[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 69 (Thursday, May 16, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E823]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING SANTA FE HIGH SCHOOL AS ONE OF AMERICA'S BEST

                                 ______


                       HON. ESTEBAN EDWARD TORRES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 16, 1996

  Mr. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the students, 
teachers, administrators, parents and community who make up one of 
America's Best High Schools, Santa Fe High School of the Whittier Union 
High School District, in Santa Fe Springs, CA.
  Santa Fe High School has earned the distinction of being 1 of 5 
schools in the State of California, and 1 of 63 schools selected in the 
Nation, recognized in the April issue of Redbook magazine for overall 
excellence in the national school recognition program, America's Best 
Schools Project.
  Last year, I was honored to nominate Santa Fe High School for the 
Redbook's 5th Annual America's Best Schools project. This nationwide 
search included 400 nominations from State and national education 
leaders.
  A national panel of educators reviewed the programs and data at each 
of the nominated schools. Santa Fe High School was awarded overall 
excellence based on a criteria which examined classroom innovation/
academic achievement, parent and community involvement, special needs 
programs, and extracurricular activities.
  Redbook said of the 63 high schools selected nationwide, that these 
``well-rounded schools offer students a strong mix of intellectual 
challenges and stimulating extracurricular activities. Dedicated 
teachers and parents produce an atmosphere that ensures the high 
academic performance that distinguishes these winners''. Indeed, this a 
reflection of Santa Fe High School.
  Santa Fe High School serves a racially-mixed community, predominantly 
of Hispanic decent, composed of 1850 students. Under the dynamic 
leadership of Principal Sandra Thorstenson, 80 dedicated staff 
personnel, who are the teachers, counselors and principals, work 
diligently to ensure success. The faculty of Santa Fe High faculty was 
empowered to lead the charge to improving the curriculum and 
instruction. Teachers and staff and the school community collaborated 
in the development of a vision for the future of Santa Fe High School, 
guiding the restructuring effort. Through innovative ideas in the 
classroom and in decision making, Santa Fe High School provides for 
student input into curriculum, academic and school-wide programs.
  Santa Fe High has received State recognition for its School Age 
Parenting Program and Infant Development Center. It is used as a model 
for teen mothers and pregnant teens to encourage students to stay in 
school and continue their education.
  Parents and the community participate in Santa Fe High School's 
success through the PTA (with 135 active parents currently involved), 
Sports Club, the Bilingual Advisory Council, Band Booster, the School 
Site Council, and partnerships established with the Foundation, Chamber 
and Cities of Santa Fe Springs and Norwalk. Extracurricular programs 
provide the students with a well rounded education. Santa Fee High 
offers 20 interscholastic sports for boys and girls as well as 21 clubs 
and organizations. Extracurricular non-athletic teams have excelled in 
regional, state and national competitions, including the Chieftain 
Tribe Band, Chieftain Newspaper, and Future Business Leaders of 
America.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting the efforts 
of all the faculty and students of Santa Fe High School. It is an honor 
to have one of America's Best Schools within the congressional district 
I represent.

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