[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 79 (Wednesday, May 30, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E904]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING GARLOUGH ENVIRONMENTAL MAGNET SCHOOL ON RECEIVING A 2012 GREEN 
       RIBBON SCHOOLS AWARD FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

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                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 30, 2012

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the teachers, 
administrators and students of Garlough Environmental Magnet School in 
West St. Paul, Minnesota which has been named a recipient of the first 
annual U.S. Department of Education's Green Ribbon Schools Award. On 
behalf of the families in Minnesota's Fourth District, I am proud to 
extend my sincere congratulations to Garlough Environmental Magnet 
School.
  The Fourth Congressional District of Minnesota is fortunate to be 
home to many schools that deliver high quality environmental education. 
For the past five years, Garlough Environmental Magnet School has been 
a leader, setting the standard for environmental excellence, winning 
high praise and numerous accolades throughout the State and Nation 
while nearly doubling its enrollment in the process. Part of their 
success is due to outstanding community partnerships that enable 
students to get out-of-classroom learning experiences. One of the 
cornerstone partnerships is with the Dodge Nature Center. Starting in 
2007, Garlough teamed up with the conveniently located community nature 
center to provide students outdoor learning opportunities. The nature 
sanctuary serves as a 320-acre living science lab where students can 
participate in field studies, use scientific equipment in biological 
measuring, and study the sanctuary's beehives and farms. Garlough's 
combination of a targeted curriculum with outside learning 
opportunities has produced natural experiences that have enhanced 
students' intellectual, social, emotional and physical development.
  Garlough Elementary is a natural choice for the first-ever round of 
the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools Awards. In 
September 2011, in coordination with the Environmental Protection 
Agency, the U.S. Department of Education initiated a new federal-
recognition program that honored schools implementing environmentally-
friendly policies. The selection process targets schools that exercise 
a comprehensive approach to creating green environments though reducing 
environmental impact, promoting health, and ensuring high quality 
environmental and outdoor education. The Green Ribbon Award highlights 
the necessity of educating our students in preparation for the 21st 
century global economy, an economy that will rely more on green 
industry and technology.
  As our Nation continues on into the 21st century, our global 
competitiveness will be tied into jobs that center on technology, 
science, math, and renewable energy development. To ensure that the 
United States continues to be an international leader, schools must 
create engaging curriculum that focuses on preparing students for 
success. Garlough Environmental Magnet School sets a great example for 
this strategy.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to submit this statement for the 
Congressional Record in honor of Garlough Environmental Magnet School's 
recognition as a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School.

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