[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 38 (Thursday, March 30, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S2598]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           JOHN A. JOHNSON ACHIEVEMENT PLUS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

 Mr. DAYTON. Mr. President, I rise today to honor John A. 
Johnson Achievement Plus Elementary School, in Saint Paul, MN, which 
recently earned an Award for Excellence in Education for its 
exceptional and innovative achievements in educating children.
  John A. Johnson Elementary School is truly a model of educational 
success. A state-of-the-art community school, it was the first 
recipient of the Richard W. Riley Award for Excellence in Community 
Schools, which is conferred by the KnowledgeWorks Foundation, a public 
education philanthropy in Ohio. John A. Johnson Elementary, which 
serves 320 children in kindergarten through grade six, was deemed the 
best community school in the Nation and won this distinction merely 4 
years after opening its doors.
  As one of Minnesota's best-performing schools serving children of a 
predominantly low-income population, Johnson has accumulated truly 
impressive academic accomplishments. For example, during the school's 
first 2 years of operation, 2000-2002, only 50 percent of the children 
tested average or above average on standardized reading tests. However, 
for the past 2 years, nearly 80 percent scored average or above 
average.
  Improvements in math scores at John A. Johnson Elementary are equally 
remarkable. Last year, standardized test scores in math were within two 
percentage points of the district average. Only 3 years ago, John A. 
Johnson pupils were 30 points below the district average.
  John A. Johnson Elementary does more than teach children; it is 
structured to assist families and reduce barriers to education that 
impede children's learning. The school integrates support services by 
forming partnerships with many community organizations and making these 
services available to help parents.
  Much of the credit for John A. Johnson Achievement Plus Elementary 
School's success belongs to its principal, Frank Feinberg, and the 
dedicated teachers. The students and staff at John A. Johnson 
Elementary School understand that, in order to be successful, a school 
must go beyond achieving academic success; it must also provide a 
nurturing environment where students can develop the knowledge, skills, 
and attitudes for success throughout life. All of the faculty, staff, 
and students at John A. Johnson Achievement Plus Elementary School 
should be very proud of their accomplishments.
  I congratulate John A. Johnson Elementary School in Saint Paul for 
winning the Award for Excellence in Education and for its exceptional 
contributions to education in Minnesota.

                          ____________________