[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 34 (Friday, February 27, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E273]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN RECOGNITION OF RON FRANKEL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACKIE SPEIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 27, 2015

  Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Ron Frankel who was chosen 
to receive the 2015 Community Care Award by the Hillsborough Schools' 
Associated Parents Groups. This award is reserved for an individual who 
has made sustained and significant contributions that have broadly 
touched the lives of our children. Not only is he a terrific science 
teacher, but you will not find anyone in Hillsborough or the entire 
school district who doesn't sing the praises of Mr. Frankel as the best 
administrator of the 6th grade Outdoor Ed program.
  The 6th grade Outdoor Ed program is a one-week field trip to Jones 
Gulch for all 6th graders in the school district--that is approximately 
200 students each year. This is no ordinary field trip, it's a life-
changing experience for our children. It also is no ordinary field trip 
to coordinate; it is a complex, time-consuming and detail oriented 
process that most teachers would not want to lead. But then there is 
Ron Frankel, the outstanding science and music teacher who has 
singlehandedly coordinated the Outdoor Ed program for over 15 years. He 
spends countless hours before, during and after the trip arranging for 
teachers to attend, booking high school aged counselors, figuring out 
cabin assignments, holding parent information meetings, fielding all 
questions, and most importantly, putting the children at ease while 
they prepare for their big adventure away from home. Outdoor Ed is 
undoubtedly one of the most memorable experiences for all Hillsborough 
City School District students.
  Ron's enthusiasm for this program is unmatched and he deserves credit 
for making it so successful. As a former student of Crocker Middle 
School and a teacher there for almost two decades, he has a unique 
connection to the students and the school. He lightens up the campus 
environment with music and laughter. Among his wonderful creations are 
the Ro-Sham-Bo World Championship, Pickle Day, Open Mike during recess 
and the 6th grade music appreciation class. Ron's quiet, gentle and 
understated way of teaching instills an honest and deep passion for 
learning in all of his students. He sets them on a path to become 
caring and engaged citizens.
  I had the good fortune to have both my children taught by Mr. Frankel 
who said his passion for science made even the mundane interesting to 
12 and 13-year-olds. Awesome! Words from children say it all.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me to 
recognize a model teacher in Hillsborough, California whose embrace of 
his students, science and life are an inspiration to parents and his 
colleagues. Ron Frankel truly deserves to be honored with the 2015 
Hillsborough Schools' Community Care Award.

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