October 13, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11183 With their strong work ethic, Greek-Ameri- lution (H. Res. 791) congratulating the Whereas the Aldine Independent School cans have risen to become leaders in their re- Aldine Independent School District in District has been a finalist four times for the spective professions, from government to busi- Harris County, Texas, on winning the ‘‘Broad Prize for Urban Education’’; ness to the arts. The Daughters of Penelope 2009 ‘‘Broad Prize for Urban Edu- Whereas in 2008, the Aldine Independent School District outperformed other Texas has been a vehicle through which this ad- cation’’, as amended. school districts that serve students with vancement has occurred in our society. The Clerk read the title of the resolu- similar family incomes in reading and math I want to thank Chairman TOWNS and Rank- tion. at all school levels, according to the Broad ing Member ISSA for their support of this bill The text of the resolution is as fol- Prize methodology; and and for moving it through the Oversight and Whereas the Aldine Independent School lows: Government Reform Committee. District was selected from among 100 of the I urge my colleagues to support it. H. RES. 791 largest school districts in the country to win Mr. SPACE. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support Whereas the thousands of employees of the the 2009 ‘‘Broad Prize for Urban Education’’: the resolution considered by the House today, Aldine Independent School District in Harris Now, therefore, be it H. Res. 209. This bill recognizes the numer- County, Texas, work hard to create a sup- Resolved, That the House of Representa- tives— ous and wide-ranging contributions made to portive, safe, and effective learning environ- ment, enabling students to achieve academic (1) recognizes the Aldine Independent American society by the Daughters of Penel- School District in Harris County, Texas, for ope, the women’s affiliate of the American success; Whereas the Aldine Independent School the outstanding achievement of winning the Hellenic Educational Progressive Association. District uses a district-wide strategic plan, 2009 ‘‘Broad Prize for Urban Education’’, the The Order of the Daughters of Penelope which is focused on student achievement, largest education award for school districts was conceived by Alexandra Apostolides student behavior, and community relations; in the United States; and Sonnenfeld and founded on November 16, Whereas the leadership of the Aldine Inde- (2) congratulates the entire Aldine Inde- 1929. In the midst of the economic collapse pendent School District is vigilant in ensur- pendent School District community on the that led to the Great Depression, Mrs. ing that all staff, departments, schools, and hard work and dedication the community Apostolides recognized the importance of resources continue to focus on the district- has demonstrated toward student achieve- ment, particularly the efforts of the commu- unity, philanthropy, and education. She and 25 wide strategic plan; Whereas the Aldine Independent School nity toward reducing the achievement gaps charter members formed the first chapter of among ethnic groups and between high- and the Daughters of Penelope, which is today a District, through the use of creative teach- ing technology, has set clear, rigorous expec- low-income students. leader in philanthropic, educational and cul- tations for teachers and has provided school The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- tural activities with over 350 chapters in the management with increased oversight; ant to the rule, the gentleman from the U.S., Canada, Greece, Cyprus, and Australia. Whereas data from the Texas Education Northern Mariana Islands (Mr. SABLAN) H. Res. 209 highlights some of the organi- Agency indicates that the Aldine Inde- and the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. zation’s crowning achievements, including the pendent School District consistently ranks GUTHRIE) each will control 20 minutes. establishment of Penelope House, a shelter among the high performing school districts The Chair recognizes the gentleman for women and children that aims to help vic- in the State; from the Northern Mariana Islands. Whereas the Aldine Independent School tims of domestic violence regain social and GENERAL LEAVE economic independence, and the Daughters of District ranks among the top large school districts in Texas for educating African- Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I request Penelope Foundation, which grants scholar- American students and Hispanic students, 5 legislative days during which Mem- ships to promising students and facilitates do- according to a recent study conducted by bers may revise and extend and insert nations of children’s books to needy organiza- Texas Agricultural & Mechanical University extraneous material on House Resolu- tions. and the University of Texas-Pan American; tion 791 into the RECORD. Another issue of critical importance is the Whereas between 2005 and 2008, the SAT The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there oral history project organized and donated to and Advanced Placement participation rates objection to the request of the gen- the Library of Congress by the Daughters of for African-American and Hispanic students tleman from the Northern Mariana Is- Penelope. This project chronicles the experi- in the Aldine Independent School