[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 43 (Sunday, March 21, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E430]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   A TRIBUTE TO ELLEN CARLISLE-SMITH

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS-

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Sunday, March 21, 2010

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ellen 
Carlisle-Smith, a leader in education in New York City.
  Since the beginning, it has been instilled in Ellen Carlisle-Smith, 
that the correct way to live your life is to do what is right. What was 
right for Ellen Carlisle-Smith was to achieve a valuable education; She 
attended public schools in Queens, New York. After high school 
graduation, Ellen registered for classes at the City College of New 
York for her Bachelor's in Elementary Education. Setting a new standard 
for educated women during this era, Ms. Carlisle-Smith received a 
Master's Degree in reading from Columbia University, followed by a 
Master's in early childhood education from City College of N.Y. Ellen 
was selected to participate in a special program in NY for aspiring 
supervisors. She accomplished her certification in administration and 
completed this advanced degree in Supervision and Administration from 
City College of N.Y.
  Ellen values the teaching and learning process, and believes that 
education gives all a solid foundation that will promote high 
standards, knowledge and leadership for a better life. Growing up with 
the encouragement from her educated mother, Ellen remembers vividly how 
her mother instilled within her the everlasting value of a good 
education.
  In Harlem in 1978, she began teaching third grade, then grades 
kindergarten, second and fourth for the next nine years. Her principal 
recognized her effectiveness as a classroom teacher and assigned her to 
a reading specialist to remediate struggling students in reading and 
writing. Ellen taught a total of sixteen years in her first Harlem 
school. In 1994, she was promoted to a Reading Coordinator's position 
in Brooklyn, NY.
  Ellen briefly relocated to Texas in 1996 for six years where she had 
a valuable learning experience as a principal intern/assistant 
principal. She returned to NY in 2002 and was offered the Assistant 
Principal's position at P.S. 399 in Brooklyn, NY. This journey taken by 
Ellen Carlisle-Smith brings her to where she is today as Principal of 
Public School 6, Brooklyn, NY.
  Ms. Carlisle-Smith's philosophy of education begins and ends with the 
belief that educators must value all children. From that, she feels 
responsible to ensure that students will be provided with a quality 
education that will develop their academic, social, and creative 
abilities. As Principal of P.S. 6, Ms. Carlisle-Smith is most proud of 
all students and staff. She greatly values how everyone works together 
and protects each other, all in the sake of unity and strength.
  Throughout her career, Ellen has been recognized by her colleagues 
for her hard work and many achievements. In June of 1998 she was 
awarded a ``Certificate of Achievement'' from Plano, TX. When Ms. 
Carlisle was an Assistant Principal at P.S. 399, she was presented the 
``Performing Arts Award,'' in June 2004, April 2005 and April 2007. The 
NYS Education Deptartment awarded her the Rapidly Improving Gap Closing 
Schools Award. Ellen was presented the City Council Citation Award in 
March 2009 for outstanding citizen for both community and the great 
City of New York.
  Ellen's hobbies are reading, knitting, baking and gardening. She 
loves spending time with her two adult children, Tracey and Craig. 
Ellen has an identical twin sister, Emily. She is also a member of the 
Presbyterian Church of Saint Albans, Queens, N.Y.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
contributions of Ellen Carlisle-Smith.

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