eventually school, social life and more.

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The Death of James Donovan

Dec 02 2010 Published by under Senate Work, Senator James H Donovan

Senator James Donovan died two decades ago of colon cancer. He left an extraordinary legacy, through his many years in public service. He served as New York State Senator for 25 years before retiring, as a result of unbearable weakness from his illness, mere months before his death.

Donovan battled fiercely with his illness. When he died, Gov. Mario M. Cuomo said that Donovan had conducted a “courageous struggle to overcome his illness, which served as an inspiration to us all.” He then ordered for the flags on all the state buildings to be lowered to half-staff, to show respect and grief for the deceased senator.

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James H. Donovan Memorial Scholarship

Nov 01 2010 Published by under Senator James H Donovan

If you live in Oneida, Herkimer or Lewis Counties of New York, you’ll want to know about this scholarship.  The Senator James H. Donovan Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of the New York State Senator who represented these counties from 1966-1990 and died in 1990.

The scholarship deadline is April 1st of each year and requires a GPA of at least 3.0.  It is awarded to high school graduates or matriculated students who reside in these counties. The scholarships are awarded based on academic promise, community involvement and financial self-help.  The scholarship is for students who will be attending Mohawk Valley Community College, part of the State University in New York system.

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