[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 26 (Thursday, February 29, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E251-E252]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  A TRIBUTE TO BERKELEY-CARROLL SCHOOL

                                 ______


                        HON. CHARLES E. SCHUMER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 29, 1996

  Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Berkeley-
Carroll School of Park Slope for their achievement in receiving the 
U.S. Department of Education's Blue Ribbon award. Berkeley-Carroll is 
well known throughout Brooklyn and New York State for its high standard 
of academic excellence coupled with a strong parent-teacher-student 
community that nurtures the individual strengths of each student. I am 
inspired by the unique curriculum of Berkeley-Carroll and congratulate 
them as they provide a national model of educational achievement.
  What I find particularly noteworthy about the curriculum at Berkeley-
Carroll is their committment to civic duty and community activism. Each 
student is required to fulfill a minimum of 50 hours of community 
service, however, most students do more. This spirit of giving back to 
the community as part of one's course work, especially in an era where 
most have turned inward, is truly remarkable. Such an innovative 
component to a student's intellectual development as a problem solver 
provides the groundwork for future leadership skills.
  I have always admired the teachers and parents of Berkeley-Carroll 
for encouraging their students to become active participants in their 
communities. In addition to completing their public service 
requirement, students are 

[[Page E252]]
immersed in a rigorous academic program that provides a solid 
foundation in math, reading, writing, and analytical reasoning. It is 
hardly surprising that Berkeley-Carroll was awarded the Federal Blue 
Ribbon Award for their sincere committment to academic strength and 
civic leadership.
  As a resident of Park Slope, I have witnessed the positive 
contributions made by Berkeley-Carroll to the neighborhoods throughout 
Brooklyn. Students are given a special experience that will stay with 
them their entire lives. I rise to honor this landmark institution and 
urge all of my colleagues to recognize this Brooklyn-based school as a 
national leader in education.

                          ____________________