[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 74 (Thursday, May 20, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1041]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING THE SUMMIT SCHOOL ON BEING NAMED A BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL

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                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 1999

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize The Summit School 
of Edgewater, Maryland on being named a 1998-1999 Blue Ribbon School by 
the United States Department of Education.
  This is a special honor because The Summit School is a special 
institution. They strive for excellence and they have achieved that 
goal. The non-profit private school was created ten years ago to 
promote literacy among children ages 6 to 15 with unique educational 
needs. They opened their doors in 1989 with 25 students and now have 
104 students representing six Maryland counties and the District of 
Columbia.
  The Summit School's mission is to leave no room for failure. The 
teachers foster an environment where success is an attainable personal 
goal for each and every student. The School houses a media center, an 
extensive collection of books, films, tapes and computers with Internet 
access. In addition to their classrooms, the school has transformed a 
barn into intimate reading rooms. Their record of achievement thus far 
is reflective of their dedication to the needs of their students; since 
The Summit School's creation, seventy percent of the students increased 
their reading scores by three or more grade levels in 4 years or less. 
Seventy-five percent of all eighth grade graduates go on to attend 
public and private schools with only limited support but great success.
  Mr. Speaker, The Summit School is one of those great success stories 
which are often overlooked. the hard working teachers and students of 
The Summit School have earned the right to be called ``A Blue Ribbon 
School.'' The Blue Ribbon Award is given to schools which display 
qualities of excellence, high quality teaching and up-to-date 
curriculum. The Summit school embodies all of these qualities and more.
  The school motto, ``Teachers of Excellence'' guides the educators in 
this institution as they work hard to bring out the best in their 
students. Teachers conduct lengthy staff meetings on a regular basis to 
address individual student's needs. They also undergo year-round 
training to constantly enhance their teaching skills.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have The Summit School in my Congressional 
District. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
teachers, parents, students and community members who have made this 
school an institution that should serve as a model for schools around 
the state and throughout the country.

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