[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 26457]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       NATIONAL PRINCIPALS MONTH

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                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, November 2, 2009

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this 
resolution designating October 2009 as ``National Principals Month.''
  School leadership is important in ensuring that every child has 
access to a high-quality education. I want to take this time to thank 
elementary, middle, and secondary school principals for their 
dedication and hard work in helping to make the schools in Minnesota's 
Fourth District a wonderful place to learn and grow.
  Principals do more than just manage the budget, discipline students, 
and improve student achievement. They serve as role models and are 
instrumental in their students' social development and ability to solve 
family problems. I am reminded of Ann Cassidy, my principal at Central 
Grade School in South Saint Paul. She was the first woman I encountered 
in a position of authority. As busy as Principal Cassidy was running a 
successful school, she always had time for her students. To this day, I 
remember her kind words and reassuring presence.
  Madam Speaker, I missed the vote on this resolution because I was 
negotiating a solution to address inequities in Medicare reimbursement 
that negatively impacts Minnesota. If I were still in grade school, 
Principal Cassidy would have sat me down and told me, ``Betty, it is 
good that you were taking care of your constituents but you must slow 
down and pay attention to what you are doing.'' Now this is always good 
advice whether you are a Member of Congress or an elementary school 
student.

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