On the heels of last week’s Texas Supreme Court ruling declaring the state’s school finance system flawed, but constitutional, Houston ISD trustees met Thursday to discuss options for complying with the system’s requirement that HISD pay the state $162 million using local tax revenues.
Monthly Archives: May 2016
Construction at Kashmere HS to begin this summer
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Kashmere High School alumna Janice Wright has fond memories of her experience at the Trinity Gardens area school, where she graduated in 1978.
Now, with a $17 million renovation project about to break ground, she is excited about the future for the campus and the opportunities for future generations of students.
26 HISD campuses attain Family Friendly Schools certification
As the first year of the Family Friendly Schools certification program draws to a close, the Family and Community Engagement department has certified 26 participating campuses as either gold, silver and/or bronze, and one as an honorable mention.
The FACE department established the certification program to recognize and honor the dedication and commitment of principals, faculty, and staff who are determined to ensure their families and communities work together toward a common goal. The program was founded to assist schools in three vital areas related to family engagement: building relationships with family and community, linking family events to students’ learning, and supporting parents’ advocacy.
Piney Point ES wins inaugural districtwide Earth Month Campaign
HISD’s Energy and Sustainability department has announced the winner of its first districtwide Earth Month Campaign to raise awareness about the environment and promote sustainable actions that reduce campus carbon footprints.
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Valedictorians and salutatorians represent the Class of 2016’s highest achievers
Each spring, the Houston Independent School District honors the top two scholars at each of its high schools with a formal celebration of their outstanding academic achievements.
This year, the district recognized the valedictorians and salutatorians at the annual Scholars Banquet held on April 12, 2016, at the Westin Oaks Galleria. A valedictorian has earned the highest grade-point average in his or her graduating class; the student with the second-highest grade-point average is designated as the salutatorian.
Click here to see photos and read the biographies of each valedictorian and salutatorian.
Click here to see the 2016 HISD Spring graduation ceremonies schedule.
HISD educators to ‘pass the cape’ at Friday event
Superhero-themed banquet to honor teacher and principals of the year
HISD will honor its principals and teachers at a superheroes themed Educators of the Year banquet on Friday, May 20, at the Bayou City Event center. In addition to announcing the elementary and secondary 2016 HISD Teachers of the Year from a select group of 12 finalists, the banquet will recognize the 2015 winners as they “pass the cape” to a new group of honorees.
In the spirit of this year’s theme, we asked the 2015 Principals and Teachers of the Year a few superhero-related questions. Continue reading
Former Gov. Mark White meets with team planning his namesake school
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Former Gov. Mark White joined this week with Project Advisory Team members from the school that will bear his name to hear an update on the project, and discuss plans for technology components and furnishings within the new building.
White, the 43rd governor of the State of Texas, has been supportive of the new school throughout the planning and design process, and said he is looking forward to the school’s opening in August.
HISD Police Department celebrates Police Appreciation Week with art contest winners
The Houston Independent School District Police Department has announced the winners of its second annual Police Appreciation Week Art Contest.
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For this year’s contest, students in kindergarten through second grade created art projects using a variety of law enforcement themes. Some highlighted a specific HISD campus officer, while others showcased different types of law enforcement officers or honored relatives in law enforcement.
Early identification, intervention is key for HISD’s Speech-Language team
Part of creating Global Graduates is ensuring all students have the resources they need to be ready to learn. That’s where HISD’s speech-language pathologists come into the picture.
These trained professionals are responsible for identifying and providing intervention for students with speech and/or language difficulties that might affect a students’ ability to learn. Whether it’s receptive/expressive language, articulation, social skills, or stuttering; speech-language pathologist work to identify struggling children and provide the right intervention and strategies for them so they are able to flourish in school. Continue reading
Sharpstown High School senior wins a car at school’s Academic Signing Day
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Other events held at campuses across HISD to celebrate seniors’ commitment to colleges of their choice
Thanks to Joel Rogers Classic Chevrolet, a lucky senior will be driving to college. Sharpstown High School’s Academic Signing Day Celebration ended with a drawing, and Joshua Baffoe won a Chevrolet Sonic.
As part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s #ReachHigher Initiative, she sponsored #CollegeSigningDay on Tuesday, April 26, 2016. Most HISD high schools have been holding Academic Signing Day events since late April, and they are continuing almost until graduation.