[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15954]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING EAST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

  Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, today, I applaud East Elementary of the 
Jay School Corporation, Portland, IN, for being recognized as a 2014 
National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.
  Established in 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has 
recognized over 7,000 public and nonpublic schools that demonstrate a 
vision of educational excellence for all students, regardless of their 
social or economic background. Since its inception, this program has 
offered the opportunity for schools in every State to gain recognition 
for educational accomplishments in closing any achievement gaps among 
student groups.
  Recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department 
of Education is based on a school being identified as ``Exemplary High 
Performing''--schools that are ranked in the top 15 percent nationally 
in English and mathematics, measured by each State's assessment--or as 
``Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing''--where schools with at least 40 
percent of their student body coming from disadvantaged backgrounds are 
reducing the achievement gap in English and mathematics. East 
Elementary School has made great strides in these areas.
  East Elementary School inspires its students by fostering a positive 
environment both at school and in the community. Staff and students are 
committed to working toward combining knowledge with social and 
emotional support and by doing so lift up a student body that comes 
from a predominately economically challenging background. East 
Elementary School has consistently achieved both an A-rating and a Four 
Star designation from the Indiana Department of Education. The hard 
work and creativity of this school has helped to strengthen the 
Portland community and the future of Indiana.
  I would like to recognize principal Andy Schemenaur, the entire 
staff, and the student body. It undoubtedly took hard work and 
dedication to achieve this prestigious award.
  On behalf of the citizens of Indiana, I congratulate the East 
Elementary of the Jay School Corporation of Portland, and I wish them 
continued success in the future.

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