[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 7, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E26-E27]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING OGDEN AVENUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOR BEING NAMED A NATIONAL BLUE 
                             RIBBON SCHOOL

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                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 7, 2015

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ogden Avenue 
Elementary School for receiving the prestigious 2014 U.S. Department of 
Education National Blue Ribbon School Award.
  In 1982, the Department of Education established the National Blue 
Ribbon Schools Program to recognize public and private schools boasting 
high or significantly improved achievement. The program's goal is to 
identify

[[Page E27]]

aspects of thriving American schools in order to replicate their 
success. I am proud that Ogden Avenue Elementary School in La Grange 
has been honored as one of those exceptional schools.
  Ogden Avenue School's mission statement is ``we build bridges to the 
future by inspiring one another to succeed.'' Principal Pattii Waldo 
does an outstanding job perpetuating this motto by encouraging students 
to help one another and building a foundation of respectful 
relationships.
  The school features a nurturing environment with a social-emotional 
learning curriculum which provides for high academic standards. The 
school's belief is that social-emotional growth is interwoven into 
academic learning. Also, partnering with parents and the community are 
essential to the growth of students and the school as a whole.
  Ogden Avenue School hosts a cross-grade Buddy program as well as 
various other programs to enrich students' lives and provide for a 
better school experience. I commend the school for going above and 
beyond with their offerings for students and hope that other schools 
use Ogden Avenue School as an outstanding example to follow.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ogden 
Avenue Elementary School for this significant achievement and 
congratulating the staff, parents, students, and community.

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