[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 170 (Friday, November 21, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Pages S15404-S15405]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR FINALIST

 Mr. CORZINE. Mr. President, it is my distinct honor and 
pleasure to recognize Richard Roberto of John F. Kennedy High School in 
Paterson, NJ as one of six finalists for the National High School 
Principal of the Year.
  The impact that Mr. Roberto has made on the students and faculty at 
John F. Kennedy High School cannot be overstated. His leadership has 
produced remarkable results for students--indeed, test scores are 
higher at John F. Kennedy, in part, I am sure, because he created an 
extended year program for juniors and established freshman houses to 
personalize the learning environment. He also administered the 
expansion of eight career academies. These academies provide small 
learning communities in which students can explore diverse interests. 
As you can see, students have thrived under Mr. Roberto because of his 
efforts to develop opportunities for their success.
  Not only has his work affected students, but his staff development 
program, which includes a focus on core curriculum content, has 
fostered collaboration among all the teachers at

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John F. Kennedy High School. Through newsletters, needs assessments, 
teachers surveys, and collaborative groups Mr. Roberto has instituted 
whole school reform that concentrates on the needs of all members of 
his faculty.
  I congratulate Mr. Roberto on his success in building a school 
environment that facilitates communication and creates a learning 
environment enabling student success. His dedication, innovation, and 
leadership are qualities that every principal in our Nation should 
have. It is with great admiration that I acknowledge Mr. Roberto as a 
2003 Principal of the Year finalist.

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