Author Archives: HISD Communications

Wilcots named general manager for Transportation Services

Transportation Services Interim General Manager John Wilcots IV has been selected to permanently oversee the district’s transportation department.

A transportation industry veteran, Wilcots has served as interim general manager since September 2018. Since then, he has been credited with leading the department through focused efforts to improve student bus service by increasing route efficiency and addressing critical staffing needs.

His new position is effective Jan. 28.

“The experience and knowledge that John brings to the table has given him a steady hand at the helm of the Transportation Services department,” HISD Chief Operating Officer Brian Busby said. “I’m glad to have his leadership as we continue to improve departmental operations.” Continue reading →

Upcoming spring college fairs planned around the city 

This Spring, HISD students will be able to attend several college readiness fairs—both national and local—right here in Houston!

At each of these events, students will explore multiple colleges and degree programs, learn about industry certifications and technical careers, and apply for scholarships to fund their education.

Additional details about each of these upcoming opportunities can be found below, and students are encouraged to speak with their college and career readiness advisors for details. Select campuses may provide transportation. Continue reading →

Worthing HS celebrates new building with grand opening ceremony

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Clad in gold glitter leotards, Worthing High School’s Prancing Dolls danced to the rhythmic beat of the band as cheerleaders chanted, energizing the crowd of students, staff, and alumni gathered in their sleek two-story commons area.

The crowd gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the new school, rebuilt under the 2012 Bond Program.

“This moment, this celebration today, does indeed represent a fresh beginning for Worthing High School,” HISD Board of Education Trustee Wanda Adams said. “This building has the state-of-the-art resources that our young scholars need and deserve to realize their most ambitious dreams.” Continue reading →

Seven students named district winners of HLSR School Art Competition 

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The lobby of HISD’s Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center was transformed into a beautiful art gallery for the district’s first-ever 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 2019 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.

“We are so proud of these creative students for their hard work and imagination,” said Chandel Bonner-Hancock, HISD Secondary Visual Arts Curriculum Specialist. “Tonight is an opportunity to not only celebrate our student artists, but the teachers who helped cultivate their talent.”  Continue reading →

Artwork at three HISD campuses unveiled for Gulfton Story Trail Mural Project

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Students, staff, and community members were on hand recently to celebrate the unveiling of mural paintings on three HISD campuses – Jane Long Academy, Sutton Elementary School, and Las Americas Newcomer School.

The three schools are part of the Gulfton Story Trail Mural Project, which features 12 artistic murals inspired by poems written by local students. The project showcases the area’s culture while attracting visitors to the southwest Houston neighborhood — one of the most immigrant-rich areas of the city.

HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan lauded the murals as a point of pride for the district’s students and families.

“They will serve as a reminder for many years to come that we embrace diversity in the Houston Independent School District,” Lathan said. Continue reading →

HISD Police Department swears in new sergeants and officers

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The Houston Independent School District Police Department hosted a ceremony Wednesday to recognize the promotions of six new sergeants and to swear in seven new officers.

The celebration, which was held at the High School for Law and Justice for the officers and their families, honored the new sergeants, who were officially sworn into their roles last month, as well as the new officers, who were sworn in at the event.

“This is more than a swearing in,” Police Chief Paul Cordova said. “This is a public commitment to the principles of law enforcement, and it’s our officers reinforcing their commitment to serving the community.”

HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan expressed her appreciation to the department and the new officers for their work in keeping HISD schools safe. Continue reading →

Sterling Aviation ECHS student immortalized in national art piece  

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Sterling Aviation Early College High School senior Icetria Green is one of seven students selected nationwide as the inspiration for a series of mosaic portraits, which were unveiled this week in Washington, D.C.

Green and the six other students share stories of overcoming enormous challenges. Those stories served as inspiration for the artwork created by pop artist Jason Mecier in collaboration with Communities In Schools. The exhibition is titled “What We Are Made Of.”

The oldest of four children raised by a single mother, Green was forced to live apart from her family for months after Hurricane Harvey. However, she has overcome those obstacles to maintain high academic standing, become senior class president and to enroll in Texas Southern University’s Trio Upward Bound program.

Explore Green’s portrait in this interactive tour

Green credits her Communities In Schools student support specialist, Alma Gutierrez, for being a source of encouragement and assistance.  Continue reading →

Thank your school counselor during the week of Feb. 4-8  

If a school counselor has ever helped you to calm an anxious student, console a grieving child, or help a family in distress, then take a moment during the first week of February to thank him or her.

National School Counseling Week runs from Feb. 4–8, and this year’s theme is “School Counselors: Providing Lessons for Life.”Sponsored by the American School Counselor Association, the event highlights the work school counselors do to inspire students, help them achieve school success, and prepare for college and careers.

School counselors play a vital role in the lives of students and their families, offering guidance through difficult situations and pointing them toward additional resources.   Continue reading →

Applications for EMERGE due on Feb. 14

Sophomore students who want to explore in-state and out-of-state college options and would like to work with a mentor to create a competitive college application, should apply to be an EMERGE fellow.

Applications are open and are due on Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019.

The application is available at HoustonISD.org/EMERGE.

EMERGE empowers and prepares high-performing students from underserved communities to attend and graduate from top colleges and universities across the nation. These institutions offer substantial financial-aid packages to students.

Recruitment sessions will be held at HISD high schools Jan. 21-Feb. 8, 2019. Continue reading →

Graduation ceremony schedule, venue information available for Class of 2019 

Hundreds of HISD seniors will walk across the stage this spring during graduation ceremonies planned for May 29 through June 9.

Most ceremonies will take place at various locations around the city (primarily the Barnett Fieldhouse, Butler Fieldhouse, Delmar Fieldhouse, NRG Arena, NRG Stadium, Texas Southern University campus).

A few will be taking place early (HSPVA and E-STEM on May 29 and May 30, respectively) or later (Liberty HS on June 9), so be sure to check the schedule for times and locations at HoustonISD.org/GraduationCalendar. Continue reading →