[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 110 (Monday, September 18, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1507]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL WINNER

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. RANDY ``DUKE'' CUNNINGHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 18, 2000

  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Rancho 
Bernardo High School in Rancho Bernardo and its leaders, Principal, 
Paul Gentle and Superintendent, Dr. Bob Reeves. Rancho Bernardo has 
been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a National Blue 
Ribbon School for 2000. I am proud to inform my colleagues that my 
district had an amazing record of eleven schools selected for that 
prestigious honor this year. I would also like to note that the Academy 
of Our Lady of Peace right outside my district in San Diego County was 
also named a Blue Ribbon School. I applaud the educators, students and 
communities in each of the San Diego County Schools who pulled together 
in pursuit of education excellence.
  Blue Ribbon Schools are recognized as some of the nation's most 
successful institutions, and they are exemplary models for achieving 
educational excellence throughout the nation. Not only have they 
demonstrated excellence in academic leadership, teaching and teacher 
development, and school curriculum, but they have demonstrated 
exceptional levels of community and parental involvement, high student 
achievement levels and strong safety and discipline.
  After schools are nominated by state education agencies for the Blue 
Ribbon award, they undergo a rigorous review of their programs, plans 
and activities. That is followed with visits by educational experts for 
evaluation. Ultimately, those schools which best demonstrate strong 
leadership, clear vision and mission, excellent teaching and 
curriculum, policies and practices that keep the schools safe for 
learning, family involvement and evidence of high standards are 
selected for this prestigious award. I am pleased that they are now 
receiving the national recognition they are due.
  As school and community leaders head to Washington for the Department 
of Education awards ceremony, I want to thank them once again for a job 
well done. More satisfying than any award, these leaders will have the 
lifelong satisfaction of having provided the best education possible 
and a better future for thousands of children. I am proud of what they 
have achieved, and want to share their achievements so that more people 
benefit from their accomplishments. I ask that a summary of Rancho 
Bernardo High School's superior work be included in the record:
  Stimulated by vibrant young professional families and grounded by the 
wisdom, vision, and experience of a large senior population, Rancho 
Bernardo High School (RBHS), located in a suburban community in San 
Diego, California, is teeming with energetic activity. The ethnic and 
age diversity of the community provides a firm foundation and strongly 
impacts the educational experience of RBHS students. The students, 
along with the encouragement and support of the staff and families,have 
brought pride to the community and they took the school to new heights 
last year when Rancho Bernardo was recognized as a California 
Distinguished School.
  Rancho Bernardo High School offers academic programs that are 
rigorous and challenging for all students. The programs include 
advanced placement courses in all academic areas, a model Advancement 
Via Individual Determination (AVID) program, support courses in the 
areas of math and English, online courses in math and civics, a BRIDGES 
program for at-risk students (connecting the students to the Bronco 
community and paving avenues for success), a community mentor program, 
a ninth grade interdisciplinary academy, incredible visual and 
technical arts offerings, and academic courses that are linked tightly 
to academic standards. Technology also plays an incredible role in 
student learning. Presently, every classroom on campus is home to a 
minimum of one computer, in addition to the 24 in the Library Media 
Center. With the campus networked and computers having access to the 
Internet, modern technology is provided for all students, wherever they 
are on campus. Ultimately, the RBHS school community is anchored by its 
prime goal, All Students Learning--Whatever It Takes. This goal drives 
the competent and caring staff and fosters positive relationships with 
the citizens of Rancho Bernardo.

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