[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 149 (Thursday, September 18, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1849]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    INTEL HONORS LAGUNA ELEMENTARY WITH SCHOOL OF DISTINCTION AWARD

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                         HON. HARRY E. MITCHELL

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 18, 2008

  Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Laguna 
Elementary School in my home state of Arizona. Laguna is being honored 
by the Intel Corporation for its impressive science education program. 
Every year, Intel honors schools that have shown outstanding effort in 
math and science. This year, Laguna Elementary won first place in 
Science Excellence for Elementary schools and was given one of the six 
Schools of Distinction awards.
  The Intel Corporation awards grants and equipment to top U.S. schools 
that show determined excellence in math and science education. Winners 
receive $10,000 cash grants and over $100,000 in equipment for their 
schools. Schools that enter must show that they have exceeded national 
guidelines in breadth and scope of math and science education.
  Laguna Elementary should be applauded for their innovative approach 
to learning. No longer is math about rote memorization of number 
tables. Instead, students at Laguna expand their learning through 
discovery, focusing on the inquiry process, and further their skills by 
developing questions regarding these subjects. Teachers, with parental 
and community input, have developed a curriculum that encourages 
``interactive experiences,'' expanded use of technology, while 
addressing a diverse student population at the school.
  Because of their innovative techniques, Laguna Elementary won $10,000 
dollars in grant money, and $160,000 in training, computers, 
educational software and interactive white boards. This technology will 
further allow teachers to pinpoint where students are in the learning 
process and allow them flexibility in creating lesson plans.
  Therefore, I commend Laguna Elementary administration, teachers, 
parents, and students for their accomplishments and efforts.

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