[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 122 (Tuesday, August 23, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 23, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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        RECOGNITION OF THE WASHINGTON STATE BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS

 Mr. GORTON. Mr. President, today I would like to recognize the 
four outstanding elementary schools in Washington State that won this 
year's prestigious Blue Ribbon Award. Each of these schools 
demonstrates excellence in education and has implemented outstanding 
programs and practices.
  While at home over the January recess, I organized a meeting of over 
200 parents, teachers, administrators, and students. At this conference 
I listened carefully to the concerns and ideas of those in attendance. 
While I heard many varied and different suggestions, one theme was 
constant. Innovative and resourceful programs which educators and 
community members work hard to plan and execute deserve more 
recognition. I, therefore, promised to recognize, on a monthly basis, a 
school or school district program that is outstanding and innovative. 
Custer Elementary, McAlder Elementary, Washington Elementary in Auburn, 
and Washington Elementary in Mount Vernon are schools deserving and 
worthy of such recognition.
  Blue Ribbon schools are selected based on specific criteria. These 
include ``Conditions of Effective Schooling'': leadership, teaching 
environment, curriculum and instruction, student environment, parent 
and community support, and organizational vitality. The review panel 
also considers objective ``Indicators of Success'' such as: student 
performance; daily student and teacher attendance rates; students' 
postgraduation pursuits; school, staff, and student awards; and high 
student retention and graduation rates.
  Again, I congratulate the four Washington State Blue Ribbon Award 
winners. It is a tribute to the hard work of the teachers, school 
officials, students, and the commitment of the parents and the 
community to have such schools representing Washington State. These 
qualities of excellence are necessary for tomorrow's schools. I hope 
their mission and vision of excellence in education will continue to 
spread across Washington State and the country.

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