Author Archives: HISD Communications

Atherton ES principal retires after 55 years of service in HISD

A line of cars snaked through the parking lot of Atherton Elementary School, out onto Rawley Street, and stretched toward nearby Boyce-Dorian Park—horns honking as they made their way to the front of the line.

But on this sunny Friday afternoon, the cars were not a part of a student pickup line or another traffic jam. They cheered from their cars with signs and balloons to celebrate Dr. Albert Lemons, who was retiring as principal of Atherton after 55 years with HISD.

Faculty and staff at Atherton organized a drive-through parade to celebrate, with countless community members participating, as well as Mayor Sylvester Turner and Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan.

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HISD innovators encouraged to dream big as HISD By Design launches

District seeking project proposals from educators that boost student achievement

In March 2020, COVID-19 gave rise to unprecedented challenges affecting every sector of the U.S. economy, and education was no exception. There was no roadmap, no course you could take to figure out what to do. Everything was uncertain.

Through it all, however, educators have continued to show what they are made of. Teachers and teacher leaders quickly transformed their classrooms from in-person to virtual, became masters of blended learning, and used their creativity to ensure that every child received a high quality education.

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HISD celebrates Black History Month

This February marks the 95th year of the official celebration of Black History Month, a month set aside to acknowledge and honor the work of generations of African Americans who have made a mark on history, and forever changed the American cultural landscape.

Here in HISD, schools across the district celebrate the month with a wide variety of programs and curriculum that help educate students on the impact of Black Americans, both today and throughout our history.

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Redesigned HISD website launched with improved navigation, accessibility

The Houston Independent School District has launched a redesigned website to provide more accessibility and improved navigation for all users.

The redesign, which retains its mobile-friendly format, is a reflection of the district’s commitment to making the information on its website accessible to individuals with disabilities in compliance with the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

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Nurse of the Month program launches with surprises at Bruce ES, Worthing HS

Nurse Paul Rademacher was running a little late.

Just before he was set to arrive at a meeting with Bruce Elementary Principal Dr. Shawn Nickerson, a third-grader had an asthma attack and needed immediate attention.

“That’s the epitome of Nurse Paul right there,” Nickerson said. “Always putting the students first.”

A few moments later, Rademacher walked into the meeting, surprised to also find HR —and a group of cheering colleagues— waiting with the principal. To his surprise, he was named the January Elementary School Nurse of the Month.

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December and January Associate Teachers of the Month

In the sunny courtyard of Blackshear Elementary, Tanya Fontaine Clark stood speechless for a few moments before elaborating on her passion for her job—and the school she calls home.

“My mother was a teacher. I guess I’m a chip off the old block,” Clark said. “I wanted to give back. I wanted to enrich the lives of the children at Blackshear.”

The third-generation educator had just received the award for January’s Achieve 180 Dedicated Associate Teacher of the Month. It was just one of the stops of the day for Human Resources , as they also surprised the December and January Associate Teachers of the Month and Achieve 180 Dedicated Associate Teachers of the Month.

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National School Counseling Week is February 1-5

National School Counseling Week, Feb. 1-5, is an opportunity to recognize the impact that school counselors have in helping students achieve academic success and plan for careers. 

School counselors play a vital role in the lives of our scholars. They also help students and their families find solutions to real-life problems and point them toward additional community resources. This is especially true when short-term counseling can be offered in a school environment.  

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Office of School Choice partnership with NASA opens new world of possibilities

Through a partnership with NASA that launched in 2017, HISD’s Office of School Choice entered into an agreement with the agency to support five aerospace campuses, opening up a vast array of resources for students.

Through this agreement, Davila Elementary School, Wesley Elementary School, Deady Middle School, Milby High School, and Washington High School have received access to highly sought-after NASA mission content, education resources, and authentic learning experiences.

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February is Career & Technical Education Month

February is Career & Technical Education Month, and graduating seniors have the opportunity through HISD’s Career Readiness department to explore career opportunities.

Students can network with industry partners in the Gulf Coast Region, expand their knowledge of careers in the military and aviation industry, and engage with business leaders to hear about out-of-the-box careers that will help them earn more.

Career Readiness is offering three mini sessions in February to expand, engage, and explore career opportunities. These sessions take place in the evenings from 5-6 p.m. on Feb. 4, Feb. 11, and Feb. 18. See this flyer for more information and to register.

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HERC study spotlights struggles many HISD families face

A large number of students enrolled in the Houston Independent School District need help with basic needs such as food, clothing, health care and school supplies, according to a new research brief from Rice University’s Houston Education Research Consortium.

The study reveals that a substantial number of Houston-area school children reported sometimes not having enough to eat at home and going without medical care when they are sick. Meanwhile, a large proportion of HISD families struggle to provide children with clothing and school supplies.

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