[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15680]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               IN CELEBRATION OF EAST SIDE CHARTER SCHOOL

 Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the East 
Side Charter School in Wilmington, DE. Five years after opening their 
doors to some of the State's most economically and educationally 
disadvantaged children, they have amassed a record of meeting and 
exceeding expectations. The achievement gap is narrowing in the First 
State, and the East Side Charter School is leading the way.
  Located in the middle of what is called the projects, in properties 
managed by the Wilmington Housing Authority on the east side of 
Wilmington, East Side Charter School is home to low-income students in 
grades K-3 who face unique challenges.
  Over 80 percent of the students at East Side Charter School live in 
poverty. Most of the children live with only one parent, few of whom 
completed any college education. Many live in neighborhoods with high 
incidence of violence and crime, and some are without proper nutrition 
and health care.
  But at this school, kids can come early and stay late. They have a 
longer school year. They wear school uniforms. Parents sign something 
akin to a contract of mutual responsibility. Teachers and 
administrators are given freer reign to innovate and initiate. The 
attendance rate is nearly perfect. Parents are given a better chance to 
help children fulfill their potential.
  At this school the halls are filled with talented faculty, skilled 
supervisors, and dedicated staff. Principal Will Robinson challenges 
students and empowers them to meet those challenges.
  When the East Side Charter School started 5 years ago, the odds were 
stacked against its success. The school has flourished though, in spite 
of the daunting statistics. One of almost 200 public schools in the 
State of Delaware, from the wealthiest to those struggling the most, 
East Side Charter School was the only one in the last few years where 
every student tested met or exceeded our State's standards in math.
  As Governor of Delaware, and now as Senator, I have shared with 
people across America the story of East Side's incredible success. I 
tell them about the teachers like Barbara Juraco, who daily demonstrate 
unparalleled commitment and patience, the support staff that's there 
when needed, the students who again and again exceed expectations, and 
the parents and family members who understand they have an obligation 
to be full partners in the education of their children. Together, they 
serve as an inspiration and an example to communities across the 
country.
  Delaware is a small State, but we are building a growing record of 
achievement in public school education. Statewide, scores have again 
increased in all grades and across ethnic lines for reading and math, 
proving that we are closing the achievement gap.
  Much of what we have accomplished in Delaware, and at the East Side 
Charter School, serves as a model for our Nation.
  I rise today to offer my full support as future generations of 
students and educators at East Side Charter School ready to face the 
challenges of the 21st century and overcome them.

                          ____________________