[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 150 (Monday, September 22, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1856-E1857]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   COMMENDING BARTOW ELEMENTARY ACADEMY'S DESIGNATION AS A 2008 BLUE 
                             RIBBON SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM H. PUTNAM

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 22, 2008

  Mr. PUTNAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the faculty, 
staff, and students of Bartow Elementary Academy (BEA) for their 
designation as a 2008 No Child Left Behind--Blue Ribbon School by the 
U.S. Department of Education.
  Bartow Elementary Academy achieved this distinguished honor as a 
school performing in the top 10 percent within the State of Florida in 
the category of schools with less than 40 percent of their students 
from disadvantaged backgrounds. One of 320 schools in the nation to 
receive this honor, the Blue Ribbon reflects the dedication and 
commitment shared among faculty and students alike at BEA.
  Bartow Elementary Academy has long displayed excellence in education. 
Earning an `A'

[[Page E1857]]

all but one year since Florida first implemented school grades during 
the 1998-99 school year, BEA's teachers and students continue to 
distinguish themselves--helping students to continually achieve at high 
levels while making significant progress in closing the achievement 
gap.
  Further, the school's willingness to explore creative new learning 
techniques and methodologies, such as ``brain-based'' learning, 
attributes to BEA's academic progress and ability to create varying 
curriculums when it comes to Sunshine State Standards.
  I would like to extend my congratulations to Principal Carol Borders 
and her team of inspiring educators and extraordinary students. You're 
making a true difference in the lives of so many, and building 
communities that improve students' learning.

                          ____________________