Yearly Archives: 2015

District operating as usual, classes in session one day after email threat

The Houston Independent School District was operating as usual Thursday morning after receiving a threat of violence the night before similar to those received this week by school districts across the nation including Los Angeles, New York and Miami.

HISD Police Chief Robert Mock reiterated at a press conference Thursday that the threat was not believed to be credible after it was apparent that it was being sent to multiple locations and not specific to HISD. “That’s a big red flag,” Mock said.

The email was sent around 8 p.m. Wednesday to HISD Superintendent Terry Grier among others in the district. HISD police began investigating and contacting other law enforcement agencies and school districts. The investigation into the origin of the email is continuing.

As a precautionary measure, law enforcement officers are patrolling throughout the district Thursday to ensure student safety. No issues have been reported, and Mock said classes were running normally.

HISD will continue to update parents, students and staff should new information become available.  Text messages can also be received by texting “Yes” to 68453.

Below is the text of phone call made to parents and staff this morning:

This is the Houston Independent School District calling with an important update for parents and students. As you know, last night HISD was one of many school districts across the country to receive a threat of violence that police do not believe is credible. Please know that school is in session today, and no issues have been reported. Teaching and learning are continuing as usual. Though the threat is not believed to be credible, we are taking every precaution possible to ensure safety. Law enforcement officers conducted random sweeps of school district buildings last night. Area law enforcement agencies have been notified and additional officers from HISD police and law enforcement agencies throughout the greater Houston area are patrolling our district today. Please know we take situations such as this very seriously and investigate all threats, as the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We appreciate your continued patience and support and will provide you with additional information as it becomes available. Again, this was the Houston Independent School District calling with an important message for parents and students.

 

HISD receives threat of violence similar to school districts in New York, Los Angeles, Miami

Dec. 16, 2015 — The Houston Independent School District late Wednesday received a threat of violence similar to those received this week by school districts across the nation, including Los Angeles, New York and Miami.

At this time, we do not believe the threat is credible, but as a precautionary measure, law enforcement officers are in the process of conducting random sweeps of school district buildings to ensure student safety. Surrounding law enforcement agencies also have been notified and additional officers will be on patrol Thursday morning.

HISD asks parents and students to be vigilant Thursday morning and report any suspicious activity to police.

School will continue Thursday as scheduled. Should that change, we will notify you.

*10 a.m. update*
HISD Chief of Police will hold media briefing to address security measures in response to threat @10:30 a.m. today.

*10:30 a.m. update*
School is in session today, and no issues have been reported. Teaching and learning are continuing as usual. Though the threat is not believed to be credible, HISD is taking every precaution possible to ensure safety.

Gifted and talented program: What parents need to know

A recent policy revision means that HISD students will have more equitable access to the district’s gifted and talented (G/T) program. Under new board policy, once a child qualifies to receive gifted-and-talented services, they will continue to receive services unless a parent or guardian requests otherwise.

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HISD students serve on Souper Bowl of Caring Local Youth Advisory Board

More than a dozen HISD students are serving as Local Youth Advisory Board (LYAB) members for this year’s Souper Bowl of Caring. Souper Bowl of Caring is a national youth-led movement that utilizes the energy of the Super Bowl to collect food items and donations for local charities that work to fight hunger.

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All cash and food donations collected between January 18 and February 7, 2016,  are donated back to the local community. The vision is to turn the nation’s biggest weekend of football into the largest weekend of giving and serving.

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Bastian ES students surprised by Houston Texans player during annual toy giveaway

A group of 25 students at Bastian Elementary School were surprised with a special delivery by Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph on Tuesday afternoon—just in time for the holidays.

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“I’m so glad to be here doing this for the holidays,” Joseph said. “On behalf of Academy and myself, we came to surprise [students] for this special occasion.”

Joseph, accompanied by team members from Academy Sports + Outdoors, gave students bikes on behalf of The Andre Johnson Foundation’s annual toy giveaway event. Students were chosen based on perfect attendance and outstanding grades.

“The community at Bastian Elementary is excited to once again team up with the Houston Texans and the Andre Johnson Foundation to do something special for students who have shown excellence throughout the school year,” said Bastian Principal Tonya Roberson.

Nutrition Services encourages culinary students to bake healthy recipes at home

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As a reward for cooking healthier at home, four Gregory Lincoln Education Center students received laptops for participating in a Nutrition Services department healthy recipe contest. Culinary arts students were challenged to bake the Nutrition Services’ sweet potato muffin recipe, which utilizes whole grain flour and real sweet potatoes.

Nutrition Services Education Dietitian Jennifer Lengyel and Gregory Lincoln’s Culinary Arts Teacher Kelly Karavias encouraged the students to integrate nutritious ingredients into a recipe that the whole family will enjoy. “Everybody likes a delicious, warm muffin,” Karavias said. “Parents like it, little kids like it.”

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Astros mascot leads pep rally for reading at HISD schools

The Houston Astros mascot, Orbit, not only encourages fans at Minute Maid — he’s pumping up students to get excited about reading.

Orbit served as the Master of Ceremonies for literacy pep rallies at several HISD elementary schools. Excited elementary students were entertained with animated skits, vibrant performances, lively music, interactive games, and teacher participation in an effort to encourage them to read at least 20 minutes daily.

Orbit’s visit was made possible by a partnership among the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, Phillips 66, Houston Astros, and HISD.

Phuong Uyen Tieu named principal of Reagan PK-8

Phuong Tieu poses for a photograph during the Professional Learning Series at NRG Center, June 15, 2016. (Dave Einsel/Houston ISD)Phuong Uyen Tieu has been named principal of Billy Reagan K8 Educational Center. Tieu graduated from Hastings High School and received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from University of Houston and a master’s degree in education administration from Concordia University in Austin. Following her undergraduate education, she worked in corporate America for eight years before becoming a teacher. Tieu began her career in education at Stafford Municipal School District, where she served as an elementary school teacher, dual language coordinator, and dean of instruction.

Currently, she is an assistant principal at Scarborough High School. Tieu has two children, Olivia, 12, and Ethan, 10.

Student-run Apollo Market serves 200 families more than 6,000 lbs. of groceries

Sharpstown High School students, as well as volunteers from Morgan Stanley, Memorial Hermann, and Volunteer Houston, made the holiday season a little brighter for their community at last weekend’s Apollo market. Approximately 200 families were provided with more than 6,000 pounds of groceries.

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The Apollo Market is a weekly food distribution run entirely by student volunteers, but the December 12 market included a special holiday fair for the community, which included:

* fresh groceries, including a turkey

* a recipe demonstration by the Sharpstown High School HealthCorps Cooking Club

* free blood-pressure screenings from Memorial Hermann Southwest staff

* the opportunity to learn more about the onsite Memorial Hermann school clinic

* a nutrition demonstration by Houston Food Bank staff

* booths with holiday games and activities provided by Morgan Stanley staff * the opportunity to register for eligible social services with Epiphany Community Health Outreach Services (ECHOS).

“This was such a great event to support the local community.” said Sharpstown community member Kim Benson. “I was impressed by the students, who were helpful and sweet. It really puts you in the holiday spirit.”