Diana De La Rosa has been selected as principal of Northline Elementary School. Ms. De La Rosa retired after 34 years of service with HISD and is returning after a two-year hiatus, during which she volunteered and taught in various schools. Before retiring, she served as principal of Benavidez Elementary, Jane Long Middle School, and Patrick Henry Middle School. Before that, she was a teacher, supervisor, and assistant principal. Ms. De La Rosa received her bachelor of science degree in Bilingual Education from University of Texas at Austin and her master’s degree in Educational Administration from University of Houston.
Author Archives: HISD Communications
Nancy Blackwell named new principal of Kashmere High School
Nancy Blackwell has been selected as the new principal of Kashmere High School. Ms. Blackwell has a total of 38 years of experience in the field of education, including 15 years of classroom experience in grades K-12. She recently retired from the Aldine ISD, where she served as principal of Worsham Elementary, Hambrick Middle School, and MacArthur Senior High School. Ms. Blackwell received her Bachelor of Science degree from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, and her master’s in Mid-Management from Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas.
Redesigned HISD district website goes live
Welcome to the new HISD website.
The district’s new mobile-friendly website is designed to be more easily navigated and viewed from mobile devices. The way people access the internet is constantly evolving, and according to research, more people are relying on cell phones and other mobile devices to access important information.
Registration is open for Pre-K students
Give your child a head start by enrolling them in prekindergarten now.
Pre-K is just as necessary for academic success as kindergarten or first grade, according to numerous research studies. Not only will your child be more successful in school, but later on, they are more likely to graduate high school and attend college, which leads, in turn, to a well-paying job and increased earning potential.
HISD officials attend ‘Rethink School Discipline’ gathering at White House
From left, Shadowbriar ES Principal Mark Samuel, Davis HS Principal Julissa Alcantar-Martinez, and HISD Chief Student Support Officer Mark Smith at the White House.
HISD representatives traveled to the White House on July 22 to participate in “Rethink School Discipline,” a convening on how to improve school discipline policies and practices. HISD Chief Student Support Officer Mark Smith, Davis High School Principal Julissa Alcantar-Martinez, and Shadowbriar Elementary School Principal Mark Samuel attended the conference.
Across the country, there is concern that zero-tolerance policies in schools are resulting in more student suspensions and expulsions, which places students on the streets when they should be learning in school. According to the Civil Rights Data Collection, more than 3 million students across the country are suspended or expelled every year.
“The convening was a great starting place to discuss the need for a change to the zero-tolerance approach to discipline,” Dr. Alcantar-Martinez said. “They prompted us to re-evaluate our code of conduct and to work with students to include their insight into discipline options at all levels. We plan to share with our peers and work toward exploring alternatives that keep kids in school, thus reducing suspensions.”
Want students to complete their financial aid applications? Text them.
Research project shows texting is an effective technique for motivating students
During the 2014–2015 school year, HISD participated in a text-messaging research project with the University of Pittsburgh aimed at improving FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) submission and completion rates among high school seniors at 17 district high schools. One group of students received the texts and another group did not.
DiscoverU providing HISD students with global education opportunities
Turning out global graduates is the mission of HISD, and Houston-based nonprofit organization DiscoverU is helping the district achieve that goal. Forty-four HISD students completed college and career preparatory programs worldwide during the 2014–2015 school year, and more than 200 more are taking advantage of programs this summer.
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HISD wins two Golden Achievement Awards and multiple other NSPRA honors
The Houston Independent School District has been selected as the winner of 10 2015 National School Public Relations Association’s (NSPRA) awards, including two Golden Achievement Awards.
Pin Oak students, be sure to attend Charger Camp before school starts
EMERGE senior surprised with gift of new car
This year, thanks to generous donations from the HISD Foundation and Smart Financial, HISD’s Cool To Be Smart program was able to award two lucky students – one junior and one senior – with a car.
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