[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 163 (Tuesday, November 15, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S6337]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING FALMOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL

  Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I am delighted to commend the Falmouth 
Middle School of Falmouth, ME, on being named a 2016 National Blue 
Ribbon School of Excellence. This outstanding middle school is one of 
only 329 schools across the country to receive this prestigious 
recognition from the U.S. Department of Education.
  Created in 1982, the Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and 
private schools that are either academically superior in their States 
or that demonstrate significant gains in student achievement. The 
schools singled out for this national recognition are models of high 
educational standards and accountability.
  Falmouth Middle School is among a select group of schools to achieve 
the Blue Ribbon designation not once, but twice. Since receiving its 
first award in 2008, the school has continued to excel as a community 
of collaborative and engaged learners who value diversity, kindness, 
creativity, excellence, responsibility for self, and service to others.
  This award recognizes the hard work and determination of Falmouth 
Middle School's pupils and staff. This is a top-performing school on 
State-required assessments, and staff at the school use assessments 
throughout the academic year as a tool for improving and customizing 
instruction. A strong commitment to professional development ensures 
that teachers and staff, as well as students, are lifelong learners.
  Falmouth Middle School is known for its extensive extracurricular 
activities in academics, athletics, and the arts, which help forge a 
strong school community where students are connected and encouraged to 
pursue their interests. Just this year, three new afterschool clubs 
were formed--in French, writing, and dance--driven by enthusiastic 
students and guided by involved teachers.
  This Blue Ribbon award is a tribute not only to the students, but 
also to the administrators, teachers, staff, and parents of Falmouth 
Middle School. Together, they are succeeding in their mission to 
generate excitement and momentum for learning. They are making a 
difference in the lives of their students, helping them reach their 
full potential as independent, responsible learners and citizens. I 
congratulate the entire community for this well-deserved recognition.

                          ____________________