[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 61 (Wednesday, May 5, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E743]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING EAST PIKELAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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                            HON. JIM GERLACH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 5, 2004

  Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the East Pikeland 
Elementary School on its 75th anniversary and for its exemplary 
dedication and service to the children of the East Pikeland Township 
and the Phoenixville School District.
  Originally, East Pikeland School was a one-room schoolhouse that in 
1928 followed the national trend of school consolidation, in 
consolidating with two other schools, the Schuylkill School and the 
Charlestown School. This consolidation was made possible through the 
generous philanthropy of a local entrepreneur, Frank B. Foster.
  In its early years, the East Pikeland School was one of the first In 
Pennsylvania to start an elementary school newspaper. In 1932, Miss 
Helen Ottinger created ``The Tattler'' and the newspaper later won an 
award for being the best elementary newspaper in the Commonwealth.
  Beginning in the 1970s, the East Pikeland School further exhibited 
its excellence in teaching and learning when students in grades five, 
eight, and eleven were required to begin participating in the 
Pennsylvania System of School Assessment. Each year, the East Pikeland 
School students' scores were among the top in Chester County and the 
state in both reading and math. This outstanding performance by the 
students led to numerous awards, including a citation from the 
Pennsylvania House of Representatives. In the year 2000, the School was 
recognized by the East Pikeland Township for ranking highest among 
Chester County schools in reading and math. In 2000-2001, East Pikeland 
received a Maintenance of High Standards Award for maintaining high 
scores for three consecutive years. In 2002-2003, East Pikeland 
received an achievement improvement award from the East Pikeland 
Township for increased scores in reading and math.
  Aside from an impressive academic record, the East Pikeland School 
has also excelled in extracurricular activities starting as early as 
1946. Basketball was a popular sport, with the East Pikeland boys' team 
winning the West Chester playoffs in 1946. And in 2004, an old 
tradition of basketball games between Phoenixville area schools was 
reinstated. Fourth and fifth grade boys named ``the Future Phantoms'' 
represented East Pikeland in the tournament. Along with participation 
in sports, the students of East Pikeland participate in band and chorus 
and perform twice a year in the winter and spring concerts. In 2000, 
the East Pikeland Chorus won a superior rating in its first 
participation in the Music in the Parks competition in Hershey, 
Pennsylvania. Two years later in 2002, the tradition of a second grade 
play began with all students singing and acting in the spring 
performance.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing 
the East Pikeland School for its 75 years of dedication and excellence 
in teaching and for its considerable contributions to and unparalleled 
achievement within the East Pikeland community.

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