SAFE SCHOOLS SUMMIT LENDS VOICE TO TEXAS STUDENTS

For Immediate Release
December 3, 2001

Contact 
Mark Marich 202.467.2776

WASHINGTON – To engage Dallas – Ft. Worth students in a discussion on the issue of safety in Texas schools, Congresswoman Kay Granger will convene an interactive forum on December 10 in Fort Worth, Texas. Student participants will utilize wireless eFORUM keypads to provide instant feedback regarding a number of questions that will be posed throughout the program.

“This summit will identify ways to examine and ensure student safety,” stated Jonathan Ortmans, president of the Public Forum Institute, the organizers of the summit. “We commend Congresswoman Granger for her leadership with this summit and her dedication to the safety of Texas youth.”

Organized by the Public Forum Institute, a nonpartisan organization based in Washington, DC, Safe Schools Summit is designed to:

• raise awareness about the importance of community involvement to create safer schools;

• provide students with a voice in the discussion on reducing violent crime in schools;

• provide context for community leaders through first-hand accounts from students on today’s school environment;

• highlight new ideas and strategies about effective safety initiatives; and,

• to facilitate communication between Texas youth leaders and their peers.

Daryl Johnston, former Pro Bowl running back for the Dallas Cowboys, will deliver the keynote address. Throughout his NFL career, Johnston worked on a number of programs to benefit children, particularly dealing with the issue of youth literacy.

Students from the following schools will be participating in the summit: All Saint’s Middle School, Alvarado Jr. High, Azle Jr. High, Cleburne Middle School, Cross Timbers Middle School, E. M. Daggett Middle School, J. P. Elder M S, Everman Jr. High, Godley MS, Grandview Jr. High, H.F. Stevens MS, Hall Jr. High, Handley MS, Highland MS, N.A. Howry MS, Kerr MS, Kirkpatrick MS, Leonard MS, McLean MS, W.A. Meacham MS, Monnig MS, Morningside MS, Richland MS, Riverside MS, Rosemont MS, Smithfield MS, Springtown MS, Stripling MS, All Saint’s Episcopal HS, Arlington Heights HS, Alvarado Alternative School, Alvarado HS, Azle HS, Birdville HS, Boswell HS, Brewer HS, Castleberry HS, Cleburne HS, Colleyville Heritage HS, Diamond Hill-Jarvis HS, Eastern Hills HS, Everman HS, Millsap HS, P.A.S.S. Learning Center, Paschal HS, REACH HS, Shannon Learning Ctr., Springtown HS, Trimble Tech HS, Western Hills HS, and O.D. Wyatt HS.  

Fort Worth community organizations sending students to the summit include Big Brothers/Big Sisters, All Church Home, Boys & Girls Clubs, and YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth. 

The Public Forum Institute will compile a report – to be posted on their website – following the summit.

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The Public Forum Institute is an independent, nonpartisan organization dedicated to creating the most advanced and effective means of fostering public discourse. Based in Washington, DC, the Forum develops and coordinates public forums across the country – engaging citizens, experts, community leaders, elected officials and others in substantive discussions on dozens of policy issues. Through a partnership with foundations, print and broadcast media, policy makers, opinion leaders and corporate philanthropy, the Public Forum Institute serves local communities across the nation, contributing to a more informed public. The Forum takes no position on the issues.

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