[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 78 (Thursday, May 27, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6441-S6442]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         A LIFETIME OF TEACHING

 Mr. TORRICELLI. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Dr. 
Joseph A. Klingler as he retires after 36 years of service to the 
students and families of my hometown, Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. He 
served as a teacher, a principal, a mentor, and a leader in the 
educational field.
  Throughout his thirty-one years, Dr. Klingler has shown unparalleled 
support and caring for his pupils. He provided each school he taught at 
with a unique personality that demonstrates caring, respect, interest 
in others, and academic challenge. He always encouraged his students to 
take an active role in school, whether academically, athletically, or 
through community activities. Because of his encouragement, staff 
members applied for mini-grants which contributed to the success of 
several middle school activities such as the Show Choir, FAYM, and the 
Drama Club. Dr. Klingler understands the importance of parents becoming 
involved in their children's school and has formed a close alliance 
with the PTA.
  Dr. Klingler shaped our definition of a middle school, with mission 
statements, team concepts, and quality programs. He was active in local 
and national education associations. He chaired the FLOW area Regional 
Education Council several times, and participated in the national 
program for evaluating elementary schools. He is a member of Phi Delta 
Kappa, the National Professional Educational Fraternity, the American 
Association of School Administrators, the National Association of 
Elementary School Principals, the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors 
Association, and the National Mathematics Teachers Association.

[[Page S6442]]

  Dr. Klingler has served as a role model for community activities, 
coaching baseball in the local recreation program, volunteering at the 
Bergen Community Regional Blood Center, participating in the 
Environmental Commission Clean-Up Day, and chairing the Franklin Lakes 
Juvenile Committee. He encouraged his students to take an active role 
in their community.
  As one of his former students I was directly influenced by his 
teaching and leadership. I would like to take this opportunity to thank 
Dr. Klingler for his years of service to all his students in Franklin 
Lakes. He will be dearly missed, but I am certain that the values he 
instilled in his students will live on.

                          ____________________