[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 1526]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO WATSON WILLIAMS

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                         HON. MICHAEL A. ARCURI

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 22, 2010

  Mr. ARCURI. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise 
today in honor of Watson Williams Elementary School, which is located 
in my Congressional District in upstate New York.
  Historically, the overwhelming majority of students enter 
kindergarten at Watson Williams Elementary School with a delay for 
cognitive development as measured by standardized screening tools. 
Watson Williams Elementary School also experiences a 96 percent poverty 
rating for its students.
  In recent years, during the tenure of Principal Henry Frasca, which 
lasted from September 2002 through June 2008, Watson Williams 
Elementary School has received national recognition for student 
achievement, despite facing these difficult obstacles.
  Due to Principal Frasca's extraordinary leadership, and the 
commitment and dedication of his staff, Watson Williams Elementary 
School was named a No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon School of 
Excellence in 2006 and a Magnet School of Excellence in 2008. Most 
recently, Watson Williams Elementary School was a recipient of the 
Title I School of Distinction for 2009 which was based on student 
achievement during the school years of 2006-2007 and 2007-2008.
  Principal Frasca attributes the high level of student achievement 
during his tenure at Watson Williams Elementary School to the concerted 
efforts of parents, students, teachers, staff and administration.
  Madam Speaker, I call on my colleagues to join me in recognizing 
Watson Williams Elementary School for defying the odds, and 
establishing itself as a model of hope and success for all struggling 
schools throughout our country.

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