[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 121 (Monday, September 25, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1828]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CONGRATULATING ARAGON HIGH SCHOOL ON THE COMPLETION OF ITS 
                         MODERNIZATION PROGRAM

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                            HON. TOM LANTOS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 25, 2006

  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the passage of 
an important bond issue, Measure D, and the improvements it has made in 
the San Mateo Union High School District. Voters in my district saw a 
great opportunity to advance our community and overwhelmingly approved 
a $137.5 million bond measure. Combining this bond measure with other 
resources the district undertook a $234.5 million capital improvement 
program. Some of these funds were dedicated for new construction and 
modernization of Aragon High School. The community will be celebrating 
the completion of this project with a ribbon cutting ceremony on 
October 28, 2006.
  Aragon High School has been a California Distinguished School since 
1988 and has many accomplishments. It is one of only three high schools 
in the County to have earned and improved an 800 Academic Performance 
Index Score (API) on the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) 
tests. Soon after the passage of the bond issue, Aragon High School was 
the first in the district to provide Advanced Placement (AP) courses 
that have challenged students dedicated to academics and has encouraged 
the professional development of California AP teachers.
  Aragon High School's developments have encouraged others outside the 
County as well. The school's demonstration of a commitment to reform 
necessary for academic success has led to Aragon's participation in the 
New American High School initiative for school reform, receiving a 
$40,000 grant tied to middle and elementary feeder schools. The capital 
improvement program and the school's dedication to academic success 
have helped to ensure students' acceptance into the most prestigious 
colleges and universities in America with 57% of the Class of 2006 
accepted to four year colleges. These graduates earn nearly $2 million 
annually through scholarships and grants.
  Beyond academics, Aragon High School can boast of extra-curricular 
programs that have been improved with the passage of Measure D. 
Students of Aragon High School participate in award winning vocal and 
instrumental music programs, including performances of the band at 
Carnegie Hall in New York, an invitation with the Boston Pops Symphony, 
and the honor to represent California and the United States at the 2008 
Olympics in Beijing.
  The Measure D modernization and new construction program at Aragon 
High School is made possible by the Board of Trustees, joined by 
community leaders, elected officials, parents, school staff, and the 
public at large that volunteered and helped pass this bond issue and do 
what is best for the youth attending schools in the community.
  The San Mateo Union School District has been and is devoted to its 
academics and voters within the County. The people of the community 
have contributed to these successes by voting on Measure D and by 
dedicating themselves in the classrooms. I commend them for their 
efforts that have provided a safe and modern teaching and learning 
facility in San Mateo County.


    

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