[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 84 (Monday, June 8, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1332]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN RECOGNITION OF THE BIRCHWOOD SCHOOL'S 25TH ANNIVERSARY

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 8, 2009

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker and colleagues, I rise today in honor and 
recognition of the Birchwood School of Cleveland's West Park 
neighborhood as they celebrate their 25th Anniversary. The school was 
founded in 1984 by a small group of dedicated parents who wanted to 
create a haven for learning, quality instruction and character 
development for their children.
  The Birchwood School was first housed in rented space in a church 
building on Warren Road, beginning with twenty students and three 
teachers, grades one through eight. The name ``Birchwood'' was used 
because of the side street upon which it was located. The name soon 
took on deeper significance as it was discovered that the Chinese 
character for the birch tree meant blossoming and soaring upwards.
  The school's first principal, Mr. Debelak, consulted with some of the 
most noteworthy experts in the educational field in his creation of a 
curriculum that would challenge, instruct and shape the character and 
intellect of every student. The educational mission and goals of 
Birchwood School have not wavered throughout the growth of the school: 
inspire children to set high goals in every endeavor; develop the 
character of each child to instill a sense of caring, compassion and 
community; and equip each child with a strong foundation of knowledge 
and the tools to think critically and creatively. Since 1984, the 
school has grown to nearly 20 staff members and 117 students, as 
diverse in background and culture as the City of Cleveland.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor of the founding 
members, dedicated staff and parent volunteers of the Birchwood School 
of Cleveland as they celebrate twenty-five years of fostering, 
enriching and uplifting the minds and hearts of every child who has 
walked through its doors. Since 1984, 175 students have graduated from 
Birchwood School, and 323 students have been a part of Birchwood for 
all or part of their elementary and middle school years. The vision of 
Birchwood School--providing each child with a quality education and 
character enrichment, continues to provide significant opportunity and 
a solid foundation for the future of every student.

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