[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 91 (Thursday, June 24, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1390]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JOEL SKLAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 24, 1999

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Joel 
Sklar, an outstanding individual who has dedicated his life to public 
service and education. He will be honored on Thursday, June 24, during 
the graduation ceremony at Lehman High School in my South Bronx 
Congressional district for his outstanding contributions to the 
community. Mr. Sklar, Principal of the Lola Rodriguez de Tio Academy of 
Future Technologies at Intermediate School 162 will be leaving his 
current position at the end of this month. He has devoted his entire 
career of 28 years to bettering the lives of the students in district 
7.
  A graduate of Yeshiva University and the City University of New York, 
Mr. Sklar began his teaching career in 1970 at P.S. 5 where he was a 
6th grade teacher. A year later he moved to the Middle School level and 
became a science teacher at I.S. 162. While teaching science at I.S. 
183, Mr. Sklar demonstrated the active engagement of students as they 
pursued the challenges of the world of science. After becoming a grade 
leader at I.S. 183 Mr. Sklar was soon recruited to the District 7 
Office where he worked in the Curriculum & Instruction Unit. This led 
to his becoming the assistant to the Deputy Superintendent in the 
Office of Funded Programs.
  Mr. Speaker, Joel Sklar's leadership abilities were fine-tuned during 
his tenure at the District 7 Office. He soon found his way to I.S. 151, 
where he helped redefine the instructional program before being 
appointed principal of I.S. 162 on August 7, 1987. During his twelve 
years at the helm of the school, he brought the students to the new age 
of technology. A New York State Magnet School in 1995 led the way to 
the birth of the Lola Rodriguez de Tio Academy of Future Technologies 
at I.S. 162. A model middle school for New York City and New York 
State, it has been the number one choice of middle schools for more 
than half of all the students graduating from District 7 elementary 
schools over the past 4 years. The Academy is currently the top middle 
school in District 7 in both reading and mathematics achievements. Its 
technology program is one that is being replicated in schools 
throughout the City of New York, as well as in New Jersey.
  Mr. Sklar leaves us with many lessons learned in leadership, 
education and wisdom. A talented leader and educator, Mr. Sklar will 
continue sharing his knowledge and views with Yeshiva University High 
School for Boys, his alma mater.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing continued 
success to Mr. Joel Sklar and in recognizing him for his outstanding 
achievements in education and his enduring commitment to the community.

                          ____________________