[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 110 (Monday, September 18, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1508-E1509]
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 Mesa Verde 
Middle School in Scripps Ranch and its leaders, Principal, Sonya 
Wrisley and Superintendent, Dr. Bob Reeves. Mesa Verde 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 educational 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

[[Page E1509]]

have achieved, and want to share their achievements so that more people 
benefit from their accomplishments. I ask that a summary of Mesa Verde 
Middle School's superior work be included in the record:
  Mesa Verde Middle School, located in Rancho Penasquitos, a suburb of 
northern San Diego, California, exemplifies the educational heights 
that can be attained when a solid partnership exists between school and 
community. All members of this team are completely committed to their 
philosophy of ``doing everything possible to help each student 
succeed'', while maintaining strong academic integrity. Their school 
vision for 2002 states that ``Mesa Verde Middle School will create an 
enhanced learning experience and a unique community environment for all 
students.'' The success of Mesa Verde's rigorous curriculum is 
evidenced by consistently high performance on standardized tests and 
underscored by earning the maximum six-year Western Association of 
Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation. Among their noteworthy 
accomplishments are two wellness programs. Mesa Verde's wellness budget 
enables them to have a teacher on special assignment (TOSA), devoting a 
full period each day to drug, alcohol, and tobacco prevention 
education. The second program, ``Names Can Really Hurt You'' was 
nationally recognized in Washington D.C. and fosters tolerance of 
diversity in the classroom and on campus. A 50% drop in negative name 
calling infractions best illustrates the success of this program.
  Mesa Verde provides an excellent education to culturally and 
ethnically diverse middle class population. Their site is designed to 
accommodate students with a wide range of academic abilities and 
physical challenges. Designed with technology in mind, Mesa Verde has 
become Poway Unified School District's model school. Four computer labs 
are housed at Mesa Verde and each classroom is networked to the 
Internet and e-mail. A distinct feature of the campus is the village 
concept design. Classrooms are grouped together and house a single 
grade level.
  And added strength of Mesa Verde is the varied ``safety nets'' in 
place to ensure that students progress and succeed socially as well as 
academically. Innovative programs such as Peer Mediation, Natural 
Helpers, Eagle Groups, and Student Outreach Services (SOS) teach 
students to deal effectively with their emotional needs and to interact 
successfully with their peers. A commitment to excellence is the 
cornerstone for all of Mesa Verde's programs. Providing excellence in 
all they do, Mesa Verde is exemplified by a dedicated, hardworking 
staff, who truly love children. They base all decisions on what is best 
for their students. The entire school community: staff, students, 
parents and community, works together to provide the best possible 
education for all students.

                          ____________________