[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 147 (Monday, October 20, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2090]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF GARFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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                             HON. TOM DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 20, 2003

  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor the 
50th anniversary of Garfield Elementary School on October 16, 2003.
  Garfield Elementary School, located in the heart of Springfield, 
currently serves approximately 335 students in kindergarten through 
sixth grade. In 1952, the Garfield School was established to meet the 
educational needs of the rapidly emerging Springfield area of Fairfax 
County. First staffed with only seven teachers, Garfield conducted 
classes on the grounds of Franconia Elementary School under the 
supervision of then Franconia principal, Mr. James Robinson. The 
following year, in September 1953, Garfield opened its own school on 
Old Keen Mill Road, staffed with 18 faculty members and with Mr. 
Robinson as its first principal.
  Since then, Garfield School has been renovated twice in order to 
better meet the needs of its students. First, in 1967-68 the library 
was refurbished, administrative offices were added, kindergarten and 
primary classes were created and a gymnasium was built. Later in 1989, 
a fresh look was added to the front of the building. And most recently 
in 2001, new state of the art windows were installed to help reduce the 
noise created by the ever-widening Old Keene Mill Road.
  For the past 50 years Garfield has demonstrated great commitment to 
providing a high-quality learning environment for the students of 
Springfield. By placing emphasis on literacy, hands-on experience, 
critical thinking, cooperation, and cultural sensitivity, Garfield has 
exceeded all standards set by the Virginia Department of Education. 
Today, Garfield embraces a richly diverse cultural population and is 
known statewide for its language arts program. From humble beginnings, 
Garfield most certainly has emerged as an exemplary elementary school.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to congratulate Garfield 
Elementary School on their 50th anniversary and wish them continued 
success for the future. I call upon my colleagues to join me in 
applauding their dedication to excellence in the field of education.

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