[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 71 (Thursday, June 4, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1016-E1017]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CONGRATULATING RIVER DELL REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARGE ROUKEMA

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 4, 1998

  Mrs. ROUKEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate River Dell Regional 
High School in Oradell, N.J., on receiving the U.S. Department of 
Education's prestigious Blue Ribbon Schools Award.
  This award recognizes that River Dell Regional High School is one of 
the finest schools in our entire nation. This proves that public 
education works and that our young people in Bergen County are among 
the best and brightest. This honor is the result of hard work on the 
part of students, their parents, teachers and the Board of Education. 
Special congratulations go to Principal Lorraine Brooks. As a former 
teacher and school board member, I am proud of everyone associated with 
this accomplishment.
  Of the thousands of middle schools and high schools across the United 
States, only 166 this year were found to be outstanding enough to 
receive this high honor. Recipients of the Blue Ribbon Schools Award 
have been judged particularly effective at meeting local, state and 
national goals. The award is presented to schools that have shown 
strong leadership, a clear vision and sense of mission, high quality 
teaching, challenging curriculum, a safe environment for learning, 
solid evidence of family involvement, evidence that the

[[Page E1017]]

school helps all students achieve high standards, and a commitment to 
share best practices with other schools. These schools clearly display 
the quality of excellence necessary to prepare our young people for the 
challenges of the next century.
  With 750 students, River Dell has been a four-year high school since 
1994. It serves the communities of Oradell and River Edge, hence the 
name River Dell.
  River Dell offers its students a variety of rigorous academic courses 
which emphasize writing, computer and research skills in all 
disciplines. All students are required to take four years of English 
and 25 percent take advanced placement English. Innovative courses such 
as 10th-grade American Studies--combining American history and 
literature--supplement more-traditional World Cultures and U.S. 
History. Chemistry, physics, biology, calculus, statistics, business 
and economics courses are all offered, most of them at the advanced 
placement level. The Fine Arts Department requires a professional 
portfolio of students participating in its advanced placement program. 
Musical opportunities include band/orchestra, strings, chorus, 
musicianship and ensemble groups. The Business Department operates a 
real company, the Sweet Tooth Corp. All students are required to take 
at least two computer courses.
  River Dell teachers are exceptionally well-educated, with 7.4 percent 
holding doctorates and 90 percent holding a master's degree.
  The excellence of River Dell's academic program has been repeatedly 
recognized. The school has won a series of Best Practices Awards from 
the state Department of Education, recognizing its programs for the 
gifted and talented, special students, business and history. The 
success of the academic programs is also proven by students' success--
92 percent of the members of the Class of 1997 went on to college.
  River Dell students are well prepared by their teachers, parents and 
role models in the community. They can rest assured they will be able 
to handle whatever challenges they choose in life. Once again, 
congratulations to everyone involved in this impressive achievement!

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