[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 84 (Tuesday, June 17, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1229]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN RECOGNITION OF THE SHEPARD ACCELERATED SCHOOL

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                        HON. RICHARD A. GEPHARDT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 17, 1997

  Mr. GEPHARDT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute Shepard Accelerated 
School in my district for being named a national Blue Ribbon School 
recipient.
  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. The program seeks to promote school 
improvement nationwide through the collaborative self-evaluation 
required of local school communities that participate. In addition, 
recognized schools serve as models for other schools and communities 
seeking to provide high quality education for all their students.
  Shepard Accelerated School was one of only 264 schools across the 
United States recognized as a Blue Ribbon School. Now, you might think 
that sounds like a lot of schools. But think about this--there are 
about 76,000 public and private elementary and middle schools in 
America. That means that one out of every 288 elementary and middle 
schools in the entire United States has been named a Blue Ribbon School 
for 1997. And I'm pleased that Shepard Accelerated School right here in 
St. Louis, MO, is one of those schools.
  To qualify for this award, I know Shepard went through rigorous 
reviews by some of the Nation's leading educators. The school impressed 
everybody and they deserve the highest praise for that. The innovative 
programs and supportive community Shepard has established truly 
demonstrate the importance of a positive learning environment.
  Shepard Accelerated School has a shared purpose among faculty, 
students, and parents to improve the education of the 600 children who 
attend. I am proud of Shepard for being named a national Blue Ribbon 
School recipient. Ms. Savannah Young, all the teachers, and especially 
the students should be saluted for their dedication to high standards 
and excellence in teaching and learning.
  Congratulations Shepard Accelerated School.

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