Yearly Archives: 2013

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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Vendors, Suppliers Get Tips on HISD Bidding Process

Vendors and suppliers curious about how to do business with HISD got an overview Wednesday on how to fill out a “Request for Proposal,” the paperwork required for companies to bid on a project.

More than 45 people turned out for the workshop, sponsored by the district’s Office of Business Assistance. Leading the two-hour event was HISD procurement manager Robert B. Fazakerly, who covered topics such as how RFPs are evaluated and the importance of meeting all specified deadlines.

“We go by the time and date stamp at the board services office,” Fazakerly said. “If it’s late, we’re not even going to open the box.”

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High Schools Holding FAFSA Workshops for Student and Parents

Seniors heading to college need to apply for financial aid by March 15

[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/57233157 w=500&h=281]

 

As HISD seniors begin receiving college acceptance letters, another important part of the college process begins—figuring out how to pay for it! In an effort to help HISD students and their families apply for financial aid, high schools across the district have been holding FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) workshops. Continue reading →

HISD Business and Community Partners Recognized by the Texas Association of Partners in Education

Nine Houston ISD business and community partners, Volunteers in Public Schools volunteer George W. Black, and HISD’s State of the Schools event were recently recognized by the Texas Association of Partners in Education.

The winners were announced last week at the Texas Association of School Administrators’ Midwinter Conference and Education Expo in Austin. HISD’s partnership with the Houston Food Bank was one of two partnerships that received the highest honors in all categories.

HISD Strategic Partnership General Manager Caleen Allen said HISD is very proud of its partners for being recognized on the state level.  “Their commitment to the district and increasing student achievement is undeniable,” said Allen. “The knowledge, resources and innovative programs they bring to the district continue to make a major difference academically and socially in the lives of our children.”

The Texas Association of Partners in Education provides leadership and expertise for schools, families, businesses, and communities to build partnerships that enhance student success.

Here is a list of the winners:

TAPE Community Partnership Awards

  • Academic Impact:                 Prepared 4 Life
  • Career Education:                  City of Houston
  • STEM:                                          Bernard Harris Foundation
  • Health                                         Houston Food Bank
  • Art                                                Houston Ballet

TAPE Business Partnership Awards

  • Career Education                    Port of Houston Authority
  • STEM                                            Comcast

TAPE Partnership Awards

  • Mentor                                        Steed Media Group (Rolling Out)
  • Volunteer                                  Target

TAPE Special Events Award

  • Special Event                            State of the Schools

TAPE Individual Volunteer Award

  • Wisdom                                      George W. Black