[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 34 (Wednesday, March 13, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E332-E333]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO MARIE HANLON

                                 ______


                           HON. MARGE ROUKEMA

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 12, 1996

  Mrs. ROUKEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Marie Hanlon, a 
dedicated teacher who is retiring after 44 years of consecutive service 
with the Hillsdale Public Schools in Bergen County, NJ. Perhaps in some 
small way this Congressional Record will serve as a well-deserved 
``Mrs. Hanlon's Opus.'' Mrs. Hanlon is a wonderful educator who has 
committed her life to helping young people. She has been in the 
forefront of innovation and progress, improving the standards of public 
education at every turn.
  Mrs. Hanlon joined the staff of the Hillsdale school system in 1952 
as a fifth-grade teacher at the George White Elementary School. She 
taught at that school for 4 years until 

[[Page E333]]

Smith Elementary School opened in 1956. At Smith, Mrs. Hanlon became a 
team teacher with Howard Schultz and together they introduced the 
school's class in astronomy. Their fifth grade classes would return to 
the school at night for star-gazing from the front lawn. Since the 
school had no library, the two teachers spearheaded the Library Club of 
America.
  Mrs. Hanlon changed schools again in 1964, with the opening of 
Meadowbrook Elementary School. As a pioneer in team teaching, she was 
chosen as team leader for the fifth grade and developed a superior 
program in team teaching. She studied team teaching in Massachusetts 
and designed an open classroom and open media center at Meadowbrook.
  During 28 years at Meadowbrook, Mrs. Hanlon established Colonial 
School Day, which evolved into Colonial Capers. She also established 
Explorer Day, the Heritage Fest and Pioneer Day. Mindful of the value 
of community cooperation and participation, she developed and 
orchestrated the Listening Mothers and Teacher Aide programs.
  In 1992, with the reorganization of the Hillsdale schools, Mrs. 
Hanlon was transferred to George White Middle School as the fifth-grade 
team leader, continuing all the programs she developed at Meadowbrook.
  Over the course of her career, Mrs. Hanlon was a finalist for the New 
Jersey Teacher of the Year and was a recipient of the Governor's 
Teacher Recognition Award. She has taught two generations of students, 
including those who have since become fellow members of the faculty, 
and prominent community members such as Karen Arrigot, wife of Mayor 
Timothy O'Reilly.
  Members of the Hillsdale school system staff, members of the 
community and countless former students and their parents all have fond 
memories and deep debts of gratitude for the dedication to their 
lifetime learning of this outstanding teacher. I wish her much-deserved 
health and happiness and many years of continued community service.

                          ____________________