Author Archives: HISD Communications

FMO Code Compliance team focuses on keeping students, staff safe

In the course of just one day, Code Compliance team members receive a variety of calls — reports of broken elevators, overflowing trash receptacles, and even fire code violations.  

But for the eight-member team, it’s all in a day’s work. 

“It’s about life safety,” said Code Compliance Area Manager Anne Washington, who leads the team. “We’re behind the scenes, but our job is to make sure that we are in compliance with fire codes so that in an emergency, the staff and students can get out of the building safely.” 

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Transportation Services addressing issues with SafeStop app

Transportation Services is continuing to work with SafeStop to troubleshoot technical glitches resulting from incorrect application configurations.  

For parents viewing open routes in SafeStop, it may have appeared as though the bus was stationary at the bus terminal.   

To help address this and other issues, parents are encouraged to make sure they download all SafeStop software updates to ensure they have access to the latest data. 

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New Milby HS pool set to open in coming weeks

In a few short weeks, Milby High School students will be able to make a big splash as the school’s new natatorium and four-lane practice pool nears completion. 

The natatorium, which is 98 percent complete, features large garage-style overhead coiling doors that open to allow fresh air inside, with fencing at each opening to maintain a secure perimeter.  

Remaining work includes installation of the gas meter, fencing, timing system, access control, vestibule doors, emergency phone, roof edge, gutter, and downspouts. 

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Status of school choice applications now available

Parents and students who submitted an application to a school choice program for the 2020-21 school year during Phase I (Sept. 27-Dec. 6, 2019) can now check the status of their applications online. 

Parents who created an online account will be able to find the results posted on their parent dashboards at HISDchoice.com.  If you forgot your password and wish to reset it, please contact the office of school choice directly at 713-556-6947 or via email at SchoolChoice@houstonisd.org. 

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Honor your school counselor during the week of Feb. 3-7

Counselors are behind-the-scenes leaders in our schools who are actively engaging themselves in fostering a safe and secure environment for students, and next week is a chance to honor the tremendous impact they have on students’ lives.  

National School Counseling Week is February 3–7 and the theme this year is “School Counselors: Helping Build Better Humans.” Sponsored by the American School Counselor Association, National School Counseling Week highlights the contributions that school counselors make in helping students achieve academic success, and the vital role they play in social and emotional development.  

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Seventeen students named district winners of HLSR School Art Competition

The lobby of HISD’s Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center was transformed into a beautiful art gallery for the district’s second annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) Art Reception on Thursday night, showcasing over 200 student works of art. 

During the evening, seven student artists were honored as 2020 district winners for the HLSR School Art Competition. The winners, who range from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade, were awarded in the categories of Best of Show and Gold Medal. 

Recipients of the Best of Show award received a trophy, Gold Medal winners received medals, and all will go on to compete in the next level of the contest. All artwork submitted is eligible for auction. 

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HISD student athletes to sign letters of intent on National Signing Day

The Houston Independent School District’s top student athletes will sign ceremonial letters of intent in the presence of their families, coaches and fellow competitors at the district’s annual ceremony on Wednesday, Feb. 5.  

Male and female HISD athletes will be signing commitments to play baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball, water polo, and wrestling at colleges and universities throughout the nation.  

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New Bellaire HS tops out as construction moves forward

Construction at Bellaire High School marked a significant construction milestone this month, as the new building reached its topping out point.  

Topping out refers to the act of placing the last steel beam atop a structure’s highest point. Bellaire students, faculty, and alumni celebrated the occasion by signing a large white beam that was then placed above what will become the school’s natatorium. 

“Having the Class of 2020, our faculty, staff, alumni, and friends sign the beam was a wonderful gesture to ensure that all the elements that make a school community will forever be a part of this new building,” Bellaire Principal Michael McDonough said. 

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Interim Superintendent holds school safety meeting with Bellaire HS students

HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan joined HISD Police Chief Paul Cordova and other district leaders on Thursday at Bellaire High School for a discussion with a group of students to discuss safety and security concerns. 

Lathan said the district will explore additional safety and security steps to help students feel safer and more secure. 

After the meeting, which was attended by about 20 students, Lathan met with local media and announced that the district will immediately begin exploring additional security steps, including the installation of metal detectors on some campuses across the district.  

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A special message from Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan

Our hearts are still heavy as we mourn the senseless death of Cesar Cortes. The past days have been incredibly sad and difficult for the entire HISD community.

This afternoon, I met with students at Bellaire High School. I share the pain that I saw and felt from them today. We’re still asking why this tragedy happened.

I want our students and parents to know that their voices are heard. We share your concerns. I understand that a tragedy of this magnitude is scary. I am the parent of a child who attended Bellaire High School.

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