Author Archives: HISD Communications

Transportation’s Coffee & Conversations aims to foster communication with parents   

HISD parents and campus administers gathered with Transportation Services staff on Wednesday to discuss their most pressing transportation concerns during the second round of Coffee & Conversations.

The bimonthly meetings — held this month at Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center and Carnegie Vanguard High School — allow Transportation Services the opportunity to share important updates and progress, identify ongoing challenges and gather feedback.

“We know we have a lot of work to do,” Wilcots said. “But know that we are making changes and working every day to better our systems.”  Continue reading →

50 HISD students named 2019 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists

Students will have opportunity to compete for more than $31 million in scholarships 

Fifty seniors from eight Houston Independent School District high schools have earned one of the top academic honors in the nation by qualifying as semifinalists in the 64th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

The students attend Bellaire, Carnegie Vanguard, Lamar and Westside high schools, DeBakey High School for Health Professions, Houston Academy for International Studies, Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, and Sharpstown International School.

The students are among 16,000 from across the country to earn the semifinalist designation, allowing them the opportunity to continue in the academic competition and vie for more than $31 million in scholarships that will be awarded next spring. Continue reading →

Parent University helps Wisdom HS mom lead the way for new PTO 

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Armed with a fresh notebook and pens for jotting notes, Wisdom High School parent Erica Alvarado bounced from table to table at Thursday night’s second Parent University session, gathering as much information and resources as she could.

Alvarado’s mission was twofold: Learn as much as possible to help support her children’s education, and pass along resources to fellow parents serving on Wisdom’s newly minted PTO, for which she is president.

Parent University was designed to connect parents and children to resources offered by the district to create successful academic outcomes, as well as safe and healthy environments at home and at school.   Continue reading →

10 helpful tips for filling out the FAFSA and securing financial aid for college 

Completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is important. It’s the first step toward getting many different types of financial aid for school, and finishing the FAFSA early is the best way to maximize college-award packages. But how much do you know about this financial aid application?

Here are 10 important tips about filling out your FAFSA: Continue reading →

Trustee Adams to host District IX Thanksgiving Day of Caring 

HISD District IX Trustee Wanda Adams, in partnership with the Houston Food Bank, will host a Thanksgiving Day of Caring from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17 at Reynolds Elementary School (9601 Rose Haven 77051).

Trustee Adams and volunteers from the Houston Food Bank will be distributing food items for the Thanksgiving holiday to families in need. For more information, contact Reynolds ES at 713-731-5590.

Science teacher at Longfellow ES named Teacher of the Month for November 

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It was a science experiment brought to life when science lab teacher Jennifer Howell was surprised by Chief Academic Officer Noelia Longoria as the Sterling McCall VIP Services Teacher of the Month for November on Wednesday.

Howell’s fourth-grade students were getting a lesson on the types of batteries used in keyless remotes, specifically for push-start cars, when they learned their teacher’s recognition came with a special gift—a 2019 Acura TLX, courtesy of Sterling McCall Acura.

“This has been an overwhelming experience, and I’m indebted to the district for the recognition,” Howell said. “Every day, I’m driven to create enriching lessons that will push all 800 of my students.”  Continue reading →

Academic calendar for 2019-2020 school year now available online

The academic calendar for the 2019-2020 school year, which was approved by the Board of Education this month, is now available online.

The calendar was drafted with input from a committee made up of principals, union representatives, and departments across the district, as well as the District Advisory Committee.

The first day of school for students will be Aug. 26, and the final day of classes for students will be May 29.

The academic calendar includes the first districtwide holiday and day of community service in honor of Latino empowerment icons César Chávez and Dolores Huerta on Monday, March 30. Meanwhile, the Fall Holiday is set for Wednesday, Oct. 9.

View the calendar in English and Spanish here.

 

Learn about AP courses at AP Parent Night on Nov. 29 

HISD’s Innovation and Postsecondary Programming will host Advanced Placement Parent Night— an informational event where parents can learn more about AP courses at HISD.

The event will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 29, at Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center (4400 W 18th St. Houston 77092).

All HISD middle and high schools offer advanced-level coursework designed to prepare students for success in college. During the 2017-2018 school year, 10,242 HISD students received college credit by scoring well on their AP exams, saving their families $11,782,500 in college tuition. Both AP and pre-AP courses leverage rigorous instruction to help students become independent learners.   Continue reading →

Longfellow ES students to announce top 10 toys for the holidays 

Fifth-grade students at Longfellow Elementary School on Friday will announce the top 10 toys for children this holiday season.

The results are based on a toy survey the students conducted. For over a month, students worked in teams to survey classmates on the playground and in the cafeteria.

This is the ninth consecutive year Longfellow students have conducted a toy survey. In addition to their findings, students will showcase samples of the top toys, which will be provided by Target.

FedEx and Operation Warm deliver new coats to N.Q. Henderson ES 

As Houston temperatures dropped, the gift of warmth arrived just in time for hundreds of kids at Nathaniel Q. Henderson Elementary School in East Houston.

FedEx Cares teamed up with Operation Warm, a national nonprofit that provides brand new coats to children in need, to deliver coats to every student enrolled at N.Q. Henderson. Nearly 40 FedEx volunteers helped more than 300 students pick out a free, brand-new coat in their size and favorite color.

“I am so excited for our campus,” Principal Alana Holloway said. “This is a wonderful opportunity for our scholars. We are very appreciative. I know that our parents and families will be extremely grateful.”  Continue reading →