District in- creased significantly; lands? ences of first-generation Greek-American Whereas in 2008, African-American stu- There was no objection. women. I know this project will preserve these dents in the Aldine Independent School Dis- Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield vital records so that future generations of trict achieved higher proficiency rates in myself as much time as I may con- Greek-Americans—like my children—will main- math at all school levels and in reading at sume. tain an important link with their ancestors. the middle and high school levels compared Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support I am proud of my Greek heritage and of the with other students in Texas; of House Resolution 791, which recog- accomplishments of the Order of the Daugh- Whereas in 2008, a greater percentage of nizes and congratulates the Aldine ters of Penelope. I think it only fitting that now, Hispanic students in the Aldine Independent Independent School District in Harris as we face our own economic crisis, we rec- School District performed at the highest County, Texas, for winning the 2009 achievement level on State reading and ognize the importance of those values that Broad Prize for Urban Education. math assessments at all school levels com- Aldine’s commitment to academic carry us through the most difficult times. I en- pared to other school districts in the State; courage my colleagues to support this resolu- Whereas in 2008, a greater percentage of achievement, its high expectations for tion. low-income students in the Aldine Inde- its students, and its dedication to nar- Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I yield pendent School District performed at the rowing the racial and income achieve- back the balance of my time. highest achievement level on State reading ment gaps make it a most deserving re- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The and math assessments at all school levels cipient of this prestigious award. question is on the motion offered by compared to other school districts in the Established in 2002 by the Eli and the gentleman from Massachusetts State; Edythe Broad Foundation, the Broad Whereas nationwide, family income level is (Mr. LYNCH) that the House suspend Prize for Urban Education is the larg- typically a strong statistical predictor of the rules and agree to the resolution, est education award for school districts school performance; in the United States. H. Res. 209, as amended. Whereas in the Aldine Independent School The question was taken; and (two- District, poverty does not appear to be sta- After finishing as a finalist for the thirds being in the affirmative) the tistically related to achievement at any prize 3 years previously, the Aldine rules were suspended and the resolu- school level or in math or reading, despite a Independent School District this year tion, as amended, was agreed to. high enrollment of students considered to be was chosen from among 100 of the larg- A motion to reconsider was laid on low-income; est school districts in the country to the table. Whereas between 2005 and 2008, the Aldine receive the $1 million award. The Al- Independent School District narrowed the in- f dine School District has shown some of come achievement gaps in reading at all the most consistent student achieve- CONGRATULATING ALDINE school levels and in math at the elementary ment gains nationally in the last dec- SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR WINNING and middle school levels; Whereas the ‘‘Broad Prize for Urban Edu- ade. THE BROAD PRIZE FOR URBAN Nationwide, family income levels EDUCATION cation’’, the largest education award for school districts in the United States, was es- generally are a strong indicator of stu- Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to tablished in 2002 by the Eli and Edythe Broad dents’ school performance, but the Al- suspend the rules and agree to the reso- Foundation; dine School District, where four out of

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:03 Oct 14, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13OC7.103 H13OCPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H11184 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 13, 2009 five students receive free or reduced forming school districts in the State of Independent School District is dedi- lunch, refuses to accept excuses for Texas. In addition, it is one of the top cated to increasing student achieve- student success and chooses instead to large school districts in the State for ment and ensuring that every student break the predictive power of poverty. African American and Hispanic stu- has the tools he or she needs to thrive Between 2005 and 2008, the Aldine dents. Between 2005 and 2008, the SAT and be a critical thinker, problem solv- Independent School District narrowed and Advanced Placement participation er, and a productive citizen. achievement gaps in reading at all rates for these groups increased signifi- My wife taught high school algebra school levels and in math at the ele- cantly. In 2008, African American stu- in the Aldine Independent School Dis- mentary and middle school levels. In dents achieved higher proficiency rates trict for many years where our chil- 2008, students in the Aldine schools in math at all school levels, and in dren attended and graduated, and I am outperformed other Texas school dis- reading at the middle