Author Archives: HISD Communications

HISD Scholars Banquet honors Class of 2019 valedictorians and salutatorians

The Houston Independent School District paid tribute to the top students from each high school’s graduating class during the annual Scholars Banquet on Tuesday evening. 

Every spring, HISD honors the top two scholars at each of its high schools with a formal celebration of the accomplishment of finishing first or second in their class academic rankings. During the banquet, the 94 valedictorians and salutatorians were presented with a medallion in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements. 

“This has been a challenging year for HISD, but you are proof that great things are happening throughout the district,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Grenita Lathan. “Given what you have accomplished so far, there is no limit to what you can do in college and beyond.” 

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Sharpstown HS soccer coach fosters family bond, lessons beyond the pitch

Statebound Apollos have built strong relationships within team despite language barriers

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They’ve been dubbed the “seven-nation family” — 11 starters, seven countries, four languages, and one dream: to become state champions.  

The Sharpstown Apollos varsity soccer team earned a regional title over the weekend with a win over Kingwood Park to advance to their first state tournament in school history.  

“This is something we have visualized and dreamed about,” Coach Greg Boles said. “This is huge – this is what we’ve worked for, and I am just so proud of these guys.” 

The championship-bound Apollos team features a diverse roster of players from seven different countries – USA, Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Rwanda, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. And, despite some language barriers, the team has formed a strong bond during their time out on the pitch.  

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Facilities Services and Fleet Operations employee’s desire to help leads to 47 years of service

Sherry Jones

As one of the longest-serving employees in Facilities Services and Fleet Operations, Sherry Jones’ career is fueled by a desire to be of service and to help wherever she can.

Jones – an administrative assistant – has been with HISD for 47 years. In that time, she’s worked with 15 managers and under the leadership of 11 superintendents, working hard to ensure her department is always properly supported.

According to Jones, her strong work ethic and desire to be of service was instilled by wise words from her mother that she carried with her throughout her career.

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Gifted and Talented Expo on April 23 to showcase student research projects 

Pre-K through 12th-grade gifted and talented students from across the district will present more than 450 research projects at the Gifted and Talented Exposition on Tuesday, April 23, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. 

The event, which will take place at Delmar Fieldhouse (2020 Mangum, 77092), is the culmination of a year of hard work for HISD gifted and talented students. The state of Texas requires gifted and talented students to participate in high-level research throughout the year. This student-directed research culminates in a research project that participants will present in a three-minute synopsis at the exposition. 

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Still school shopping? Save the date for the upcoming Spring School Choice Fair

Magnet application deadline for Phase 2 is May 31 

Magnet schools and other choice programs that still have open seats will be available to discuss options with parents at the Spring School Choice Fair on Saturday, April 27. 

The event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at Heights High School (413 East 13th St., 77008) and will offer a glimpse of the many programs still waiting for students after the Phase 1 magnet deadline, as well as all other transfer options.

Schools with space available will have representatives at the event.  
For a complete list of magnet programs with openings, click here. Other programs such as dual language and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs will also be represented.

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HISD Interim Superintendent surprises students with $5,000 scholarships

Throughout the month of April, ten outstanding HISD seniors were surprised with 2019 HISD Superintendent and Board of Education Scholar Awards totaling $50,000.  

HISD Superintendent and Board of Education Scholar Awards, in the amount of $2,000, are presented annually to graduating seniors who have exemplified great character and resilience in the face of adversity. One senior from every HISD high school will receive scholarships. 

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HISD recognizing National Arab American Heritage Month

For the month of April, the Houston Independent School District is celebrating National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM) to recognize the historical and cultural contributions made by the people of Arabic descent.  

To join the district in celebrating NAAHM, click here to download the Educator’s Curriculum Kit, which highlights the history of Arab migration to America, geographic understanding of the Arab world, Arab American diversity in faith and language, interesting customs and traditions, and achievements in business, politics, education, and more.  

You can also visit the Arab America webpage for daily features highlighting the culture and influences of Arab America.

Austin HS partners with Raise Your Hand Texas to transform student learning experiences

Three years ago, Austin High School Principal Steve Guerrero and his team attended what they thought would be a typical professional development training with Raise Your Hand Texas Foundation. While attending, they were inspired to apply for a $500,000 grant that would be of great benefit to the campus. 

In applying for the grant, the team was able to create a plan to rethink the typical high school student experience and re-conceptualize how the school used its resources to increase personalization for students.   

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Summer of Fun METRO Pass offers students free rides all summer long 

The Summer of Fun pass is a unique fare card offering K-12 (and college) students free rides on the following METRO services from June 1 through August 31, 2022. 

  • Local bus
  • Park & Ride bus
  • METRORail
  • METRORapid
  • METRO curb2curb

If you don’t have a discounted METRO Q® Fare Card, you can obtain one through the METRO Online RideStore, and your card will be sent via U.S. mail. During your store transaction, you’ll be required to upload specific documents as proof of eligibility.

Applicants must provide one of the following: current student ID, report card, or class schedule. 

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