Schiff Brings Astronaut to Visit Fifth Grade Students in the Pasadena Unified School District
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Schiff visited two Elementary schools with NASA astronaut Dr. James H. Newman. Every year, Congressman Schiff invites astronauts to speak at area schools to encourage students to pursue interests in math and science. Dr. Newman and Congressman Schiff met with over 300 fifth-grade students in Altadena and Pasadena. Fifth-graders at Altadena Elementary school were joined by students from Loma Alta Elementary School for the first presentation, and fifth-graders at Washington Elementary school were joined by students from Hamilton Elementary School and Webster Elementary School for the second event.
“As Members of Congress, we must do our part to advance scientific knowledge and exploration as core values of our society. One important way we engender a sense of excitement about math and science is by bringing real life heroes into the classroom,” said Schiff.
These astronaut visits are part of Congressman Schiff’s "Kids First" agenda of initiatives to improve education, safety, and health care for our children. Dr. Newman has flown on four space flights in 1993, 1995, 1998, and 2002. On those flights he logged over 43 days in space and participated in six space walks. Dr. Newman has worked at NASA for over 20 years.
Congressman Schiff is the co-founder of the Democratic Study Group on National Security and a member of both the House Judiciary and International Relations committees. He is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney and represents California’s 29th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, East Pasadena, East San Gabriel, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City.