[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 168 (Thursday, November 1, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2313]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING LONGFELLOW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PETER J. ROSKAM

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 1, 2007

  Mr. ROSKAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Longfellow 
Elementary School of Wheaton, Illinois, for being named a No Child Left 
Behind Blue Ribbon School for the 2006-2007 school year. Principal Paul 
McKinney, Longfellow faculty, students and parents--you should be very 
proud of this remarkable accomplishment.
  At a time in our nation's history when the efficacy of our education 
system is often questioned, it is a great comfort to see a school that 
truly commits itself to finding ways to teach our children and provide 
hope for our nation's future.
  The No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a distinction 
given to the public schools throughout the country whose students score 
within the top 10 percent on state assessments. This year, of the more 
than 97,000 public schools in the United States, just 287 schools were 
recognized with this distinct honor.
  In the State of Illinois, 19 schools were members of this elite 
group. The Blue Ribbon School Award recognizes what we all know: the 
Longfellow students, faculty and staff are some of the best and 
brightest in the nation.
  In addition to exceptional test scores, Longfellow has shown steady 
academic progress for the past 3 years. In awarding the 2006-2007 Blue 
Ribbon School Award, the U.S. Department of Education recognized 
Longfellow's success in helping students consistently achieve at very 
high levels, as well as its continued commitment to narrowing the 
achievement gap.
  As we strive to educate our current generation of children and 
prepare our nation's future leaders, Longfellow Elementary School 
stands out as a shining example of scholastic and institutional 
excellence.
  I am proud to represent Longfellow Elementary School in the United 
States Congress and I look forward to their continued achievements.
  Madam Speaker and Distinguished Colleagues please join me in 
congratulating the talented students and dedicated faculty and staff of 
Longfellow Elementary School for receiving the Blue Ribbon School 
Award.