CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE TODAYS VISITS LOCAL SCHOOLS TO WELCOME STUDENTS BACK ON THEIR FIRST DAY

August 26, 2013

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Children’s Caucus and Member of the House Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, released the following statement after attending the first day of school at local Houston Independent School District schools:

“Today I visited with excited students for their first day of school at E. W. Cullen Middle School, Thurgood Marshall Elementary School and Baylor College of Medicine Academy at Ryan. Our children are our most precious resource and I thought it was important today to welcome many of the children who are facing the change of a new school to let them know that we care about them and their education is our first priority and that we look forward to ensuring that their future is bright.

“I have been an advocate on behalf of children since I have been a Member of Congress. I co-founded the Congressional Children’s Caucus to address the daunting challenges that face our children today, including child health care, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, early childhood development, juvenile crime, poverty, hunger, child abuse, neglect, adoption, bullying and foster care.

“I know that change for some of the children will be tough and I was delighted to be joined with other local officials to show them a welcome face on their first day back to school. Today, everyone can see what I have long known – our educators are working hard and our students are learning. Our approach, with great educators in every building and strong curriculum in all our schools, is working and we are on the right track. I am very proud of our progress, I am encouraged by our gains and I am excited for the work ahead.”

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