By Gutierrez                                           H.R. No. 968
       74R12150 PFG-D
                                  R E S O L U T I O N
    1-1        WHEREAS, Sharon Christa McAuliffe Elementary School has
    1-2  achieved outstanding success with its participation as a Mentor
    1-3  School, one of an elite group of public schools chosen for a
    1-4  leadership role in the state Mentor School Network by the Texas
    1-5  Education Agency; and
    1-6        WHEREAS, Founded in 1993, the Mentor School Network strives
    1-7  to enhance the quality of education in our state by creating a
    1-8  cadre of exceptional and innovative schools that other schools can
    1-9  turn to for guidance, training, and staff development and to share
   1-10  new ideas and programs; an immediate success, the network now
   1-11  includes more than 2,000 schools statewide and has won widespread
   1-12  acclaim at both the state and national levels; and
   1-13        WHEREAS, Named for the first teacher to serve as an astronaut
   1-14  in America's space program, Sharon Christa McAuliffe Elementary
   1-15  School first opened its doors in McAllen in 1986 and has received
   1-16  high marks from educators, parents, and the community for its low
   1-17  student/teacher ratio, high daily attendance, and impressive zero
   1-18  percent student retention rate; and
   1-19        WHEREAS, The school's students participate in a variety of
   1-20  activities that stress fundamental skills and that fully engage
   1-21  their critical and creative thinking abilities, such as working in
   1-22  the computer lab, journal writing, learning "Math Their Way," peer
   1-23  tutoring, Book Buddies, and viewing a special laser disc that
   1-24  introduces inquisitive young minds to the wonders of science; and
    2-1        WHEREAS, Teachers take part in a program of ongoing
    2-2  professional development in which they polish their basic skills
    2-3  and become familiar with new teaching methods and technology,
    2-4  efforts that have produced tangible results in the classroom as
    2-5  well as favorable feedback from parents, colleagues, and the
    2-6  greater community; and
    2-7        WHEREAS, This exemplary school owes much of its success to
    2-8  principal Joanetta Ellis who has provided expert direction to the
    2-9  school's talented faculty and staff and has enlisted the support of
   2-10  parents, community volunteers, and The University of Texas--Pan
   2-11  American to help with the school's Call-In Parent Access Line,
   2-12  guest speaker program, and educational field experiences, as well
   2-13  as other enriching activities; and
   2-14        WHEREAS, The participation of Sharon Christa McAuliffe
   2-15  Elementary School as a Mentor School in the state network has been
   2-16  a rewarding experience for the school's dedicated employees, as
   2-17  well as the staff of the McAllen Independent School District;  the
   2-18  school is one of four Mentor Schools in the McAllen area to receive
   2-19  this prestigious  designation, a truly noteworthy achievement that
   2-20  is a source of great pride for local citizens; and
   2-21        WHEREAS, A sparkling example of excellence in education,
   2-22  Sharon Christa McAuliffe Elementary School is helping to shape
   2-23  tomorrow's leaders with pride and determination and indeed merits
   2-24  our highest praise and recognition for its many contributions as a
   2-25  member of the Mentor School Network; now, therefore, be it
   2-26        RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas
   2-27  Legislature hereby commend Sharon Christa McAuliffe Elementary
    3-1  School for its exceptional participation in the state Mentor School
    3-2  Network and extend best wishes to the school's faculty, staff,
    3-3  parents, and students for their continued success with this
    3-4  worthwhile program; and, be it further
    3-5        RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
    3-6  prepared for prominent display at Sharon Christa McAuliffe
    3-7  Elementary School as an expression of highest regard by the Texas
    3-8  House of Representatives.