[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 62 (Tuesday, May 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E898-E899]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO THE INDUSTRY ADVISORY BOARD OF THE SMITHTOWN CENTRAL SCHOOL 
                                DISTRICT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL P. FORBES

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 13, 1997

  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Industry 
Advisory Board of the Smithtown Central School District, a group of 
more than 140 area businesses, that is celebrating 20 productive years 
of partnership between local industry and the Smithtown schools.
  In today's fast-paced, technology-driven society, it is imperative 
that our schools prepare students with the skills they will need to 
excel in the modern workplace, and in the future. Preparing our 
students for a competitive and rapidly evolving global marketplace 
requires innovative new partnerships between school, businesses, 
government, communities, and families. Since 1977, the industry 
advisory board has forged that creative partnership with Smithtown 
schools, helping its teachers and administrators prepare our students 
for the demands of the 21st century workplace.
  The first on Long Island to create such a partnership with its 
business and community leaders, an alliance that has enhanced school 
curriculum and markedly improved student achievement, Smithtown schools 
and local businesses have both benefited from this synergistic 
association. It all started with the practical goal of providing 
training and job opportunities to cooperative education students. 
Today, under the visionary guidance of Director Susan Gubing, more than 
140 member organizations work to integrate the resources of industry 
and the skills of educators to develop strategies that will best 
prepare Smithtown students.

[[Page E899]]

  During its 20 years of operations, more than 10,000 students have 
taken advantage of the industry advisory board's career development 
programs, such as its job fairs, internships, cooperative work 
experience, and mentoring programs. Just as importantly, more than 200 
educators have taken part in the industry advisory board's programs, 
learning innovative techniques that they use to supplement their course 
plans.
  Since 1977, the partnership between Smithtown schools and its 
business community has created a powerful synergy that can be used as a 
model for creative school-community partnerships throughout America. 
Therefore, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to 
join me in honoring the Smithtown school's industry advisory board as 
it celebrates its 20th anniversary on May 16, 1997.

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