Politics & Government

Congressman's School Visits Offer 'Window' Into Challenges Facing Families

U.S. Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen recently visited Morristown-Beard.

U.S. Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ-11) visited students at Morristown-Beard School at the end of May during a stop on a three-day tour of several area schools.

The congressman also met with eighth-graders in the Wilkie Technical Center before making his way to meet with students in Wanaque.

"I have returned to Washington now but I spent...(time) visiting middle and high schools across Morris, Passaic, Sussex and Essex counties," he said. 

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"I make it a priority to visit local public, private and parochial and charter schools and colleges and universities year-round. This year, at elementary schools, middle schools, high schools and colleges, I have attended large public assemblies, made presentations to entire grades, conducted dialogues with specific classes and appeared in lecture halls and auditoriums."

About a week later, on June 7, he stopped by Frelinghuysen Middle School to talk government and civics with about 400 students, said Thomas Doelp, staff assistant for Frelinghuysen.

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"Topics vary. I speak to students about honoring their country and our veterans and men and women in uniform.  In many settings, we talk about history and government and about their expectations for their elected representatives. Sometimes I bring an astronaut or a 'hurricane hunter' along with me as part of my ongoing campaign to convince students, especially young women, that mathematics and science studies can lead to a rewarding and exciting career of great value to our nation," he said. 

"Most notably, in each one of these settings, I learn a great deal about what's on their minds these days and obtain a window into some the challenges facing their families.  Invariably, I urge them to take an interest in their government and to run for Congress or another elective office in the future."

Frelinghuysen regularly visits local schools, in addition to hosting town hall meetings throughout his district, which spans parts of Morris, Essex, Passaic and Sussex counties. He speaks to students about honoring their country and veterans who have or are currently serving overseas and asks kids to share their expectations of their government so that he can bring their feedback to his colleagues.

"Invariably, students decry the negativity in Washington. They reaffirm that they want us to work on issues of consequence to their families and their future.  They repeat that that they want real-world results from Congress. In just about every visit, I take away valuable lessons. In fact, I regularly bring these lessons down to D.C. to enlighten my colleagues in the House and Senate. An old TV host once wrote a book entitled, 'Kids say the darnedest things.'  I will update that phrase by saying these days, 'kids say the smartest things.' "


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