school and high proud to represent the Aldine ISD in tricts that served students with similar school levels. And Hispanic students Congress. family incomes. performed at the highest achievement Quality education has been the goal The Aldine Independent School Dis- level on reading and math assessments of Aldine for many years, and their trict also ranks among the top large compared to other school districts in current superintendent, Wanda Bam- school districts in Texas for educating the State. berg, carries on the tradition of expect- African American and Hispanic stu- It is clear that the Aldine Inde- ing excellence, as Nadine Kujawa and dents. Between 2005 and 2008, SAT and pendent School District is a shining ex- Sonny Donaldson did before her. Advanced Placement participation ample of what is right about urban With the Broad Prize award, grad- rates for these student populations in- education. As a result, the school dis- uating high school seniors in the Al- creased significantly. Further, African trict was awarded the $2 million Broad dine Independent School District who American students achieved higher Prize for Urban Education this year. have demonstrated a record of aca- proficiency rates in math at all school Established in 2002 by the Broad demic improvement during their high levels and in reading at the middle and Foundation, the Broad Prize is the school careers and have significant fi- high school levels compared with other largest education award in the country nancial need will be directly awarded students in Texas. And a greater per- given to school districts. The prize is $1 million in Broad Prize scholarships centage of Hispanic students performed awarded each year to honor urban to continue their education. at the highest level on reading and school districts that demonstrate the This is the fourth time Aldine has math assessments at all school levels greatest overall performance and im- been selected as a finalist for this pres- compared to other school districts. provement in student achievement tigious award, and it is no surprise Providing our young people with a while reducing achievement gaps given the district’s focus on their five high quality education is one of our among low-income and minority stu- core commitments: Nation’s most important duties and in- dents. They believe each student can learn volves some of the most challenging I would like to congratulate Super- at or above grade level and will have and rewarding work. Today, we recog- intendent Wanda Bamberg and all of equal opportunity to do so. nize the outstanding work being done the principals, teachers, staff and stu- They believe their school district can at the Aldine Independent School Dis- dents for all of their hard work which achieve higher levels of performance trict. Aldine’s dedicated leadership and made this award possible. through clearly defined goals that set vigilant efforts are helping ensure the Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues for high exceptions for student achieve- academic and life success of its stu- support, and I reserve the balance of ment. dents. my time. They believe in the value of parents Mr. Speaker, once again, I express Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I am as the first and best teachers, and that my support for congratulating the Al- pleased to recognize the distinguished the community must actively partici- dine Independent School District on gentleman from Texas (Mr. GENE winning the 2009 Broad Prize for Urban pate in the development of all children. GREEN) for 2 minutes. They believe in the value of each em- Education, and I urge my colleagues to Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. ployee, in his or her personal and pro- support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Speaker, I am proud to rise today in fessional growth, and in empowering my time. strong support of House Resolution 791, each one to be accountable to make de- Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield which congratulates the Aldine Inde- cisions in line with the vision of the myself as much time as I may con- pendent School District in Houston, school district. sume. Harris Country, Texas, on winning the They believe all environments should Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support 2009 Broad Prize for Urban Education. be supportive, safe and secure. of House Resolution 791, congratu- It is pronounced Aldine, but there is By winning this award, they have lating the Aldine Independent School a good joke about when the railroad proven their commitment to these five District in Harris County, Texas, on ran through 50 years ago, that was goals, and I have no doubt that Aldine winning the 2009 Broad Prize for Urban where they stopped for lunch. So that ISD will continue to be a leader in edu- Education. is how we got our name, ‘‘all dine,’’ but cation for years to come. Few goals could be more important it is pronounced Aldine. This resolution recognizes the Aldine to American public education today Established in 2002 by the Eli and Independent School District for their than closing the achievement gaps Edythe Broad Foundation, the Broad outstanding achievement in winning among students by race, income, lan- Prize is actually the largest education the largest education award for school guage, and gender. The goal is particu- award in the country given to any districts in the United States, the 2009 