[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 49 (Monday, March 23, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S3605]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        FALMOUTH VOLUNTEER WEEK

  Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, this week marks the Celebrate Volunteers 
Week at the Falmouth Volunteers in Public Schools Program, VIPS, in 
Falmouth, MA. I would like to take this opportunity to commend and 
thank those that participate in the VIPS Program which fosters 
interaction between the citizens of Falmouth and their public schools. 
Through this connection the schools are empowered to enrich their 
curriculum and the community at large benefits from a greater 
participation in their children's future.
  The volunteers in this nonprofit organization log about 40,000 hours 
each year in support of the students, faculty, administration, and the 
community. This incredible effort is also supported by the business 
community in Falmouth that not only invests in VIPS events but also 
supports employee participation.
  By comprehensively involving all facets of the Falmouth community 
VIPS enriches the lives of all involved. They provide mentoring and 
tutoring programs aimed at raising children's self esteem and teaching 
English as a second language. They have made school to business 
partnerships that enhance the educational experience of students by 
sharing resources with local businesses and bringing in guest speakers. 
Their innovative Cross Age Science Teaching Program matches junior high 
school volunteers to help elementary school students learn about 
electricity.
  VIPS has grown from its inception in 1982, when they only had a 
handful of volunteers, to a robust program with over 1,100 volunteers 
in all 7 schools in Falmouth. When we think about improving our 
education system, what we need to remember is that community 
involvement can make a world of difference. When you get folks in the 
community to volunteer and become a part of the educational process, 
they become invested in the success of the students. That is what is 
happening in Falmouth. I congratulate all of the people who have helped 
make the Falmouth Volunteers in Public Service a success, and I commend 
the work that they do.

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