[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 133 (Wednesday, December 6, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S11320]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             SHIRLEY HILLS PRIMARY SCHOOL, MOUND, MINNESOTA

 Mr. DAYTON. Mr. President, today I honor Shirley Hills Primary 
School, in Mound, Minnesota, which recently earned an Award for 
Excellence in Education for its exceptional and innovative achievements 
in educating children.
  Shirley Hills Primary School is truly a model of educational success. 
The teaching staff believes wholeheartedly that all children can 
succeed, a philosophy that has led to performance rates that are among 
the best in the State. The learning environment values strong character 
in addition to academic achievement. In addition, the vibrant school 
community offers a preschool program, to help ensure a smooth 
transition to kindergarten.
  Shirley Hills Primary School is particularly proud of its designation 
as a Minnesota five-star school, recognized for excellence by the 
Minnesota Department of Education. The school recently received the 
Parent Involvement School of Excellence Award from the National PTA, 
recognizing its strong partnership with parents. The Westonka School 
District which includes Shirley Hills Primary School has also earned 
the What Parents Want Award, given by SchoolMatch, the Nation's largest 
school-selection consulting firm. The award was earned by fewer than 15 
percent of the Nation's public school districts. The Westonka District 
was also 1 of 22 Minnesota school districts named academic 
outperformers by Standard & Poor's School Evaluation Services.
  Shirley Hills Primary fosters the development of strong character by 
recognizing children for demonstrating responsibility, respect, and 
honesty. An all-school assembly every month includes the presentation 
of a trophy, given successively in due course to a child who has 
demonstrated one of these qualities. Shirley Hills pupils know that 
good character is lived out, in all areas of life; it is how they 
choose to live, not just how they behave in school.
  In the belief that children can succeed better in the global economy 
when knowledgeable about other languages and cultures, Shirley Hills 
offers before- and after-school Spanish classes for kindergarten 
through fourth grade. The school district is also pursuing a secondary-
level educational exchange program with China.
  Shirley Hills' staff encourages families to expect great test scores 
but not to settle for that alone. The school proudly has high 
expectations for achievement and behavior, and just as proudly provides 
educational experiences that take into account the whole child. 
Teachers know each child's strengths and growth areas, and they work 
together with parents to help every child grow as a learner, as well as 
a valued human being.
  Much of the credit for Shirley Hills Primary School's success belongs 
to its principal, Ann Swanson, and the dedicated teachers. The pupils 
and staff at Shirley Hills Primary School understand that, in order to 
be successful, a school must go beyond achieving academic success; it 
must also provide a nurturing environment where pupils can develop the 
knowledge, skills, and attitudes for success throughout life. All of 
the faculty, staff, and children at Shirley Hills Primary School should 
be very proud of their accomplishments!
  I congratulate Shirley Hills Primary School in Mound for winning the 
Award for Excellence in Education and for its exceptional contributions 
to education in Minnesota.

                          ____________________