[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 108 (Thursday, September 14, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1492]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING EDWARD J. BRISCOE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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                            HON. KAY GRANGER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 14, 2000

  Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize and commend Edward J. 
Briscoe Elementary School of Fort Worth, Texas, for being designated by 
the Texas Education Agency as a State of Texas Recognized School. This 
tremendous achievement is a testament to the leadership of Briscoe 
Elementary's principal, Dr. Jennifer Giddings Brooks, and to the hard 
work of the school's teachers, staff, and students.
  The students attending Briscoe Elementary come from diverse ethnic 
backgrounds. The school is located in a neighborhood with challenging 
social conditions, where 97% students are on free and reduced lunch 
programs. With the guidance of dedicated teachers, students at Briscoe 
have overcome these disadvantages and become an example of academic 
achievement for all of America's schools.
  Over the last several years, test scores have drastically risen at 
Briscoe Elementary. More than 80% of the school's 410 students passed 
each section of the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS) test. 
What is even more impressive is Briscoe's attendance rate of 96.5%. 
This success is a result of the incredible devotion to students by the 
school's teachers and staff. They set high standards for their 
students, but they also invest real time in their students' lives. 
Fourthgrade teacher Shaneeka Shannon says that her work at Briscoe 
Elementary is ``Not just a job. It's a calling.'' Shaneeka's attitude 
is at the core of the school's success. By believing in and setting 
high expectations for its students, Briscoe has beaten the odds and 
become a place where academic excellence is the rule not the exception.
  As a former public school teacher, I am very concerned about the 
condition of America's classrooms; however, the success of schools like 
Briscoe Elementary give me hope and should give our nation hope. 
Together we can reach our vision of an America where our children are 
not only well-educated; but, more importantly, an America where our 
children believe in themselves and their country.
  We can reach this goal one school and one child at a time. Briscoe 
Elementary School's success will serve as an excellent example of what 
can be accomplished.

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