[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 80 (Monday, May 15, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1034]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        TRIBUTE TO PAT SCHNEIDER

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                          HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 15, 1995
  Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of Fairfax 
County, VA's outstanding public school teachers, Mrs. Pat Schneider.
  When the executive of a company retires, special dinners, gold 
watches, and high accolades are the order of the day. However, when 
some of our public servants retire, few seem to notice.
  In Fairfax County, one our school teachers, after teaching for almost 
35 years, is retiring at the end of this school year. For 23 years, 
Mosby Woods Elementary has been the benefit of Mrs. Pat Schneider's 
excellent teaching skills. Like most teachers, Mrs. Schneider has worn 
many hats beyond that of the classroom teacher. Before the 1994 school 
year and the formal addition of a vice principal, Mrs. Schneider would 
step in as acting principal when needed. Involved with many 
extracurricular activities, Mrs. Schneider is best remembered as the 
teacher sponsor of the Student Council Association.
  How does a teacher know if he or she has effectively reached their 
classroom constituents? Of course, test and papers will reflect the 
academic aspects of successful teaching. However, beyond reaching a 
child's mind, the best teachers will also touch a child's heart. Mrs. 
Schneider's success in reaching the hearts of her students is quite 
evident as former students are always dropping by her classroom to say 
``hi'' and grab a quick hug or word of encouragement.
  As Fairfax County loses a teacher of excellence and Mosby Woods a 
dear friend and colleague, there are no gold watches or black tie 
dinners but her community offers her a heart felt ``thank you,'' and I 
know my colleagues join me in honoring her years of service to our kids 
and thank her for leaving her community a better place for her efforts.


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