Author Archives: HISD Communications

Second-graders to receive backpacks filled with books for summer reading

It doesn’t take long for students to lose some of the academic progress they have made during the school year by sitting idle over the summer, so HISD is challenging second-graders to use the power of reading to combat the dreaded “summer slide.” 

HISD is providing all second-grade students with a summer backpack filled with six books, a reading journal, graphic organizers, at-home family activities, reading log, colored pencils and a postcard. Experts agree that children who read during the summer months keep their reading skills sharp and are better prepared for the challenges of the next grade level. 

Continue reading →

Barbara Jordan Career Center celebrates grand opening with unique ribbon-cutting experience

Barbara Jordan Career Center rolled out the red carpet for guests on Wednesday to celebrate the grand opening of its new building.

The event was held in the school’s state-of-the-art welding center where students awed guests by welding through a brightly colored metal strip, which took the place of a traditional ceremonial ribbon.

“Moving to this new facility has energized adults and students alike,” Principal Ross McAlpine told guests. “Each day I witness teachers transforming their classrooms and labs into wonderful learning environments. And every day students approach me to let me know how much they enjoy the opportunities that Barbara Jordan offers them.”

Continue reading →

HISD seniors to receive associate degrees during HCC commencement ceremonies

On Friday, nearly 500 high school seniors from a dozen Houston Independent School District campuses will walk across the stage at Houston Community College commencement ceremonies to receive their associate degrees and work certifications.

The HISD students are enrolled in dual credit programs in the district’s Futures Academy and at early college high schools. The students simultaneously earned two years of college credits or valuable industry certifications in high-demand career fields – all at no cost to them.

Continue reading →

HISD celebrates inaugural CTE and Military Signing Day at Barbara Jordan Career Center

Students graduating from the Houston Independent School District’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, as well as those headed into the military, celebrated with a first-ever signing day on Thursday.

At the inaugural event, which was held at HISD’s Barbara Jordan Career Center, CTE students announced their career choices in several high-wage, high-skills and high-demand occupations, such as: cosmetology; transportation distribution and logistics; health science; public safety, corrections and security; hospitality; and business management and administration.

“Today we are honoring our students who are entering the workforce, and who have been offered careers beyond graduation, as well those students who have chosen to enlist in the armed forces,” said Director of Career Readiness Juliet Amara. “Today we are excited to recognize those efforts, their hard work and commitment to their career choice.”

Continue reading →

Register by July 12 for mayor’s Back to School Fest

Click here to view flyer

Registration is now open for Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Back to School Fest, an annual event that helps elementary students across the city access the free resources they need for a successful school year, such as school supplies, backpacks, and medical services.

All participants must register for an appointment by Friday, July 12 in order to attend. To register, visit this link. Families may also register by calling 311 or 713-837-0311 to request an appointment.

The event, held in partnership with Shell and the University of Houston, is a great opportunity for Houston families to take advantage of an array of resources provided by the City of Houston and other sponsors.

Continue reading →

Longtime Washington HS educator wins HEB Excellence in Education award

Booker T. Washington Engineering teacher Nghia Le accepts the
Secondary Education Leadership prize at HEB’s Excellence in Education Awards on Saturday, May 4.

An engineering teacher at HISD’s Booker T. Washington High School and the High School for Engineering Professions is one of the eight educators statewide receiving this year’s HEB Excellence in Education Awards. 

Nghia Le was awarded HEB’s Secondary Education Leadership prize, which honors teachers with 10 to 20 years of classroom experience. The award comes with a $10,000 grant for his school and a $10,000 check for his personal use.  

“Dr. Le is certainly one of our shining stars in the classroom,” HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan said. “He leads an out-of-this-world program and deserves this prestigious honor and the prize that accompanies it.” 

Continue reading →

Explore the unknown through Houston Public Library’s Summer reading program

Summer is the perfect time for students to hone their reading skills, and thanks to a partnership with the Houston Public Library, they can have fun while doing just that. 

HISD is encouraging students to join the Houston Public Library’s summer reading program for kids and teens called “Explore the Unknown,” which kicks off June 1 and runs through Aug. 1. 

Students can receive a free book and lanyard simply by registering. At each prize level, students earn another book and pins to decorate their lanyards and show off their success. They can earn pins by reaching their reading goals, attending library activities, and being an active member in their communities.  

Continue reading →

HISD Police to celebrate Police Appreciation Week

This week, law enforcement officers in HISD and across the country will be celebrated for their service and sacrifice as part of Law Enforcement Appreciation Week.

The annual observance was created in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week in which the date falls as Law Enforcement Appreciation Week.

“Every year we use this time to reflect on the value of peace officers to our society and the immense sacrifices they make on a daily basis to protect the community,” HISD Police Chief Paul Cordova said. “During this week we want to honor both the living and the dead who have dedicated their lives to serve others.”

Continue reading →

HIPPY participants to gather for graduation ceremonies

HISD’s Elementary Curriculum and Development department will host an end-of-year ceremony on Saturday at BakerRipley Gulfton Sharpstown Community Center to honor 2018-2019 HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) graduates. 

More than 650 parents and children completed the program this year. The free, home-based program helps parents prepare their preschool child for academic success over 30 weeks. Parents are taught educational activities that they then repeat with their child throughout the week.  

Continue reading →