Yearly Archives: 2016

High School for Law and Justice project moves into next phase of construction

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Construction crews are beginning to mobilize at the site of the new High School for Law and Justice after receiving a “notice to proceed” from HISD earlier this month.

The notice followed the completion of comprehensive site demolition work and starts the clock ticking on an approximate 17-month construction timeline.

“The planning and preparation takes much longer than the actual construction,” said Spencer Wingate, HISD’s project manager overseeing HSLJ’s new construction. “Everything’s looking good at this point, and we’re on track to meet our target completion date in December 2017.”  Continue reading →

Maria “Lola” Perejon-Lasheras named new principal of Helms Elementary

Maria “Lola” Perejon-Lasheras has been appointed principal of Helms Elementary School. Perejon-Lasheras has served HISD in various capacities for more than 16 years. Prior to this, she was assistant principal at Helms, and before that a curriculum specialist in the HISD Curriculum Department. Perejon-Lasheras holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Complutense University of Madrid. She obtained her principal’s certification through University of St. Thomas.

 

John Baker named new principal of Marshall Elementary

John Baker poses for a photograph, September 2, 2015. (Houston ISD/Dave Einsel)John Baker has been appointed principal of Marshall Elementary School. Baker has served HISD as a principal for more than 10 years. Prior to this, he was the principal of Helms Elementary School, and before that, he served as the principal of Browning, Davila, and Twain elementary schools. Baker holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas and a master’s degree in instructional technology from the University of Houston.

 

Special school board election draws four applications

Candidates seek to serve unexpired term representing District VII

Four candidates have filed applications for a position on the Nov. 8 special election ballot for the unexpired HISD Board of Trustees District VII term of office.

Applications for the District VII Board of Education position were filed by the following individuals (listed in alphabetical order):

  • Victoria Bryant
  • John Luman
  • Danielle D. Paulus
  • Anne K. Sung

The special election was called after incumbent District VII Trustee Harvin Moore announced his resignation after 13 years of service. Moore’s term of office runs through 2017, and he will continue to serve on the board until a successor is elected. Early voting begins Oct. 24. Click here for more election information.

School volunteers must renew registration, screening for new school year

Volunteers from PricewaterhouseCoopers, Target and the Houston Symphony work with students at Benbrook Elementary School during a summer literacy camp sponsored by the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, July 19, 2016.

Volunteers from PricewaterhouseCoopers work with students at Benbrook Elementary School.

A brand-new school year brings multiple opportunities to volunteer at HISD campuses, but whether you’re a veteran HISD volunteer or you’re interested in becoming a new volunteer, your first step is to get clearance through an annual background check.

VIPS-Logo-ColorVolunteers in Public Schools (VIPS) recruits thousands of parents and community partners to donate their time, resources, and knowledge to help HISD children succeed. VIPS opportunities include tutoring on campuses, participating in the district’s Read Houston Read program, chaperoning field trips, fundraising, library assistance, and supporting campus staff.

Continue reading →

HISD cafeterias welcome back students, new HISD Superintendent Richard Carranza

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On the first day of school, thousands of HISD students were greeted with hot breakfasts and lunches.

Carnegie Vanguard High School Food Service Attendant Wanda Watson said she could not wait to see students back on campus. Watson and her team got the kitchen ready a week prior to their return. They set high goals for the CVHS cafeteria this year.

Continue reading →

Six new HISD schools open to students for the first time

The first day of school is always exciting, but the energy on Monday was palpable at six new HISD schools opening their doors to students for the first time.

The new schools — Mark White and Condit elementary schools, North Houston and South early college high schools, Mandarin Immersion Magnet School, and Fonwood Early Childhood Center — were rebuilt as modern learning environments with flexible classrooms, increased access to technology, bursts of color, and lots of natural light.

Also formally opening to students on Monday was the modern, new classroom wing at Worthing High School and several renovated spaces at Waltrip High School. Continue reading →

Superintendent Carranza goes on whirlwind tour of district on first day of classes

[su_youtube_advanced url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jX686X5OIw”]

Click image for an interactive tour.

Click image for an interactive tour.

New HISD Superintendent Richard Carranza embarked on a whirlwind tour today of six HISD campuses – which took more than six hours and spanned 60 miles – on the first day of classes in the district.

Carranza’s itinerary covered each geographical area of HISD, and he visited with students, school staff, and community members at each location.

His first stop was at Law Elementary School on the south side, where he had the opportunity to visit a dual language classroom. Next up was Stevenson Middle School to the southeast, where he observed the launch of the district’s Literacy in the Middle program, which aims to improve middle school reading skills. Carranza then traveled to the Third Ward to Yates High School to learn about the school’s communications and maritime magnet programs. The tour then took him to Carnegie Vanguard High School near downtown, which is one of the district’s nationally acclaimed magnet schools. Next up was Wisdom High School (formerly Lee) to the west, HISD’s most diverse comprehensive high school. Carranza wrapped up the tour at Fonwood Early Childhood Center, where he observed pre-K students on their first day in a brand-new building.

Continue reading →

Worthing High School celebrates long-awaited classroom wing

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Worthing High School supporters gathered Thursday to celebrate the grand opening of a long-awaited classroom wing, which supporters said will serve as a source of pride, excitement, and hope for both students and the surrounding Sunnyside community.

“We are Worthing!” Houston Independent School District Board of Education Trustee Wanda Adams said as she kicked off the Grand Opening celebration. “If you are happy to get to this day, let me hear you get excited! This is a celebration. Let’s get excited for Worthing High School!”

Continue reading →

Ribbon-cutting ceremony at North Houston Early College HS marks opening of new building

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North Houston Early College High School held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday to celebrate the opening of their new building, located on the Houston Community College Northeast campus.

“We’re extremely proud of our beautiful, new, state-of-the-art facility,” NHECHS Principal Angela Lundy-Jackson said. “It took so much to get to this point, and I’m so appreciative to everyone who worked tirelessly to make our vision a reality.”

Continue reading →