[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 150 (Friday, October 29, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2226]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      IN RECOGNITION OF JOHNSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN BRYAN, TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 28, 1999

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise in recognition of 
Johnson Elementary School in the Bryan Independent School District on 
being the first school in Brazos Valley to receive recognition as a 
national Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.
  To receive recognition, a school must be nominated by its Chief State 
School Officer or Council. To achieve this recognition, Johnson 
Elementary had to pass a rigorous screening and a two-day site visit. 
The school was evaluated on outcome measures and conditions of 
effective schooling. These included student focus and support, school 
organization and culture, challenging standards and curriculum, active 
teaching and learning, professional community, leadership and 
educational vitality, school, family, and community partnerships, and 
indicators of success.
  This is a monumental accomplishment for the school officials, the 
teachers and students of Johnson Elementary. I am very proud to have a 
school that is able to stand up to this rigorous test and achieve such 
great standing in the Eighth District of Texas.
  As a representative here in Washington, it is encouraging to see such 
an educational achievement back home. Johnson Elementary is able to 
send a message to the American people that with the winning combination 
of leadership, hard work, caring, vision, and common sense, excellence 
is the only reward. The school's motto is, ``We develop minds that 
think and hearts that care.'' I think they stood true to that belief.
  Mr. Speaker, I, as well as the Bryan-College Station community, 
applaud Johnson Elementary for its tireless dedication to the 
importance of education. They have set an example for us all to follow.