[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 178 (Monday, October 19, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6070-S6071]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING POND COVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

  Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I am delighted to commend Pond Cove 
Elementary School of Cape Elizabeth, ME, on being named a 2020 National 
Blue Ribbon Exemplary High Performing School. This outstanding school 
is one of only 367 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.
  This prestigious designation continues Cape Elizabeth's tradition of 
quality education. Last year, Cape Elizabeth High School was awarded 
its second Blue Ribbon. Many high school and middle school students 
serve as volunteer mentors for elementary pupils, making a strong and 
positive impact on young learners.
  Pond Cove serves 530 pupils from kindergarten through the fourth 
grade. This award recognizes the hard work and determination of 
students, teachers, and staff. It is a top-performing school on State-
required assessments, and educators at the school use assessments 
throughout the academic year as a tool for improving and customizing 
instruction. A strong commitment to professional development ensures 
that teachers and staff, as well as students, are lifelong learners.
  Pond Cove excels as a school built on a foundation of the school 
district's values of community, academics, passion, and ethics. Through 
a unique tradition of adding links to a paper chain

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throughout the school, teachers and staff recognize students who 
demonstrate those values, instilling a sense of individual and school 
pride.
  In addition to a rigorous core curriculum and a focus on world 
languages, the school is known for its extensive extracurricular 
activities in academics, athletics, and the arts, and students are 
encouraged to pursue their interests. A comprehensive health and 
wellness program emphasizes good nutrition, physical activity, and 
stress management. The schoolwide peacemakers curriculum helps students 
develop the skills to work collaboratively and to respect others. 
Students learn the value of community service through a variety of 
opportunities, such as supporting the local food pantry and connecting 
with senior citizens.
  Family and community support is one of the school's greatest assets. 
The Pond Cove Parents Association and other community organizations 
provide supplemental funding and resources. Just last year, parents, 
staff members, and local businesses joined together to create a new 
playground and outdoor learning center with outdoor classrooms, 
vegetable gardens, and nature observation areas.
  This Blue Ribbon Award is a tribute not only to the students, but 
also to the administrators, teachers, staff, and parents of Pond Cove 
Elementary School. Together, they are succeeding in their mission to 
generate excitement and momentum for learning. They are making a 
difference in the lives of their students, helping them reach their 
full potential as independent, responsible learners and citizens. I 
congratulate the entire Cape Elizabeth community for this well-deserved 
recognition.

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