[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23906]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


  A TRIBUTE TO THE TEACHERS, PARENTS, ADMINISTRATORS AND STUDENTS OF 
                           POINSETTIA SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 1, 2003

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the parents, students, 
faculty and staff whose dedication to excellence has earned Poinsettia 
School in Ventura, California, recognition as a National Blue Ribbon 
school.
  The National Blue Ribbon award honors excellence in leadership, 
teaching, curriculum, student achievement and parental involvement. 
Poinsettia School and two other schools in my district--Brookside 
School in Oak Park and Pinecrest School in Thousand Oaks--were 
recognized this year for being among the top 10 percent of schools in 
California in terms of student achievement.
  Mr. Speaker, Poinsettia School is an elementary school and is a model 
for the limitless educational potential when parents are involved in 
their children's education. More than 75 percent of the parents 
volunteer at the school. A new computer lab was funded by parental 
donations. Parental donations also pay for what is often considered 
``extras'' at schools these days: a librarian, and music, art and 
physical education instructors.
  Poinsettia parents recognize what President George W. Bush said about 
the importance of a full education: ``From music and dance to painting 
and sculpting, the arts allow us to explore new worlds and to view life 
from another perspective. They also encourage individuals to sharpen 
their skills and abilities and to nurture their imagination and 
intellect.''
  Of course, when teachers and administrators see parents energized 
about their children's education, it energizes them as well.
  I am a product of the public school system, and I put my four 
children through Ventura County's public schools. One of my children is 
now a public school teacher. I am acutely aware that the most important 
tool we can give our children is a good education. Our students are the 
elected officials, businessmen, artists, scientists, parents and 
teachers of tomorrow.
  Mr. Speaker, as our nation works in concert to better our education 
system, it would serve us well to study the successes of our National 
Blue Ribbon schools. They are the best of the best and a key to our 
future. I know my colleagues will join me in applauding Poinsettia 
Principal Cynthia Dillon, her entire staff, and the parents and 
students of Poinsettia for raising the bar and setting a strong example 
for others to follow.

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