[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 11] [Senate] [Page 15452] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]LOWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, DULUTH, MINNESOTA Mr. DAYTON. Mr. President, today I honor Lowell Elementary School, in Duluth, MN, which recently earned an Award for Excellence in Education for its exceptional and innovative achievements in educating children. Lowell Elementary School, a music magnet school, is truly a model of educational success. In addition to a well-rounded learning experience, the school offers an exceptional music curriculum, including a choir at each grade level--kindergarten through fifth grade--piano instruction for second, third, and fourth-grade pupils, string instrument lessons for third through fifth grades, and band instruction for grades four and five. Lowell Elementary School's success is reflected in its popularity within the Duluth community. There are 127 students on a waiting list for enrollment in Lowell, including children for future kindergarten enrollment. An English language learner program is housed in the building, serving 33 to 38 students per year from 10 different countries. A 21st Century Program, which involves a partnership between Lowell and the YMCA, provides on-site daily mentoring and tutoring services after school until 6:00 p.m., for pupils in grades K through 5. Parents further attest to Lowell's success. Joan Lancour states: My child has attended Lowell for the past three years. During this time, my child, Chris, has received extra help from all staff that he never received at other schools. The staff have helped him to gain confidence through the music program . . . Over these past three years I have seen him take strides to become an independent student through the excellent training of Lowell staff and administrators. Another mother, Sue Wright, adds: We feel very fortunate to have the enrichment of music in our children's education. The benefits of the extra music opportunities have shown in their academic success. Lowell is a positive school with very dedicated students, staff and parents. It has been a wonderful place for my family to begin a lifelong education. Much of the credit for Lowell Elementary School's success belongs to its principal, Monte Wittman, and to the dedicated teachers. The pupils and staff at Lowell Elementary School understand that in order to be successful a school must go beyond achieving academic success; it must also provide a nurturing environment where students can develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes for success throughout life. All of the faculty, staff, and pupils at Lowell Elementary School should be very proud of their accomplishments. I congratulate Lowell Elementary School in Duluth for winning the Award for Excellence in Education and for its exceptional contributions to education in Minnesota. ____________________