[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 147 (Monday, October 20, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2091-E2092]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      OCTOBER SCHOOL OF THE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 20, 2003

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, it's with great pride that I 
announce McVey Elementary School in the East Meadow Union Free School 
District as School of the Month in the Fourth Congressional District 
for October 2003.
  The principal of McVey Elementary School is Dr. Rita Meyerowitz, 
Ellen Waldron is the Assistant Principal, and the Superintendent of 
Schools is Dr. Robert Dillon and its three Assistant Superintendents 
are Leon Camp, Lou DeAngelo, and Lynn Manouvrier. McVey Elementary 
School has over 832 students in grades kindergarten through grade 5, 
with over 100 dedicated staff members.
  McVey Elementary School recently completed commemorative September 11 
gardens, which is why, with their continued strong curriculum, I have 
chosen McVey as school of the month. Since 2001, the students have been 
taking part in the planting and caring for the gardens. The gardens 
were given names by the students and stones were engraved with 
patriotic names. The gardens allowed the opportunity for the students, 
and faculty, to remember the lost in their own way while constructing a 
memorial. Students gave much time and dedication towards this project 
and although some of the students have moved on to middle school, the 
garden will be there as a reminder of their work and more importantly 
as a tribute to those who lost their lives.
  The learning begins in Kindergarten. McVey Elementary School has an 
activity called ``Dino-dig.'' This allows the students to learn about 
the history of dinosaurs and fossils while having fun. Education is 
about learning

[[Page E2092]]

but if children are enjoying themselves while in the classroom the 
participation and retention levels will be higher. McVey understands 
this and practices it for all grades.
  Following the school motto, ``McVey all the way'', the Parent 
Teachers Association (PTA) will be hosting a blood drive. The school is 
out in front of the cause to help solve Long Island's blood shortage 
and hopefully other Long Island schools will follow their lead.
  Mr. Speaker, the faculty and students, of McVey, along with the 
community, have created a wonderful learning environment. I am proud to 
name McVey Elementary School the school of the month for October 2003.

                          ____________________