[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 110 (Monday, September 18, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1510]
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 Meadowbrook 
Middle School in Poway and its leaders, Principal, Susan Van Zant and 
Superintendent, Dr. Bob Reeves. Meadowbrook 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 
have achieved, and want to share their achievements so that more people 
benefit from their accomplishments. I ask that a summary of Meadowbrook 
Middle School's superior work be included in the Record:
  Located in Poway, California, Meadowbrook Middle School is an 
energetic and nurturing middle school where young adolescents are 
valued and respected. It is the school's vision that each student will 
master the knowledge, and develop the skills and attitudes essential 
for success in school and society. The staff is committed to providing 
a strong instructional program based upon high academic, behavioral, 
and social standards by the use of a challenging curriculum and 
supportive environment for sixth, seventh, and eighth graders. To 
achieve rigorous standards, the school staff, parents, and other 
members of the community work together. They provide a well rounded, 
quality program designed to meet diverse student needs. Their 
cooperative spirit and dedication to our core value of all students 
learning keep them focused on providing a well-balanced program 
designed to excite, build upon interests, and involve students in the 
process of becoming lifelong learners. Learning does not end at the end 
of sixth period, but rather it continues through co-curricular sports, 
clubs, library research, tutorials, and interaction with staff in a 
less formal setting.
  The school has a tradition of active parent/community involvement. 
This past year their PTA was recognized as one of the top ten units in 
California. Meadowbrook values and rewards student achievement in 
academics, the arts, athletics, and personal development. Curriculum, 
instructional practices, and student programs are driven by current 
research and assessment data. It is truly a school where students 
succeed as evidenced by their increasing test scores, high rate of 
student attendance, and their overall positive and caring school 
environment.

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