[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 129 (Thursday, September 24, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1795]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  GRANT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, EUREKA, CA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. FRANK RIGGS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 24, 1998

  Mr. RIGGS. Mr. Speaker, 1998 marks the Year of the Ocean. It is 
appropriate to recognize today Grant Elementary School in Eureka, 
California for its innovative, leading edge approach to educating 
students about the environmental, as well as the economic balance 
needed to keep our oceans healthy and productive into the next century 
and beyond.
  Grant School recently celebrated the fourth annual Ocean Weeks. Each 
of the classrooms at Grant School studied a different ocean habitat, 
ranging from the rocky shore for kindergarten classes to the study of 
islands for sixth grade students.
  During the two weeks of Ocean Weeks, students toured habitats from 
other classrooms within the school and were able to learn about the 
whole ocean. Community participation in this project was tremendous and 
ensured Ocean Weeks was successful. Volunteers gave presentations about 
local watersheds and organized a hands-on fish printing station for all 
students. One local storyteller spoke about the Native American 
interaction with the ocean. Local merchants also shared their time and 
talents by exposing students to the environmental and economic 
significance of marine science in Humboldt County, on California's 
North Coast.
  Students had opportunities to participate in field trips to 
tidepools, the Arcata Marsh, and the Humboldt Bay Wildlife Refuge. They 
also were treated to a special tour of a Coast Guard Dolphin Search and 
Rescue helicopter and learned issues of ocean safety when the Coast 
Guard Group from Humboldt Bay landed at the school campus. Humboldt Bay 
Harbor Commissioner Jimmy Smith gave an interesting lesson to students 
at Grant School about the recent oil spill in Humboldt Bay and the 
resulting effect on plant and animal life.
  As you can see, Mr. Speaker, Ocean Weeks has been and remains an 
exciting time for the students attending Grant Elementary School. The 
faculty, participating community members, and the PTA, which provided 
the financial support, are all to be commended. This is an excellent 
example of community support that enhances the learning process. I wish 
much success to not only the Grant School faculty, but also to students 
who will enjoy this level of commitment and dedication to their 
education in the future.

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