larly critical for the Nation’s urban school district. The Broad Prize for Broad Prize for Education. public schools. The achievement gap is Urban Education is awarded to honor Again, congratulations to the entire the difference in performance between urban school districts that dem- Aldine Independent School District groups of students, especially groups onstrate the greatest overall perform- community for their hard work and defined by race/ethnicity and family ance and improvement in student dedication toward student achieve- income. achievement while reducing the ment, and particularly their efforts in Although bringing about comprehen- achievement gaps among low-income reducing the achievement gaps among sive change in our educational system and minority students. low-income and minority students. The may be difficult, the Aldine Inde- This year, the Aldine Independent school board members, administrative pendent School District teachers and School District in Harris County, staff, teachers, parents, and children staff have worked hard to create a sup- Texas, was selected from among 100 of worked hard to earn this recognition, portive, safe, and effective learning en- the largest school districts in the and I strongly urge my colleagues to vironment which has enabled students United States to win this prestigious support the bill. to achieve academic success. award. This is not surprising, knowing Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield The Aldine Independent School Dis- firsthand the extent to which every to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. POE) trict ranks among the highest per- staff member and teacher in the Aldine as much time as he may consume.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:03 Oct 14, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13OC7.023 H13OCPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE October 13, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11185 Mr. POE of Texas. I want to thank The Clerk read the title of the resolu- Washington, DC, August 4 through August 9, the gentleman for yielding, and I want tion. 2009: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representa- to thank my friend, Mr. GREEN, for in- The text of the resolution is as fol- tives congratulates Kappa Alpha Psi Frater- troducing this legislation. He and I lows: nity, Inc., on 98 years of serving local com- buttress congressional districts in the H. RES. 659 munities and enriching the lives of colle- Houston, Harris County area, and some Whereas Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., giate men throughout the Nation. of the schools in the Aldine Inde- was founded on January 5, 1911, on the cam- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. pendent School District are in my dis- pus of Indiana University in Bloomington, CLAY). Pursuant to the rule, the gen- trict as well. Indiana, by Elder Watson Diggs, John Milton tleman from the Northern Mariana Is- The Broad Prize for Urban Edu- Lee, Byron K. Armstrong, Guy Levis Grant, lands (Mr. SABLAN) and the gentleman cation, established in 2002, is the larg- Ezra D. Alexander, Henry T. Asher, Marcus from Kentucky (Mr. GUTHRIE) each will P. Blakemore, Paul W. Caine, Edward G. est education award in the country control 20 minutes. given to school districts. Aldine was Irvin, and George W. Edmonds; Whereas the founders of Kappa Alpha Psi The Chair recognizes the gentleman chosen to receive this award from 100 from the Northern Mariana Islands. of the largest school districts in all of were young men who possessed the imagina- tion, ambition, courage, and determination GENERAL LEAVE the United States. And that allows sen- to defy custom in pursuit of college edu- Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I request iors from the Aldine School District to cations and careers during an oppressive 5 legislative days during which Mem- be eligible for 2- to 4-year scholarships time in American history for African-Ameri- bers may revise and extend their re- up to $20,000 due to this award that is cans; marks and insert extraneous material going to the school district. Whereas Kappa Alpha Psi stressed the im- on House Resolution 659 into the The Aldine School District consist- portance of achievement in seeking to set RECORD. ently ranks among the highest per- the sights of African-American youth on ac- complishments greater than those they oth- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there forming school districts in the whole objection to the request of the gen- State of Texas according to the Texas erwise would have imagined or realized; Whereas, since its founding, Kappa Alpha tleman from the Northern Mariana Is- Education Agency. And the Aldine Psi has matured to an organization of over lands? School District has been a finalist four 150,000 college-trained men; There was no objection. times for the Broad Prize for Urban Whereas Kappa Alpha Psi’s undergraduate Mr. SABLAN. I yield myself as much Education. chapters are located on more than 360 college time as I may consume. Between 2005 and 2008, the Aldine and university campuses and its alumni Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support Independent School District narrowed chapters are located in 347 cities in the of House Resolution 659, which con- the income achievement gap in reading United States and 5 foreign countries; gratulates Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Whereas