[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 132 (Tuesday, December 5, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S11186]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           SCHOOLCRAFT LEARNING COMMUNITY, BEMIDJI, MINNESOTA

 Mr. DAYTON. Mr. President, today I honor Schoolcraft Learning 
Community, in Bemidji, MN, which will soon receive an Award for 
Excellence in Education for its exceptional and innovative achievements 
in educating children.
  Schoolcraft Learning Community is truly a model of educational 
success. The school, which is designed according to the principles of 
``service and compassion,'' uses learning through service as a 
supplement to scholarly study to deepen intellectual growth, build 
character, and contribute to the community in a meaningful way. The 
school views combining service with study as a powerful motivator for 
giving young people a purpose to learn. In the context of service work, 
students writing a letter, making a brochure, or creating a book are 
encouraged to perform at a higher level because the audience is a real 
one and because students have an authentic reason to communicate.
  An integral part of the Schoolcraft culture is the weekly conflict 
management/resolution class, which teaches peacekeeping skills. A group 
of 29 students, part of a Students Teaching Attitudes of Respect--
STAR--team, visits other schools to promote conflict resolution skills.
  Schoolcraft deepens educational opportunities through a half-year 
integrated unit of study during which a student conducts an in-depth 
investigation of a theme or topic through authentic research, projects, 
field work, service, and reflection.
  The success of Schoolcraft Learning Community is reflected in the 
students' development into self-directed, lifelong learners who have 
the skills and knowledge to navigate confidently and compassionately in 
the world. The school's strong test scores have also been recognized by 
the Minnesota Department of Education; in 2006, Schoolcraft Learning 
Community received four stars in reading from the department.
  Much of the credit for Schoolcraft Learning Community's success 
belongs to its director and superintendent, Scott Anderson, and the 
dedicated teachers. The students and staff at Schoolcraft Learning 
Community 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 Schoolcraft Learning Community should be very proud of 
their accomplishments.
  I congratulate Schoolcraft Learning Community in Bemidji for winning 
the Award for Excellence in Education and for its exceptional 
contributions to education in Minnesota.

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