[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 14441]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING HOPE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

  Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I am delighted to commend the Hope 
Elementary School of Hope, ME, on being named a 2012 National Blue 
Ribbon School of Excellence. This prestigious recognition of high 
accomplishment was bestowed by Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.
  Created in 1982, the Blue Ribbon Schools award is considered the 
highest honor an American school can obtain. Schools singled out for 
this national recognition reflect the goals of our Nation's education 
reforms for high standards and accountability. Specifically, the Blue 
Ribbon Schools Program is designed to honor public and private schools 
that are either academically superior in their States or that 
demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement.
  This award recognizes that Hope Elementary students achieve at the 
highest level academically. Hope Elementary School is a top-performing 
school on State-required assessments, and staff at the school use 
assessments throughout the academic year as a tool for improving and 
customizing instruction. The school works closely with families to 
forge a strong school community where students are connected and 
encouraged to pursue their interests.
  I applaud not only the students, but also the administrators, 
teachers, staff, and parents of Hope Elementary School. Together, they 
are succeeding in their mission to generate confidence and momentum for 
learning. They are making a difference in the lives of their students, 
helping them reach their full potential as independent, responsible 
learners and as engaged citizens.
  I am pleased that the U.S. Department of Education has selected Hope 
Elementary School for this well-deserved honor, and I congratulate the 
entire community for this outstanding achievement.

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