[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5696]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING MASTER SAM HYATT AS BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION KIDS' CAUCUS 
                             ESSAY FINALIST

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                     HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 5, 2006

  Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise before you today to 
recognize a sixth grade boy in the Second Congressional District of 
Maryland, Master Sam Hyatt. He was named as a finalist in the Box Tops 
for Education Kids' Caucus Essay contest. Sam wrote an essay for the 
General Mills sponsored organization on parental involvement in 
schools. His school, Baltimore Hebrew Congregation Day School in 
Lutherville, MD, was awarded a grant of one thousand dollars because of 
his achievement.
  By using the topic provided, Sam carefully crafted an essay to 
explain how he would improve parental involvement in schools if he were 
principal for a day. He recommends parents volunteer their time by 
speaking to the students about their area of expertise. For example, he 
mentions how someone in the health profession came to the school and 
taught the students a lesson in that subject. He also suggests parents 
come into the classroom to relate their personal experiences to 
whatever subject is being taught that day.
  Sam's essay is extremely motivational. It proves that school-aged 
children are interested in their families, and would like more 
opportunities to learn from them. He suggests teachers assign 
activities that involve parents, making learning fun for both the 
student and the parent. Sam provides an example of the previous year 
when he was given an assignment to learn about rocks. He was only able 
to find a small variety of rocks in his neighborhood so, as a result, 
his parents needed to take him to other locations to complete the task. 
I believe that education is one of the most important gifts we can give 
our children and it must begin in the home.
  It is critical to arm our children with the best skills possible to 
ensure their success in life. They acquire these skills through 
practice both in the home and at school. It is very important to keep 
the lines of communication open between parents and school officials. 
Sam offers an idea of ``Principal Coffees'' where parents and 
administrators are given the opportunity to discuss what is happening 
in the school. He also recommends administrator and parent meetings via 
chat room discussions.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to recognize the 
achievement of essay winner Master Sam Hyatt. He should be commended 
for his outstanding efforts.

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