[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 115 (Wednesday, September 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1685]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      OAK GROVE UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT CELEBRATES 150TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 22, 2004

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Oak Grove Union 
School District on the occasion of its 150th anniversary. Established 
in 1854, the school district is the second oldest continuing school 
district in the state of California.
  Wm. M. Rider, the first teacher FOR whom records are available, in 
1857 had a daily attendance of 18 students. By 1858, attendance grew to 
32 children. Currently, the district has over 650 students in grades K-
8 supported by the two schools in the district: Oak Grove Elementary 
and Willowside School.
  For one hundred and fifty years, the Oak Grove School District has 
educated numerous generations in Graton. This excellence would not have 
been possible without the support and efforts of the teachers, parents 
and community.
  The community supports and benefits from the environmental friendly 
program at the Oak Grove School. The school has reduced its landfill 
waste by nearly 90 percent. Students enjoy fresh vegetables and fruit 
grown from their own classroom gardens prepared by a volunteer teacher.
  The Oak Grove School District is integral to the community. The 
community shares in the learning experiences of the students as they 
test new ideas and understands that we must all work together to 
prepare our students to be our nation's future leaders.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the Oak Grove School District 
for its commitment to extend education beyond the classroom and into 
the community for one hundred and fifty years.

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