[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 19 (Tuesday, February 13, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E195-E196]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      THE BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL AWARD

                                 ______


                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 13, 1996

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise today to commend 
Wilbur Wright Middle School, and its principal, Mr. Donald Guske, and 
Munster High School, and its principal, Dr. Kevin McCaffrey, for having 
been awarded the Blue Ribbon School Award. Both schools are located in 
Munster, IN.
  Blue ribbon schools have been judged to be particularly constructive 
in meeting local, State, and national goals. These schools also display 
the qualities of excellence that are necessary to prepare our young 
people for the challenges of the next century. According to the U.S. 
Department of Education, which issues this award, blue ribbon school 
status is awarded to schools that have: strong leadership; a clear 
vision and sense of mission that is shared by all connected with the 
school; high quality teaching; challenging up-to-date curricula; 
policies and practices that ensure a safe environment conducive to 
learning; a solid commitment to parental involvement; and evidence that 
the school helps all students achieve a quality education.
  State education departments, the Department of Defense Dependent 
Schools, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Council for American 
Private Education, review schools in depth to determine which schools 
meet the high standards of the award. Following the screening process, 
the nominations are forwarded to the U.S. Department of Education. 

[[Page E196]]
At this point, a panel of 100 outstanding educators and other 
professionals review the nominations, select the schools for site 
visits, and make recommendations to the Secretary of Education. These 
schools will be honored at a national ceremony in Washington, DC, this 
spring.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join 
me in commending Wilbur Wright Middle School and Munster High School 
for a job well done. The teachers and administrators of these two 
schools make Indiana's First Congressional District a better place in 
which to live and work. There is no greater success than to 
successfully educate our children.

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