[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 11, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E929-E930]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         TRIBUTE TO THREE ``CALIFORNIA DISTINGUISHED SCHOOLS''

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                       HON. STEVEN T. KUYKENDALL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 11, 1999

  Mr. KUYKENDALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize three special 
schools in my district: West High School (Torrance, CA), Richardson 
Middle School (Torrance, CA), and Palos Verdes Peninsula High School 
(Palos Verdes, CA). These schools are among the 158 within the State of 
California that have earned the prestigious title ``California 
Distinguished Schools'' by the state's Department of Education.
  My three schools were awarded the designation for their outstanding 
examples of teaching and learning. They have also incorporated strong 
teamwork and professional development components within the respective 
curricula. ``Through the efforts of skilled and committed personnel, we 
can work even more efficiently to improve the educational system for 
your children,'' said Superintendent Delaine Eastin when bestowing the 
award.
  The California State Department of Education began the California 
Distinguished Schools Program in 1985 to honor elementary and secondary 
schools in alternate years. To be eligible for the distinguished School 
title, a school must demonstrate a commitment to improve the quality of 
its educational services and performances. In this manner, it is an 
effective way of encouraging reform and does so in a manner that 
encourages local participation by those who matter most: parents, 
teachers, administrators, students.
  I am a firm believer that education is the key to improving the lives 
of our children who are the future of this country. I am encouraged by 
the State's creativity in developing the Distinguished School concept 
and commend these three exceptional schools in my district for making a 
positive difference in the lives of our children and community.

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