TITLE: Recognizing Harmony Public Schools on the occasion of its 10th anniversary.

SUMMARY: Recognizing Harmony Public Schools on the occasion of its 10th anniversary.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Faculty, students, and staff of Harmony Public Schools are celebrating a decade of achievements by these notable institutions; and WHEREAS, A college preparatory charter school, Harmony Science Academy was first established in Houston in 2000; today, 33 campuses throughout the state offer an excellent education focused on math, science, engineering, and computer technology to more than 16,000 children enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade; and WHEREAS, In addition to earning recognition by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best high schools in the nation, Harmony Public Schools can boast a 100 percent college acceptance rate; moreover, the institution was one of only 52 schools nationwide and the only charter school to earn the National Title I Distinguished School Award for closing the achievement gap; and WHEREAS, Many Harmony campuses are designated as Texas Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Initiative Academies, and their worthwhile efforts to promote this vital knowledge base has earned them funding from public groups and such private organizations as the Bill and Melinda Gates and Michael and Susan Dell Foundations; and WHEREAS, Harmony students across the Lone Star State have excelled, winning more than 2,000 awards in local, national, and international science fairs and competitions, and in 2009 the El Paso Academy robotics team was invited to represent the United States in the European Open Championship Robotics Competition; and WHEREAS, By providing high-quality educational opportunities, Harmony Public Schools help students build a solid foundation for their future achievement, and in so doing, the schools are ensuring that more young Texans enter the workforce prepared for the challenges of the 21st-century economy; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby honor Harmony Public Schools on the 10th anniversary of the founding of the first Harmony Science Academy and extend to all those associated with these notable institutions sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for Harmony Public Schools as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate. Watson President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 4, 2011.