[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 68 (Thursday, May 26, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 26, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
              TRIBUTE TO FRED L. NEWHART ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

                                 ______


                            HON. RON PACKARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 26, 1994

  Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay special tribute to Fred L. 
Newhart Elementary School of Mission Viejo, CA for winning the 
prestigious Blue Ribbon School Award. Fred L. Newhart School is one of 
260 schools across the country that was selected by the Department of 
Education to receive Blue Ribbon School status based on strong 
leadership, academic excellence, high quality teaching, community 
service, strong parental interest and involvement, unique and up-to-
date curriculum, and policies and practices that ensure a safe 
environment conducive to learning.
  The Blue Ribbon Schools Program identifies and gives national 
recognition to a diverse group of public and private schools that are 
unusually effective in meeting local, State, and national goals and in 
educating all of their students. Recognized schools serve as models for 
other schools and communities seeking to provide high quality education 
for all their students.
  Fred L. Newhart Elementary School is a pioneer in community service 
programs. With its participation in K.A.S.T.--Kids and Seniors 
Together, students interact with the seniors in the community by 
volunteering at Norman P. Murray Senior Citizen Center of Mission Viejo 
and in return, the seniors volunteer in the classroom, working directly 
with students. This type of intergeneration program is very beneficial 
to both students and seniors.
  K.A.S.T. includes programs such as Authors Day, where seniors meet 
with students and talk about favorite authors. During Poetry Day, 
seniors and students write poetry together. When they go on field trips 
to the senior citizen center, students do drama, band, choral, and 
orchestra programs for the residents. A program called What's My Line 
involves seniors going to the classroom to discuss their previous 
careers with the students. The senior buddies program is also a success 
where at-risk students and seniors are matched up for lunches, walks 
against drug and alcohol abuse, and just to talk about personal 
problems. More student and senior interaction involves the Meals on 
Wheels Program where students help pack lunches to go to the senior 
center.
  In addition to its high degree of involvement with its community's 
seniors, Newhart Elementary School is also recognized for its high CAT 
[California Assessment Program] scores. Their high scores reflect the 
academic excellence and commitment to education that ranks Newhart 
Elementary at the top in this area not just in California, but in the 
Nation. Positive factors that contribute to their achievement are the 
school's high degree of parent involvement. Education is not just 
learned in school, but at home as well. Newhart Elementary recognizes 
this important link and has successfully instituted programs where 
parents play an active role in their child's education. Along with an 
exceptional instructional program, Newhart Elementary has ensured a 
superb environment conducive to learning.
  Mr. Speaker, I hope you and my colleagues will join me in recognizing 
the achievements of Fred L. Newhart Elementary School. I look forward 
to their visit to Washington, DC this fall when they will be honored 
for receiving the Blue Ribbon School Award.

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