Monthly Archives: February 2014

Laptop distribution successful thanks to neighboring help

Distributing nearly 18,000 laptops to students at eight high schools over the last three weeks has been no easy task, but all-in-all, deployment of devices in the first phase of HISD’s PowerUp initiative is being called a success. The relative ease and absence of major problems is the result of hours of planning, teamwork across various departments, and even assistance from a neighboring school district.

“I think one of the reason things went smoothly was because our deployment plan was developed with the advice and best practices from Klein ISD,” said HISD Chief Technology Officer Lenny Schad. Klein has a one-to-one program similar to HISD’s, but on a much smaller scale. Over the past several years, the district, located in northern Harris County, has distributed laptops in incremental phases to students at half a dozen schools, adding one or two schools a year.

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Vendors, suppliers learn about district’s improved procurement process

More than 30 suppliers and vendors looking to do business with HISD learned how the district is improving its procurement process to create better opportunities for small businesses during a workshop held Tuesday.

“If we’re able to get the product we want, and you’re able to sell it, it’s a win-win for both of us,” said Gilberto Carles, the district’s general manger of procurement services. “If you’re not an awarded contractor, you need to understand why, so you can develop ways to take your company to the next level.”

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HISD investigates inappropriate social media activity

Houston Independent School District officials were notified the first week of February about social media activity that involved the HISD name.

We take incidents of this nature very seriously. The HISD police department is working with several agencies, including the Houston Police Department and Internet Crimes Against Children, to investigate this issue.

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HISD Transportation Department’s Training Recognized Among Nation’s Best in 2013

A photo gallery and a video featuring emergency rescue training and bus riding safety in the Houston Independent School District Transportation Department were recognized among the nation’s best in 2013, according to School Bus Fleet, the leading magazine for school bus transportation nationwide.

The emergency rescue training took place in August 2013 and featured mock emergency drills to prepare bus drivers and attendants for a variety of crisis situations. The drills simulated the effects of a fire on a school bus, an armed intruder on board and a wreck involving a train. All activities involved real school buses, trains, vehicles, fire, smoke, weapons and staged injuries. The training was conducted in partnership with the Houston Fire Department. The photographs of this event were selected by School Bus Fleet magazine as Editors’ Picks for Photo Gallery of the Year for 2013.

In honor of National School Bus Safety week in October 2013, the HISD Transportation Department created a music video that covered such topics as proper boarding procedures, how to sit on a bus and the importance of reporting bullying. Students from Peck Elementary School, Yates High School and the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts were included in the video, along with district bus drivers and attendants. This video was included among both the most-viewed and most-liked stories by School Bus Fleet magazine readers for 2013. In addition, the video was also selected as Editors’ Picks for Videos of the Year for 2013. The videos were filmed by the district’s multimedia team.

“Both of these programs were incredibly fun and fully engaged our team and community,” said Nathan Graf, general manager for transportation. “Just being recognized for this work is reason for everyone here to be proud.”

Each day, about 925 HISD school buses travel 84,000 miles as they transport more than 32,000 students to and from school.

 

Lamar senior headed to Division I West Virginia U

Louis Thomas

A Lamar High School senior in the Houston Dynamo Academy has signed on to continue his studies and sports career in a Division I program. Louis Thomas has committed to going to West Virginia University.

Thomas was not able to play for his school’s team because of his participation in the United States Soccer Federation’s Development Academy, but he has been a starter in almost all of the games he played in his two years at the Houston Dynamo Academy.

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HISD proposes school closures, consolidations and boundary changes after comprehensive study

New report informs district proposal to close or repurpose five schools and shift several school boundaries

As the Houston metro area continues to grow and evolve, the Houston Independent School District is evaluating student learning environments, enrollment data and demographic patterns to determine the best way to create better and stronger schools.

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‘Get that degree,’ HISD’s college-bound athletes are reminded

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The emphasis was on the “student” part of student-athlete Wednesday afternoon as more than 75 Houston ISD’s seniors signed symbolic certificates to continue their educations and athletic careers at a National Signing Day ceremony.

The male and female athletes gathered with their coaches, principals, and parents on Feb. 5 to celebrate their achievements, and to hear sage advice about their futures at the Region IV Education Service Center in northwest Houston.

HISD’s legendary former Athletic Director Joe Tusa reminded athletes that their abilities had earned them a rare opportunity, and that they should make the most of it. “So many of you – including myself – would not have been able to go college, except for these scholarships,” Tusa said. “Get that degree. Keep your studies up. If you get that degree, it is with you the rest of your life.”

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Berry ES wins ‘Development of Distinction’ award from Urban Land Institute

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/85006306/ w=320&h=205]

Berry Elementary School’s eco-friendly and inviting building design received a real estate development award Tuesday from the Houston District Council of the Urban Land Institute.

The school won a 2014 Development of Distinction Award, which recognizes Houston area building projects that exemplify best practices in design, construction, economic viability and community health. The school was one of two finalists for the award in the nonprofit category. Continue reading →

HISD launching customized HB 5 information blitz for families, educators

With most details of the state’s new reform of public education – known as House Bill 5 – settled only last week, HISD is ready with a multimedia toolbox to assist students, families, and support staff in making the most of the guidelines that will require students to choose academic and career paths that will prepare them for success beyond high school.

The district launched its “Plan Your Path” informational website, houstonisd.org/PlanYourPath, on Feb. 5. It offers:

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