[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 76 (Wednesday, June 14, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S5871]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO CATHERINE CIARLO

  Mr. REED. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and honor the 
significant accomplishments of Cranston School Superintendent Catherine 
Ciarlo. Superintendent Ciarlo is retiring on June 30 after 46 years of 
working tirelessly to educate and raise the academic achievement of 
Rhode Island's students.
  After graduating cum laude from Rhode Island College with a 
bachelor's degree in elementary education, Catherine entered the 
classroom as a reading teacher the beginning of her lifelong commitment 
to developing and improving the literacy skills of Rhode Island's 
children.
  Horace Mann, considered by many historians to be the father of modern 
American education, once said, ``Teachers teach because they care. 
Teaching young people is what they do best. It requires long hours, 
patience, and care.'' Superintendent Ciarlo consistently exhibited all 
of these qualities, devoting her life to leading the Cranston school 
system to new scholastic heights and maintaining a steady focus on 
providing her students with a high-quality, first-class education.
  Catherine was appointed superintendent of Cranston Public Schools in 
1997. During her tenure, she has helped foster a strong community of 
learning for all Cranston students. A potent symbol of her successful 
efforts as Cranston superintendent is the district's most current State 
report card where it met or exceeded proficiency targets in math and 
literacy across all grades and racial subgroups, and for both ESL 
students and those with disabilities. These scores are also an emblem 
of what is likely to be Catherine's most enduring legacy her passionate 
dedication for ensuring that students whom traditionally might have 
gotten lost in the shuffle were given the necessary support to enable 
them to thrive academically.
  Superintendent Ciarlo's contributions have been recognized in the 
past, most notably in 2005, when she was named Rhode Island's 
Superintendent of the Year and as a finalist for National 
Superintendent of the Year. Countless students owe their academic and 
professional success and achievements to Superintendent Ciarlo's 
efforts. Educators such as Catherine form the backbone of American 
society, providing our children with the essential tools to succeed in 
an ever-expanding global economy and keeping the United States 
competitive in the world.
  I have a special place in my heart for the Cranston School System. 
For many years my father worked there, ultimately as the supervisor of 
custodians. He would be very proud of ``his system'' under the expert 
leadership of Catherine Ciarlo. So am I.
  Thank you for your exemplary service, Catherine, and for your 
important contribution to the education of Rhode Island's students.

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