Tag Archives: STEM

Library Services keeps students engaged with reading all summer long

Now that the 2022-2023 school year has come to an end and students are enjoying the freedom from early mornings and classroom schedules, they might be looking for something to do with their excess time.

HISD’s Library Services Department is providing access to Comic Plus and MackinVIA, ebook platforms that keep library books and comics available to students over the summer months and motivate them to read wherever they are. HISD is also encouraging students to take advantage of the Houston Public Library’s John P. McGovern Summer Reading Program.

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HISD libraries are light-years ahead with nontraditional and digital resources for students and staff

Necessity is the mother of invention, and few things can shine a light on unmet needs quite like a global pandemic. Nearly two years of digital and hybrid learning forced everyone to adapt, and HISD school libraries were no exception. In year two of their three-year library improvement and refreshment project, HISD Library Services has adapted to the new digital needs of students and educators by establishing community partnerships and working to increase the equity of library education with digital and online resources.

“Libraries in general, and Houston ISD campus libraries in particular, are engines of equity,” said HISD Library Services Director Len Bryan. “We help level the playing field for students who might not have access to learning materials outside of their classrooms. Books, eBooks, academic databases, makerspace equipment and materials, and most importantly, a caring and professional library staff help our students realize their potential and follow their dreams, regardless of their zip code.”

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Career Readiness hosts inaugural Girls in Industry Day for middle schoolers

In honor of International Women’s Day, HISD’s Career Readiness Department hosted its first Girls in Industry Day on Wednesday, March 8, at the HISD Pavilion to educate students on career opportunities.

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Celebrate 12 Days of Code with a variety of coding exercises for every grade level

HISD invites all students, teachers, and administrators to celebrate Computer Science Education Week (Dec. 6-12) and the Hour of Code global movement by participating in HISD’s 12 Days of Code (Dec. 1-16).

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HISD students visit Space Center Houston for National STEM Day

In observance of National STEM Day on Nov. 8, Space Center Houston welcomed more than 500 HISD students to speak with NASA astronaut Megan McArthur and engage in authentic science learning activities.

Students from Wesley Elementary School, Davila Elementary School, Deady Middle School, Booker T. Washington High School, and Milby High School were all in attendance.

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Northside HS students participate in program for promising Latino computer science scholars

Conexiones is a digital literacy and computer science program for students in Latino communities across the U.S. Now in its third year, the program is aimed at students ages 14 to 18 and offers classes on digital privacy and security, combatting cyberbullying, identifying misinformation, and more.

Conexiones was created by The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and is sponsored by T-Mobile. It’s designed to encourage and improve computer science literacy in Latino communities and empower young people to pursue careers in STEM.

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Sam Houston HS graduate and SAP intern hired on at HISD

Jennifer Moreno had always been interested in computers. She even served as the secretary of Sam Houston MSTC High School’s computer hardware team, Skills USA. At the time, she hadn’t considered specializing in software.

HISD had just rolled out an SAP internship. Although specified as available only to seniors, Moreno was encouraged by her former teacher, Eduardo Cantu, and internship recruiter, Ty Matthews, to apply as a junior.

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HISD educators participate in third annual NASA Teacher Externship

With a mission to bring new ideas and knowledge to the classroom, teachers from the Houston Independent School District participated in the third annual NASA-HISD Teacher Externship. On June 22 and 23, 14 teachers from HISD toured NASA facilities and completed professional development activities with NASA experts.

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Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee announces $1 million grant for Booker T. Washington HS community science venture

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee visited Booker T. Washington High School on May 6 to announce a grant toward “The Vision” Community Statue Project. The $ 1 million in federal funding grant comes from the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Fund and will pave the way for the student-developed project’s completion.

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Furr HS dedicates new building

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A sea of red flooded the main entrance of Furr High School on Friday morning as the cheerleaders, Sparkle Dancers — dressed in red and white uniforms — and band pepped up the crowd in celebration of the school’s building dedication ceremony.

Music and chants echoed through the air, and lush trees and landscaping lined the length of the brightly colored 182,000-square-foot-building, offering an ornate backdrop to a long red ribbon stretched across the building’s main walkway.

“Close your eyes for a moment and imagine a high school that empowers students to tackle environmental injustice and becomes the central green hub of their community,” said Furr Interim Principal Rosa Hernandez to attendees. “Imagine spaces filled with student voices, trust, school spirit, and a flexible learning environment.” She pointed to the new building, saying “That’s what we have here.”

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