[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 85 (Tuesday, June 9, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1358]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO VAN WERT MIDDLE SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT E. LATTA

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 9, 2009

  Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, it is with a great deal of pride that I 
rise to pay a very special tribute to an outstanding school in my 
district in Northwest Ohio. Van Wert Middle School in Van Wert, Ohio is 
one of only 80 schools in the United States to be recognized as a 
School to Watch by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades 
Reform.
  Madam Speaker, there is no question that education is the foundation 
of our country. From the earliest days of our nation's history, 
children have sought out the opportunity to learn subjects such as 
math, science, and literature. Education has opened doors for America's 
citizens and allowed our nation to be one of the most advanced in the 
world.
  Every year, the Schools to Watch program identifies schools across 
the country that are well on their way to meeting the criteria for high 
performance. These schools are known to be academically excellent, 
developmentally responsive, and socially equitable.
  In order for Van Wert Middle School to be selected for this 
prestigious honor, this high-performing school established norms, 
structures and organizational arrangements to support and sustain its 
trajectory toward excellence. Van Wert Middle School has a sense of 
purpose that drives every facet of their practice and decision-making.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special 
tribute to the Van Wert Middle School. Our communities are well served 
by having dedicated educators who go above and beyond the norm to teach 
the citizens of tomorrow. On behalf of the people of the Fifth District 
of Ohio, I am proud to recognize this great achievement.

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