Monthly Archives: February 2013

HISD Launches Free English as a Second Language Classes Online and on HISD-TV

In an effort to empower parents to learn English and be more involved in their children’s education, the Houston Independent School District has partnered with AVANCE in Houston to offer free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes online through the district’s website and public access TV channel.

“Parents play a critical role in ensuring the academic success of each child,” HISD’s Parent Engagement Senior Manager Kelly Cline said.  “It is our responsibility to help parents be more involved in their child’s academic life and that includes helping parents understand the language.”

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New HISD Magnet Schools Proposal to be Considered

School board to weigh applying for $12 million grant to open eight magnets focused on science, technology, engineering and math

The HISD Board of Education is set to decide this week whether to compete for $12 million in federal funding to open eight new magnet schools emphasizing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) instruction.

All eight new STEM magnets would be whole-school programs, meaning every student in those schools would benefit from an instructional approach that emphasizes a rich STEM curriculum. Current magnet programs at existing schools included in the grant proposal have struggled to draw students and would be replaced with the STEM magnet.  The Board of Education is scheduled to vote Thursday on whether to authorize the grant application. The meeting begins at 5 p.m. on Feb. 14, 2013 in the board auditorium of the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center (4400 West 18th Street).

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2007 Bond Principals Share Their Insights and Experience

Lockhart Elementary School Principal Felicia Adams

Lockhart Elementary School Principal Felicia Adams

Schools getting ready for the 2012 HISD bond program don’t need to look far for helpful advice.

Just ask Peck Elementary School Principal Carlotta Brown, whose school was rebuilt thanks to the 2007 bond program.   “I made my expectations to architects known from the beginning,” Brown said. “I told them I would be looking over things because I did not want sub-standard work.”

Brown’s vigilance paid off. Located in the Third Ward off Martin Luther King, Jr. Road, Peck’s new 750-student school opened in January after being consolidated with nearby McArthur Elementary School. Her goal was to make sure the new building reflected both campuses and communities.

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Peck Elementary Students Plant Trees Donated by Trees for Houston

Two fifth-grade classes at Peck Elementary School will plant trees donated by Trees for Houston.  The students will plant more than 15 live oak, pine and sycamore trees. In October, HISD announced a partnership with Trees for Houston to plant trees at several campuses.  The joint effort is part of HISD’s ongoing commitment to promote green schools and eco-friendly academic environments.

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HISD Partners with Houston Hispanic Forum to Bus Students to 27th Annual Career and Education Day

HISD information booths and workshops on college-readiness and parental involvement will also be available

 

What:   HISD is participating in the 27th Annual Career and Education Day presented by the Houston Hispanic Forum to help provide students and families all the resources necessary to help them get into college, explore possible career paths and obtain financial aid assistance.  This free event includes hundreds of bilingual representatives from universities, colleges, and community organizations as well as dozens of educational workshops. Free lunch will be provided for all attendees.

All students in grades 6 – 12 and their parents are encouraged to attend.

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YMCPA Community Turns Out to Hear About Bond Project at Campus

About 35 people attended a community meeting on Thursday night at Young Men’s College Preparatory Academy to discuss construction plans for the fifth ward school under the $1.89 billion bond program.

Community members discuss plans for Young Men's College Preparatory Academy at a meeting Thursday night at the school.

Community members discuss plans for Young Men’s College Preparatory Academy at a meeting Thursday night at the school.

The 2012 bond program approved by voters in November will build or renovate 40 schools across the district, including 29 high schools.

School Board Trustee Rhonda Skillern-Jones led the discussion, which emphasized community involvement and a need for a facility that reflects the school’s curriculum.

“We want to make sure the academic program (at YMCPA) is sustained by the building,” Skillern-Jones said. “We need 21st century buildings for that.”

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Community Input Sought on Rebuilding of Booker T. Washington High School

Meeting will focus on schedule, site needs,construction process for 2012 bond project

What:             Community meeting to discuss the upcoming project to rebuild Booker T. Washington High School. As part of the 2012 Bond Program, voters authorized HISD to build a facility that would better meet the academic needs of students. The meeting will discuss project schedule and site considerations, as well as planning, design, and construction requirements.

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The City of Houston Mayor’s Office Recognizes HISD Transportation Department

Houston City Hall

Houston's City Hall is awash in yellow in honor of HISD's Transportation Department.

The Houston Independent School District Transportation Department will be recognized by the City of Houston Mayor’s office this month.  February is national “Love the Bus” month which raises awareness and appreciation for school bus transportation personnel who work to safely transport children to and from school.

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