[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 165 (Thursday, November 17, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6460-S6461]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING GEIST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OF FISHERS, INDIANA

  Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, today, I wish to recognize Geist 
Elementary School of Fishers, IN, for being named a 2016 National Blue 
Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.
  Established in 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has 
recognized schools that have demonstrated a vision of educational 
excellence for all students, regardless of their social or economic 
background. Since its inception, this program has offered the 
opportunity for schools in every State to gain recognition for 
educational accomplishments in closing the achievement gaps among 
students.
  Geist Elementary School, GES, which was built in 2004, serves 
approximately 780 students from kindergarten through fourth grade. GES 
is part of Hamilton Southeastern School District, which now has five 
National Blue Ribbon schools. GES was recognized, in part, for its 
exceptional academic program, and it prides itself on providing

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students with an education that meets the interests, abilities, and 
needs of all students, while also empowering them to reach their full 
potential.
  GES has received an A grade by the State of Indiana since 2004. GES 
has distinguished itself through inquiry and project-based learning, in 
which lessons are built around key questions, and students take 
ownership of their learning. For example, students participate in a 
schoolwide inquiry project, Geist Marketplace, where students from 
different grade levels partner together to create a business. The 
project promotes collaboration and entrepreneurship, allowing students 
to create, market, and sell their products. In addition, they learn to 
pay their debts and hold an event that is open to the local community, 
where residents can purchase the products made by the students. 
Ultimately, students can provide proceeds to local charities.
  GES parents, faculty, and staff work together to provide a positive 
learning environment to ensure students develop strong character, while 
achieving academic excellence and getting involved in the community.
  I would like to recognize Geist Elementary School principal Christi 
Thomas, the entire staff, the student body, and their families. The 
effort, dedication, and value you put into education has led not only 
to this prestigious recognition, but will benefit you and the Fishers 
community well into the future.
  On behalf of the citizens of Indiana, I congratulate Geist Elementary 
School, and I wish the students and staff continued success in the 
future.

                          ____________________