[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 145 (Friday, October 24, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S11211]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO WESTERN COVENTRY SCHOOL, 1997 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 
                           BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL

 Mr. REED. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
achievement of Western Coventry School of Coventry, Rhode Island, which 
was honored earlier this year as a U.S. Department of Education Blue 
Ribbon School.
  It is a highly regarded distinction to be named a Blue Ribbon School. 
Through an intensive selection process beginning at the state level and 
continuing through a federal Review Panel of 100 top educators, many of 
the very best public and private schools in the nation are identified 
as deserving of this honor. These schools are particularly effective in 
meeting local, state, and national goals. However, this honor signifies 
not just who is best, but what works in educating today's children.
  Now, more than ever, it is important that we make every effort to 
reach out to students, that we truly engage and challenge them, and 
that we make their education come alive. At the Western Coventry 
School, a kindergarten through sixth grade school, parent-teacher 
cooperation, through an award winning Parent Teacher Association (PTA), 
has helped to improve the quality of education. The school has 
instituted a mentoring program for at-risk youth and has made concerted 
efforts to ensure that students with special needs receive the 
assistance they require. In addition, teachers have taken an aggressive 
role in developing new approaches to teaching reading and math.
  Mr. President, Western Coventry School is dedicated to the highest 
standards. It is a school committed to a process of continuous 
improvement with a focus on high student achievement. Most importantly, 
Western Coventry recognizes the value of the larger community and seeks 
its support and involvement. This school and community are making a 
huge difference in the lives of its students.
  Mr. President, the Blue Ribbon School initiative shows us the very 
best we can do for students and the techniques that can be replicated 
in every school to help all students succeed. I am proud to say that in 
Rhode Island we can look to a school like the Western Coventry School. 
Under the leadership of its principal, Barry Ricci, its capable 
faculty, and its involved parents, Western Coventry School will 
continue to be a shining example for years to come.

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