[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 18, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S8]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION PRESENTED TO EDINA PUBLIC SCHOOLS, 
                            EDINA, MINNESOTA

 Mr. DAYTON. Mr. President, I wish to also honor the Edina 
Public School District, serving Edina, MN, which recently earned an 
Award for Excellence in Education for its exceptional achievements in 
educating children.
  The Edina Public School District is committed to instilling in its 
students not only knowledge, but also a sense of self-worth, 
creativity, and strong ethical values. To achieve these goals, Edina 
Public Schools offer a wide array of educational opportunities tailored 
to the diverse needs of its students. Students with limited English 
proficiency benefit from an exceptionally fine English as a Second 
Language program; more advanced learners are given new challenges 
through the district's Gifted Education Program; and students with 
special needs receive additional help through an outstanding Special 
Education program.
  Edina Public Schools also challenge students outside of the 
classroom. The district's top-notch athletic programs and team sports 
help students learn the value of both cooperation and competition. 
Student musicians, actors, and artists benefit from highly acclaimed 
musical, theatrical, and artistic cocurricular programs. Over 90 
percent of Edina Public Schools' student body participate in 
cocurricular activities.
  The Edina Public School District recognizes that it must constantly 
adapt and improve its curricula to meet the ever-changing needs of its 
students. The district's superintendent, Dr. Kenneth Dragseth, and the 
dedicated faculty are always willing to incorporate new techniques and 
approaches to teaching. As a result, 95 percent of Edina High School's 
graduates who attend college report being well prepared for their 
college experience.
  All of the faculty, staff, and students at Edina Public Schools 
should be very proud of their accomplishments. I congratulate the Edina 
Public School District for winning the Award for Excellence in 
Education and for its exceptional contributions to education in 
Minnesota.

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