Dear Team HISD,
I am excited to announce several new leadership appointments, all of which are effective immediately.
Mr. Brian Busby has been appointed as chief operating officer. Mr. Busby is currently the officer of HISD’s Facilities Services Department. He has worked for the district for 18 years and previously served as a general manager. His career with HISD began two years after graduating from high school when he started working at HISD as a custodian. He later worked in the district’s payroll and accounting offices before landing a position in the Facilities Services Department, which was then known as Construction & Facilities Services. A graduate of the University of Phoenix and the University of Houston, Mr. Busby received his bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s degree in business administration. He has served as an active member of the Association of Business Professionals, Texas Association of School Business Officials, and the Cleaning Industry Association. He is also a member of the Executive MBA National Honor Society.
We are reorganizing the Schools Office by creating seven chief school officer positions, all of which report directly to Deputy Superintendent Dr. Samuel Sarabia. Our seven chief school officers are:
Dr. Jorge L. Arredondo is a proud graduate of HISD’s public schools. Dr. Arredondo has served as a teacher and assistant principal at Milby High School, as well as principal of McReynolds Middle School and Austin High School. Most recently Dr. Arredondo served as HISD’s Assistant Superintendent for Family and Community Engagement. Under his leadership, the department’s mission has been to advance student achievement for all students by promoting and empowering families through evidence-based programs. In 2016, he was honored by the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Council 402, known as “The Education Council,” as “Educator of the Year.” Dr. Arredondo earned his bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Houston.
Ms. Julia Dimmitt received a bachelor of arts in English and a master of education degree in secondary education and public school administration from the University of St. Thomas. Her 25 years of service in HISD include teaching English and history at Ryan Middle School, Madison High School, and the Harris County Juvenile Detention Center. She has also served as principal at Ed White Elementary School and Lanier Middle School. For the past eight years, Ms. Dimmitt has been an executive principal for the Yates/Lamar secondary feeder pattern schools, school improvement officer in the Middle Schools Office, and school support officer in the North Area Office. In 2013, she oversaw the transition of the former North Forest School District into HISD, following the state-ordered closure and annexation. Currently, four of the seven former North Forest campuses have a met standard rating with distinctions.
Dr. Steven Gutierrez received his bachelors of arts degree in English at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Upon his graduation, he was accepted by Teach for America (TFA) to begin his teaching career in Houston at Patrick Henry Middle School as a 6th-8th grade ESL and language arts teacher. Dr. Gutierrez served as a dean of students at West Briar Middle School. He was then selected to serve as the principal at The Rusk School, a PK-8 science and technology magnet school. Dr. Gutierrez was promoted to school support officer and has served for the past five years in the Elementary Schools Office, most recently in the South Area Schools Office. He earned his master’s and doctorate degrees in education from the University of Houston.
Dr. Jocelyn Mouton has a master’s degree in early childhood education and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from the University of Houston. She joined Team HISD as an elementary school teacher before becoming a curriculum writer, director, principal of the Rice School, and an executive principal. Mouton spent time working with Boston public schools, where she served as assistant deputy superintendent, working in professional development and school support services. At the Houston A+ Challenge, Dr. Mouton coordinated and supported educational programs in five area school districts, including HISD. She has served as both a chief school officer and a school support officer for HISD.
Dr. Matilda “Maty” Orozco is a proud graduate of Milby High School in HISD. Dr. Orozco has served as a bilingual teacher, assistant principal, building principal, assistant superintendent of special populations and school support officer in the HISD before moving to Beaumont Independent School District, where she currently serves as assistant superintendent of elementary administration. Dr. Orozco earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston, her master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Houston, Clear Lake, and her doctorate in professional leadership from the University of Houston.
Dr. Erick Pruitt began his education career as a teacher at Woodlawn Community School in the Chicago Public Schools, and then served as a New Leaders resident principal, contract principal, and deputy chief of schools. Dr. Pruitt’s most recent responsibilities have allowed him to work in the East Area Schools Office to serve as school support officer supporting the schools in the Wheatley feeder pattern. Throughout Dr. Pruitt’s career, he has maintained a focus on cultivating school leadership, improving teacher practice, and establishing productive relationships to cultivate sustainable great schools that improve student success. Dr. Pruitt earned his bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Purdue University, a master’s degree from Loyola University Chicago, and doctoral degree from National Louis University.
Dr. Rolando “Rudy” Trevino is another proud graduate of HISD’s public schools. Dr. Trevino’s 15 years of service in HISD include teacher and assistant principal at Burbank Middle School, and principal of Herrera Elementary School, Sam Houston Ninth Grade Academy, and a National Blue Ribbon School, Eastwood Academy High School. Dr. Trevino served as an elementary school improvement officer, superintendent of schools in Lockhart ISD, and most recently, school support officer in the South Area Office. Dr. Trevino earned his bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University (SHSU), a master’s degree in educational leadership and counseling from SHSU, a second master’s in Spanish literature from the University of Houston, and a doctoral degree in educational leadership at SHSU.
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ALL TEACHERS
- Free version of Microsoft Office 2016 for district employees: Click here to find out how you can install Microsoft Office 2016 on your personal computer, tablet, and/or smartphone.
- District Advisory Committee elections now underway: All teachers can place their two DAC votes from now until 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, 2016. One vote is for a “Classroom Teacher” and one vote is for an “Other Campus-Level Professional.” You are eligible to vote only for a nominee from your particular school area office group. To cast your vote, click here and sign in using your HISD Application user name and password (not your network credentials). If you get an error message, it may because you’re using the wrong password. If you encounter problems, email the IT Service desk at servicedesk@houstonisd.org.
