Monthly Archives: March 2013

It’s decision time for students: magnet admission status letters go out March 22

 

Lovett Elementary

Lovett Elementary is in the top three of elementary magnet schools with applications received.

Starting March 25, parents will have two weeks to let schools know where they want to send their children this fall.

Letters notifying parents of their children’s magnet application status will be mailed out starting Friday, March 22, and students who are “accepted” must indicate that they will attend their school of choice during the 2013–2014 school year by signing and returning the enclosed Student Entrance Agreement no later than Friday, April 5 (postmarked). Continue reading →

‘Camp Connect’ bringing effective teachers, struggling students together over Spring Break

Some educators may look at Spring Break as a time to get away from the classroom, but for School Support Officer Kim Fonteno, that week-long period is a golden opportunity to help some of the district’s lowest-performing students master critical objectives.

That’s why she developed “Camp Connect” this year, a workshop for students in grades 3–5 at schools on the city’s southeast side. Continue reading →

Team HISD is Hiring – Early Application Deadline is March 18

HISD currently has openings for motivated teachers who are invested in making an impact on student achievement.  To attract the best candidates, we are currently accepting early applications for the 2013-2014 school year. The deadline for the early application round is March 18, 2013. We are continuing to access applications for the 2012-2013 school year.

While vacancies exist in all areas, the highest need for teachers exists in critical shortage areas including bilingual (Spanish), secondary Spanish, secondary math, secondary science and specific areas in special education.

To get started, click here and follow the directions to start your application for employment with HISD today! Candidates who apply early will have the best chance of securing contracts for the 2013-2014 school year.

For more information about a teaching career at HISD, visit the teacher recruitment page by clicking here.

Halpin ECC finds creative ways to boost student attendance

Principal, science teacher use gift cards, other incentives to keep kids in class

When children are absent from school, it’s not just the students who lose out on their daily dose of instruction. Over time, campuses lose out on their ability to deliver it as well.

School funding is determined on the basis of students’ average daily attendance rate, so a dip of even a single percentage point can cost campuses thousands of dollars in funds needed to support their instructional programs. Continue reading →

Teachers Can Use Exemplar Lessons to Become More Effective In Classroom

Houston ISD teachers have the opportunity to enhance their skills with lesson plans designed with the help of educators in the district.

Teachers can utilize exemplar lessons as models of effective instructional planning based on district planning guides. In addition, as the exemplar lessons were designed for immediate classroom implementation, teachers can use the lessons “as is” or modify the content to meet the needs of their students.

Continue reading →

Board of Education to Consider 3 More Contracts for Work Related to 2012 Bond

Mandarin Chinese Immersion School, Grady MS, and Condit ES among selected projects

Administrators are recommending that the HISD Board of Education authorize the district to negotiate contracts with three firms on three more 2012 bond projects, including Grady Middle School, Condit Elementary, and the Mandarin Chinese Language Immersion K-8 School.

HISD officials spent several weeks reviewing qualifications submitted by 85 architectural and engineering firms seeking to do work with the district under the 2012 bond program, which will build or renovate 40 schools across the district. The $1.89 billion bond program, approved by voters in November, will also fund middle school restroom renovations, technology upgrades, and safety and security upgrades.

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NHECHS students win HUDL city championship

The city champions from North Houston Early College High School in cross examination at the varsity (Edwin Pleitez and Hope Sauceda, center), and junior varsity (Luis Moreno and Luis Yanez) levels.

City champions and runners-up in varsity cross-examination will now advance to national debate competition in D.C.
Continue reading →

Dr. Grier Receives Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators’ Highest Honor

Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators president-elect Dr. Dawn Randle, left, and president Dr. Christopher Pichon, right, pose with Houston ISD Superintendent Dr. Terry Grier after he was awarded the President's Award from the HAABSE at the Westin Galleria, March 1, 2013. Grier was honored for his efforts in passing the 2012 Bond to improve high schools and other facilities across the district.

The Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators has awarded HISD Superintendent Terry Grier its highest honor.  Dr. Grier recently received the Presidential Award at the organization’s 26th Annual Outstanding Teacher Awards and Recognition ceremony at the Westin Galleria Hotel. Continue reading →

Two HISD Schools Recognized as National Magnet Schools of Merit

Two Houston ISD schools have received the National Magnet School of Merit’s Magnet Schools of Distinction award from the Magnet Schools of America.

Berry Elementary and Garden Oaks Montessori received the MSA’s Magnet School of Distinction award for 2013. The two HISD schools were among seven Texas schools to receive recognition.

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‘Building 21st Century Schools’ the Focus of 2012 Bond Program Event for Schools and Staff

Participants will consider how to modernize HISD facilities and instruction

What:             The half-day symposium will explore the connection between the educational and physical qualities of 21st century schools, provide a forum for dialogue about those connections at the 2012 Bond campuses, and aid in process of developing educational specifications for each of those schools.  

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