[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 74 (Thursday, May 20, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1038-E1039]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO ASHBURTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 1999

  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to pay tribute to the faculty, 
parents, and students of Ashburton Elementary School in Montgomery 
County, MD for winning the Blue Ribbon Excellence in Education Award 
from the Department of Education.
  Ashburton Elementary has a large international student population 
that represents 38 countries and 20 different languages. The fact that 
the majority of the international students do not speak English when 
they arrive presents challenges to the faculty that have been met with 
great success.
  Academics are the primary focus tempered with learning other lifelong 
values. There is a school wide commitment to helping the students 
develop respect and responsibility for themselves, their schoolmates, 
the staff, and the school. Ten years ago the school implemented The 
SHINE Program. The program, which was established to help stress the 
qualities of being Successful, Helpful, Imaginative, Neighborly, and 
Enthusiastic, recognizes students who contribute to the school's 
community in a positive manner.
  Students at Ashburton are exposed to the field of technology. The 
school has a 29 station Macintosh computer lab, and a Macintosh 
computer in each classroom. All computers are on a local network (LAN) 
and are connected to the Montgomery County Public Schools wide area 
network (WAN). Students learn keyboarding, word processing, digital 
imaging, and how to use the Internet.
  In addition to a dedicated principal, staff, and willing students, 
Ashburton Elementary is supported by an active, interested, and 
committed parent community.
  As a former teacher, I wish to congratulate Ashburton Elementary 
School for creating the right atmosphere for learning. I am proud of 
their well trained staff, their supportive parents, and their excellent 
students. I wish them continued success in creating the excellence in 
education needed for tomorrow's schools.

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