[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 33 (Tuesday, March 13, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E347]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMENDING MERKAZ BNOS HIGH SCHOOL ON ITS SELECTION AS A BLUE RIBBON 
          SCHOOL BY THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

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                          HON. JERROLD NADLER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 13, 2001

  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Merkaz Bnos High 
School, in Brooklyn, NY on its selection as a Blue Ribbon School by the 
United States Department of Education.
  Merkaz Bnos High School is an all-girls academic institution 
comprising grades nine through twelve. Its current director, Rabbi 
Chaim A. Waldman, founded the yeshiva in 1990 under the guiding 
principle of giving ``every girl the chance to maximize her potential 
within a nurturing and supportive environment.'' In awarding the Blue 
Ribbon, the Department of Education recognizes that the Yeshiva has 
succeeded tremendously in carrying out its mission.
  The Blue Ribbon School Program was established in 1982 by the U.S. 
Secretary of Education with three goals in mind. To identify and 
recognize outstanding public and private school across the United 
States, to offer a comprehensive framework of key criteria for school 
effectiveness, and to facilitate the sharing of best practices among 
schools. Schools selected for recognition have conducted a thorough 
self-evaluation, involving administrators, teachers, students, parents 
and community representatives in the completion of their nomination 
forms. This process included assessing their strengths and weaknesses 
and developing strategic plans for the future.
  Merkaz Bnos High School is one of only seventeen private schools 
selected nationally and the only Yeshiva to be honored with the Blue 
Ribbon Award, one of the most prestigious awards in the country. In 
awarding this honor the Department of Education stated the ``yeshiva 
presents a picture of a school completely focused on helping students 
achieve high academic standards while developing a strong sense and 
knowledge base on their Jewish heritage''.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Merkaz 
Bnos High School on its Blue Ribbon Award and wishing the entire school 
community--students, teachers, staff members and parents--continued 
success and many great simchas in the future.

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