Kappa Alpha Psi has a partner- at all levels, and in math at the ele- Incorporated, on 98 years of service and mentary and middle school levels. This ship with Habitat for Humanity and builds a home for a local family in conjunction with leadership. school district has done a tremendous each of its biennial conventions; Founded in 1911 at Indiana Univer- job with the students, working with Whereas Kappa Alpha Psi has a partner- sity, Bloomington, Kappa Alpha Psi’s the teachers and the administration to ship with Memphis-based St. Jude Children’s fundamental purpose is achievement. bring up the education quality of the Research Hospital and has designated the It seeks to develop its members, par- students and prepare them for lifetime hospital as the primary benefactor of its na- ticularly its collegiate men, into lead- experiences. tional fundraising efforts; ers in their communities and into Whereas Kappa Alpha Psi sponsors Kappas achievers of excellence in their aca- b 1500 on Capitol Hill, a four-day conference for its demic pursuits. This distinguished fra- So I want to congratulate the Aldine members in the Nation’s capitol designed to ternity boasts undergraduate chapters School District and all of their work. increase its members’ awareness of the polit- on more than 364 college and university This award is well deserved, and it is ical process through workshops, seminars, and lectures; campuses and alumni chapters in more my hope that all school districts across Whereas Kappa Alpha Psi has emphasized than 347 U.S. cities and 5 foreign coun- Texas and the United States can mir- financial literacy in its community-based tries. ror the success of this school district in outreach, implementing two major pro- In honor of the ideals it was founded achieving high academic quality grams, Credit Abuse Resistance Education on, members of Kappa Alpha Psi play (CARE) and Greeks Learning to Avoid Debt throughout their school districts. active roles in their communities. The Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I have (GLAD) in partnership with the National As- fraternity sponsors an array of pro- no further speakers. I yield back the sociation of Bankruptcy Trustees, the Na- grams providing community service balance of my time. tional Foundation for Credit Counseling, and Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, again, I the National Pan-Hellenic Council; and social welfare. Members partici- urge my colleagues to support H. Res. Whereas Kappa Alpha Psi, through its pating in their Biennial Undergraduate Kappa League and National Guide Right pro- Leadership Institute built homes in 791. grams, has provided thousands of at-risk I yield back the balance of my time. conjunction with Habitat for Humanity youth in communities throughout the Na- in St. Louis in 2005 and in Minneapolis The SPEAKER pro tempore. The tion with role models and mentors that en- question is on the motion offered by courage them to make positive contributions in 2007. the gentleman from the Northern Mar- to, and to take leadership roles in, their The fraternity maintains a philan- iana Islands (Mr. SABLAN) that the communities; thropic partnership with St. Jude Chil- House suspend the rules and agree to Whereas, since 1990, Kappa Alpha Psi’s dren’s Research Hospital, with each the resolution, H. Res. 791, as amended. Kappa Scholarship Fund has provided schol- chapter committed to serving that The question was taken; and (two- arship grants to over 10,000 high school grad- cause. Additionally, its chapters annu- thirds being in the affirmative) the uates to assist in furthering their education; ally participate in the Holiday Food Whereas Kappa Alpha Psi’s chapters na- Drive, working to provide food, cloth- rules were suspended and the resolu- tionwide regularly participate in its Holiday tion, as amended, was agreed to. ing and toys to local citizens in need. Food Drive, provides food, clothing, and toys The values and principles of Kappa A motion to reconsider was laid on to low income citizens in many metropolitan the table. and rural communities throughout the Na- Alpha Psi have attracted a diverse f tion; group of men throughout the years, Whereas Kappa Alpha Psi’s national theme many who have gone on to become CONGRATULATING KAPPA ALPHA of ‘‘One Kappa, Creating Inspiration: A Call prominent and achieved members of so- PSI FRATERNITY to Service’’ has mobilized Kappa men across ciety. Among them are Percy Sutton, Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to the Nation who are leaders in business, edu- entrepreneur and owner of the Apollo suspend the rules and agree to the reso- cation, government, the humanities, arts Theater; Judge Herman Thomas, jus- lution (H. Res. 659) congratulating and entertainment, science, and medicine to tice on the State Supreme Court of become better servant leaders for their re- Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., on 98 spective families and communities, the Na- Alabama; Dr. C. Eric Lincoln, author of years of serving local communities and tion, and the fraternity at large; and ‘‘Black Muslims in America’’; Ralph enriching the lives of collegiate men Whereas Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Wiley, sportswriter and author; and nu- throughout the Nation, as amended. will hold its 79th Grand Chapter Meeting in merous State and elected officials.

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