[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 14515]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING WEST CLAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OF CARMEL, INDIANA

  Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, today, I wish to recognize West Clay 
Elementary School of Carmel, 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.
  West Clay Elementary opened in August 2006, with a mission to provide 
opportunities for all students to realize their potential. Every year 
since its inception, West Clay has been named an Indiana Four-Star 
School based upon high achievement results on standardized tests.
  West Clay strives to provide a quality education to students through 
the tireless work of its dedicated staff, who serve in various 
leadership roles, such as school committee chairs. West Clay's mindset 
is on constantly striving to improve through reflection and staff 
development.
  West Clay students, parents, and staff work closely together to give 
back to the community through philanthropic initiatives led by the 
parent teacher organization, PTO, and student government. Their efforts 
support organizations such as Riley Children's Hospital, the American 
Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association, the Humane 
Society, and Gleaner's Food Bank. Over the last decade, the students 
and staff of West Clay have helped raise over $60,000 which resulted in 
the donation of countless supplies to local organizations.
  West Clay works to provide students with a positive learning 
environment to support their social, emotional, and academic needs. For 
example, West Clay has many student support services, including an 
instructional coach, who partners with staff to develop appropriate 
programs that will enhance student learning and will ensure that 
students are challenged, while at the same time supported in an effort 
to enable students to reach their potential. These staff members play 
an integral part in determining student learning needs through 
analyzing data and gauging students' interests.
  I am proud to recognize West Clay Elementary School principal 
Jennifer Szuhaj, 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 Carmel community well into the future.
  On behalf of the citizens of Indiana, I congratulate West Clay 
Elementary School, and I wish the students and staff continued success 
in the future.

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