By Farabee H.R. No. 955 77R15179 MJS-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, Kirby Junior High School, a math-science-technology 1-2 magnet school in Wichita Falls, received the coveted Ronald P. 1-3 Simpson Award at the 19th International Conference on Magnet 1-4 Schools, recognizing it as the top magnet school in the United 1-5 States; and 1-6 WHEREAS, The sterling accomplishment marks the second time in 1-7 the three years since the award was originated that a magnet school 1-8 from the Wichita Falls area has earned this notable distinction; 1-9 and 1-10 WHEREAS, Established in 1992, Kirby was selected as the best 1-11 magnet from a field of 124 schools for its success in such 1-12 important areas as academic achievement, program innovation, 1-13 parental involvement, staff development, and the reduction of 1-14 racial isolation; and 1-15 WHEREAS, Under the leadership of Magnet Coordinator Loisanne 1-16 Neal and Principal Diann Taylor, Kirby is continuing to meet the 1-17 diverse needs of its students; the school features a challenging 1-18 curriculum and offers innovative science and math programs, 1-19 creating a rewarding and enriching learning environment; and 1-20 WHEREAS, Technology is also woven throughout all of the 1-21 course work and has allowed students the opportunity to use clay 1-22 animation, virtual reality, Power Point presentations, slide shows, 1-23 spreadsheets, and other high-tech special effects for school 1-24 projects; and 2-1 WHEREAS, Providing young Texans with an excellent education 2-2 is crucial to our state's vitality; Kirby is playing an integral 2-3 role in this significant undertaking, and it is indeed a privilege 2-4 to pay tribute to such an outstanding junior high school; now, 2-5 therefore, be it 2-6 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas 2-7 Legislature hereby congratulate Kirby Junior High School in Wichita 2-8 Falls on its receipt of the Ronald P. Simpson Award given by Magnet 2-9 Schools of America to honor the outstanding magnet school in the 2-10 country; and, be it further 2-11 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-12 prepared for Kirby Junior High School as an expression of high 2-13 regard by the Texas House of Representatives.