[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15625]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           IN RECOGNITION OF JULIA BANCROFT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 12, 2014

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues in the 
U.S. House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the 
accomplishments of Julia Bancroft Elementary School.
  Julia Bancroft Elementary School, located in Auburn, Massachusetts, 
was recently named a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. 
Department of Education. Julia Bancroft prides itself on the ability to 
prepare its students to succeed in a dynamic and fast-paced world. With 
a student body of approximately 285 third through fifth graders, Julia 
Bancroft Elementary focuses on its students at an individual level. 
Under the leadership of Principal Susan M. Lopez, teachers and staff 
have worked tirelessly to create a rigorous yet inviting environment 
where students are valued and differences are celebrated. The Julia 
Bancroft pledge, ``I believe, I will achieve, and I will succeed,'' 
encompasses Julia Bancroft Elementary School's tenets to help each 
student reach their potential.
  To encourage students to become leaders and give back to their 
community, Julia Bancroft Elementary promotes numerous Community 
Service Learning Projects. Through fundraising, volunteer work, and 
reading programs, these projects have instilled in the students the 
importance of ``giving back.'' Other programs that contribute to 
student development while simultaneously benefiting the community 
include the Inventors' Fair, Turkey Trot, C.A.R.E. program, Literacy 
Night, Math Night, annual Community Reading Day, the Festival of the 
Arts, and various food drives.
  Additionally, Julia Bancroft Elementary has strived to close academic 
gaps between students. Through the implementation of planned 
Intervention Blocks, Professional Learning Community discussions, and 
consistent differentiated instruction, teachers have targeted high-
achievers and developed specific targeted instruction. This has 
resulted in the closing of gaps in the low income and special needs 
subgroups.
  None of this would be possible without the talented educators and 
staff members of Julia Bancroft Elementary School. Principal Susan M. 
Lopez has demonstrated a deep passion for the success of her students, 
as well as a commitment to creating a warm and welcoming learning 
environment. The tireless efforts of educators and staff at Julia 
Bancroft Elementary School have earned them the ``Level I School'' 
status for the past two years.
  I'm so proud to represent the faculty, students, and staff of Julia 
Bancroft Elementary School, and I cannot wait to hear about their 
future successes. I ask you to join me in congratulating Julia Bancroft 
Elementary School for being selected as a 2014 National Blue Ribbon 
School.

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