Celebrating Maine's Blue Ribbon Schools
One of my favorite things to do as a U.S. Senator is to visit students in schools throughout the state of Maine. I have visited more than 175 schools since I came to the United States Senate in 1997, and each visit is a wonderful opportunity to visit with outstanding students, dedicated teachers and administrators, and parents. Visiting schools also gives me the opportunity to share with students the joy of reading, to answer their questions about what it’s like to be a Senator, and to encourage them to pursue their dreams.
During the past month, I visited the James Doughty School in Bangor and the Kennebunkport Consolidated School, which were recently recognized as national “Blue Ribbon Schools” by the U.S. Department of Education. The Blue Ribbon Schools award, created in 1982, is considered the highest honor an American school can obtain. Schools singled out for this national honor reflect the goals of our nation's education reforms for high standards and accountability. Specifically, the Blue Ribbon Schools program is designed to honor schools that are either academically superior in their states or that demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement.
At the James Doughty School in Bangor, I gave a PowerPoint presentation to more than 100 sixth graders about my service as a U.S. Senator. I talked with them about the life of a Senator in Washington -- debating and voting on legislation, the busy schedule of meetings with constituents and colleagues, and holding hearings on important issues. I also shared stories about people I’ve met and places I’ve traveled, and answered students’ questions. They were well prepared, thoughtful, and knowledgeable. I then joined the entire school for a special assembly, where I presented an official, framed copy of the Congressional Record statement I wrote congratulating the school for achieving “Blue Ribbon” status.
Kennebunkport Consolidated School, another “Blue Ribbon” winner, is also a “Green School” that teaches students about recycling, composting, and alternative energy sources through its innovative “Go Green” curriculum. During my visit, I learned about the school’s programs for special needs students and its new “Smart” technology for second graders.
When I entered the gymnasium to begin my slideshow presentation, the entire student body -- all dressed in blue -- had gathered and began to sing the school song. It was an inspiring experience to see such enthusiasm and school pride, and I was delighted to recognize these students for their achievements.
The James Doughty School in Bangor and the Kennebunkport Consolidated School are both examples of what schools can achieve through hard work and a commitment to excellence shared by students, teachers, the principal and administrators, school board members, and involved parents – in short, the whole community. Together, they have built a quality, caring and supportive educational environment. These schools are making a positive difference in the lives of their students, helping them reach their full potential as independent, responsible learners who will grow up to become the leaders of tomorrow.
During the past month, I visited the James Doughty School in Bangor and the Kennebunkport Consolidated School, which were recently recognized as national “Blue Ribbon Schools” by the U.S. Department of Education. The Blue Ribbon Schools award, created in 1982, is considered the highest honor an American school can obtain. Schools singled out for this national honor reflect the goals of our nation's education reforms for high standards and accountability. Specifically, the Blue Ribbon Schools program is designed to honor schools that are either academically superior in their states or that demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement.
At the James Doughty School in Bangor, I gave a PowerPoint presentation to more than 100 sixth graders about my service as a U.S. Senator. I talked with them about the life of a Senator in Washington -- debating and voting on legislation, the busy schedule of meetings with constituents and colleagues, and holding hearings on important issues. I also shared stories about people I’ve met and places I’ve traveled, and answered students’ questions. They were well prepared, thoughtful, and knowledgeable. I then joined the entire school for a special assembly, where I presented an official, framed copy of the Congressional Record statement I wrote congratulating the school for achieving “Blue Ribbon” status.
Kennebunkport Consolidated School, another “Blue Ribbon” winner, is also a “Green School” that teaches students about recycling, composting, and alternative energy sources through its innovative “Go Green” curriculum. During my visit, I learned about the school’s programs for special needs students and its new “Smart” technology for second graders.
When I entered the gymnasium to begin my slideshow presentation, the entire student body -- all dressed in blue -- had gathered and began to sing the school song. It was an inspiring experience to see such enthusiasm and school pride, and I was delighted to recognize these students for their achievements.
The James Doughty School in Bangor and the Kennebunkport Consolidated School are both examples of what schools can achieve through hard work and a commitment to excellence shared by students, teachers, the principal and administrators, school board members, and involved parents – in short, the whole community. Together, they have built a quality, caring and supportive educational environment. These schools are making a positive difference in the lives of their students, helping them reach their full potential as independent, responsible learners who will grow up to become the leaders of tomorrow.
