[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 84 (Tuesday, June 17, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1227-E1228]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. RON PACKARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 17, 1997

  Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend three schools in my 
California district which the Department of Education recognized as 
Blue Ribbon schools. All three schools share as their mission an 
integrated approach to working with the community and with parents to 
educate and assist children in realizing their full potential as 
responsible, productive, contributing members of society.
  The Philip J. Reilly School in Mission Viejo stands as an example of 
excellence in the community. The school provides a consolidated 
facility allowing disabled and nondisabled students to learn side by 
side and from each other. Architects received awards for designing the 
school to be entirely physically accessible to all students.
  School success rests squarely on both the efforts of teachers and 
parents. At Barcelona Hills Elementary School, volunteers contributed 
over 10,000 hours of service just last year alone. Community efforts 
allowed the school to upgrade and integrate technology into every area 
of the curriculum. In addition to building students' academic prowess, 
teachers place emphasis on promoting integrity, responsibility, good 
citizenship, and perseverance.
  Similarly, Laguna Niguel's George L. White Elementary School sets 
high academic and behavioral standards. White Elementary earned three 
commendations during its first program quality review. Further, the 
school-teacher teaches children to give back to the community, 
sponsoring the kids in community service program. Projects include 
beach cleanups, corresponding with nursing home residents, and 
collecting food for the less fortunate.
  As a former school board member, I am keenly aware of the challenges 
our schools face today. All of us in Congress agree that educating our 
youth should be one of this Nation's top priorities. A good solid 
education is the best tool to achieve success and ensure

[[Page E1228]]

progress. With so many opportunities now available to our young women 
and men today, it would be a shame if they were not prepared and ready 
to take advantage of them. We must make sure that our education system 
is the absolute best it can be, providing students with the basic 
skills and academics to succeed in college and in the global 
marketplace.

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