[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 72 (Wednesday, May 23, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E899]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E899]]



                TRIBUTE TO ROUNDSTONE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 22, 2001

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize, and 
offer my congratulations to, Roundstone Elementary School of Mt. 
Vernon, Kentucky. This year Roundstone Elementary was one of four 
Kentucky public schools to be recognized by the Department of Education 
and the National Association of State Title I Directors as a Title I 
Distinguished School. I was exceedingly glad to learn of this award, 
and would like to take this time to recognize all the students, 
teachers, parents, and administrators of Roundstone Elementary for this 
outstanding achievement.
  Title I is the largest federal education program and was established 
to provide funding for low-income schools. But funding alone does not 
ensure success at any level. It is how you use the funds that count. As 
one Roundstone teacher said, ``Some people have the misconception that 
schools with students from low-income families or high-poverty areas 
will not achieve, but we never think of those factors. We just love 
students, have high expectations for them, and focus on giving them the 
best education possible.'' This year recipients are being recognized 
for their effective use of Title I funds by providing students with 
quality instruction, for achieving academic progress, and meeting high 
standards.
  At Roundstone, a small elementary school in rural southeastern 
Kentucky, the students are achieving results and exceeding 
expectations. This is a result not only of the student's hard work, but 
the dedication of their teachers. They realized that the first step 
toward success was creating an environment in which all students, no 
matter their ability, can effectively learn. Second, they have designed 
a curriculum in which students are encouraged to learn and think 
critically, to delve into science and mathematical problems, and to 
write creatively. Lastly, the parents of the students are involved 
throughout the process. It is critically important that parents have 
proper consultation on their children's curriculum, and the parents at 
Roundstone have been integral to the program's success.
  It is clear that education has become one of the most important 
issues to concerned citizens of this nation. Parents, teachers, and 
public policy makers at the state and national levels know that the 
wisest investment we as a nation can make is ensuring that our children 
are given an education to meet the challenges ahead. I, too, share this 
concern, as do all members of this body. It is a challenge from which 
we must not shy away.
  Again, I want to say congratulations to the students, teachers, and 
parents of Roundstone Elementary on being recognized as a Title I 
Distinguished School. In a time when we talk about results and 
accountability, Roundstone has proven to be a model for other public 
schools across this nation. We should all be proud of their 
accomplishments, and I wish them every success in the coming years.

                          ____________________