TITLE: Congratulating Austin Middle School in Galveston on its nomination for a 2017 Blue Ribbon School award.

SUMMARY: Congratulating Austin Middle School in Galveston on its nomination for a 2017 Blue Ribbon School award.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Austin Middle School has been nominated for a 2017 Blue Ribbon School award, one of the most prestigious accolades an elementary or secondary school in the United States can receive; and WHEREAS, The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program was created by the U.S. Department of Education in 1982 to recognize campuses that have demonstrated superior academic performance or made notable progress in improving outcomes among economically disadvantaged students; Austin Middle School is one of only 26 public schools in Texas to have earned a nomination from the Texas commissioner of education for the 2017 award; and WHEREAS, This campus was designated a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) magnet for fifth through eighth grades in 2008; under the able leadership of principal Cathy Van Ness, 94 percent of Austin Middle School students have met or exceeded State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness test standards in all subjects; and WHEREAS, Through dedication, hard work, and perseverance, the teachers and students of Austin Middle School have established a record of scholastic excellence, and their outstanding efforts have been duly recognized with the Blue Ribbon School award nomination; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Austin Middle School on its nomination for a 2017 U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School award and extend to its teachers, students, and staff 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. Faircloth Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 303 was adopted by the House on February 23, 2017, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House