[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 14]
[Senate]
[Pages 19578-19579]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING FARMERSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

  Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, today I wish to applaud Farmersville 
Elementary School of Mount Vernon, IN, for being recognized as a 2015 
National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.
  Established in 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has 
recognized over 7,500 public and nonpublic schools that have 
demonstrated 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 the 
achievement gaps among student groups.
  Farmersville Elementary School continues to be one of the best 
performing schools in the State of Indiana. It has been named an 
Indiana Four Star School multiple times.
  In 2014, Farmersville Elementary School's ISTEP+ pass rate for 
English/Language Arts scores increased by more than 5 percent to 99 
percent. Mathematics scores increased to approximately 97 percent and 
above for third through fifth grades.
  Farmersville Elementary School's effectiveness can be found in its 
holistic approach and dedication to student achievement. Farmersville 
staff and students' families work together to teach and instill values 
that develop strong character including responsibility, goal setting, 
commitment, and communication. With some of the highest English and 
mathematics scores in Indiana, Farmersville Elementary School is a 
stellar example of the benefits that result from dedication, 
motivation, collaboration, and family partnership in education.
  I would like to acknowledge Farmersville Elementary School principal 
Dr. Elizabeth Johns, the entire staff, the student body, and their 
families. The effort, dedication, and value you put into education led 
not only to this prestigious recognition, but will benefit you and our 
communities well into the future.

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  On behalf of the citizens of Indiana, I congratulate Farmersville 
Elementary School, and I wish the students and staff continued success 
in the future.

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