|
|
|
R E S O L U T I O N
|
|
WHEREAS, Since 2007, the Rise School of Corpus Christi has |
|
provided a unique and supportive learning environment for area |
|
toddlers and preschoolers, including those with special needs; and |
|
WHEREAS, The school was established by a Corpus Christi |
|
couple who, after their son was born with Down syndrome in 2006, |
|
began a search for an early childhood program that could offer |
|
full-time educational and therapeutic services for young children |
|
with developmental disabilities; and |
|
WHEREAS, Discouraged by the lack of opportunities in the |
|
area, the family discovered the "Rise" program in Tuscaloosa, |
|
Alabama, which uses a research-based model in which children with |
|
disabilities are integrated with nondisabled peers; this tested |
|
approach, combined with other best practices in early childhood |
|
education, has resulted in a higher level of achievement among |
|
children in the program compared with more traditional learning |
|
methods; and |
|
WHEREAS, In order to make this state-of-the-art resource a |
|
reality in Corpus Christi, a skilled and motivated staff of |
|
community volunteers was recruited, and a partnership was forged |
|
with Driscoll Children's Hospital; the Rise School of Corpus |
|
Christi today builds on this strong foundation in its mission to |
|
ensure its young charges every advantage in reaching their full |
|
potential, and the school is also engaged in research, outreach, |
|
and public awareness activities; and |
|
WHEREAS, This exceptional institution is guided by an |
|
outstanding board of directors, which includes president Amy |
|
Keramian Brown, secretary Jennifer Childers, treasurer Frank |
|
Hastings, and members Newman Baker, Adriana Lopez, Chrissy Royo, |
|
Cammy Mikulencak, Karen McCaleb, Amanda Cutbirth, Butch Pool, |
|
Jessica Davila-Burnett, Sarah Tindall, and Vanessa Nisbet; and |
|
WHEREAS, Through the service rendered by these individuals |
|
and the program's dedicated volunteers, the Rise School of Corpus |
|
Christi is enhancing the quality of education enjoyed by young |
|
children with diverse abilities, and in so doing, it is making a |
|
difference in the lives of many young Texans and their families that |
|
is truly beyond measure; now, therefore, be it |
|
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas |
|
Legislature hereby honor the Rise School of Corpus Christi and |
|
extend to all those involved with the school sincere best wishes for |
|
continued success; and, be it further |
|
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
|
prepared for the school as an expression of high regard by the Texas |
|
House of Representatives. |