[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 153 (Tuesday, October 20, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1491]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN RECOGNITION OF PAKACHOAG SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 20, 2015

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues in the 
U.S. House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the 
accomplishments of Pakachoag School.
  Pakachoag School, located in Auburn, Massachusetts, was recently 
named a 2015 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of 
Education. Pakachoag prides itself on its dedication to providing 
students with the tools they need to succeed in the dynamic and fast-
paced world surrounding them. Auburn schools have a history of 
educational excellence. In 2014, the Julia Bancroft School won a Blue 
Ribbon award. Due to redistricting, Julia Bancroft and Pakachoag have 
since merged. Educators of the Auburn Public Schools provide committed 
and enthusiastic leadership, creating a comprehensive and inviting 
educational environment. The Pakachoag pledge, ``We are Prepared, 
Aware, and Kind!'' echoes the school's focus on ensuring students can 
become considerate and intelligent luminaries in the world outside the 
classroom.
  To inspire civic responsibility and leadership, Pakachoag promotes 
numerous Community Service Learning Projects. Through fundraising, 
volunteer work, and reading programs, the importance of ``giving back'' 
is instilled in students. The school also offers a number of events and 
programs such as food drives and community reading days that not only 
reflect upon the student's development, but benefit the community as a 
whole.
  Pakachoag School also strives to provide a comprehensive and 
inclusive environment within the school's walls. Pakachoag's special 
needs program is one of the most intensive in the Auburn school system. 
Extracurricular activities like student government and a student-
written newspaper, along with on-site before and after-school childcare 
through the Galaxy Program, demonstrate how Pakachoag is deeply 
committed to the success, nurturing, and overall wellbeing of each and 
every one of its students.
  None of these wonderful educational achievements would be possible 
without the talented educators and staff members at Pakachoag School. 
Administrative leadership under Superintendent Dr. Maryellen Brunelle 
can be associated with her passion for the success of her students, as 
well as a dedication to creating a warm and welcoming learning 
environment. The tireless efforts by all of those involved can be 
credited to Pakachoag's success.
  I am so proud to represent the faculty, students, and staff of the 
Pakachoag School and the Auburn School System, and I look forward to 
what they will continue to accomplish in the future. I ask you to join 
me in congratulating the Pakachoag School for being named a 2015 
National Blue Ribbon School.

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