[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 111 (Tuesday, September 19, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1523-E1524]
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 Bernardo 
Heights Middle School in Rancho Bernardo and its leaders, Principal, 
Maureen Newell and Superintendent, Dr. Bob Reeves. Bernardo Heights 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.

[[Page E1524]]

  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 overview 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 Bernardo 
Heights Middle Schools' superior work be included in the record:
  Located in northern San Diego County, Bernardo Heights Middle School 
(BHMS) is one of five middle schools in the award-winning Poway Unified 
School District. The school has a sprawling suburban campus where 
students are active participants in the learning process. The dynamic 
teachers are committed to developing a love of learning that will last 
a lifetime. Bernardo Heights has set expectations and academic 
standards that foster well being, encourage appreciation of the arts, 
and at the same time embrace diversity. BHMS is continuously re-
evaluating their curriculum and the needs of its students. Using parent 
input, needs assessments, and up-to-date teaching practices and 
methods, their curriculum provides a solid scope and sequence that 
assures students will be ready for the 21st Century.
  Knowing the pressures and variables of modern society, Bernardo 
Heights has developed an array of assistance programs to form a safety 
net for students who are at-risk. From parent-teacher-student 
conferences to support groups, tutorials to mentoring programs, they do 
``whatever it takes'' to provide all students every opportunity to 
succeed. Almost 80% of all students scored above the 50th percentile on 
the SAT 9 reading, writing and math tests and Average Daily Attendance 
(ADA) is at 96.5%. From its unique architecture to the exciting 
learning environment within its classrooms, Bernardo Heights Middle 
School is a dynamic, active educational center, filled with the promise 
of tomorrow.

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