[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 77 (Monday, June 19, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1035]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING FORESTVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL'S SIXTH GRADE TEACHERS, DR. 
                JUDITH ISAACSON, AND PRINCIPAL DAVE KULP

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 19, 2000

  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the faculty 
of Forestville Elementary School, particularly its sixth grade 
teachers, Assistant Principal Dr. Judith Isaacson, and Principal Dave 
Kulp. I join the sixth grade class of 2000 in saluting the wonderful 
job they have done and their tireless dedication to their students.
  Forestville Elementary has flourished in the twenty years since 
opening its doors in 1980. It is currently in the top six percent of 
elementary schools, statewide, with regard to Standards of Learning 
passage. But is greatest accomplishment by far is the education and 
values that Forestville instills into each and every student that walks 
through its halls and studies in its classrooms.
  This elementary school is leaping into the 21st century by taking 
full advantage of today's technology and using it to its full potential 
in the classroom. It has a fully equipped information center which 
includes CD-ROM, laser disc, and telecommunications stations. Each day, 
students use classroom computers to accomplish tasks that integrate 
technology use into all curriculum areas.
  Forestville Elementary does not only educate its students in the use 
of the latest technology, but also emphasizes some of the most 
important life lessons a child can learn--the joy of helping others and 
a commitment to the community in which he or she lives. There is a 
school wide ``buddy'' program where younger children are paired with 
older ones who listen to them read aloud, help them complete special 
projects, and accompany them on field trips. Also, an active outreach 
program provides school supplies, food, clothing, gifts, and other 
needed materials to the school's adopted ``sister'' school, a local 
homeless shelter, and victims of natural disasters.
  Forestville also encourages children to learn by example--their 
parents'. The parents in this community work closely with the school on 
activities such as Project HUG, a reading program for first and second 
grade students which gives trained parent volunteers the opportunity to 
work with students who need reinforcement of skills. Over 100 percent 
regularly volunteer to help children in the computer labs.
  And, of course, none of this would be possible without the loving 
dedication of faculty and staff like Dr. Judith Isaacson and Principal 
Dave Kulp. These individuals help to create an enthusiastic environment 
that not only encourages the students to pursue their studies with 
vigor, but also helps them develop a love of learning that will stay 
with them throughout their lives. The faculty and staff are the people 
who bring Forestville's Core Knowledge Sequence to life in the 
classroom, ensuring that each student has a solid, coherent foundation 
in history, geography, mathematics, science, language arts, and the 
fine arts. They are the people who are teaching these children to have 
a sharp mind, an honest heart, and a strong sense of duty to both their 
community and their country. I am glad to see that the education of the 
future leaders of the 21st century are in these very capable hands.
  Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, I would like to commend Forestville 
Elementary and all its faculty and staff for the outstanding job they 
have done with these students. On behalf of the sixth grade class, 
thank you for your hard work, dedication, and endless support.

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