[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 165 (Thursday, November 17, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6462-S6463]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING WESTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OF GREENFIELD, INDIANA

  Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Weston 
Elementary School of Greenfield, 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.
  Weston Elementary consistently has distinguished itself as a top-
performing school, was named an Indiana Four Star School in 2013 and 
2016, and has been named an A school by the State each of the past 5 
years.
  Weston's success can be attributed to the school's goal of 
continuously looking for ways to provide a well-rounded education to 
students. The school emphasizes problem-solving and assignments that 
allow students to demonstrate their work and thought process. In 
addition to core subjects, students are exposed to physical education, 
art and music, and several classes participate in daily exercise led by 
prerecorded video segments from the Indianapolis Colts. Weston also 
offers students Weston Fit, an afterschool fitness club that promotes

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healthy eating and staying physically active.
  Weston also prides itself not only on its academics but fostering a 
supportive environment that offers programs to promote emotional, 
social, and cultural wellness. Weston utilizes a fulltime social 
worker, who provides class lessons on topics of bullying and character 
education, with an expectation that students will treat their 
classmates with respect and develop strong social skills.
  Weston's students, facility, and staff work together to ensure every 
child succeeds, and faculty partners with parents to encourage family 
engagement and parent involvement in school-sponsored activities.
  I am proud to recognize Weston Elementary School principal Shane 
Bryant, 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 
Greenfield community well into the future.
  On behalf of the citizens of Indiana, I congratulate Weston 
Elementary School, and I wish the students and staff continued success 
in the future.

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