Remarks at Four Seasons Elementary School in Gambrills, Maryland

Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents, Sept 15, 1997

I imagine this student body here looks a little different than it would have if we'd had this picture taken 10 years ago. That's a good thing. We should be happy about our differences. But no matter how different we are, we all need to be able to read; we all need to be able to do math; we all need to be able to learn together. I am determined to see that you have a good future. But you have to do your part, which is to learn. And the only way you can do that is if your parents and the educators say, "Here is the standard. Here's what you should be learning."

I believe in your future. I have high expectations for you, and I see today that you believe in your future. Do you believe all children can learn to read?

Students. Yes!

The President. Do you think that all children should be expected to learn to read well?

Students. Yes!

The President. Would you like us to find out, so that if somebody is not reading well, we can teach them to read well?

Students. Yes!

The President. It would be unfair to leave somebody behind, wouldn't it?

Students. Yes!

The President. That's what I think, too. You keep reading, and we'll keep working.

Thank you, and God bless you.

NOTE: The President spoke at 11:20 a.m. in the media center. In his remarks, he referred to Jonathan Knobel, fifth-grade student who introduced the President, and Lorna Leone, principal, Four Seasons Elementary School; and Gov. Parris Glendening and Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend of Maryland.