[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24114]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                CELEBRATING MADAWASKA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JOHN ELIAS BALDACCI

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 5, 2001

  Mr. BALDACCI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join 
me in congratulating Madawaska Elementary School in Madawaska, Maine, 
for being named a Blue Ribbon School. This is an incredible 
achievement, and one which the students and staff in Madawaska are 
celebrating this week.
  The Department of Education's Blue Ribbon Schools Award recognizes 
schools that are models of excellence and equity, schools that 
demonstrate a strong commitment to educational excellence for all 
students, and that achieve high academic standards or have shown 
significant academic improvement over five years. Madawaska Elementary 
School had met these high standards, earning a Blue Ribbon School 
Award.
  Madawaska Elementary School is truly a model to which others may look 
for inspiration. Principal Mary Lunney and the entire staff strive to 
create an environment where everyone is a learner--students, teachers, 
staff and the community. The school's mission statement says it all: 
``Our goal is to create a school system where student learning is 
optimized; where students achieve clearly stated and understood 
Learning Results; where we continually ask ourselves what will students 
know and be able to do and how will they demonstrate their knowledge 
and skills; and where the focus is on what the student is learning and 
success for all.'' The school strives to serve the whole child, paying 
careful attention to academics, physical fitness, co-curricular 
activities, and supportive services.
  Education is the foundation for our future. Quality education in 
Maine means a higher quality of life for all the people of the state. I 
am pleased that the Madawaska Elementary School has been recognized for 
its dedication to excellence and high standards. I know that they are 
extremely proud of their achievements, and I am pleased to have the 
opportunity to bring them to your attention.

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