WHEREAS, Theresa D. Bratt, the principal of Kate Waller Barrett Elementary School in Arlington, will retire in 2013 after a distinguished career in education spanning 43 years; and

WHEREAS, Theresa "Terry" Bratt has spent 36 years with Arlington County Public Schools serving in various instructional and administrative positions, the last 18 years with Kate Waller Barrett Elementary School; and

WHEREAS, as principal of Kate Waller Barrett Elementary School, Terry Bratt has worked diligently to ensure the school's smooth operation and to promote a learning environment in which all students can thrive; and

WHEREAS, Terry Bratt starts each day at Kate Waller Barrett Elementary School by greeting students, who represent countries from around the world, at the front doors of the school; and

WHEREAS, a firm proponent of academic excellence, Terry Bratt promotes reading through the Principal's Annual Reading Challenge and by having students spend 20 minutes a day reading; and

WHEREAS, Terry Bratt has also developed and supported a number of programs to enrich the student experience and involve parents and community partners in the educational process; and

WHEREAS, Terry Bratt disseminates an annual bilingual School-Family Compact for parents and teachers to sign, which lists 10 key actions families and teachers can take as partners; and

WHEREAS, Terry Bratt oversees such programs as Project Interaction, Family Library Night, Family Math Night, Project Discovery, and PARTICIPA; and

WHEREAS, Terry Bratt also has an advisory group of parents who review and give feedback on the school management plan every year; and

WHEREAS, as the principal of a diverse student body, Terry Bratt has incorporated a number of initiatives to ensure representation of all students and parents; and

WHEREAS, Terry Bratt was honored for her distinguished service to Arlington County children with a 2010 James B. Hunter Human Rights Award from the Arlington County Human Rights Commission; and

WHEREAS, an exemplary leader, Terry Bratt has positively influenced countless children over the course of her career; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Theresa D. Bratt hereby be commended for her exemplary career in education on the occasion of her retirement as principal of Kate Waller Barrett Elementary School in Arlington; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Theresa D. Bratt as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration and gratitude for her commitment to quality education and the youth of Arlington County.