[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 98 (Monday, July 24, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S8126]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              LOWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, DULUTH, MINNESOTA

 Mr. DAYTON. Mr. President, today I honor Lowell Elementary 
School, in Duluth, MN, which recently earned an Award for Excellence in 
Education for its exceptional and innovative achievements in educating 
children.
  Lowell Elementary School, a music magnet school, is truly a model of 
educational success. In addition to a well-rounded learning experience, 
the school offers an exceptional music curriculum, including a choir at 
each grade level--kindergarten through fifth grade--piano instruction 
for second, third, and fourth-grade pupils, string instrument lessons 
for third through fifth grades, and band instruction for grades four 
and five.
  Lowell Elementary School's success is reflected in its popularity 
within the Duluth community. There are 127 students on a waiting list 
for enrollment in Lowell, including children for future kindergarten 
enrollment. An English language learner program is housed in the 
building, serving 33 to 38 students per year from 10 different 
countries. A 21st Century Program, which involves a partnership between 
Lowell and the YMCA, provides on-site daily mentoring and tutoring 
services after school until 6:00 p.m., for pupils in grades K through 
5.
  Parents further attest to Lowell's success. Joan Lancour states:

       My child has attended Lowell for the past three years. 
     During this time, my child, Chris, has received extra help 
     from all staff that he never received at other schools. The 
     staff have helped him to gain confidence through the music 
     program . . . Over these past three years I have seen him 
     take strides to become an independent student through the 
     excellent training of Lowell staff and administrators.

  Another mother, Sue Wright, adds:

       We feel very fortunate to have the enrichment of music in 
     our children's education. The benefits of the extra music 
     opportunities have shown in their academic success. Lowell is 
     a positive school with very dedicated students, staff and 
     parents. It has been a wonderful place for my family to begin 
     a lifelong education.

  Much of the credit for Lowell Elementary School's success belongs to 
its principal, Monte Wittman, and to the dedicated teachers. The pupils 
and staff at Lowell 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 pupils at Lowell Elementary School should be 
very proud of their accomplishments.
  I congratulate Lowell Elementary School in Duluth for winning the 
Award for Excellence in Education and for its exceptional contributions 
to education in Minnesota.

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