[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 9708-9709]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING PIONEER MIDDLE SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. THOMAS M. REYNOLDS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 19, 2008

  Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today 
to honor a respected and rising school, which is setting the standard 
for education in western New York.
  Pioneer Middle School, a member of the Pioneer Central School 
District in Yorkshire, NY, has recently been recognized as one of the 
``Essential Elements: Schools to Watch''. Pioneer Middle School is 1 of 
only 2 schools in the State of New York to be recognized with this 
prestigious honor and 1 of only 47 schools recognized nationwide.
  The ``Essential Elements: Schools to Watch'' program was established 
to recognize and

[[Page 9709]]

publicize effective schools that are committed to academic excellence, 
social equity, developmental responsiveness, and strong organization, 
structure, and process.
  Pioneer Middle School's achievement should be applauded and is 
especially significant since the school was once identified as a 
``School in Need of Improvement'' by the New York State Department of 
Education in 2004. The school's quick turnaround and its vast 
improvement are a result of strong administrative leadership and the 
diligent work faculty and staff. Also the parents and most importantly, 
the students of Pioneer Middle School, deserve to be recognized for 
this outstanding accomplishment.
  Pioneer Middle School is not only a model for schools around western 
New York; it is a model for schools across the country, as well.
  Madam Speaker, in recognition of this school's tremendous improvement 
and its great recognition, I ask this honorable body to join me in 
honoring Pioneer Middle School, in grateful appreciation for its 
remarkable improvement and success as a top school in western New York.

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