Bill Pascrell: “I wish to submit these comments for extension of remarks. I would like to speak in strong support of H. Res. 657, a…”

“I wish to submit these comments for extension of remarks. I would like to speak in strong support of H. Res. 657, a resolution honoring the contributions of Catholic Schools and thank Mr. Kennedy for his good work. As a proud graduate of St. George's Elementary School, St. John the Baptist High School, and Fordham University, I know firsthand the great value of a Catholic School education. Catholic school has been a longstanding tradition in my family. My three sons graduated from Catholic schools prepared for the challenges they have faced in their professional and personal lives. As we celebrate the 32nd Annual Catholic Schools Week, I am proud to report that Catholic schools continue to play a vibrant and integral role in the educational and cultural life of our Nation. Today, nearly 2.5 million children attend Catholic elementary, middle and high schools. Minority enrollment is nearly 30 percent and non- Catholic enrollment is over 13 percent of the total. There are nearly 400 Catholic schools in my home State of New Jersey alone, serving nearly 130,000 students, and many of these schools serve our urban districts. Impressively, the student/teacher ratio in Catholic schools is 15:1, a ratio which provides teachers the opportunity to truly get to know the individual needs and strengths of the student body. Catholic schools provide a disciplined, multi-faceted educational experience for children.…”