[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 147 (Thursday, November 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2042]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         TRIBUTE TO SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS IN SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE ISRAEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 14, 2002

  Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the work of school 
psychologists in Suffolk County, NY, during the week of November 4, 
2002.
  The children of Suffolk County, NY, have a natural desire and 
propensity to learn and the inalienable right to an education. It is 
imperative that our society supports the needs of children and youth 
and invest in education as our top priority.
  Children's mental health is closely linked to their successful 
learning and development. Schools must apply sound psychological 
principles to instruction, learning and oversight, cultivate children's 
intellectual, social and emotional development, meet the educational 
and developmental needs of culturally diverse student populations, and 
promote prevention and early intervention to ensure students' 
achievement.
  Suffolk County schools must ensure a safe, healthy learning 
environment for all children and be able to recognize and respond to 
their emotional and psychological difficulties.
  Suffolk County school psychologists help parents and educators foster 
healthy child development and are the school-based experts in 
children's learning and development.
  Suffolk County school psychologists and other trained school-based 
professionals have the opportunity and ability to help parents identify 
and access needed community resources to help their children.
  Suffolk County school psychologists are leaders in delivering mental 
health services to children. It is appropriate that Americans recognize 
the important and vital role that school psychologists play in the 
personal and academic development of our nation's children.

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