[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 159 (Friday, October 4, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1247-E1248]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING HIGH PERFORMING BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS IN CALIFORNIA'S 39TH 
                                DISTRICT

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. GILBERT RAY CISNEROS, Jr.

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 4, 2019

  Mr. CISNEROS. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise to 
congratulate two schools in California's 39th Congressional District. 
Acacia Elementary School and Robert C. Fisler Elementary School have 
been recognized as Exemplary High Performing Schools by the Department 
of Education's Blue Ribbon Schools program. This honor is a direct 
reflection of the culture of academic excellence built from the 
combined efforts of students, faculty, parents, volunteers, and local 
communities.
  Acacia Elementary School of Orange County's Fullerton School District 
owes its distinction to a myriad of innovative teaching and

[[Page E1248]]

learning practices. Of these practices, ``Balanced Literacy'' has been 
utilized since 2012 and combines reading, writing, listening, and 
speaking strategies. Complementing this approach are programs such as 
STEM & Robotics Lab dedicated to the mastery of 21st century 
applications. The foundation of Acacia's academic principles lies in 
presenting real world problems and project-based learning opportunities 
to students. For students still establishing their first academic 
identities, it is vital that the materials they are presented with 
accurately reflect the intricacies of their own environment. Combining 
this hands-on pathway with personalized strategies has lent a 
tremendous hand in instilling confidence, agency, and understanding 
within Acacia's student body.
  Robert C. Fisler Elementary School, also of Orange County's Fullerton 
School District, owes its distinction to an academic framework that is 
supported by a vision of student empowerment. As the school with the 
largest population of Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) students in 
the district, Fisler School has maintained an excellent reputation in 
establishing a wide array of unique educational opportunities. Students 
at Fisler are encouraged to take risks and experiment in order to 
develop both academically and emotionally. By reflecting on failures 
and regulating thought processes, these young individuals learn 
flexibility, persistence, and empathy. Fisler School favors a 
comprehensive instructional model that includes programs for computer 
science, video production, performing arts, and more. Through these 
programs, students are encouraged to engage in and explore high school, 
post-secondary, and future career options for a well-rounded, 
personalized academic experience.
  While learning is a continuous process in our children's daily lives, 
it is during school that they find tools and resources necessary to 
root knowledge for future use. Therefore, it is imperative that the 
school environment is conducive to growth and development. Acacia 
Elementary School and Robert C. Fisler Elementary School have 
established holistic academic philosophies that cater to this belief. 
They know that it is not just academic rigor or prestige, but rather a 
safe, collaborative environment that cultivates curiosity and 
determination crucial for student success. I am proud to know that my 
district is home to places of instruction that embody such an idea and 
I am more than honored to be representing them.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me 
in congratulating the teachers, parents, staff, volunteers, and--most 
importantly--the students of Acacia Elementary School and Robert C. 
Fisler Elementary School. They are well-deserving of this recognition 
and I am eager to welcome the next generation of leaders that will 
emerge from these two schools.

                          ____________________