Yearly Archives: 2017

HISD superintendent discusses equity, district’s vision during forum with African-American community leaders

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HISD Superintendent Richard Carranza told African-American community, business, and civic leaders on Tuesday that HISD is prioritizing equity in the district and proposing a plan, called Achieve 180, to target 32 underserved schools with extra supports and funding.

Carranza outlined his priorities for the coming year during a one-on-one interview with Houston Defender Publisher Sonceria Messiah Jiles, part of the Defender’s “Conversations and Coffee” series. Continue reading →

Parker ES construction passes halfway mark

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Construction at Parker Elementary School is now more than halfway complete with exterior framing and roofing well underway on the east side of the building.

“I’ve been doing a monthly walk-through in the building, so I’m seeing the progress each time I go,” Parker Principal Lori Frodine said. “I feel good it’s moving along. I’m happy that they’re starting to accelerate the work.”

The construction crew is working diligently at the site to make up some time lost due to previous weather delays. Currently, they are installing the HVAC systems on the first floor along with the chilled water pipes. Installation of the sprinkler system is also in progress.

Continue reading →

High School for Law and Justice construction makes steady progress

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Driving along the Gulf Freeway near the University of Houston, it’s not hard to spot the new High School for Law and Justice, which rises three stories tall and is now about 60 percent complete.

“I love seeing the progress,” said HSLJ Principal Carol Mosteit. “This is going to be a beautiful building that will enhance our law and justice curriculum and provide a wonderful learning environment for students.” Continue reading →

Free ‘Camp Adventures’ offered for HISD elementary students  

The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation and the Houston Area Urban League are sponsoring two summer Camp Adventures in July and August.

The first camp is July 10 through July 21 at Atherton Elementary School (2011 Solo).  The second camp will take place at Bastian Elementary School (5051 Bellfort) from July 24 through Aug. 4. Each camp registration deadline is open through the end of summer school for all HISD K-5 students. Registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis and will be limited to 400 campers per each camp session. Continue reading →

Alicia Craig named new principal of Foerster Elementary School

Alicia Craig poses for a photograph, January 13, 2016. (Dave Einsel/Houston ISD)Alicia Craig has been selected as the new principal of Foerster Elementary School. Craig is currently the principal of Fondren Elementary School. She began her career in 1995 as sixth-grade self-contained teacher. Throughout her career in Alief ISD, she also served as a content specialist and an assistant principal. Craig received her bachelor’s degree in Science-Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas State University. She earned her master’s degree from the University of Houston in Educational Management.

Three classrooms added to Pilgrim Academy expansion

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Three new classrooms are being added to the current expansion of Pilgrim Academy as part of a plan allowing forecasted bond surplus funds to be used for outstanding needs at bond campuses across the district.

The new plan, approved last month by the HISD Board of Education, set aside an additional $842,000 for Pilgrim.

Continue reading →

Superintendent outlines district’s direction for 2017-18 school year

Social and emotional learning, restorative discipline, and expanding wraparound services to be top priorities

The start of the 2017-2018 school year is over two months away, but HISD Superintendent Richard Carranza is outlining some of the district’s top priorities for the coming year.

Carranza recently addressed over 1,500 school and district leaders at the HISD 2017 Professional Learning Series, a two-day training series that traditionally has launched the direction of the district for the coming academic year.

Continue reading →

HISD named District of Distinction for dual language program

The Association of Two-Way and Dual Language Education has named Houston ISD as the recipient of the 2017 District of Distinction award for the district’s dual language program.

“This national award is presented to schools and districts that have been trailblazers in establishing powerful school programs that ensure the opportunity of bilingualism and biliteracy for their students,” said Rosa Molina executive director of ATDLE. “The dual language programs started in HISD over 20 years ago, and recognition for HISD’s commitment to this work is long overdue.”

The national award will be presented during 25th Annual Two-Way Bilingual Immersion Conference in Palm Springs, Calif. on June 27.  Continue reading →

HSPVA receives ‘Exemplary School’ designation from Arts Schools Network 

HISD’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts has been designated a 2017–2019 Exemplary School by Arts Schools Network, the nation’s largest professional membership organization of specialized arts schools.

The Exemplary School designation is presented to Arts Schools Network member schools that follow the ASN Principles of Exemplary Practice in strategically evaluating the school’s purpose, operations, and educational programs. ASN will honor HSPVA at the ASN 2017 Annual Conference in the Twin Cities, Minnesota on Oct. 25.  Continue reading →

HISD nutrition services officer serves as keynote speaker at Healthy Food Fuels Hungry Minds conference   

Nutrition Services Officer Betti J. Wiggins served as a keynote speaker during the Healthy Food Fuels Hungry Minds conference at Harvard University last week.

The conference was organized by a partnership between Let’s Talk About Food, the Massachusetts Health Council, and Harvard University Dining Services.

Wiggins was invited to speak about her experience as the executive director of school nutrition at Detroit Public Schools, where she adopted and implemented key principles that allowed students to receive the healthiest food available. Her work included creating community gardens and implementing the first CEP (Community Eligibility Provision) program that allowed 100 percent of students in the district to eat lunch at no cost.   Continue reading →