[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 150 (Friday, November 2, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1983]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF IVEY RANCH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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                          HON. DARRELL E. ISSA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 1, 2001

  Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the 
Ivey Ranch Elementary School and the Oceanside Unified School District 
for its achievement in earning recognition as a National Blue Ribbon 
School. Ivey Ranch Elementary is the first school in the Oceanside 
Unified School District to receive National Blue Ribbon recognition. 
This makes their achievement all the more significant and remarkable, 
and I am pleased to have this opportunity to share the news of their 
success with my colleagues in this distinguished body.
  Ivey Ranch Elementary is a model of excellence in my district, the 
state of California, and the nation. It has consistently demonstrated a 
strong commitment to educational excellence for all students. Ivey 
Ranch is the first school in the Oceanside Unified School District to 
surpass the state's goal of an 800 Academic Performance Index for all 
schools. Ivey Ranch students have raised their standardized test scores 
significantly in the past four years. Math scores at the fourth grade 
level increased from the 50th percentile in 1998 to the 82nd percentile 
in 2001. Third-graders are currently scoring above the 86th percentile 
in math. Overall, the school's Academic Performance Index has increased 
from 759 in 1999 to 829 in 2001.
  In granting National Blue Ribbon status, the Secretary of Education 
has recognized the dedication and commitment of the administrators, 
teachers, support staff, and parents to the continued improvement and 
excellence of this school In the midst of all the recent news that is 
so often discouraging, it is imperative that we acknowledge this superb 
effort by the team that has made Ivey Ranch Elementary a National Blue 
Ribbon school. While there may be evil in this world, we know that 
there are many more people who are committed to making this world and 
our country a better place. Ivey Ranch Elementary is evidence that 
there are good people out there, doing very good work, and providing an 
excellent education to the children who represent our nation's future. 
Mr. Speaker, I am honored and proud to represent the students, 
teachers, administrators, and parents who contributed to this 
achievement. These good people deserve strong recognition of their 
achievements. May Ivey Ranch Elementary remind all of us that ours is a 
nation of hard workers and good people. Well done Oceanside Unified 
School District; great work Ivey Ranch Elementary.




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