[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 133 (Thursday, November 18, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2055]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CLEMENT J. ZABLOCKI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IS DESIGNATED AS A 2004 BLUE 
                             RIBBON SCHOOL

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                         HON. GERALD D. KLECZKA

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 2004

  Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I acknowledge 
the outstanding achievements of the children, parents, teachers, and 
principal at the Clement J. Zablocki Elementary School. The designation 
of a 2004 No Child Left Behind--Blue Ribbon Award honors only those 
schools that have successfully achieved excellence in academics and 
have closed the achievement gap in academic proficiency for all of 
their students.
  The designation of the Clement J. Zablocki Elementary School is 
particularly meaningful to me because it is named for the former 
Congressman Clement J. Zablocki who was my predecessor in the U.S. 
Congress, and an effective and beloved representative who served the 
citizens of Milwaukee's south side for many years.
  It is evident that the principles of accountability, focusing on what 
works, increased flexibility, reduction of bureaucracy and the 
empowerment of parents, has been successfully integrated into the daily 
philosophy of the Zablocki Elementary School.
  Under the outstanding leadership of Dr. Patricia Walia this school 
has not only achieved academic excellence for the students, but has 
initiated innovative and creative ways of having the children of 
Zablocki Elementary School involved with community organizations, 
agencies and businesses that have enriched their lives and broadened 
their view of the community and world. Dr. Walia has successfully 
established bonds between her staff, parents and the community that 
support all of the goals of the school.
  The Clement J. Zablocki Elementary School is only the 5th elementary 
school in the Milwaukee Public Schools system to be designated as a 
Blue Ribbon school since 1982. This is an extraordinary and remarkable 
achievement.
  I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in 
paying tribute to the children, teachers, and principal at the Clement 
J. Zablocki Elementary School and commend their efforts in providing a 
standard of excellence in the field of education.

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