[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 14285]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING REEDS BROOK MIDDLE SCHOOL

  Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I am delighted to commend Reeds Brook 
Middle School of Hampden, ME, on being named a 2016 National Blue 
Ribbon School of Excellence. This outstanding middle school is one of 
only 329 schools across the country to receive Blue Ribbon recognition 
from the U.S. Department of Education.
  Created in 1982, the Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and 
private schools that are either academically superior in their States 
or that demonstrate significant gains in student achievement. The 
schools singled out for this national recognition are models of high 
educational standards and accountability.
  The Blue Ribbon designation continues Reeds Brook's tradition of 
quality education. In 1997, just 2 years after it opened, the school 
became just one of five middle schools in Maine to be accredited by the 
New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Today, after earning 
reaccreditation in 2007, Reeds Brook Middle School is one of just three 
Maine middle schools to achieve that distinction.
  This award recognizes the hard work and determination of Reeds Brook 
Middle School's pupils, teachers, and staff. It is a top-performing 
school on State-required assessments, and educators at the school use 
assessments throughout the academic year as a tool for improving and 
customizing instruction. A strong commitment to professional 
development ensures that teachers and staff, as well as students, are 
lifelong learners.
  Reeds Brook excels as a school built on a foundation of 
responsibility, respect, honesty, and compassion. Through a unique 
weekly trading card program, teachers and staff recognize students who 
demonstrate those values, instilling a sense of individual and school 
pride.
  Reeds Brook Middle School is known for its extensive extracurricular 
activities in academics, athletics, and the arts, and students are 
encouraged to pursue their interests. An on-site garden and greenhouse 
promote volunteerism throughout the community. Students serve their 
community by working with the local food pantry and recycling center.
  Two projects underscore the values that guide Reeds Brook Middle 
School. Students avidly support the Special Olympics, championing and 
cheering not just their team, but also athletes from other schools. 
Through an ongoing project, students meet with and interview local 
veterans, preserving the veterans' living histories and honoring their 
service.
  This Blue Ribbon award is a tribute not only to the students, but 
also to the administrators, teachers, staff, and parents of Reeds Brook 
Middle School. Together, they are succeeding in their mission to 
generate excitement 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 citizens. I 
congratulate the entire Hampden community for this well-deserved 
recognition.

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