Yearly Archives: 2015

Marshall ES students get a lesson on heroes while building literacy skills

LX3_BooksNBears_300John Moore Services is observing its 50th anniversary in Houston this year, and to celebrate, the company gave away 250 books and teddy bears on May 15 to students at HISD’s Marshall Elementary School.

The books were written and illustrated by a local artist, and tell the story of “Buddy the Home Repair Bear,” who learns he doesn’t have to be a star athlete to be a hero in his own right.

“We are so grateful to John Moore Services for this generous gesture,” said Principal Hilarion Martinez. “I particularly like the book’s message — that people who come through for their friends are heroes, too.”

“We want to support literacy in our community by giving back to children who may not always have the privilege of getting their own book and toy,” added a John Moore Services representative.

Grady MS student named myON’s third ‘Reader Leader’

Grady MS seventh-grader Prabin Panta with HISD Curriculum Specialist Cynthia Gonzalez and Library Services Manager Liz Philippi. Photo courtesy Muses3, LLC.

Grady MS seventh-grader Prabin Panta with HISD Curriculum Specialist Cynthia Gonzalez and Library Services Manager Liz Philippi. Photo courtesy Muses3, LLC.

Prabin Panta, a seventh-grader at Grady Middle School, has been named the third “Reader Leader” by myON for logging the most time spent reading on that website during a particular month.

Prabin read for 97 hours and 22 minutes in myON in April. As a part of his prize, Prabin received a laptop (with computer case) from Muses3, LLC, the representative of myON in southeast Texas. He was formally recognized during a special ceremony held on his campus May 14.

“It was a pleasure meeting Prabin,” said Carl Franklin, account manager with Muses3. “He is a terrific student and an amazing reader. We are delighted that myON is part of his middle school experience.”

Board of Education announces student awards for 2014–2015 school year

Trustee Paula Harris (far L) presents the Board Awards to some of the first graduate from the Young Women's College Preparatory Academy

Trustee Paula Harris (far L) presents the Board Awards to some of the first graduate from the Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy

Each year, the HISD Board of Education honors distinguished seniors from district high schools in recognition of their accomplishments, as exemplified by their character, academic achievement, leadership, and service.

Selections are made by school-based committees appointed by each principal and the awards are presented by the trustee representing each district during commencement exercises.

One outstanding young man and young woman are selected from each high school, as well as up to five honorable mention students. A list of this year’s award recipients is here (.pdf) and a list of the students receiving honorable mention is here (.pdf).

Worthing HS shows neighborhood kids that school has a bright future

Feeder pattern students tour school, learn about Futures Academy and construction of 21st century campus

Students from neighboring middle schools and fifth-graders from nearby elementary schools spent a morning at Worthing High School last week, where they learned about the school’s Futures Academy and new construction.

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400 “Bikes for Excellence” awarded to HISD fifth-graders

As members of the Thin Blue Line Foundation & Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club roared up to Stevens Elementary, students poured out of the school to welcome them. Last week, the club visited four HISD elementary schools to present 400 bicycles, helmets, and locks to fifth-graders at C. Martinez, Sherman, Stevens, and Wainwright elementary schools. The bikes are awarded to students who have excelled in academics, personal conduct, and attendance.

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Teachers of the Year for 2015 announced at HISD Celebration of Excellence

HISD held its fourth annual Celebration of Excellence at the Hilton Americas Hotel on May 15, 2015, and one of the evening’s most exciting moments came when the district’s Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year were announced.

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Robert Uzick, a fourth-grade teacher at Cunningham Elementary School, and Jessica Joseph, a sixth-grade math teacher at Hogg Middle School, have been named the winners of these awards for 2015. Continue reading →

HISD recognizes 2015’s top volunteers for their ‘Work of Heart’

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The Houston Independent School District honored its top volunteers during the annual Volunteers in Public Schools Recognition and Awards Ceremony held Thursday afternoon.

Each year, the Volunteers in Public Schools program — more commonly referred to as VIPS —enlists thousands of parents and community members who are willing to dedicate their time to support HISD students and their academic achievement. Members help in libraries, media centers, clinics and school offices, serving as tutors, mentors, teacher partners, speakers, security patrols, chaperones, interpreters, and even cafeteria monitors. Continue reading →

HISD rolls out workplace bullying training for all employees

Houston Independent School District is continuing its effort to eliminate workplace bullying by introducing a new training course for employees.IMG_3619

Under the new policy adopted in August 2014, the district is taking steps to protect the emotional and physical well-being of its adult team members by passing one of the first comprehensive anti-bullying policies in the nation for public school employees.

Under HISD policy, anyone who witnesses bullying or a form of intimidation can also report it. The course explains the definition of workplace bullying—how to identify it and the process of filing a formal report through management.

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Art contest winners for Police Appreciation Week announced

The Houston Independent School District Police Department has announced the winners of its first Police Appreciation Week Art Contest.

Third- through fifth-grade students throughout the district showcased their artistic skills on a range of law enforcement themes, including highlighting any HISD campus officer, honoring a relative in law enforcement, or the different types of law enforcement officers.

“It was amazing to see the themes and imaginations of our third-, fourth- and fifth-graders,” said Lt. Guadalupe Jimenez. “Their illustrations showed the time and effort that was contributed by each student.”

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