FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 27, 1999 CONTACT: Sharon J. Wells (202) 606-2402 sjwells@opm.gov **Media Advisory** TOP CLINTON ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL JANICE R. LACHANCE TO VISIT THREE MASSACHUSETTS SCHOOLS Washington, D.C.- Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Janice R. Lachance will visit three schools in Massachusetts to highlight the 1999 America Goes Back to School initiative. This years theme is Challenge Our Students and They Will Soar. Education is the cornerstone to finding the quality workforce the federal government will need, said Lachance to the many students, parents and community leaders that had gathered at each school for the events. Working together, we can help ensure that we have a workforce prepared for the challenges of the 21st century. The Director will appear at Brockton High School, Brockton, Norrback Avenue School in Worcester and Lowell High School in Lowell, discussing the importance of education and the strong commitment of parents and community support in the process. Lachance will talk about President Clintons commitment to invest in schools, increase the quality of learning by making schools safe and drug free, recruit quality teachers, modernize and build new schools, expand after-school and summer programs, and instill higher educational standards in every class room. Brockton WHAT: Back to school events and speech by OPM Director Janice Lachance WHEN: Tuesday, September 28, 1999, at 9:00 a.m. WHERE: Brockton High School Fine Arts Auditorium 470 Forest Avenue Brockton, Massachusetts Worcester WHAT: Back to school events and speech by OPM Director Janice Lachance A Celebration of Success WHEN: Tuesday, September 28, 1999, at 12:00 p.m. WHERE: Norrback Avenue School 44 Malden Avenue Cafeteria Worcester, Massachusetts Lowell WHAT: Back to school events and speech by OPM Director Janice Lachance The All-American City Goes Back to School WHEN: Tuesday, September 28, 1999, at 3:00 p.m.. WHERE: Lowell High School Boarding House Park (Open-air outdoor concert center) Corner of John and French Street Lowell, Massachusetts In an effort to provide our elementary and secondary students with a worldclass education, Education Secretary Richard Riley has challenged every Administration official to help Americas students meet the challenges of the new school year. This initiative is a high priority for President Clinton and Secretary Riley. It is the fifth such annual event which encourages caring Americans to get involved in their communities by supporting students and improving local schools. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management is the federal governments human resources agency. End

Web page updated 29 September 1999