Back to School Pep Rally ‘Fires Up’ Texas Educators Before Kicking Off New School Year

HOUSTON, July 29 /PRNewswire/ — Friends of Texas Public Schools (FOTPS) and Texas Commissioner of Education Dr. Shirley Neeley are getting Houston fired up about the new school year with a “Back to School” Pep Rally featuring Houston area public school bands, choirs, cheerleaders, and leading Texas educators.

The “Back to School” Pep Rally features student performers from 10 Houston area school districts including Aldine, Klein, Fort Bend, Galena Park, Conroe, Tomball and Houston. After performances from groups like the renowned Willowridge High School Marching Band, all 10 groups totaling more than 600 students will take the stage for a group finale.

Between performances, Texas educators will inspire the crowd to get excited about the Texas public education system and its accomplishments. Emcee Mia Gradny will bring Dr. Shirley Neeley to the stage with Aldine ISD Board President Rick Ogden to welcome the crowd. “We hope this event will help students and teachers kick off the school year on a positive note after a tough seven months of taking a beating in the state legislature,” says Scott Milder, President, Friends of Texas Public Schools. “Educators need to feel good about what they do as they get back in the classrooms.”

    WHEN:   Tuesday, August 2, 2005 at 6:00 p.m.     WHERE:  M.O. Campbell Center, 1865 Aldine Bender, Houston, TX     WHO:    Friends of Texas Public Schools; Dr. Shirley Neeley, Texas            Commissioner of Education; Houston Area ISD Superintendents;            Student Performers from 10 area school districts; David Sords,            Chief of Coca-Cola Texas.     WHAT:   A traditional school pep rally with marching bands, cheerleaders,            and performance groups to show support for Texas educators and            Texas public education.  State and local education officials will            speak to reinstate pride in Texas schools for students, teachers,            and parents.    Background information is available at http://www.fotps.org/     Media Contacts:    Hillary Campbell, 281.802.0021    Scott Milder, 214.497.6411 cell  

Friends of Texas Public Schools

CONTACT: Hillary Campbell, +1-281-802-0021, or Scott Milder, cell,+1-214-497-6411, both of Friends of Texas Public Schools

Web site: http://www.fotps.org/