- Plan now for STEM design challenges: The Advanced Academics department is pleased to announce that the spring semester STEM design challenges for grades K-8 are now available on the HUB. There is one challenge per cycle, per grade. Each one aligns to grade-appropriate math and science standards, as well as ELPS and CCRS standards, to reinforce your teaching. Embedded in each challenges are differentiation strategies, formative assessment tasks, as well as extension activities to help you meet the diverse needs of your students. Grading rubrics, supply lists, and all necessary handouts to implement these hands-on projects are also included. Contact Sabrina Provencher at sprovenc@houstonisd.org for more information, or to learn how these challenges can be adapted for use during your STEM Night, or even as part of an after school STEM club.
All HISD employees have access to Microsoft Office 2016 not only on district issued devices, but now they can install the software for free on their personal devices. All members of Team HISD can install Office 2016 on up to five personal computers, five tablets, and five smartphones. To install, follow the steps below: read more…
Honor is part of HISD’s participation in Inclusive Schools Week
The HISD Office of Special Education Services is partnering with the Inclusive Schools Network to celebrate Inclusive Schools Week Dec 5-9.
Since its inception in 2001, Inclusive Schools Week has celebrated the progress schools have made in providing a supportive and quality education to an increasingly diverse student population, including students who are marginalized due to disability, gender, socio-economic status, cultural heritage, language preference, and other factors read more…
Voting is now open for the 2017 District Advisory Committee. Select campus-based employees and central office staff members can place their DAC vote from now until 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, 2016.
Campus-based professional employees have two votes. One vote is for a “Classroom Teacher” and one vote is for an “Other Campus-Level Professional.” School employees are eligible to vote only for a nominee from their particular school area office group. read more…
ALL TEACHERS
- Be an “inclusive hero” for education: The Office of Special Education Services is partnering with the Inclusive Schools Network to celebrate Inclusive Schools Week Dec. 5-9. Schools, parents, and community members can take part in the celebration and download lesson plans, activities, and resources by clicking here. This year, the Inclusive Schools Week’s theme focuses on the concept of being a hero. The week also provides an important opportunity for educators, students, and parents to discuss what else needs to be done in order to ensure that schools continue to improve their ability to successfully educate all children.
- Still time to participate in 12 Days of Code: Teachers across the district are invited to celebrate Computer Science Education Week (Dec. 7-13) by having their students complete an Hour of Code during the 12 Days of Code. HISD is encouraging every student across the district to join the fun! Go to HoustonISD.org/12DaysofCode to find a calendar of coding activities curated by grade level. The calendar features a new coding experience each day. In addition, students and classrooms can print a special certificate once they have completed an hour of code and share a picture on social media using the hashtag #12DaysofCode.
- District Advisory Committee elections now underway: All teachers can place their two DAC votes from now until 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, 2016. One vote is for a “Classroom Teacher” and one vote is for an “Other Campus-Level Professional.” You are eligible to vote only for a nominee from your particular school-area office group. To cast your vote, click here and sign in using your HISD application user name and password (not your network credentials). If you get an error message, it may because you’re using the wrong password. If you encounter problems, email the IT service desk at servicedesk@houstonisd.org.
A recent computer system upgrade at HISD’s Health & Wellness Clinics means patients now can use a new online system to schedule appointments, view lab results and communicate with the staff from the comfort of their computer.
The clinics, which are operated by Concentra, are now using the free FollowMyHealth patient portal, which gives you 24/7 access to medical records, scheduling appointments, and prescription refill requests. FollowMyHealth can also help you track your fitness and well-being. The portal offers applications that help you track weight, monitor blood pressure, and create charts to show goals and progress. All personal information on FollowMyHealth is regulated by HIPAA and is 100 percent confidential. read more…
HISD’s Secondary Curriculum and Development Department is ending the fall semester of the district’s “Literacy Speaker Series” with a big name. New York Times best-selling, Newbery Medal-winning author Matt de la Peña will be at Hattie Mae White on Dec. 9 for two sessions: one from 9-11 a.m. and the other from 1-3p.m.
School leaders are invited to attend and bring up to four others from their campuses. Register in OneSourceMe using Course Number 184001.
De la Peña is the author of six young adult novels: Ball Don’t Lie, Mexican WhiteBoy, We Were Here, I Will Save You, The Living, and The Hunted. He’s also the author of the critically-acclaimed picture books A Nation’s Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis and Last Stop on Market Street. De la Peña received his MFA in creative writing from San Diego State University and his BA from the University of the Pacific. He currently lives in New York where he teaches creative writing and visits high schools and colleges throughout the country.
HISD lost a much-loved and highly respected former educator late last week, when Charlotte Parker passed away at the age of 61. Dr. Parker was a 35-year veteran of the district with a long track record of improving student success and mentoring educational leaders throughout the greater Houston area.
Parker graduated from Jack Yates High School and continued her education at Texas Southern University with a major in Elementary Education and Teaching. While teaching at HISD, she also obtained both her Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership from TSU. read more…
HISD was recently surprised with the Super-Hero Award from The Learning Counsel, a research institute and media hub focused on the K-12 transition to digital curriculum.
HISD Senior Information Technology Manager Beatriz Arnillas accepted the award on behalf of Team HISD at the counsel’s conference Nov. 15. read more…
