[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22080]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



      SALUTE TO UNION RIDGE SCHOOL, SELECTED A BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL

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                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 8, 2001

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding 
achievements of Union Ridge School, which was named a Blue Ribbon 
School, by the Department of Education's Blue Ribbon School Program. 
This year, Union Ridge was one of 223 public schools recognized by the 
program.
  Selection of Blue Ribbon Schools is based on a rigorous evaluation 
process. Schools are evaluated by the program's reviewers and by a 
thorough self-evaluation involving administrators, teachers, students, 
parents and community. This is a highly competitive program that 
recognizes schools that are making a major positive impact in their 
communities and in our country.
  Union Ridge School is a one-school elementary district in Harwood 
Heights, Illinois, with students ranging from pre-kindergarten through 
eighth grade. The school serves an urban, ``blue collar'' community and 
has established a long-standing tradition of setting high expectations 
for all learners. The school has implemented a variety of programs 
designed to promote diversified education, including formal bilingual 
and English as a Second Language programs.
  Union Ridge is a Blue Ribbon winner because it has realized its 
educational goals through the efforts of a creative and dedicated 
staff. Their innovative instruction combines engaged learning and 
challenging experiences for students of differing abilities and 
backgrounds. The school promotes awareness and a commitment to 
educational diversity.
  Union Ridge School has established itself as a centerpiece for 
learning. Its goals and priorities have been planned to be consistent 
with community values. Union Ridge is an example of what all schools 
across the country strive to do--to provide a quality, diversified 
education that enriches the lives of students and the surrounding 
community.
  I congratulate Union Ridge School, the 11 other Blue Ribbon winners 
in Illinois, and all the Blue Ribbon Schools in the country on their 
achievement. There is nothing more important than preparing young minds 
to create a better America. I commend Union Ridge School for its 
efforts toward that end.

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