[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 171 (Thursday, November 19, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1656]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF WINES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL'S 2015 NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON AWARD

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 19, 2015

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements 
of Wines Elementary School. For over fifty years, Wines Elementary 
School has benefited our community through its dedication to the 
education and development of Ann Arbor's youth. The U.S. Department of 
Education recognized this commitment by naming the school a 2015 
National Blue Ribbon Award recipient.
  Founded in 1957, Wines Elementary School's mission is to ``create for 
every student a joyful environment that stimulates lifelong learning 
and inspires respect for individual differences.'' The school has 
actively worked to instill this mission by making community and family 
participation a cornerstone in the life of each student. Family 
volunteers organize community events such as the annual Run-a-Thon, in 
which students run laps around a track to raise money for charity, a 
movie night, and a country fair, as well as many other fun events. The 
school also partners with local charities and nursing homes to ensure 
students are provided opportunities to participate in and give back to 
their community.
  In addition to active community involvement, Wines Elementary School 
has worked to strengthen all of its students by focusing on each 
individual as a unique and capable learner. This has been done through 
the creation of personalized learning plans which ensures each teacher 
understands the special needs of their students. The hard work of 
students, teachers, and parents has resulted in excellent academic 
achievement. Their standardized tests scores have registered in the top 
5% of all Michigan schools in combined measures of student achievement 
and growth. This earned the school the designation from the Michigan 
Department of Education as a Reward School and led the department to 
nominate the school for the National Blue Ribbon Award.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor the 
teachers, students and parents of Wines Elementary School. Their 
multifaceted methods to prepare our children have created a vibrant 
community which will invigorate Ann Arbor for years to come.

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