[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 171 (Wednesday, November 18, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2799]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CONGRATULATING SHARK TOWN MICRO COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON PAUL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 18, 2009

  Mr. PAUL. Madam Speaker, Monday, November 23, in Port Lavaca, Texas, 
IBC Bank and HJM Elementary School will co-host the Shark Town Micro 
Community Grand Opening. Shark Town Micro Community is an innovative 
education program that gives HJM Elementary students the opportunity to 
learn ``real world'' business and financial skills. I am pleased to 
extend my best wishes to the people of IBC Bank, HJM Elementary, and 
all the businesses, educators, and, especially, students participating 
in this program.
  The Shark Town Micro Community is a small community within the school 
run by the students. The HJM Elementary student council serves as the 
Shark Town council, and the student council president serves as the 
mayor of Shark Town. HJM Elementary students named the community after 
their school's mascot, a shark.
  Students may choose to work at any of a variety of business, 
including an IBC Bank, Wal-Mart, and HEB grocery store. Students can 
also work at Shark Town's branch of the IRS, student workers have to 
pay taxes, one of Shark Town's utility companies, the post office, the 
local newspaper, the safety patrol, or the recycling center. Students 
may also train to be future teachers.
  Local Port Lavaca businesses sponsor their Shark Town counterparts. 
The businesses provide their Shark Town counterparts with signs, 
badges, and shirts for their employees. Local businesses also provide 
funds for the Shark Town companies. Employees of the local businesses 
also periodically visit the school to offer assistance to their 
counterpart businesses.
  Students receive salaries based on their jobs and their work 
performance. In order to participate in Shark Town, students must 
submit job applications and be interviewed. Payment is in the form of 
``sand dollars.'' Students may use their sand dollars to pay their 
taxes and utility bills as well as to shop at Shark Town's stores.
  Madam Speaker, the Shark Town Micro Community program represents an 
innovative means of providing students with a unique opportunity to 
learn about how businesses operate as well as develop work and 
financial management habits that will serve them well throughout their 
lives. It is my pleasure to again congratulate all those participating 
in the Shark Town Micro Community project.

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