[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 170 (Friday, October 12, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1403]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE SALINAS CITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT

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                           HON. JIMMY PANETTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 12, 2018

  Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Salinas City 
Elementary School District on their 150th anniversary. SCESD has 
demonstrated great dedication to our community and invaluable service 
to children and families of the central coast of California.
  Founded in 1868, the SCESD began with nine students and quickly 
expanded to accommodate the growing Salinas Valley. The district has 
provided a well-rounded education and a safe learning environment for 
generations of Central Coast families. Today, it provides free, high 
quality education to nearly nine thousand students at fourteen public 
schools.
  The district's belief in public education as the foundation of 
democracy shapes their ambition to serve children of all backgrounds 
regardless of race, economic status, religion or ability. Further, it 
strives to engage parents and families to create a strong collaborative 
community to support the educational experiences of their children.
  As a district, the SCESD has also made great strides in engaging 
students with twenty-first century technology. Students in grades third 
through sixth are assigned their own laptop to complete homework and 
class assignments, while kindergarten through second grade students use 
shared iPads to complement their learning experiences. Teachers are 
also empowered to use digital programs to accompany in-class 
instruction that has resulted in immense progress for their students.
  Through steadfast effort and wise use of resources, the SCESD has 
facilitated upgrades to numerous school facilities. Seven school sites 
have recently expanded outdoor playgrounds, sustainability features, 
equipment and security systems to enhance the educational experiences 
of students. The SCESD has assuredly continued its tradition of 
pursuing projects that increase opportunity for the children of the 
Salinas Valley.
  As the Salinas City Elementary School District celebrates its 150 
years as a fundamental component of our community, I am proud to 
commend them on their continued service to the young scholars of the 
Central Coast. The schools and teachers within this district have 
undoubtedly created substantial impacts on the lives of our future 
leaders. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in 
congratulating the Salinas City Elementary School District on 150 years 
of excellence.

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