[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 18] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 24112-24113] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]CLEMENT J. ZABLOCKI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IS DESIGNATED AS A 2004 BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL ______ HON. GERALD D. KLECZKA of wisconsin in the house of representatives Thursday, November 18, 2004 Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I acknowledge the outstanding achievements of the children, parents, teachers, and principal at the Clement J. Zablocki Elementary School. The designation of a 2004 No Child Left Behind--Blue Ribbon Award honors only those schools that have successfully achieved excellence in academics and have closed the achievement gap in academic proficiency for all of their students. The designation of the Clement J. Zablocki Elementary School is particularly meaningful to me because it is named for the former Congressman Clement J. Zablocki who was my predecessor in the U.S. Congress, and an effective and beloved representative who served the citizens of Milwaukee's south side for many years. It is evident that the principles of accountability, focusing on what works, increased flexibility, reduction of bureaucracy and the empowerment of parents, has been successfully integrated into the daily philosophy of the Zablocki Elementary School. Under the outstanding leadership of Dr. Patricia Walia this school has not only achieved academic excellence for the students, but has initiated innovative and creative ways of having the children of Zablocki Elementary School involved with community organizations, agencies and businesses that have enriched their lives and broadened their view of the community and world. Dr. Walia has successfully established bonds between her staff, parents and the community that support all of the goals of the school. The Clement J. Zablocki Elementary School is only the 5th elementary school in the Milwaukee Public Schools system to be designated as a Blue Ribbon school since 1982. This is an extraordinary and remarkable achievement. I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in paying tribute to the children, teachers, and principal at the Clement J. Zablocki Elementary School and commend their efforts in providing a standard of excellence in the field of education. [[Page 24113]] ____________________