[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 185 (Monday, November 26, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S7082]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING YARMOUTH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

  Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I am delighted to commend Yarmouth 
Elementary School in Yarmouth, ME, on being named a 2018 National Blue 
Ribbon Exemplary High Performing School. Serving 358 students from 
second through fourth grade, this outstanding school is one of only 349 
schools across the country to receive Blue Ribbon 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.
  The Blue Ribbon designation continues a tradition of quality 
education in Yarmouth. The graduation rates and assessment test scores 
for the town's K-12 school district consistently are among the highest 
in the State of Maine.
  Yarmouth Elementary School's mission statement, ``Empowering all 
students to create fulfilling lives in a changing world,'' is carried 
out daily. Students focus on the core values of fairness, citizenship, 
respect, and caring. The core curriculum has a strong focus on math, 
literacy, science, and social studies, with special programs that 
recognize each student's individual learning style.
  Rich and diverse learning opportunities are a part of every child's 
experience, from art and music, to library skills and physical 
education. The school involves all students in extracurricular 
activities, which helps forge a strong school community where students 
are connected and encouraged to pursue their interests. Throughout the 
curriculum, students are also taught to use technology both effectively 
and responsibly.
  Faculty, parents, and community members are committed to both 
academic excellence and each child's social, emotional, and physical 
health. Faculty work to ensure a safe and secure learning environment 
and to develop strong and collaborative relationships with parents and 
community members. An active parent-teacher organization supports 
enriching educational activities, and the Yarmouth School Foundation 
promotes excellence and innovation by funding a number of projects and 
initiatives.
  I applaud the administrators, teachers, staff, and parents of 
Yarmouth Elementary School. Together, they are succeeding in their 
mission to build students' confidence and generate momentum for 
learning. I am pleased that the U.S. Department of Education has 
selected Yarmouth Elementary School for this well-deserved honor, and I 
congratulate the entire school community for this outstanding 
achievement.

                          ____________________