[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 155 (Friday, November 7, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2210]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


     CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WILLIAM F. HALLORAN ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL

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                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 6, 1997

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize 
the accomplishments of the William F. Halloran Alternative School in 
Elizabeth, NJ, for their designation as a 1997 blue ribbon school. The 
criteria for being chosen as a blue ribbon school includes several 
conditions of effective schooling such as leadership, parental 
involvement, organization, teaching and student environment, and 
community support. The criteria for designation also includes 
indicators of success such as student performance, positive attendance 
rates, good student retention or graduation rates, postsecondary 
pursuits of students and previous awards given to the school, teachers, 
or students. This highly competitive and prestigious designation is one 
of the top honors awarded to any school by the U.S. Department of 
Education. The William F. Halloran Alternative School has been granted 
this honor because they have generated an excitement about learning and 
a commitment to educational excellence that has allowed them to meet 
the above criteria for a blue ribbon school.
  The William F. Halloran Alternative School offers a gifted and 
talented program that attracts the best and brightest students from 
Elizabeth and also has a special education program for students who are 
identified as communications handicapped. The school emphasizes the 
performing arts and curriculum that promotes diversity awareness for 
all students and faculty. All students are encouraged to become skilled 
in current technology and are able to take advantage of afterschool 
tutoring. In addition, students participate in ministudies and clubs 
designed to develop their special talents, such as visual or performing 
arts or physical education.
  Teachers at the William F. Halloran Alternative School participate in 
a program called Team Teaching that is designed to offer in-class 
support to students who need extra help. Staff are also encouraged to 
become involved in professional development programs so they remain 
updated and attend teacher conferences.
  Mr. Speaker, the William F. Halloran Alternative School is an example 
of the positive achievements occurring in our public schools. They 
should be commended for their commitment to enhancing community and 
parental involvement in our schools. It is my hope that the William F. 
Halloran Alternative School will serve as a model for other schools in 
our area of New Jersey and across the country for educational 
excellence.

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