[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 56 (Wednesday, May 10, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E793-E794]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE 135TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PHOENIX ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 
                              DISTRICT #1

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ED PASTOR

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 10, 2006

  Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to bring attention 
to the 135th Anniversary of the Phoenix Elementary School District #1, 
which is in the heart of my district and celebrates its 135th birthday 
on May 15. Steeped in heritage and tradition, the district is in the 
heart of Phoenix and dedicated to the total development of every 
kindergarten through eighth grade student enrolled by setting high 
expectations for each child and fostering academic leadership. The 
district has demonstrated its ability to adapt to the times while 
keeping students needs' at the forefront.
  The history of Phoenix Elementary School District #1 began in 1871, 
when it was created by the Arizona Legislative Assembly, acting upon a 
school bill presented by Arizona's third governor, Anson P. K. Safford. 
At the time, this free public school system had neither a schoolhouse, 
books or teachers. Twenty students attended class in the county 
courthouse.
  By 1873, a one room adobe structure, named ``Little Adobe,'' had been 
built with public funds, and Mr. W.A. Glover was hired to teach for 
$100 per month. The school was 600-square feet and located in what is 
now downtown Phoenix. The District was formed 10 years before the city 
of Phoenix was even incorporated.
  Just after it began operations, schools were closed from 1883 until 
1885 due to a smallpox epidemic. Student enrollment was 374. By 1913, 
the district had expanded to nine schools and 4,860 students. In 1920, 
Kenilworth School opened, offering great relief to the overcrowded 
district. Sens. Barry Goldwater and Paul Fannin enrolled in Kenilworth 
that year. In 1957, a new school was named after the only living 
Arizonan to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor: Silvestre 
Herrera. Early in the 1960s the exodus from city to suburbs began in 
earnest. Inner-city dwellers were on a modest socio-economic level, 
thus qualifying the district for federal funding including support for 
both Title I and Title II. The decade began with 25 schools and 
burgeoning classes. A Spanish language program also was added at Heard 
and Grand Avenue schools. The late 1960s brought on concerns about the 
lack of Mexican-Americans working in the district. Soon, Mr. Louis P. 
Rodriguez was named principal of Grant School and Mr. Adam Diaz was 
declared the elected Trustee of the Board.
  From 1970 on, the District's enrollment began to show a steady 
decline due to commercial rezoning of property. Despite parent

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protests, other schools closed for safety reasons. Peak attendance of 
almost 12,000 pupils in 1953 was a thing of the past. By the 1970s, 
attendance dropped to about 7,000. Phoenix Elementary used this period 
as a time of innovation to improve programs for pupils. A student pilot 
breakfast program, Extended Day Kindergarten and a Parent Involvement 
Aide Program were implemented. Some were cited as national models.
  By 2002, 15 schools were operating in the district. Under the current 
leadership of Superintendent Dr. Georgina Takemoto, all the district's 
schools are rated Performing or above by Arizona Standards. Four 
schools--Kenilworth, Magnet Traditional, Herrera and Lowell--have been 
dubbed A+ Schools of Excellence, an award given by non-profit Arizona 
Educational Foundation. Signature schools that specialize in dual 
language, performing arts, environmental science, electronic 
journalism, biotech and visual arts enhance the curriculums. Other 
newer programs include Academic Enrichment from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for 
students of working parents; health, dental and asthma clinics; 
registered nursing staffs; parent classes; and social and community 
workers.
  As the district grew, then declined in enrollment, and now expects to 
see some growth on the horizon, it has experienced many changes and 
adapted to meet the needs of its students. I applaud the Phoenix 
Elementary School District #1 for its leadership and innovation in 
serving our children. For these reasons, I ask my colleagues to join me 
on congratulating the district on the occasion of its 135th 
Anniversary.
    

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