Third graders in Galveston get a free dictionary...

Although dictionaries are not exactly high on most children's lists of treats, students said they were great gifts.

Teachers say the kids need dictionaries desperately. Most of the students don't have dictionaries at home. And some parents don't speak English. You really can't do anything with the words if you don't know the definition.

A dictionary is perhaps the first and most powerful reference tool that a child should own. Its usefulness goes beyond the spellings, pronunciations and definitions it lists. It is also a companion for solving problems that arise as a child develops his or her reading, writing, and creative thinking abilities. Students benefit from an increased self-reliance and resourcefulness inspired by the maxim, “look it up.” The importance of using a dictionary to make sure all words are spelled correctly is emphasized. This is an opportunity for children to expand their vocabulary.

We are a chapter of the Texas Federation of Republican Women, and a member of the Greater Houston Council of Federated Republican Women. Our mission is to provide a practical means for broad citizen participation in politics; to promote practical political education and dissemination of information on our political system; to promote the development of potential leaders; to assist in carrying out the purposes of the Republican Party, whose purposes, we believe, include:

                                        
Provide leadership in government.
Protect individual rights and freedom.
 

in the power of grassroots political activism.

our legacy is developing political leaders for the future.

women are the most powerful force for change in the 21st century.

The right of the individual to achieve the best that is within him/her, as long as he/she respects the rights of others, is the source of our National strength.

Government exists to protect the freedom of opportunity in which each individual's creative ability can flourish.

Government activities should be limited to those things which people cannot do at all or cannot do as well for themselves.

Our strength comes from diversity of opinion, experience and culture.

There is power in grassroots political activism.

The most effective government is government closest to the people.

Both government and society should assist those who cannot provide for themselves, but that every effort should be made to help them become self-supporting, productive citizens with pride in their independence.

Women are the powerful force for change in the 21st century.

Equal rights, equal justice, and equal opportunity belong to all, regardless of race, creed, age, sex, or national origin.

The preservation of our Nation and the security of our citizens depend upon the Constitution, the laws and the courts, and that respect for them is the responsibility of every individual.

Government is accountable for maintaining sound money and a responsible economy. Individual rights, liberties, and properties are continually eroded when excessive taxation, inflation, government waste, and over-regulation oppress citizens.

Government is responsible for national defense and that only a strong America can remain a free America; it is absolutely essential to maintain a strong national defense posture in order that we may at all times negotiate from a position of strength, not weakness in our continuing efforts toward world peace and friendship.

Government requires personal responsibility while protecting the worth of the individual.

Our legacy is developing political leaders for the future.

These concepts are the foundation of our national strength, and the Republican Party, which is committed to their preservation, is the Party of Today and the Party for the Future.