[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18022]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING TARPON SPRINGS FUNDAMENTAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 2010

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Tarpon Springs 
Fundamental Elementary on its 30th Anniversary. While Pinellas County 
is home to many excellent schools, Tarpon Springs Fundamental brings a 
special quality of a back-to-basics focus to its students.
  The school's focus emphasizes student responsibility, structure, and 
academic success. This focus extends to parents as well with mandatory 
parental involvement in parent-teacher conferences and meetings. 
However, their involvement stems much further than what is required. 
Many parents can also be seen volunteering throughout the campus 
tutoring, mentoring, helping with daily classroom activities, or 
enjoying lunch with their child.
  Tarpon Springs Fundamental is one of the smallest schools in Pinellas 
County, so in conjunction with its highly structured curriculum model, 
it fosters a familiar, tight-knit atmosphere. The staff and families 
are able to know one another on a personal basis, providing the 
foundation for educators and parents to work as a team to promote 
strong academic skills and values.
  It is truly my honor to recognize Tarpon Springs Fundamental 
Elementary School as they celebrate their 30th anniversary. I look 
forward to watching the school continue to develop generation after 
generation of young minds with the core principals it has thrived on 
for so long.

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