[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 136 (Friday, October 2, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1888]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          OLDEST YEAR-ROUND SCHOOL CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY

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                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 2, 1998

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Park 
Elementary School in Hayward, California, the oldest year-round school 
in the nation. Over three decades ago, two elementary school 
principals, Mr. Barney Moura and Dr. Dan Foster, proposed the idea of 
an all year-round school schedule. In 1968, Park adopted the first 
single-trick, 200-day school calendar under provisions of a special 
seven year pilot program approved by the California State Legislature.
  Now celebrating its 30th anniversary as a year-round school, Park 
Elementary has provided a wealth of research and experience to 
corroborate the original goals of the program. Currently, almost 2 
million students in 41 states attend year-round schools and I am proud 
that Park Elementary has led the way.
  Park Elementary not only deserves recognition as the original pioneer 
for year-round school, but it should also be acknowledged as the 
working model for success. Recent studies have demonstrated that 
student achievement is significantly higher at schools with a single 
track schedule than their nine-month counterparts.
  On November 6, Principal Jeanne Duarte-Armas will join with students 
and faculty, along with representatives from the Hayward Unified School 
District, to celebrate Park School's 30th anniversary with an afternoon 
picnic. I extend my hearty congratulations on their accomplishments and 
offer my best wishes for continued success. Mr. Speaker, I ask my 
colleagues to join in honoring those who have helped Park Elementary 
School reach its 30th year of achievement and excellence.

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