[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 31 (Thursday, March 3, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S1215]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                 RECOGNIZING FORT LUPTON MIDDLE SCHOOL

 Mr. BENNET. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the students 
and staff at Fort Lupton Middle School, whose relentless hard work and 
dedication to improving student achievement and setting students on the 
course toward success has earned the school the title of National 
Middle School of the Year.
  The award is presented by the National Association of Middle School 
Principals to schools that go the extra mile to address the needs of 
students at the middle school level through academics and activities. 
And Fort Lupton Middle School's teachers and students are willing to go 
that extra mile and then some.
  In a story published earlier this year in the Fort Lupton Press, 
sixth-grade language arts teacher Liz McCachren said that most people 
assume that her job as a middle school teacher isn't very fun. ``I want 
people to know that it's not scary,'' she said. ``There's nothing scary 
about these kids or this building. It's a really good middle school. . 
. . The students just make my day brighter. Every day, I can't wait to 
be here. That's why this school is unique. Because we like each other. 
We work together.''
  By working together, the teachers at Fort Lupton created Power Hour, 
giving students time to do their homework while teachers are available 
to assist. And it is not just teachers working together. Students are 
taking ownership of their education and helping one another succeed. 
Through the program ``Where Everybody Belongs,'' Fort Lupton eighth 
graders serve as mentors for incoming sixth graders, so they adjust to 
their new school and surroundings and are better equipped for success.
  Programs like these help lay the groundwork for student success, and 
they have built a sense of pride and community at Fort Lupton Middle 
School. These kids are excited and eager to learn, and they are setting 
a wonderful example for their peers across the state of Colorado and 
the country.
  As we continue to push forward to do the important work of improving 
public education and make sure our public schools prepare our kids to 
be leaders in the 21st century economy, we must continue to listen to 
the voices, ideas and aspirations of principals, parents and students, 
like those at Fort Lupton Middle School.
  I join all members of the Fort Lupton community and the State of 
Colorado in congratulating these bright kids and their teachers for a 
job well done and look forward to their continued success.

                          ____________________