FIRST LADY LAURA BUSH sent the attached letters of reassurance to Commissioner Jim Nelson asking him to share the letters with the students in our schools. You may wish to make copies of these letters and distribute them to your students.

85% RULE & CHARTER SCHOOLS Attached is a copy of the June 13, 2001 memo from Dr. Ron McMichael, Deputy Commissioner for Finance and Accountability, regarding the obligation of charter schools and districts to expend 85% of their special allotments (e.g., Foundation School Program (FSP), special education, bilingual education, compensatory education, gifted and talented, and career & technology). Please review the section entitled, Implementation of the 85% Rule for Charter Schools, with particular emphasis on the last paragraph including Footnote #6. If you need a faxed copy of the nine page document please email that request to oneillp@texas.net.

SIXTH ANNUAL TEXAS CHARTER SCHOOL CONFERENCE will be held on Monday and Tuesday, April 29 & 30, 2002 at the Moody Gardens Hotel in Galveston. We are pleased to announce that Commissioner Jim Nelson will once again be a keynote speaker. Watch the Friday Fax® for details.

CONGRATULATIONS to John H. Wood Charter School who is the first Texas charter to be awarded a Commended Rating from TEA. Congratulations to Mike Lopez, Superintendent, and his hard working staff!

Dear Students:

On September 11, 2001, many Americans lost mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and friends in a national tragedy. Those who knew them are feeling a great loss, and you may be feeling sorrow, fear and confusion as well.

The feelings and thoughts that surround this tragedy are as plentiful as they are conflicting. I want to reassure you that there are many people - including your family, your teachers, and your school counselors - who are there to listen to you.

September 11 changed our world. But with each story of sorrow and pain comes one of hope and courage. As we move forward, all of us have an opportunity to become better people and to learn valuable lessons about heroism, love and compassion.

As we mourn those who died, let us remember that as Americans, we can be proud and confident that we live in a country that symbolizes freedom and opportunity to millions throughout the world. Our nation is strong, and our people resilient. We have a well-earned reputation for pulling together in the worst of times to help each other.

I send my best wishes and my hope that you will always take care of your family, friends, neighbors, and those in need.

Sincerely,

Laura Bush

Dear Children:

Many Americans were injured or lost their lives in the recent national tragedy. All their friends and loved ones are feeling very sad, and you may be feeling sad, frightened, or confused, too.

I want to reassure you that many people - including your family, your teachers, and your school counselor - love and care about you and are looking out for your safety. You can talk with them and ask them questions. You can also write down your thoughts or draw a picture that shows how you are feeling and share that with the adults in your life.

When sad or frightening things happen, all of us have an opportunity to become better people by thinking about others. We can show them we care about them by saying so and by doing nice things for them. Helping others will make you feel better, too.

I want you to know how much I care about all of you. Be kind to each other, take care of each other, and show your love for each other.

With best wishes,

Laura Bush