[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 135 (Wednesday, October 25, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1906]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TURN ON THE LIGHTS! MAKE EVERY SCHOOL A COMMUNITY SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 25, 2000

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, ``Turn on the Lights! Make Every School a 
Community School,'' is the theme of the 19th annual National Community 
Education Day to be observed in communities across the country on 
Tuesday, November 14, 2000.
  Sponsored by the National Community Education Association (NCEA), 
this special day was established in 1982 to recognize and promote 
strong working partnerships between schools and communities. In my 
hometown of Flint, Michigan the day will be celebrated with a Community 
Education Breakfast for 250 people representing school districts and 
communities across Genesee County. The featured speaker will be John 
Windom, the Director of Community Education in St. Louis, Missouri.
  Community Education Day in 2000 calls attention to the benefits of 
the community school, a school that is open beyond the regular school 
day--in the evenings, on the weekends, during the summer--to all 
members of the community.
  The 20,000 community schools across the country focus on meeting 
community needs with community resources. Differing from community to 
community, needs range from health and nutrition services, to literacy 
training, social services, school-age care, extended day programs, 
career retraining, workforce preparation, continuing education, and 
recreation opportunities.
  Community schools foster community involvement. They are places where 
community members can meet to learn, to have fun, to tackle issues. 
They provide safe, nurturing environments for children and youth.
  Schools can serve their communities beyond the traditional six hour 
day and 180-day school year. Located in most neighborhoods, they're 
easily accessible, they belong to the public, they have good resources, 
and their traditional hours leave lots of time for other uses.
  National Community Education Day is co-sponsored by over 35 
organizations, including the Alliance for Children and Families, the 
Childrens Defense Fund, the Council of Chief State School Officers, the 
National PTA, the National Assembly of Health and Human Service 
Organizations, and the U.S. Department of Education.
  I am pleased to stand before you today to support our community 
schools and the fine work being done by the National Center for 
Community Education in Flint, Michigan. The contributions that 
community education has made to millions of children and families 
deserve the recognition of the United States Congress.

                          ____________________