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Regent
Harry Phillips Visits Syosset Schools
by
Dr. Carole G. Hankin
with Randi T. Sachs
Harry
Phillips, III, a Regent of The University of the State of New
York, recently came to observe the Syosset School District. The
University of the State of New York (different from SUNY, State
University of New York, the state’s public university system)
was established in 1784 and is the oldest continuous state education
entity in the U.S. The Board of Regents has 16 members who are
elected by the State Legislature for five-year terms. In addition
to schools, the Board governs all institutions, organizations,
and agencies that can be included in the broad term of education.
This includes libraries, museums, public broadcasting, professions,
and more. The Regents serve without salary. They are the ultimate
volunteers.
Regent Phillips visited Syosset to see a few programs in operation
in both elementary and secondary schools. He had the opportunity
to speak to students, teachers, administrators and the members
of our Board of Education.
As he spoke to high school students about their experiments in
Technology Class and their science research projects, it was evident
that Regent Phillips was not only taking note of the knowledge
they demonstrated, but the way in which they so proudly presented
what they had done. Later, speaking to a gathering of faculty
and school community leaders, he remarked that what struck him
most was how much the students and teachers enjoyed what they
were learning. The ultimate compliment was his wish that “all
schools were like Syosset’s.”
Regent Phillips understands that it’s not just what we teach our
students, but the way we do it. He and his fellow Regents have
the tremendous task of guiding our schools into the future. Seeing
the wisdom and intelligence he brings to his role gives us confidence
that we have some excellent people in Albany working for our children.
Education Update, Inc., P.O. Box 20005, New York, NY 10001. Tel:
(212) 481-5519. Fax: (212) 481-3919. Email: ednews1@aol.com.
All material is copyrighted and may not be printed without express consent of
the publisher. © 2001.
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