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[Pages S6070-S6071]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING POND COVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I am delighted to commend Pond Cove
Elementary School of Cape Elizabeth, ME, on being named a 2020 National
Blue Ribbon Exemplary High Performing School. This outstanding school
is one of only 367 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.
This prestigious designation continues Cape Elizabeth's tradition of
quality education. Last year, Cape Elizabeth High School was awarded
its second Blue Ribbon. Many high school and middle school students
serve as volunteer mentors for elementary pupils, making a strong and
positive impact on young learners.
Pond Cove serves 530 pupils from kindergarten through the fourth
grade. This award recognizes the hard work and determination of
students, 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.
Pond Cove excels as a school built on a foundation of the school
district's values of community, academics, passion, and ethics. Through
a unique tradition of adding links to a paper chain
[[Page S6071]]
throughout the school, teachers and staff recognize students who
demonstrate those values, instilling a sense of individual and school
pride.
In addition to a rigorous core curriculum and a focus on world
languages, the school is known for its extensive extracurricular
activities in academics, athletics, and the arts, and students are
encouraged to pursue their interests. A comprehensive health and
wellness program emphasizes good nutrition, physical activity, and
stress management. The schoolwide peacemakers curriculum helps students
develop the skills to work collaboratively and to respect others.
Students learn the value of community service through a variety of
opportunities, such as supporting the local food pantry and connecting
with senior citizens.
Family and community support is one of the school's greatest assets.
The Pond Cove Parents Association and other community organizations
provide supplemental funding and resources. Just last year, parents,
staff members, and local businesses joined together to create a new
playground and outdoor learning center with outdoor classrooms,
vegetable gardens, and nature observation areas.
This Blue Ribbon Award is a tribute not only to the students, but
also to the administrators, teachers, staff, and parents of Pond Cove
Elementary 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 Cape Elizabeth community for this well-deserved
recognition.
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