[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 100 (Wednesday, July 26, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S8264]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, MANKATO, MINNESOTA

 Mr. DAYTON. Mr. President, today I honor Washington Elementary 
School, in Mankato, MN, which recently earned an Award for Excellence 
in Education for its exceptional and innovative achievements in 
educating children.
  Washington Elementary School is truly a model of educational success. 
The school is one of 9 elementary schools in Mankato and serves 380 
pupils, including a large number of children of diverse backgrounds, 
and many who settled in Mankato upon arriving from other countries. 
Thirteen percent of Washington children are English language learners, 
and 40 percent qualify for free or reduced-price lunches.
  The large percentages of English language learners and children from 
low-income families present a significant challenge to the school; and 
although Washington Elementary has never failed to make adequate yearly 
progress relative to the requirements of No Child Left Behind, that 
success has required a constant focus on academic achievement.
  The staff at Washington Elementary consistently strive to make 
classroom learning more meaningful by finding connections with all 
other aspects of the children's daily lives. Teachers also demonstrate 
their belief that the children can and will succeed; they then take 
time to celebrate their pupils' successes.
  At a monthly celebration assembly, a feature of the continuing focus 
on acknowledging successes, children are publicly recognized for 
curricular and noncurricular attainments, which can involve such areas 
as most improved, citizenship, and academic achievement. At each 
assembly, every teacher recognizes three pupils, who receive student-
of-the-month ribbons. Their names are also posted in the school's front 
lobby. It is a goal that, by the end of the year, every child will have 
been recognized for some accomplishment. This recognition builds self-
esteem, promotes a sense of individual responsibility, and effectively 
motivates pupils to work hard academically.
  Another component of the success of all of Mankato's schools is the 
tremendous support from the community. Last fall, Mankato-area voters 
approved two referenda: to provide $6 million to update many existing 
buildings throughout the district, and to provide $3.5 million over 7 
years to update the schools' technology. In 2002, voters approved a 
$2.5 million per year operating referendum.
  Much of the credit for Washington Elementary School's success belongs 
to its principal, Judi Brandon, and the dedicated teachers. The 
students and staff at Washington 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 Washington Elementary 
School should be very proud of their accomplishments.
  I congratulate Washington Elementary School in Mankato for winning 
the Award for Excellence in Education and for its exceptional 
contributions to education in Minnesota.

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