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Tradition of giving continues<br />
with new learning center<br />
The latest in technology and<br />
textbooks help shape <strong>the</strong> young<br />
sharp minds at <strong>Cook</strong> Children’s.<br />
No, this isn’t for doctors or nurses<br />
in training. It’s for <strong>the</strong> patients at<br />
<strong>the</strong> medical center. Thanks to<br />
<strong>Cook</strong> Children’s Woman’s Board,<br />
<strong>the</strong> current learning center is being<br />
relocated and will now include<br />
nearly 1,500 square feet.<br />
It will be filled with textbooks and supplies<br />
necessary to teach multiple grade levels,<br />
as well as laptops with updated software,<br />
iPads with academically appropriate apps<br />
and three desktop computers, including two<br />
Mac computers. The space will also be used for regular art activities and music <strong>the</strong>rapy when school is not in<br />
session.<br />
<strong>Cook</strong> Children’s Woman’s Board has stepped up to improve <strong>the</strong> lives of medical center patients by providing<br />
$500,000 to relocate <strong>the</strong> classroom to <strong>the</strong> family amenities area. This gift is <strong>the</strong> largest gift ever made by <strong>the</strong><br />
Woman’s Board to <strong>Cook</strong> Children’s and it makes a strong statement to <strong>the</strong>ir commitment and generosity in<br />
supporting our promise.<br />
For more than 40 years, <strong>the</strong> Woman’s Board of <strong>Cook</strong> Children’s has raised funds to enhance <strong>the</strong> child-friendly<br />
medical center environment. Proceeds from Cards for Kids and <strong>the</strong> Enchanted Castle Gift Shop have totalled<br />
well over $1 million and many of <strong>the</strong> Woman’s Board members volunteer for both programs, in addition to<br />
donating <strong>the</strong>ir time to patient care areas.<br />
Their generosity has helped <strong>Cook</strong> Children’s purchase critical medical equipment, including an ambulance, a<br />
van to transport homeless children to <strong>Cook</strong> Children’s neighborhood clinics, a rehab climbing wall and a prayer<br />
garden, as well as provide support programs like <strong>the</strong> Creative Artist in Residence Programme and Save a Smile.<br />
“We are excited as we look toward <strong>the</strong> future in our new building,” said Jan Sordini, M.Ed., <strong>Cook</strong> Children’s<br />
special educator/consultant. “The commitment to education at <strong>Cook</strong> Children’s is evident by <strong>the</strong> generous<br />
donation and support of <strong>the</strong> Woman’s Board. The new learning center will make a difference in <strong>the</strong> lives of our<br />
children for many years to come.”<br />
The new learning center will be staffed by four full time Fort Worth Independent School District teachers<br />
and two assistants. They’ll work with medical center patients in kindergarten through twelfth grade, providing<br />
classroom or bedside instruction so <strong>the</strong> students don’t fall behind <strong>the</strong>ir classmates during extended absences<br />
from school. Last year, nearly 130 patients were taught by <strong>the</strong> staff.<br />
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