Recognizing Mary Snow Elementary School

Floor Speech

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Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I am delighted to commend Mary Snow Elementary School in Bangor, ME, on being named a 2019 National Blue Ribbon Exemplary High Performing School. Serving 240 students in the fourth and fifth grades, this outstanding school is one of only 367 schools across the country this year 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 a tradition of quality education in Bangor. Last year, the pre-kindergarten through third grade Fruit Street Elementary School, which sends students to Mary Snow, was recognized as a Blue Ribbon School.

Although students attend Mary Snow School for only 2 years, teachers and staff strive to build positive relationships with students and their families and create a welcoming atmosphere. The school involves families by hosting 10 events each year that encourage parents and guardians to become involved in their child's education.

The Bangor School Department's mission is ``Academic Excellence for All.'' At Mary Snow, students are encouraged to develop their full potential. The core curriculum of language arts, math, science, and social studies is rigorous, yet provides the flexibility for individual students to learn at their own pace.

Mary Snow is committed to helping students pursue their interests and to discover new ones. Strong visual and performing arts programs encourage creativity. Physical education encourages healthy lifestyles. Technology is integrated into the classroom so that students develop the skills to succeed in the 21st century economy.

Faculty, parents, and community members are committed to both academic excellence and each child's social, emotional, and physical health. Faculty work to ensure a safe and secure learning environment and to develop strong and collaborative relationships with parents and community members. An active parent-teacher organization supports enriching educational activities and promotes excellence and innovation by funding special projects and initiatives.

I applaud the administrators, teachers, staff, and parents of Mary Snow Elementary School. Together, they are succeeding in their mission to build students' confidence and generate momentum for learning. I am pleased that the U.S. Department of Education has selected Mary Snow Elementary School for this well-deserved honor, and I congratulate the entire school community for this outstanding achievement.

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