Recognizing and Honoring Joseph M. Starinieri for his service as an educator and for his passion and dedication for providing a quality education to underprivileged children.

WHEREAS, Mr. Starinieri came from a family of educators. He attended both public and catholic schools in Philadelphia, and graduated from St. John Neumann High School. He went on to graduate from West Chester University, receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in both Special Education and Elementary Education; and

WHEREAS, In 1980, Mr. Starinieri began teaching at John Bartram High School. Within a few years, he became the Building Representative for the School as well as the Chairperson for Special Education; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Starinieri pursued his graduate studies at Temple University where he received his Cooperative Education, Educational Administration and Supervisory Certificates. He also received his Superintendent’s Letter from St. Joseph’s University; and

WHEREAS, In 1991, Mr. Starinieri was appointed as the Assistant Principal to Stoddart-Fleisher Middle School. Then in 1996, he was appointed as Principal at William L. Sayre Middle School. At Sayre, he was instrumental in developing a partnership with the University of Pennsylvania that led to one of the first community schools in Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, Together with Penn, Mr. Starinieri developed a health center that services students, parents and community members. The center has also trained students for careers in the health industry; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Starinieri also led a successful transition of converting Sayre from a middle school to a comprehensive high school. During his tenure at Sayre, Mr. Starinieri was instrumental in having the school achieve adequate yearly progress through the many professional development sessions for teachers and after school tutoring programs for students; and

WHEREAS, In 2008, Mr. Starinieri became the Principal of Dimner Beeber Middle School, where he developed a partnership with Saint Joseph’s University that included mentoring programs and a Saturday program.

WHEREAS, In 2015, Mr. Starinieri worked as a School Administrator for Chester County. He contributed to the development of programs for students receiving special education; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Starinieri has been recognized for his contributions in the education community on numerous occasions. Every year the Sayre/Johnson Health Clinic gives out the Starinieri Award to an individual in West Philadelphia who serves and gives back their time and efforts to the community. In 2014, Mr. Starinieri was awarded the Columbus Forum’s Dr. Rocco Gigante, Jr. Award for Outstanding Service as School Principal; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Starinieri is currently an Adjunct Professor at West Chester University. He supervises Special Education student teachers in Philadelphia, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County and Montgomery County. In addition, Mr. Starinieri teaches graduate level courses at the university; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes and honors Joseph M. Starinieri for his service as an educator and for his passion and dedication for providing a quality education to underprivileged children.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. Starinieri as a sincere expression of the Council of the City of Philadelphia’s gratitude, admiration and recognition.

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