[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 178 (Monday, October 19, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S6070]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING MARY SNOW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

  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.

                          ____________________