[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 167 (Wednesday, December 5, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2213]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF GARDEN VILLAS ELEMENTARY MUSIC 
                             MAGNET SCHOOL

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                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 5, 2001

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 70th 
Anniversary of Garden Villas Elementary Music Magnet School, a campus 
of the Houston Independent School District. The anniversary celebration 
will be held the week of December 3-7, 2001.
  Garden Villas Music Academy was established in 1931 to accommodate 
those students in grade levels 1-10 residing in the Garden Villas 
region of southwest Houston. This community has a rich history that 
dates back to World War II. In the early 1950s the neighborhood was 
annexed into Houston incorporating Garden Villas Elementary into 
Houston Independent School District. Located on an acre of land, the 
school provides a comfortable and peaceful atmosphere, an ideal 
location for the cultivation of music skills. Currently, Garden Villas 
Elementary serves 920 students ranging from pre-kindergarten through 
fifth grade.
  The mission of Garden Villas Elementary is to provide a safe 
environment in which students enhance their academic growth and enrich 
their education by participating in an exceptional music and fine arts 
curriculum. Students receive specialized instruction in a variety of 
areas, including strings, band, piano, art, dance, creative writing, 
and gymnastics. The faculty encourages young artists to work together 
to prepare performances and create exhibitions that display their 
appreciation of the arts, develop creativity and build self-esteem. 
Excellence in the arts is a natural, integrated extension of the 
academic program at Garden Villas Elementary Magnet School.
  In addition to exemplary curriculum, Garden Villas Elementary, 
participates in programs designed to develop socially conscious, well-
rounded students, such as United Way Kids, Red Ribbon Week, St. Jude's 
Mathathon and D.A.R.E. I applaud the faculty of Garden Villas 
Elementary for their creativity and leadership.
  Again, I would like to recognize the 70th Anniversary of Garden 
Villas Elementary Music Magnet School and congratulate the students and 
faculty on 70 years of success.

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