[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 137 (Wednesday, October 1, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1936]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1936]]
  A TRIBUTE TO THE TEACHERS, PARENTS, ADMINISTRATORS AND STUDENTS OF 
                            BROOKSIDE SCHOOL

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                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 1, 2003

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, rise to recognize the parents, students, 
faculty and staff whose dedication to excellence has earned Brookside 
School in Oak Park, California, recognition as a National Blue Ribbon 
school.
  The National Blue Ribbon award honors excellence in leadership, 
teaching, curriculum, student achievement and parental involvement. 
Brookside School and two other schools in my district--Poinsettia 
School in Ventura and Pinecrest School in Thousand Oaks--were 
recognized this year for being among the top 10 percent of schools in 
California in terms of student achievement.
  Mr. Speaker, Brookside School is an elementary school whose teachers 
and administrators teach according to each child's ability. Principal 
Esther Winkelman and her staff recognize that a child who is strong in 
arithmetic may need extra help with reading. They teach according to 
those needs by grouping students of equal strengths in various 
subjects. Then, every six weeks the students are regrouped to keep them 
challenged.
  Brookside also believes that teacher training is essential to a 
strong educational environment. And, Principal Winkelman has developed 
a culture where veteran teachers help novices increase their skills.
  Mr. Speaker, I am a product of the public school system, and I put my 
four children through Ventura County's public schools. One of my 
children is now a public school teacher. I am acutely aware that the 
most important tool we can give our children is a good education. As 
ancient philosopher Epictetus noted, ``Only the educated are free.'' 
Our students are the elected officials, businessmen, artists, 
scientists, parents and teachers of tomorrow.
  Mr. Speaker, as our nation works in concert to better our education 
system, it would serve us well to study the successes of our National 
Blue Ribbon schools. They are the best of the best and a key to our 
future. I know my colleagues will join me in applauding Principal 
Winkelman, her entire staff, and the parents and students of Brookside 
for raising the bar and setting a strong example for others to follow.

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