[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 136 (Tuesday, September 30, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S12188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN CELEBRATION OF PHILLIP C. SHOWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

 Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the 
selection of Phillip C. Showell Elementary School as a No Child Left 
Behind-Blue Ribbon Schools Award recipient. This prestigious honor is 
awarded to schools that meet one of two criteria. The nominated school 
must have at least 40 percent of their student population from 
disadvantaged backgrounds and have each segment--including whites, 
blacks, Hispanics, low-income and special education students--show 
scholastic improvement, or the school must score in the top 10 percent 
on State assessment tests in reading, writing, math, social studies and 
the sciences. Phillip C. Showell Elementary School was successful in 
meeting both of these criteria. Not only did each segment show adequate 
yearly progress, but the scores of students from Phillip C. Showell's 
have shown steady improvement on State assessment tests over the past 
several years. This is a remarkable honor for Phillip C. Showell 
Elementary School, attesting to the many achievements and the 
commitment this school, as well as the First State, has for educating 
our youth.
  Located in the small town of Selbyville, DE, Phillip C. Showell 
Elementary School is home to many low-income and disadvantaged 
students. Approximately 47 percent of Phillip C. Showell Elementary 
School students come from a disadvantaged socio-economic background. 
Many students come to the school with English as a second language. To 
many teachers and faculty, these factors can be extremely frustrating. 
However, the dedicated staff at Phillip C. Showell Elementary School 
prides themselves on their commitment to successfully educating and 
impacting the lives of these underprivileged children.
  Known as ``The little school that's big on learning,'' Phillip C. 
Showell Elementary School provides an environment that allows its 
faculty to work closely with students. As one of the smallest 
elementary schools in the State, Phillip C. Showell Elementary is 
described as a close-knit family. The welcoming atmosphere makes 
students feel accepted and special.
  As a title 1 school, Phillip C. Showell Elementary is able to receive 
funding and resources which allow them to provide for students. A 
teacher who specializes in writing and reading provides Early Success 
and Soar to Success programs for additional support to students. There 
are after school opportunities for identified students who can benefit 
from extra reading and math help. In addition, a reading specialist 
coordinates with other faculty members to identify kindergarten and new 
students who are in need of extended kindergarten. This extra half-day 
of learning provides language, arts and reading skills that will be 
essential to these students throughout their academic career. These 
programs were created to identify and assist students in need of extra 
help. The committed faculty, staff, and administrators offer students 
the chance to fulfill their potential. These children are inspired not 
only to reach their potential, but to strive for excellence.
  Delaware is a small State, but we are building a growing record of 
achievement in public school education. The students at Phillip C. 
Showell Elementary School set the standard for elementary school 
students across the country. They truly are an inspiration to other 
schools and communities throughout the Nation.

                          ____________________