Smith Congratulates O. Henry Middle School on National Honor
Washington,
Jun 21, 2012 -
Congressman Lamar Smith (TX-21) today congratulated staff from O. Henry Middle School in Austin, Texas for being named a “School to Watch” in 2012 by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform. O. Henry Middle School was one of 103 schools selected by the organization. It was one of six schools from Texas selected for the honor.
Educators and members of the staff at O. Henry Middle School were in Washington, D.C. for the National Forum’s 8th annual Schools to Watch conference. Congressman Smith met with O. Henry Middle School staff and praised their achievement.
Congressman Smith: “The principal and staff at O. Henry Middle School deserve our appreciation and gratitude for their extraordinary efforts on behalf of our children. This is a well-deserved national recognition of their hard work and dedication to educational excellence of their students. I hope that O. Henry Middle School continues to serve as a shining example of how talented teachers and engaged administrators can shape the minds and futures of America’s children.”
The National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform is an alliance of more than 60 educators, researchers, and officers of national associations and foundations dedicated to improving schools for young adolescents across the country.
In April, Congressman Smith joined more than 100 students at O. Henry Middle School in a live video discussion with astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Congressman Smith kicked off the discussion with the space station and spoke to students about the importance of space exploration and science education.
A photo of Congressman Smith and representatives of O. Henry Middle School is attached. Left to right: Pete Price (Principal), Erika Thomsen Swan (English), Congressman Lamar Smith, Dana Phillips (English), and Jennifer Boltz (Band).
