[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 50 (Tuesday, April 13, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S3656]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING INNOVATIVE EDUCATION AT OAK HARBOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

 Mr. GORTON. Mr. President, today I would like to recognize a 
school in Oak Harbor, Washington for their wonderful success in 
becoming a `school of choice.' Oak Harbor Elementary is another shining 
example for why I began my ``Innovation in Education Award'' program--
to highlight to my colleagues in the good things that are happening in 
education at the local level.
  When Oak Harbor Elementary underwent a massive remodel of its north 
annex, originally built in 1934, it had the opportunity to add 200 more 
students to its student body. Rather than change attendance boundary 
areas, the school board and superintendent saw it as an opportunity to 
make it a magnet school to draw students from the most crowded schools 
in the district.
  Over the course of a year, Principal Glenda Merwine met with parents 
and staff to determine what the ideal elementary school could look 
like. After many meetings, surveys, and discussions, the school chose 
to make a series of reforms including: requiring uniforms for all 
students in grades K-5; including curriculum in every classroom about 
various positive character traits like honesty, generosity and 
integrity; requiring parent compacts for participation in their 
children's education; and eventually implementing strong fine arts 
programs.
  With this innovative new structure, Oak Harbor Elementary attracted 
over 200 student transfers from other schools including private schools 
and home-schooled children in the area.
  The Oak Harbor ``school of choice'' is now in its second semester 
under the new plan. Staff and parents are highly enthusiastic over the 
improved discipline, motivation and achievements of the entire student 
body. Ms. Merwine said she has seen a dramatic change in the students' 
attitudes. The student body at Oak Harbor Elementary has increased by 
230, yet Ms. Merwine said suspensions and disciplinary incidents 
decreased dramatically.
  She gave one example of how the uniforms have brought down artificial 
barriers between students. Last year, a kindergartener frequently asked 
Ms. Merwine or a teacher to play with her, claiming the other children 
wouldn't. Ms. Merwine eventually observed another student telling the 
girl she wouldn't play with her because she wasn't wearing the ``right 
brand of jeans.'' This year, on the first day of school, Ms. Merwine 
said she saw the same two girls--now in 1st grade and wearing nearly 
identical uniforms--happily playing in the school yard.
  I hope my colleagues will recognize the importance educators like 
Glenda Merwine, and the exciting things happening in our local schools 
when they are given the freedom to innovate. I for one, want to do all 
I can to increase their flexibility and resources so local educators--
our parents, teachers, principals, school board members and 
superintendents--can continue to make the best decisions about the 
education of our children.

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