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October 5, 2005
 

Abercrombie congratulates Blue Ribbon Schools
 
Washington, DC -- Congressman Neil Abercrombie today congratulated three Hawaii public schools on being named Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education and said their achievement renewed his commitment to federal support for public schools.

 

Ali’iolani Elementary School, Hokulani Elementary School and Kahala Elementary School (all in Honolulu) were selected for the honor because of their “significant progress in closing the achievement gap” or because their “students achieve at very high levels,” according to the U.S. Department of Education.

 

In congratulatory messages to each school, Abercrombie said: 

Congratulations and best wishes to the faculty, staff and students at Ali`iolani Elementary School, Hokulani Elementary School and Kahala Elementary School upon being recognized by the U.S. Dept. of Education as “2005 No Child Left Behind (NCLB) - Blue Ribbon Schools.”  I join the State Department of Education, other schools throughout Hawaii and our community in applauding your commitment to excellence.  

Winning this award is “proof positive” that by working together, the faculty and staff

at Ali`iolani, Hokulani and Kahala Elementary are able to overcome many challenges to help students realize their potential and strive for a successful future. This recognition serves as an important reminder for policy makers of the rewards that can be realized by being steadfast in our advocacy for adequate funding and support of our public school system.   

Success of schools like Ali`iolani, Hokulani, and Kahala Elementary is made possible because of the long-term commitment and sacrifices of its educators, community, students and parents. Positive mentoring at each grade level also plays a key role in the students growing up to become successful members of society. 

 I’m confident that among the reasons why those schools were chosen as “Blue Ribbon Schools is because the adults on those campuses instill values such as the aloha spirit and the importance of making a difference in the lives of others.   

Again, congratulations to everyone at Ali`iolani, Hokulani and Kahala Elementary Schools upon being recognized as a “2005 No Child Left Behind - Blue Ribbon Schools” by the U.S. Dept. of Education. I wish you all continued success with future endeavors.

 Selection for the Blue Ribbon honor reflects student performance on standardized tests, administered in compliance with the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLBA).

 

The NCLBA, designed to improve public schools nationwide and establish performance accountability, was passed by Congress in 2001 and signed into law in January 2002.

 

Abercrombie voted for the bill, but subsequently has expressed disappointment in the reluctance of the Bush Administration and Congress to provide state and local school systems with federal funds to meet the NCLBA’s requirements.

 

According to an analysis prepared by the Democratic staff of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, federal funding has fallen $40.2 billion short of the amount needed to achieve the goals of the NCLBA since the law’s enactment in 2002 (www.edworkforce.house.gov/democrats/eseainfo).

 

Abercrombie has supported higher funding levels to help schools in Hawaii and other states achieve the goals of the NCLBA.

 

“When we passed No Child Left Behind we made a promise to students and teachers,” said Abercrombie.  “Our public schools need federal support to achieve the goals we set in the law.  The achievements at Ali’iolani, Hokulani and Kahala are extremely impressive, and they’ve renewed my commitment to full funding for NCLBA so all students can reach their full potential.”

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