[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 150 (Friday, October 31, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2157]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     EDUCATION: A COMMUNITY AFFAIR

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                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 31, 1997

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 16th Annual 
Community Education Day to be observed on Tuesday, November 18, 1997. 
In my hometown of Flint, MI the day will be celebrated at a breakfast 
meeting for more than 300 people. Hosted by the Genesee Area Community 
Education Association and the National Center for Community Education, 
the program will be keynoted by my very dear friend, Dorothy Reynolds, 
President of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint.
  ``Education: A Community Affair,'' is the theme of this year's 
celebration. Sponsored by the National Community Education Association 
(NCEA), this special day was established in 1982 to recognize and 
promote strong working partnerships between schools and communities.
  Community Education Day in 1997 focuses on the importance of 
community members and institutions working together to not only support 
schools and enhance learning opportunities for students but to provide 
those opportunities for everyone. The learning community in turn is 
empowered to build and maintain the support systems--social, economic, 
health--that make it a nurturing, caring vital place, a place where 
communities can prosper.
  National Community Education Day is co-sponsored by over 35 national 
organizations, among them the American Association of School 
Administrators, the National Civil League, the Children's Aid Society, 
the U.S. Department of Education, and Youth Service America.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives to 
acknowledge the contributions that community education has made to 
millions of children and families. I am proud that the National Center 
for Community Education is located in my hometown of Flint. I applaud 
the efforts of Mr. Daniel Cady and the staff at the center for their 
commitment to education partnerships. We well know that when educators, 
families, and communities work together, schools get better. As a 
result, students get the high quality education they need to lead 
productive lives. Our children deserve nothing less.

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