[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 172 (Wednesday, November 7, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S14058]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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           CONGRATULATING WILLIAM PRESCOTT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

 Mr. CASEY. Madam President, today I congratulate William 
Prescott Elementary School, in Scranton, PA, on receiving the 
prestigious Blue Ribbon Schools award from the Department of Education 
for its outstanding achievement in providing students with a first-rate 
education.
  William Prescott Elementary School serves just fewer than 300 
students from the east side of Scranton and is part of the Scranton 
School District. Like many schools throughout Scranton and all of 
Pennsylvania, William Prescott Elementary School strives to provide the 
best possible opportunities and to enrich the life of each student. The 
administration and staff work passionately to provide a comprehensive 
curriculum inclusive of language arts, lab-based science, computer 
education, art and music education, English as a second language, 
special education, as well as many other courses. For the past 13 
years, and particularly during the last 3, the students at William 
Prescott Elementary School have demonstrated steady progress in the 
areas of Reading and Mathematics and have far exceeded Pennsylvania's 
State targets. I am proud to say that the school is truly a model of 
educational excellence.
  In addition to this, and I believe this is key, the school actively 
works to involve parents and the community in the learning process. 
Through partnerships with community organizations such as the Head 
Start Program, the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and Scranton Area 
Foundation, William Prescott Elementary School demonstrates its 
commitment to a comprehensive educational program that builds on 
personal responsibility, accentuates individual respect, and develops a 
love of learning.
  Special credit for this achievement belongs to the principal, Mr. 
Albert P. O'Donnell, and the teachers, for creating a safe and 
challenging learning environment. During my brief experience as a 
teacher I learned firsthand how much dedication the students, the 
parents, and all involved must exhibit in order to succeed at this 
exceptional level. It is with great pride that I congratulate William 
Prescott Elementary School on this outstanding achievement. I hope that 
their dedication and hard work inspires both young students and those 
serving in the field of education alike.

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