[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 14513]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING BROWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OF BROWNSBURG, INDIANA

  Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Brown 
Elementary School of Brownsburg, IN, for being named a 2016 National 
Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.
  Established in 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has 
recognized 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 
students.
  Opened in 1997, Brown Elementary School currently serves 680 
students. Brown Elementary School prides itself on having a welcoming 
environment for students and various programs like Learning Lab, which 
provides students struggling academically with extra support in reading 
and math in a small group setting.
  Brown Elementary School's effectiveness can be found, in part, in its 
willingness to meet the educational needs of each individual student. 
The school began implementing the professional learning communities 
model during the 2011-2012 school year, which allows teachers to work 
on target areas to improve students' performance, contributing to their 
academic success. This interactive model allows teachers to share 
resources and ask questions to ensure the curriculum is being met 
across grade levels.
  Brown Elementary School also benefits from the parent support group, 
which takes an active part in enhancing student learning and 
achievement. Through the group, approximately 15 to 40 parent 
volunteers come to school daily to help support the efforts by teachers 
and assist with student learning.
  I am proud to recognize Brown Elementary School principal Dr. Casey 
Smitherman, the entire staff, the student body, and their families. The 
effort, dedication, and value you put into education has led not only 
to this prestigious recognition, but will benefit you and the 
Brownsburg community well into the future.
  On behalf of the citizens of Indiana, I congratulate Brown Elementary 
School, and I wish the students and staff continued success in the 
future.

                          ____________________