[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 83 (Monday, June 14, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1240]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR OF THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NEW YORK CITY LAB SCHOOL

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                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 14, 1999

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to salute and commend 
an exceptional public school in New York City as it celebrates its 10th 
Anniversary. The New York City Laboratory School for Gifted Education 
is a prime example of public school education at its best.
  The school was founded in 1988 with the help of former Board of 
Education Chancellor Joseph Fernandez and the former District 2 
Superintendent Anthony Alvarado. Since its inception, this school has 
continued to provide a nurturing, safe environment for gifted children, 
allowing them to the freedom to explore their interests and broaden 
their horizons while they are enrolled as students.
  The New York City Lab School strives to provide each child with an 
individualized and research-based curriculum where they are challenged 
to work both independently and collaboratively with their peers. The 
students also have the opportunity to take advantage of the school's 
excellent academic and extracurricular programs such as Spanish as a 
Foreign Language award winning Math and Chess Teams, and university 
partnerships with New York University and City College.
  State of the art facilities such as the new Media Center, libraries 
in every classroom and both IBM and Macintosh computers in every room 
all contribute to the vibrant and enriching environment of this school. 
All of these factors have proven successful with students.
  The New York City Lab School was the highest performer on the New 
York State Fourth grade English test. IN 1997 they were second in the 
city and in 1998 their scores had risen by 17%.
  Best of all might be the students, faculty and staff of the school 
itself. The children are not only gifted but they all possess a love of 
learning and are all curious and excited about the many experiences 
they have had and will have in the future at their school.
  The faculty are constantly challenged to take risks in the classroom 
and introduce students to new and interesting ways to respond to their 
ideas and questions. Faculty are also consistently questioning their 
own teaching styles and methods so that they may improve and continue 
to provide excellent interactions with the students.
  The leadership of the director, Ms. Elizabeth Marra Kasowitz, is an 
important guiding force behind this school. With her dedication and 
consistent role in the school, she is able to work alongside the entire 
school community to help continue the school's long standing reputation 
of excellence and dedication to a gifted education.
  Parents also play an important role in the community of the New York 
City Lab School. Parents of students contribute great amounts of time, 
energy and effort by volunteering in many ways.
  The entire community of the New York City Laboratory School for the 
Gifted is an example of how dedication, hard work and personalized 
relationships lead to positive and phenomenal results. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in commending the entire community of the New 
York City Laboratory School.

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