[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 138 (Tuesday, September 13, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1261]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      COMMEMORATING THE OPENING OF CITRUS RIDGE: A CIVICS ACADEMY

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                          HON. DENNIS A. ROSS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 13, 2016

  Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the opening of 
Citrus Ridge: A Civics Academy, a new charter school for Kindergarten 
through eighth grade students, located in Florida's 15th Congressional 
District.
  Citrus Ridge integrates Civics content and skills throughout all its 
students' curriculum. There, students will learn the skills and 
responsibilities associated with good citizenship by contributing to 
their school community.
  Middle School students have the special opportunity to participate in 
the Civics Leadership Academy with a variety of civics electives, 
including Speech and Debate, Engaged Citizenship through Service 
Learning, and Law Studies.
  By engaging in these courses, along with their regular curriculum, 
students will learn the importance of civic engagement and the valuable 
principles of self-government.
  This great nation has a system of self-government in place, 
thoughtfully set forth by our Founding Fathers.
  Self-government is the ability to govern one's self. Without this 
ability, individuals and politicians cease to vote for and promote 
policies contributing to the sustaining of our Republic.
  We need to teach our children the principles of self-government at an 
early age and throughout their lives, so they may become well-informed 
and contributing citizens in our society.
  I congratulate and thank all those who have been engaged in and 
helped with this amazing effort, and I offer my continued support to 
Citrus Ridge moving forward. It is my hope Citrus Ridge will be an 
example of civic learning and engagement throughout the 15th District, 
the entire State of Florida, and the United States of America.

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