Yearly Archives: 2013

Teachers Enjoy ‘Revolutionary’ Trip to Eastern Seaboard, Thanks to U.S. DOE Grant

HISD history teachers pose at the Bunker Hill Monument commemorating a battle in the American Revolution, a stop along the Freedom Trail in Boston, Mass.

Many teachers use the summer months as a time to deepen their knowledge of various subjects, but one group of 36 history teachers took that activity to the next level this year.

The educators, who came from 30 different HISD campuses, developed a new appreciation for this country’s origins and some of its most unconventional thinkers by exploring some of the most historically significant sites related to “revolutionary” activities June 9–15.

Continue reading →

All Positions Filled For North Forest Summer School Teachers

Houston ISD has filled all positions for summer school teachers in the North Forest community.

HISD began accepting applications for certified internal educators on July 1, and all positions were filled by July 2.
Continue reading →

Camp M.I. Way Offers Both Campers and Counselors a Unique Experience

What summer camp would be complete without silly songs and fun games? At Camp M.I. Way, however, the focus is on stimulation, rather than recreation. The five-week camp places a child with multiple impairments with a personal student counselor from one of several HISD middle and high schools.

“Camp M.I. Way gives students with multiple impairments a chance to practice and expand their skills in an atmosphere of fun,” said Deborah Carr, the executive director of Home Run Hitters International, a local non-profit group which created and founded the camp.

Continue reading →

HISD Aims to Use Fewer T-Buildings During 2012 Bond Construction

Temporary buildings are being removed at McReynolds Middle School.

For many schools built under HISD’s 2007 bond program, temporary buildings used for storage and instruction space were part of the construction process.

Now, as the district moves forward with the $1.89 billion 2012 bond program, HISD officials are looking at ways to minimize the use of T-buildings to maximize the amount of money available for new facilities.

Continue reading →

Teachers Using Edmodo to Stay Connected, Collaborate

West Briar Middle School teacher Adam Beckham has always been one to embrace new technology, but admits he has had a hard time finding a safe tool to collaborate with his students outside of school hours.

“Teachers know there is technology out there that would truly enhance our teaching and connection with students, but with things changing so fast it is hard to find the right one,” said Beckham.

Continue reading →

Dozens of Class of 2013 Grads Also Earned Associate’s Degrees

North Early College High School graduates and Principal Angela Lundy-Jackson

Many members of the Class of 2013 earned more than their high school diplomas this year—nearly 200 of them also earned associate’s degrees from Houston Community College.

Challenge Early College, East Early College, Empowerment College Preparatory Academy, Houston Academy for International Studies, and North Houston Early College high schools all offer students the opportunity to take college courses along with high school courses. This year, a total of 179 students from all of those campuses combined left high school with a two-year college degree.

Continue reading →

HISD Board of Education Approves $1.62 Billion Budget for 2013-2014 Academic Year

The Houston Independent School District Board of Education has approved a $1.62 billion budget for the 2013-2014 academic year that includes $16 million to provide additional support to students at struggling schools and 2-percent pay raises for all HISD employees.

Continue reading →

Lovett ES Teacher Traveling to Iceland to Study Volcanic Effects on People, Earth

Rhonda Goldmann of Lovett Elementary

Rhonda Goldmann of Lovett Elementary does the "Division Dance" with her students as part of her summer school math instruction.

Those traveling in Europe a little more than three years ago may have bad memories of an Icelandic volcano causing them to be stuck in airports waiting for volcanic ash to clear the skies, but Lovett Elementary School science teacher Rhonda Goldmann has some hope for a repeat performance later this summer.

Goldmann will travel to Iceland to observe active volcanoes in the hopes of learning more about their positive and negative effects to bring back new lessons for students.

Continue reading →

HISD Helps Small Businesses Through Mentor-Protégé Program

Ramon Herrera, principal at Midtown Engineers, says he hopes joining the IMPP as a protégé will help him become a better businessman.

Small business owners learned the components of a “perfect handshake” and how to smile like a politician at the Interagency Mentor-Protégé Program’s first session yesterday at METRO headquarters.

Through HISD’s partnership with the City of Houston, METRO and Port of Houston Authority, the IMPP was designed to create long-term relationships between mentors and protégés, through professional guidance and business support and development.

“It is our hope that this program will enhance the capability of (small businesses) so that they can take on a larger role with (HISD),” HISD Supplier Diversity Team Lead Bernard Willingham said.

Continue reading →