[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 54 (Friday, May 3, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E716]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CELEBRATE THE DEDICATION OF SPARK M. MATSUNAGA ELEMENTARY AND LONGVIEW 
                                 SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 3, 2002

  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate 
the dedication of Spark M. Matsunaga Elementary and Longview School, in 
Germantown, Maryland. This new school partnership represents an 
important step for integrating all children into a single education 
system.
  Matsunaga Elementary and Longview School, is named in honor of 
Senator Spark Masayuki Matsunaga from Hawaii. He was first elected to 
the House of Representatives in 1962, and later served in the Senate 
from 1977-1990. Matsunaga Elementary is the first school in Montgomery 
County named after an Asian-American.
  The school is the first co-located school in Montgomery County and 
represents an end of separating students with special needs from their 
peers. The co-location of these schools creates a true community for 
the students and enhances their learning experience. The children 
benefit from their interaction by sharing special times in which 
students read to each other. Also, students celebrate special events 
together such as Dr. Seuss Day and the Olympics.
  To commemorate the co-location of these schools, students raised 
$2,100 for a time capsule that will be displayed at the school's Media 
Center. In addition, students and their families have contributed 
written works and letters that will be included in the capsule. The 
capsule will be opened in twenty years when its count-down clock 
reaches zero.
  The success of Matsunaga Elementary and Longview School is due to the 
hard work of faculty, parents, staff, and students that give hundreds 
of hours to make the education experience enjoyable. Principal Judy 
Brubaker and Coordinator Louis Berlin are fortunate to lead this new 
school into the 21st century, with its new architecture and technology 
that will enhance the learning environment. Our community is richer 
because of the students, faculty, and administration of Matsunaga 
Elementary and Longview School.

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