[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 18309-18310]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                       BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL WINNER

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. RANDY ``DUKE'' CUNNINGHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 18, 2000

  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Rincon 
Middle School in Escondido and its leaders, Principal, Lou Bailey and 
Superintendent, Rob Guiles. Rincon has been designated by the U.S. 
Department of Education as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2000. I am 
proud to inform my colleagues that my district had an amazing record of 
eleven schools selected for that prestigious honor this year. I would 
also like to note that the Academy of Our Lady of Peace right outside 
my district in San Diego County was also named a Blue Ribbon School. I 
applaud the educators, students and communities in each of the San 
Diego County schools who pulled together in pursuit of educational 
excellence.
  Blue Ribbon Schools are recognized as some of the nation's most 
successful institutions, and they are exemplary models for achieving 
educational excellence throughout the nation. Not only have they 
demonstrated excellence in academic leadership, teaching and teacher 
development, and school curriculum, but they have demonstrated 
exceptional levels of community and parental involvement, high student 
achievement levels and strong safety and discipline.
  After schools are nominated by state education agencies for the Blue 
Ribbon award, they undergo a rigorous review of their programs, plans 
and activities. That is followed with visits by educational experts for 
evaluation. Ultimately, those schools which best demonstrate strong 
leadership, clear vision and mission, excellent teaching and 
curriculum, policies and practices that keep the schools safe for 
learning, family involvement and evidence of high standards are 
selected for this prestigious award. I am pleased that they are now 
receiving the national recognition they are due.
  As school and community leaders head to Washington for the Department 
of Education awards ceremony, I want to thank them once again for a job 
well done. More satisfying than any award, these leaders will have the 
lifelong satisfaction of having provided the best education possible 
and a better future for thousands of children. I am proud of what they

[[Page 18310]]

have achieved, and want to share their achievements so that more people 
benefit from their accomplishments. I ask that a summary of Rincon 
Middle School's superior work be included in the record:
  Rincon Middle School is located in the northeast part of Escondido 40 
miles north of San Diego. One of four middle schools in the Escondido 
Union School District, Rincon is surrounded by open fields and 
farmlands and has preserved its rural feel, despite its proximity to 
the city. The natural beauty of Rincon's setting creates a relaxed and 
secure environment that welcomes students and staff. Since its 
inception five years ago, Rincon has been building strong connections 
between parents, teachers, and students, as well as partnerships within 
the business community. Rincon students are respectful, eager learners 
who strive to meet the high standards set for them.
  Rincon's philosophy is that every student is a learner. The Rincon 
community values the social, physical, intellectual, and artistic 
development of all students. Portfolio Day, Americans on Display, 6th 
Grade Olympics, Living Historians, concerts, and art exhibits are some 
of the many traditions that foster the full development of the middle 
school student. These same activities unite parents and community with 
their school. Community involvement is important to Rincon. The 
students are emerging as service oriented young adults with a growing 
sense of community awareness. Students take part in many activities 
that foster a connection to their community such as: The Garden 
Project, School Buddy Readers, Park Clean-up Day, Peer Tutors, Natural 
Helpers, Guardian Angels, and student assistants for the severely 
handicapped. On Career Visitation Day Rincon students spend a day 
shadowing a professional and bring back experiences to share in their 
exploratory classes. Across the spectrum, students at Rincon experience 
a challenging curriculum appropriate to their academic level.

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