[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 89 (Monday, June 23, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1292]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO FANCHER CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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                       HON. GEORGE P. RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 23, 1997

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Clovis 
Unified School District's Fancher Creek Elementary for being named a 
1997 California Distinguished School. The faculty and students of 
Fancher Creek Elementary exemplify excellence with exceptional student 
achievement and staff development.
  The mission of Fancher Creek Elementary School is to educate all 
students in a challenging, disciplined, and supportive environment, 
enabling them to reach their potential of becoming productive citizens 
who will make positive life-long contributions to society.
  A positive school climate is the essential factor of Fancher Creek's 
environment. The school's motto, Falcons Have Pride, sets such a tone 
for the students. Monthly award programs recognize students who achieve 
goals in academics, athletics, and cocurricular activities. 
Expectations are clear and consistent, and the standards for student 
achievement and conduct are high.
  Fancher Creek has over 900 students of which 61 percent receive free 
or reduced lunch and 33 percent are English Language learners. The 
student body is composed of 23.8 percent Asian (Hmong), 32 percent 
Hispanic, 34.9 percent white, 8.2 percent African-American, and 0.7 
percent American Indian. Despite facing cultural diversity, language 
differences, a high transiency rate (46.4 percent), and other economic 
problems, Fancher Creek Elementary has maintained tough standards, as 
measured by the Clovis Unified School District accountability model, 
which is the Clovis assessment system for sustained improvement 
[CLASSI].
  Fancher Creek Elementary received the Clovis Unified School District 
Exemplary School Award, the district's highest honor. This award is 
given for overall excellence in student achievement, school management, 
community involvement, and cocurricular priorities.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I pay tribute to Clovis 
Unified School District's Fancher Creek Elementary. The students and 
faculty of this school share both a care for the community and a 
dedication to hard work. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing 
Fancher Creek Elementary many more years of successful teaching.

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