[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 23]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 31318]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      COMMENDING RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT, GARY JONES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RODNEY ALEXANDER

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 9, 2009

  Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today with pride to commend 
Rapides Parish School District Superintendent, Gary Jones, for his 
contributions to local education, specifically his plans to launch 
Aiken cyberacademy this spring, which will revolutionize learning 
options available to our students.
  This virtual academy is modeled similarly to an online charter school 
in that it will be interactive and self-paced. Since students will be 
registered in the district system, Aiken will differ from online 
charter schools since students will be able to take other courses, as 
well as join extracurricular activities by attending a regular school.
  As our nation's educators continue to look for ways to improve and 
strengthen education in our country, I believe this is an innovative 
alternative for students who have not thrived in the traditional 
classroom. In addition, this plan will provide more choices for home-
schooled children.
  To keep our communities on the cutting edge of educational 
advancements, I am proud of Gary Jones for ensuring such a creative 
option is available to help prepare our students. Please join me in 
honoring him for his work on behalf of our young students.

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