[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 74 (Thursday, May 20, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1054-E1055]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING NEW YORK CITY PUBLIC SCHOOL 122 FOR EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 1999

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to salute a group of 
remarkable students and educators. While we see many unfortunate 
examples of failing schools, it is refreshing to share good news about 
a public school that is succeeding. New York State public schools test 
all sixth-grade students for reading ability. Among all the schools in 
the State of New York, the sixth graders at P.S. 122 finished first in 
this reading test. Moreover, every sixth-grade student at P.S. 122 
ranked at the highest level in reading.
  P.S. 122's outstanding accomplishment on this test is considered a 
citywide triumph because the students overcame competition from more 
affluent suburban schools. The school attributes this success to its 
emphasis on exposing children to art, music and theater.
  With a diverse student body, P.S. 122 is accomplishing an early goal 
of public education--preparing immigrants and their children with the 
necessary tools to build a new life in America. At P.S. 122, Hispanic 
students comprise almost a third of the student body with Asians making 
up additional 20%, and African Americans 10%. This School also serves 
numerous children from Italian, Greek, Indian, Native American, and 
other backgrounds. Forty percent of the students who succeeded so well 
in this standardized test began school with ``limited proficiency in 
English.'' Approximately 65% of the student at P.S. 122 meet the 
criterion for free school lunches.
  The educators at P.S. 122 are to be strongly commended for their 
success. I particularly want to recognize the principle of P.S. 122, 
Mary Kojes, whose leadership helped inspire the best from the students 
who took the test. This spirit no doubt inspired, and continues to 
inspire, her students to strive for excellence. Mary Kojes and the 
extraordinary teachers of P.S. 122 have provided that New York City 
School students can reach the highest levels of achievement when they 
are properly prepared. The Students of P.S. 122 have also benefited 
from the support of the School District 30 Superintendent, Dr. Angelo 
Gimondo and his staff.
  The real heroes of this story are the students of P.S. 122. This 
success demonstrates that hard work has clear and definite rewards. I 
asks my colleagues to join me in commending all those associated with 
P.S. 122.

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