[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 74 (Thursday, May 20, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1040]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               TRIBUTE TO TERMINAL PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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                            HON. ADAM SMITH

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 1999

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to 
congratulate Terminal Park Elementary School in Auburn, Washington, for 
their selection as a Blue Ribbon School. It is an honor to have this 
school, located in the Ninth Congressional District, as one of only 266 
schools nationwide awarded this prestigious honor.
  The Blue Ribbon School award is given to schools that do an 
outstanding job of meeting local, state, and national goals, and 
display the qualities of excellence that are necessary to prepare our 
young people for the challenges of the next century. More specifically, 
to receive the award, schools must have strong leaders; a clear vision, 
and sense of mission that is shared by all connected with the school; 
high-quality teaching; challenging, up-to-date curriculum; policies and 
practices that ensure a safe environment conducive to learning; a solid 
commitment to parental involvement; and evidence that the school helps 
all students to achieve high standards.
  I commend the staff, students, and parents of Terminal Park 
Elementary School for their hard work in building an effective 
community for learning. The focus on literacy and assuring students 
obtain the essential skills needed for life is absolutely necessary and 
I am glad we have Terminal Park Elementary School as an example for how 
we need to work toward educating our children.

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