Author Archives: HISD Communications

Transportation Services continuing focus on streamlining operations, reducing late arrivals

HISD Transportation Services kicked off the new year with 41 fewer bus routes — an intentional reduction designed to streamline operations and increase efficiency.

Transportation officials report that operations are running smoothly following the reduction and note they have seen an average of 20 or fewer buses — less than 3 percent of the district’s 860 routes — arriving late to school each morning during the first week of the spring semester. The numbers are tracked manually.

“We’re continuing to look for ways in which we can do better. I believe that we can always improve,” Interim General Manager John Wilcots IV said. “But we’re off to a good start.” Continue reading →

Applications for school choice program transfers now available online

HISD has launched a new online application system for school choice program transfers, enhancing the process for parents and students.

The online application is now available through HISD’s Office of School Choice . It can be used for school transfers in choice programs such as dual language and international baccalaureate, as well as career and technical programs, and many more.

The online application can be found here.

It is important to note that this application is not used for any of the district’s Magnet programs. Parents can still apply for Magnet programs through the HISD School Choice website or at www.HISDChoice.com.

The new online application will replace a paper-based system, though parents may still submit paper-based transfer forms to their school of choice. The new system is expected to add ease and accessibility to this transfer process.     Continue reading →

HISD students meet state lawmakers, tour Capitol on opening day of legislative session  

HISD high school students traveled to Austin on Tuesday, Jan. 8 to visit the State Capitol on opening day of the 2019 Texas Legislative Session.

Fifty students from East Early College, Yates, Eastwood Academy, Bellaire, Sterling, Wisdom, and Westbury high schools and Young Woman’s College Preparatory Academy observed the ceremonial swearing-in of members of the Texas Senate and House of Representatives. There are 31 members of the Texas Senate and 150 members of the Texas House of Representatives.

The group had the unique experience of witnessing the election of a new House Speaker, which hasn’t occurred since 2009. Rep. Dennis Bonnen from Angleton was unanimously elected to serve as Speaker. Speaker Bonnen pledged to make school finance reform his top priority.   Continue reading →

Barbara Jordan Career Center opens the doors to its new facility

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Barbara Jordan Career Center welcomed its first group of students to the new building Monday morning as they made their way from their home school to spend the first half of their day at the newly built facility.

“They are learning their way around,” Principal Scott McAlpine said. “They are really excited about being here and having this new building, it’s going to be a great opportunity for them.”

The new career center is one of 29 high schools being renovated or rebuilt as part of HISD’s voter-approved 2012 Bond Program.
Continue reading →

Wharton Dual Language Academy opens new campus

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Wharton Dual Language Academy officially opened its new campus Monday, welcoming students and staff to the first day of classes in the $39.2 million facility.

Students, faculty, and staff at the PK-8 school were eager to return to their new and improved home campus after spending the last year and a half housed in temporary buildings a few blocks away during construction.

“The new building has infused new life into the school and community,” Principal Jennifer Day said. “We moved from a very old building and temp buildings into a new state-of-the-art everything – technology, a maker space, science labs, and more. There are so many more learning opportunities for our students, and we are looking forward to adding more students and more programs.” Continue reading →

Kinder HSPVA opens new building in downtown Houston

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Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts opened in downtown Houston on Monday, welcoming students for the first day of classes in the school’s new $88 million facility.

Part of HISD’s 2012 Bond Program, the school relocated over winter break from Montrose to the new five-story building constructed near the city’s renowned arts and theater district.

“Welcome to 790 Austin Street!” HSPVA Principal Scott Allen exclaimed, as hundreds of excited students cheered in response. “HISD built this building just for you.” Continue reading →

Sam Houston MSTC students return from holiday break to new building

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It was a seamless transition to the new Sam Houston Math, Science and Technology Center Monday as students entered the building for the first time.

“When I walked in for the first time, my jaw dropped. It literally looks like a college,” senior Yuri Caballero said. “There is so much light and space in here.”

Sam Houston MSTC is one of 29 high schools being renovated or rebuilt as part of HISD’s voter-approved 2012 Bond Program.
Continue reading →

January is School Board Recognition Month 

January is School Board Recognition Month, and the Houston Independent School District is joining other districts across the state to honor local leaders for their dedication and willingness to serve as advocates for public schools.

These dedicated public servants become school board trustees to serve as advocates for school children because they are committed to improving public education and their communities. School board members devote many hours to making sure students receive a high-quality education and are provided with schools that are safe and have the resources and instructional programs to educate them to their fullest potential.  Continue reading →

HISD collects record number of toys for Toys for Tots campaign 

The spirit of the season was in full swing as more than 1,000 toys were collected for HISD’s annual toy drive for the United States Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots campaign – the most toys collected in district history.

Over the last several weeks, 1,092 toys were collected throughout the district. Collection boxes were placed in the administrative building and at several schools, including Scarborough High School, whose Cheer Team and BPA Organization collected 400 toys for the effort.  Continue reading →

Northside HS students awarded funds to improve technology projects 

Students from Northside High School presented their 2018 Together with Tech Project at the Harris County Clerk’s office.

Two student-led groups from HISD’s Northside High School scored big recently, winning grants to improve their 2018 Together with Tech projects.

The students received nearly $20,000 after submitting a formal funding request to build upon the projects they presented at this past year’s Together with Tech Student Conference, which was held in April.

Although the groups did not place at the conference, they received valuable feedback, and the panel of judges encouraged them to continue with their work.  But that would take funding.  Continue reading →