[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 95 (Friday, June 28, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E990]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING GEORGE WASHINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL

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                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 27, 2013

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize George 
Washington Middle School in Lyons, Illinois, for being named to the 
list of top performing middle grades schools in the country by the 
National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform.
  George Washington represents one of only 103 middle grades schools 
from around the United States that were recognized as a ``School to 
Watch'' by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform. To 
achieve this honor, George Washington had to prove that they are 
academically excellent, developmentally responsive, and socially 
equitable. They are among the best schools in the country in those 
regards, and I am glad to see these schools recognized for their 
excellence.
  Achieving such a high level of performance is not easy. Schools must 
establish an educational culture that creates structures, norms, and 
organizational support to sustain their improving trend toward 
excellence. Principal Johnny Billingsley has demonstrated a sense of 
purpose that drives his decision making. Further this performance could 
not be possible without teachers who work tirelessly for their students 
and communities, and administrators, who work to provide a professional 
atmosphere to let teachers do what they do best. This hard work and 
dedication has created an exemplary learning atmosphere.
  This achievement is made possible through the hard work and 
dedication of the students, and the loving guidance by their parents 
and guardians. The students' work ethic and the values that their 
parents have instilled within them made this award attainable.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
outstanding faculties and students at George Washington Middle School, 
and congratulating them for being recognized as one of the outstanding 
middle grades schools in the country. May they continue to exhibit 
excellence and create one of the best learning environments in the 
country for our future leaders.

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