Yearly Archives: 2014

Don’t overlook your neighborhood campuses when shopping for a school

Crockett ES is not a magnet school for fine arts, but its program is top-notch due in part to art teachers like Geetha Thomas, pictured here with some of her students. Parents are encouraged to check out the offerings at their neighborhood schools first, before shopping for alternatives.

It’s fall in Houston, and that means many HISD parents are already thinking about which campuses to send their children to for the 2015–2016 school year.

But while the attraction of the district’s many magnet programs is undeniable, parents are encouraged to take a closer look at the “zoned” schools located in their neighborhoods, as sometimes a hidden gem can be right around the corner.
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Parents: Start exploring your options during Magnet Awareness Week Nov. 3–7

The current school year is underway, but parents who want to send their children to campuses other than the ones to which they are zoned next fall need to start planning now.

Magnet applications for the 2015-2016 school year open online on Saturday, Nov. 1, with processing starting Monday, Nov. 3. Parents must submit those applications before Friday, Dec. 19, 2014, for guaranteed first-round consideration.

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To assist families in choosing a school, HISD will be hosting a Magnet Open House on Saturday, Nov. 1, at Northwest Mall (9500 Hempstead Hwy., 77092). The event will take place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., and representatives from many of the district’s campuses will be on hand to answer questions and offer information about their programs. Continue reading →

What’s afoot? Rival HISD HS bands are playing the same tune for special appearance

The Austin High School Sonic Boom and Milby High School Marching Thunder will join the University of Houston Spirit of Houston Cougar Marching Band to kick off the East End Street Fest from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, October 25 along Navigation Blvd.

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The bands practiced this week for Afoot! A Marching Band Extravaganza, a choreographed, artistic performance. The experience, while fun for the dedicated musicians, also builds character and a solid work ethic, emphasizes teamwork, and helps prepare them for life. Continue reading →

HISD statement on litigation delaying construction of Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy for Young Men

The Houston Independent School District respects Friday’s court ruling and will comply with the order to further delay construction of the voter-approved Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy for Young Men on the site of the former Wheatley/E.O Smith building in the Fifth Ward.

As a result of the unexpected delays caused by this litigation, HISD will be unable to meet an aggressive construction schedule that would have allowed the new school to open in time to start the 2016-2017 school year. In addition, these delays are coming at a time when building construction costs in Houston are climbing at an extremely high rate. District officials will continue to make students’ needs the top priority, and will work with the community as a whole to identify a solution that will provide students with a 21st century campus as soon as possible.

Strengthening ‘academics first’ at Yates before construction begins at school

Close to 40 Yates High School parents, alumni, educators, and students attended a special community meeting Thursday to discuss strengthening academic programs at the school before construction begins on a new facility for Yates.

Yates is one of 40 schools HISD will rebuild or renovate under the district’s 2012 $1.89 billion bond program. Construction on Yates is scheduled to begin mid- to late 2015.

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At the meeting, attendees shared ideas and voiced concerns on what academic programs to expand on or include in the new building, including offering more advanced courses for students.

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Meet HISD Transportation’s first Hispanic senior fleet manager

Andres Montes

Andres Montes

Andres Montes doesn’t like to brag on his many accomplishments. Instead, HISD Transportation’s Senior Manager of Fleet Operations uses his knowledge of mechanics and personal journey to inspire his employees and students. With many accolades, including over 30 years’ experience in fleet management, numerous certifications and serving as the first Hispanic to hold a senior level management position with HISD Transportation, Montes is committed to service excellence. He talks about his love of mechanics and vehicles, and why he feels it is so important to pay it forward. Continue reading →

Combined Charities takes the uncertainty out of giving to the needy

Shawn McMahan poses for a photograph at Horn Elementary School, October 23, 2014. (Dave Einsel / Houston ISD)

Shawn McMahan

For Shawn McMahan, HISD’s Combined Charities Campaign is about security—the comfort of never having to wonder if the money she gives is actually getting to the people it’s supposed to help.

“We’ve all had that experience where you’re stopped at the red light and a person shows you a sign asking for money,” explained the Horn Academy ESL teacher. “In your head, you debate whether or not to help them. You may worry that by giving them money, you’re just feeding some bad habit that got them there in the first place. Or you remember the story on the news about scammers who make their living off the generosity of others, but really require no assistance. But how can you look them in the eye and refuse to help? It’s a dilemma.” Continue reading →

Sharpstown Int’l School nurse named tops in Texas for 2014

Karen Adams

Sharpstown International School (SIS) Nurse Karen Adams has already been honored once this year for her work with HISD students. Now, HISD’s Secondary Nurse of the Year for 2014 is getting recognition at the state level: the Texas School Nurse Organization has named her its 2014 School Nurse of the Year.

“It’s very gratifying,” said Adams of receiving the award, “but I was shocked. What I do here is for my kids. I don’t do it for recognition; I do it because I want to and the kids need it. That’s the most important thing to me, that the kids get what they need.” Continue reading →