[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 138 (Monday, October 7, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1446]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING FRANK LEAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LINDA T. SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 7, 2013

  Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize and congratulate Frank Leal Elementary School for being named 
a 2013 National Blue Ribbon School. This is a remarkable honor that 
deserves our recognition and praise.
  Frank Leal Elementary School is in Cerritos, California and was among 
three Los Angeles County schools named as a National Blue Ribbon 
School.
  This prestigious award is given in recognition to schools where 
students perform at remarkably high levels or where significant 
improvements are being made in students' academic achievement.
  Leal Elementary School was recognized as a ``blue ribbon'' honoree 
because it ranked among the highest-performing schools on state 
assessments in language arts and mathematics, achieving an Academic 
Performance Index score of 972. That's nearly 200 points higher than 
the state average of 789.
  This award would not have been possible without the tireless 
dedication of teachers, counselors, parents, and, of course, the 
brilliant students at Leal Elementary School. Countless Leal parents 
will one day see their children attend and graduate from college, 
fostering future generations of service-oriented, civically engaged 
Cerritos residents.
  The National Blue Ribbon recognition is just one of many more 
milestones to be achieved by these bright young scholars. The community 
pride they have created through their exemplary achievement encourages 
students in our communities to strive for even greater academic 
success. For that reason, I would like to recognize Frank Leal 
Elementary School for being named a National Blue Ribbon School.

                          ____________________