[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 56 (Tuesday, May 10, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 10, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
     EAST MANHATTAN SCHOOL FOR BRIGHT AND GIFTED CHILDREN TURNS 25

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                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 10, 1994

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to the attention of 
my colleagues an institution in my district which has been serving the 
children of my community for 25 years. This spring marks the 25th 
anniversary of the East Manhattan School for Bright and Gifted 
Children, a small private educational facility for the teaching of 
brillant and talented children.
  Mr. Speaker, this wonderful school povides creative and educational 
support to children whose talents should not and cannot be stifled in 
conventional learning forums. During its 25 year existence, the East 
Manhattan School has nurtured and supported gifted children who have 
gone on to positions of prominence in art, music, theater, and 
academia.
  Founded 25 years ago by Irina Pigott, the East Manhattan School began 
as a unique nursery, kindergarten, and 1st grade facility. In the 
intervening years, it has expanded 1st to 3d grade and then to 6th. 
What makes this school so unique is that it is dedicated to not only 
encouraging giftedness in young children whose talents are already 
known, but to discovering and creating giftedness in very young 
children. Under Ms. Pigott's capable direction, the school has realized 
its full potential.
  Today, young brilliant and gifted children are learning chess, 
conversational French, algebra, and the use of computers in 
kindergarten. The East Manhattan School believes strongly in the 
educational philosophy that geniuses are not born, they are developed 
in the proper learning environment. This philosophy is based on the 
premise that almost all children, irrespective of their cultural and 
socioeconomic backgrounds, can develop a superior mind without 
sacrificing the joys of childhood. The goal of the school is not 
necessarily to produce an ``A'' student, but to produce gifted, 
independent, and creative human beings. Early childhood is the critical 
time to encourage this development. The many children who have grown 
immeasurably under the tutelage of the East Manhattan School are 
evidence of the importance of this philosophy.
  The East Manhattan School plans to celebrate their anniversary in a 
number of exciting ways. On May 19, renowned child and family 
psychiatrist Stanley Turecki will be a guest lecturer at the school. On 
May 25, the school will open a multimedia learning center on the 
premises which will have all the latest computer technology. It should 
be noted that this center was made possible through the generous 
support of NYNEX. And in the best tradition of community involvement 
for which the school is justly known, these premises will be open to 
all community children during after-school hours.
  Mr. Speaker, there is no more important work in the world than 
educating our Nation's children. It is no exaggeration to say that the 
future of the world is in the hands of the many committed and caring 
individuals who have given their lives to teaching. The East Manhattan 
School for Bright and Gifted Children represents a beacon of hope for 
the next generation of our Nation's leaders. That's why I hope my 
colleagues will join with me in congratulating the school on their 25th 
anniversary, and wishing them another 125 years of success and growth.

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