[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 164 (Thursday, October 17, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S5890]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING FRUIT STREET ELEMENTARY

  Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I am delighted to commend Fruit Street 
Elementary School in Bangor, ME, on being named a 2019 National Blue 
Ribbon Exemplary High Performing School. Serving 325 students from pre-
K through third grade, this outstanding school is one of only 362 
schools across the country this year to receive Blue Ribbon recognition 
from the U.S. Department of Education.
  Created in 1982, the Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors 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 Bangor. 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.
  Fruit Street Elementary School's mission statement, ``A high quality 
education is attainable by all of our students who will receive the 
encouragement and opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills, and 
attitudes that prepare them for citizenship in a global society,'' 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.
  At Fruit Street, 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 an effective learning environment and to 
develop strong and collaborative relationships with parents and 
community members. An active parent-teacher organization supports 
enriching educational activities and promotes excellence and innovation 
by funding special projects and initiatives.
  I applaud the administrators, teachers, staff, and parents of Fruit 
Street Elementary School. Together, they are succeeding in their 
mission to build students' confidence and generate momentum for 
learning. I congratulate the entire school community for this 
outstanding achievement.

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