Yearly Archives: 2013

HISD Embracing Technology in the Classroom

Students in Rebecca Millhench's class at Young Men's College Preparatory Academy use iPads to take a quiz.

In a world where Facebook messages, tweets and text messages have become the language of the 21st century for many students, HISD is working to transition its curriculum to online, interactive content.

“The district is identifying effective strategies that allow teachers to use technology to further learning along with the resources that will support that kind of blended, online learning,” HISD’s Director of Secondary Curriculum Michael Dorsey said.

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Pershing MS Teacher Named KBR Science Teacher of the Year

Pin Oak MS, EECHS teachers also recognized through annual awards program

Alexandrea Oliphant has a secret to getting her kids interested in science. “I try to key in on whatever it is they’re really interested in and we start from there,” said the seventh-grade science teacher from Pershing Middle School. Continue reading →

Neff Elementary Celebrates Dedication of New School

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A crowd of about 60 people gathered at Neff Elementary School in southwest Houston on Friday to dedicate its new 750-student campus built under the district’s 2007 bond program.

“This school has laid a tremendous foundation academically for our students,” HISD District VI Board Member Greg Meyers said. Chief School Officer Sidney (Chip) Zullinger also praised the new school and the progress students have made since the new building opened.

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HISD holds school choice fairs for North Forest students

The Houston Independent School District is holding two school choice fairs for North Forest students and their parents.

Earlier this year, the Texas Education Agency ordered North Forest ISD to be closed and annexed by HISD effective July 1. North Forest has approximately 7,000 students, and those students will become HISD students.

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KBR to Award the 2013 Science Teachers of the Year

Three HISD science teachers to receive awards of up to $6,000

Three secondary science teachers in the Houston Independent School District will receive the KBR 2013 Teacher of the Year award on Friday.

This annual contest selects science teachers for this award based on their ability to increase student achievement in science and effectively engage students in the classroom, among other criteria.  The winners are awarded $6,000, $4,000 and $2,000 respectively for first, second and third place.

Who:               KBR Corporate Giving Supervisor Marolynne Huber, HISD administrators and science teachers

What:             KBR 2013 Science Teacher of the Year awards ceremony

When:             Friday, May 24th 11:30 – 1:00 p.m.

Where:           Junior League of Houston, 1811 Briar Oaks Lane, Houston, TX 77027

HISD to Celebrate Class of 2013 Valedictorians and Salutatorians

President and CEO of Smart Financial Credit Union to be Keynote Speaker

The Houston Independent School District will be honoring the exceptional academic achievements of each high school’s top seniors at the annual Scholars Banquet today.  HISD Board of Education President Anna Eastman will be addressing the Class of 2013 valedictorians and salutatorians along with the keynote speaker CEO and President of Smart Financial Credit Union Gary Tuma.  Since its inception 79 years ago, Smart Financial Credit Union has been a valued community partner of HISD offering scholarships for graduating seniors.

Click here to see photos and read the biographies of each valedictorian and salutatorian.

What:              HISD to recognize the Class of 2013 Valedictorians and Salutatorians

Who:               HISD Board of Education President Anna Eastman, President and CEO of Smart Financial Credit Union Gary Tuma, HISD administrators, principals, teachers, staff, parents and the Class of 2013 HISD Valedictorians and Salutatorians

When:             Thursday, May 23 at 7 p.m.

Where:            Westin Oaks Galleria, 5011 Westheimer, Houston

Nine HISD Schools Compete in Odyssey of the Mind World Finals

Students from T.H. Rogers School

Nine HISD schools are competing in the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals in Michigan on May 22-25, 2013. For students at T.H. Rogers School, the trip to Michigan is an opportunity to reflect on all of their hard work.

“Making it to World was an achievement we never imagined; but we are very excited since we’ve been working at it since August and have put in hundreds of hours of prep and refinement,” said T.H. Rogers student Ceci Bruton. “I guess I’m proudest because we’ve done this all by ourselves!”

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HISD nurses, librarian of the year named

Three of HISD’s top employees were honored as nurses and librarian of the year.

Violet Clarke of Chavez HS and Deborah Morice of Red ES were named school nurses of the year at a ceremony on May 17, 2013. Each received a Florence Nightingale lamp, flowers, gift cards and two-night stays at a Hilton hotel. They will serve on HISD’s Professional School Nurse Advisory Committee and be considered for the Texas School Nurse of the Year.

The librarian of the year winner is Melina Flores from Herrera ES. She received a crystal book trophy and several donated prizes. She will serve on the committee that will select next year’s librarian of the year.

District Recognizes Top Volunteers at VIPS Breakfast and Awards Program

Every year, thousands of parents, businesses, and community partners support HISD students and teachers by donating their time, resources, and knowledge. On May 22, 2013, HISD held its annual Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS) breakfast to celebrate and honor some of the district’s top volunteers.

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HISD Honors the 2013 Teachers of the Year

Board of Education President and HISD Superintendent announced the two Teachers of the Year during Team HISD Celebration of Excellence

The Houston Independent School District honored the two 2013 Teachers of the Year during the Team HISD Celebration of Excellence ceremony tonight at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Neff Elementary School teacher Paige Fernandez and Bellaire High School teacher Kay Kubena were selected among 12,000 HISD teachers.

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