[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 80 (Tuesday, June 8, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1161]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO WESTLAKE HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 8, 1999

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the designation 
of Westlake Hills Elementary School as a United States Department of 
Education National Blue Ribbon School.
  The Blue Ribbon Award for Educational Excellence recognizes a 
school's achievement in all facets of academic development including 
teacher training, student achievement, educational innovation, and 
community involvement.
  Westlake Hills Elementary School has far transcended the norm in all 
these areas and has demonstrated its deep commitment to molding well 
rounded, socially conscious leaders for the 21st century through its 
outstanding range of programs.
  Westlake Hills teachers frequently participate in workshops and 
conferences on a wide range of educational issues, showing the 
tremendous value Westlake Hills places on maintaining the high caliber 
of its faculty and keeping its teachers abreast of new idea in 
education. These teachers then employ these ideas in the classroom, 
resulting in projects including a 6th grade ``wax museum'' and a 1st 
grade ``dinosaur dig.'' In addition, Westlake Hills recognizes the 
importance of involving a child's first and most influential teachers 
in the learning experience, with 75% of Westlake Hills parents logging 
in an astounding 12,000 hours of volunteer time.
  These efforts are reflected in the test scores of the student body, 
which place Westlake Hills above all the other elementary schools in 
its district. Westlake Hills has also answered President Clinton's 
``America Reads Challenge'' by forging a partnership with nearby 
Pepperdine University, in order to ensure that each and every child can 
read both independently and effectively.
  Along with its demonstrated excellence in the classroom, Westlake 
Hills realizes the importance of extracurricular activities in creating 
the ``total'' student. Over 200 children participate in clubs for 
subjects including drama, physical fitness, and Spanish. A club also 
exists for computers, making use of the school's technology center.
  Westlake Hills believes that their goal in forming the ``total'' 
student would also be incomplete without instilling in the students a 
sense of their responsibilities as members of their local community. 
They have joined General Colin Powell's ``Make a Difference'' volunteer 
program, where the children share their time assisting senior citizens.
  Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, please join me in celebrating 
the recognition of Westlake Hills Elementary School as a National Blue 
Ribbon School. It is a prime example of the extremely positive effects 
which a partnership between all members of a school community can 
produce. Westlake Hills' approach to public education is a paradigm 
which all American schools should strive to emulate.

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