In Recognition of Julia Bancroft Elementary School

Floor Speech

Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the accomplishments of Julia Bancroft Elementary School.

Julia Bancroft Elementary School, located in Auburn, Massachusetts, was recently named a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Julia Bancroft prides itself on the ability to prepare its students to succeed in a dynamic and fast-paced world. With a student body of approximately 285 third through fifth graders, Julia Bancroft Elementary focuses on its students at an individual level. Under the leadership of Principal Susan M. Lopez, teachers and staff have worked tirelessly to create a rigorous yet inviting environment where students are valued and differences are celebrated. The Julia Bancroft pledge, ``I believe, I will achieve, and I will succeed,'' encompasses Julia Bancroft Elementary School's tenets to help each student reach their potential.

To encourage students to become leaders and give back to their community, Julia Bancroft Elementary promotes numerous Community Service Learning Projects. Through fundraising, volunteer work, and reading programs, these projects have instilled in the students the importance of ``giving back.'' Other programs that contribute to student development while simultaneously benefiting the community include the Inventors' Fair, Turkey Trot, C.A.R.E. program, Literacy Night, Math Night, annual Community Reading Day, the Festival of the Arts, and various food drives.

Additionally, Julia Bancroft Elementary has strived to close academic gaps between students. Through the implementation of planned Intervention Blocks, Professional Learning Community discussions, and consistent differentiated instruction, teachers have targeted high-achievers and developed specific targeted instruction. This has resulted in the closing of gaps in the low income and special needs subgroups.

None of this would be possible without the talented educators and staff members of Julia Bancroft Elementary School. Principal Susan M. Lopez has demonstrated a deep passion for the success of her students, as well as a commitment to creating a warm and welcoming learning environment. The tireless efforts of educators and staff at Julia Bancroft Elementary School have earned them the ``Level I School'' status for the past two years.

I'm so proud to represent the faculty, students, and staff of Julia Bancroft Elementary School, and I cannot wait to hear about their future successes. I ask you to join me in congratulating Julia Bancroft Elementary School for being selected as a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School.

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