[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9235]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



   IN HONOR OF THE TEACHERS, PARENTS, ADMINISTRATORS AND STUDENTS OF 
                       VALLEY VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL

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                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 24, 2000

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the parents, students, 
faculty, and staff whose dedication to excellence has earned Valley 
View Middle School, in my hometown of Simi Valley, California, 
recognition as a national Blue Ribbon School.
  Valley View Middle School is a shining example of what can happen 
when parents, teachers, and administrators collaborate on the best 
approaches for providing a quality education. Each year the school 
formulates a new motto. This school year it was ``Learn from the Past . 
. . Look to the Future.'' That motto says a lot about how the school 
has progressed over the past several years.
  The Northridge earthquake hit in 1994. Valley View is six miles from 
the epicenter. A month later, a student was stabbed to death at the 
school. From that physical and emotional devastation grew a renewed 
commitment to make the school safe for the students. It also inspired 
the Valley View community--parents, students, educators, and staff--to 
evaluate their situation and develop a vision for the future.
  They did it through IDEALS: Independence, Diligence, Exploration, 
Academics, Leadership, and Social Skills. In their words, IDEALS gave 
the Valley View community ``a common focus that builds unity in our 
efforts to provide the best possible learning opportunities for our 
students.''
  Valley View helps students understand the options available to them. 
It instills in them a sense that choices have consequences, and good 
choices lead to a good, productive life. Valley View strives for 
academic excellence in a safe, secure, and stimulating environment.
  Valley View's recognition as a Blue Ribbon School is but one small 
measure of their success. The more important measure is the students 
who leave the school with knowledge, confidence, and faith in their 
futures.
  Mr. Speaker, as our nation works in concert to better our education 
system, it would serve us well to study the successes of our Blue 
Ribbon Schools. They are the best of the best and a key to our future. 
Their creativity and response to their communities' needs prove what 
can be accomplished. I know my colleagues will join me in applauding 
Valley View Principal Jan Britz, her entire staff, and the parents and 
students of Valley View for striving for--and reaching--this level of 
excellence.

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