[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 130 (Tuesday, October 17, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1807-E1808]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO GWEN SESSIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN T. DOOLITTLE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 17, 2000

  Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, today, I stand to recognize an 
outstanding public servant in my district. She is a woman who has 
dedicated her life to not only raising her own four children, but also 
teaching and nurturing many small children in her community. I wish to 
recognize my good personal friend Gwen Sessions who was recently named 
Elementary School Teacher of the Year in the Rocklin Unified School 
District.
  As a kindergarten teacher at Antelope Creek Elementary School, Gwen 
has touched countless lives for good, both directly and indirectly. She 
has contributed many hours of behind-the-scenes work by participating 
in numerous district and school site committees. More importantly, she 
has earned praise from students, parents, and colleagues for her 
inspirational style of teaching. She sets clear boundaries for the 
children and reinforces positive behavior through praise. She is also 
known for maintaining a well organized yet stimulating classroom that 
is full of color. In fact, one of her fellow teachers has said, ``Her 
room is a learning lab which exudes personal enthusiasm and warmth. She 
has an ability to motivate students beyond their natural abilities and 
helps them reach their greatest potential.'' As a testament to Mrs. 
Sessions' involved approach to teaching, one parent has said, ``It is 
not uncommon to find Mrs. Sessions with red painted hands, bright 
colored clothes, and tiny little hands embraced around her.''
  The first evidence of what Gwen is doing right is found in the fact 
that she has one of the largest Parent Volunteer programs at the school 
every year. High school students, parents, and grandparents enjoy 
volunteering in her classroom because she makes them feel rewarded for 
helping out.
  In addition to getting involved, many parents have also voiced their 
appreciation for the excellent way in which Gwen Sessions educates 
their children. Said one student's mother, ``It's always scary turning 
your child over to their first teacher. It didn't take long, however, 
for our family to learn to completely trust, respect, and appreciate 
Mrs. Sessions for all her wonderful gifts she has to offer.'' Remarked 
another mother, ``The first time I entered Mrs. Sessions kindergarten 
classroom I know my daughter was in the best hands possible.'' One 
parent and long-time instructional aide puts it this way, ``I feel her 
empathy with people and her desire to inspire others has made the 
difference in countless lives. She puts her heart and soul into her 
daily task of making the beginnings of our children's many years in 
school a joy.''
  As a final and perhaps supreme tribute, another mother has said, 
``She makes learning exciting and brings even the shyest of children 
out of their shell . . . I know we will look back in years to come and 
say, This teacher made a difference between success and failure.''
  Congress has made improving education a top priority. As we continue 
searching for ways to better the educational system, we need to look at 
the positive things happening in schools across the country. I believe 
that Gwen Sessions is an excellent example of what is right with 
America's schools.
  To my friend Gwen Sessions, the Rocklin Unified School District 
Elementary School Teacher of the Year, I say, ``Thank you and 
congratulations on a job well done! Keep up the good work.''

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