[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 71 (Tuesday, May 22, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E894]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING JOSE DE ESCANDON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ON BEING NAMED A 
                         ``BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL''

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RUBEN HINOJOSA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 22, 2001

  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Jose De 
Escandon Elementary School in the La Joya Independent School District 
in my South Texas district on being named a ``Blue Ribbon School.''
  Quality education is the passport to a successful future and Escandon 
Elementary has been relentless in its pursuit of educational 
excellence. This award truly symbolizes the many successful futures 
this school has forged for its students.
  La Joya is not a wealthy school district. The majority of the 
students are Hispanic and many live below the poverty level. It is in 
an isolated, rural community along the Texas- Mexico border. Despite 
these seeming disadvantages, under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. 
Robert Zamora and principal Benita Salazar, Escandon has demonstrated 
what can be achieved when parents, teachers, school officials and the 
community join together to utilize every resource to its fullest 
potential. In addition to the Blue Ribbon Award. Escandon has been 
recognized by the State of Texas as an Exemplalry Elementary School, 
having over 90 percent of its students pass the 3rd grade Texas 
Assessment of Academic Skills test.
  Blue Ribbon Awards are exclusive in nature and are presented to only 
264 elementary schools across the country including both public and 
private institutions. Schools receiving the award must demonstrate 
strong leadership; a clear vision and sense of mission; high-quality 
teaching; challenging up-to-date curriculum; policies and practices 
that ensure a safe environment conducive to learning; solid evidence of 
family involvement; evidence that the school is helping ALL students 
achieve high standards; and a commitment to share best practices with 
other schools.
  On Monday, I will be visiting Escandon Elementary to celebrate its 
great achievement. The citizens of La Joya are fiercely proud of their 
town and their school. This award is not only a reflection of the 
exemplary work that the children have done, but also a reflection of 
the values and dedication of the whole community. I would encourage 
every locality to follow La Joya's example. When the entire community 
works together and commits to helping every child succeed, it will 
happen and all of our children will receive the quality education they 
deserve.

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