[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8987]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



 HONORING SHARON CHRISTA McAULIFFE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL IN SAN ANTONIO, 
                                 TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CHARLES A. GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 23, 2000

  Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I offer my sincerest congratulations 
to Sharon Christa McAuliffe Junior School in San Antonio, TX, upon the 
notification of their receipt of the Blue Ribbon School Award.
  Schools are awarded the Blue Ribbon School Award based on their 
performance in regards to several criteria, including: student focus 
and support; active teaching and learning; school organization and 
culture; challenging standard and curriculum; professional community; 
leadership and educational vitality; school, family, and community 
partnerships; and indicators of success.
  Sharon Christa McAuliffe Junior High is among eight schools in San 
Antonio and 198 schools nationally, all of which excelled in these 
areas and were rewarded with the Blue Ribbon School Award from the 
United States Department of Education.
  To receive consideration for this prestigious award, schools must be 
recommended for national recognition by their individual state 
department of education or sponsoring agency. Nominations are then 
evaluated by a National Review Panel including the Department of 
Education, the Department of Defense, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the 
Council for America Private Education and a select group of educators 
from around the country. The Secretary of Education then makes a final 
determination based on the recommendations of this panel.
  In receiving this special recognition, I believe that Sharon Christa 
McAuliffe Junior High will inspire others to provide the level of 
quality education that this Blue Ribbon School Award merits. I am proud 
to represent a district and hail from a state that has clearly placed 
an emphasis on the education of our children.

                          ____________________