Author Archives: HISD Communications

Bond Oversight Committee updated on school construction; 13 campuses set to open

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The 2018-2019 school year is shaping up to be a busy one for the Houston Independent School District, with 13 new campuses opening next month and five more slated to open in January.

The Bond Oversight Committee learned about the progress of the projects during their quarterly meeting on Tuesday.

To date, the district has opened 27 bond and non-bond projects and expects the current portfolio of building programs to surpass 80 percent completion by the end of 2018. Continue reading →

Magnet school hub program to allow direct commutes to campuses

Students who attend magnet programs in the Houston Independent School District will ride bus routes specifically dedicated to servicing their schools in the upcoming school year.

Beginning on the first day of school, Aug. 27, 2018, HISD Transportation Services will implement the magnet school hub program for bus riders in the magnet program.

Students will ride buses that will transport them directly to their respective schools. In previous years, students attending magnet schools rode buses with routes that serviced a number of schools, resulting in a longer commute time. Continue reading →

HISD billboards promote unique programs

HISD has launched another series of billboards across the city to continue raising awareness on the district’s educational initiatives and services that support the whole child.

In February, HISD revealed a new logo and tagline in a series of billboards and movie theaters around the city. The second series of billboards to recently launch highlights prekindergarten and career and technical education programs.

The billboards will run until Aug. 15. For more information about HISD’s latest education initiatives, visit www.houstonisd.org/enroll.

Located at 59 North & Polk

Located at 59 North & Laura Koppe

Located at 1-45 South & Loop 610

Located at 59 South & Hillcroft

HISD to host Back to School Extravaganza

HISD’s Homeless Education Office will host a Back to School Extravaganza on Friday, Aug. 17 to help students get ready for the 2018-2019 school year.

The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Delmar Stadium (2020 Mangum Road 77092).

Free assistance will be available for Medicaid applications, Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) renewal and recertification, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Health screenings also will be available. Continue reading →

Thomas MS prepares for new students with building facelift

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Thomas Middle School is getting a facelift this summer thanks to the help of the Houston Independent School District Facilities Services team.

The school is being updated to accommodate incoming middle school students from Woodson, which is transitioning this summer from a prekindergarten through eighth-grade campus to a prekindergarten through fifth-grade academy.

“I am excited for the students,” newly appointed Principal Vernitra Shivers said, noting that she was excited to see the dated campus get an update. “We will be growing in numbers over the summer, so this is needed.”

Continue reading →

HISD appoints 3 new area superintendents for 2018-2019 school year

The Houston Independent School District is announcing new area superintendents for the 2018-2019 school year to lead three areas of the district.

In HISD, area superintendents lead key areas covering all schools in the district, which are being modified from seven to six areas for 2018-2019: Achieve 180 Schools, and the North, Northwest, South, East, and West areas of the district.

“These area superintendents bring with them a wealth of experience and numerous recognitions for their leadership in HISD at the campus and district levels,” said HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan. “I am confident that under their leadership, we will keep pushing to ensure every child is supported in their journey to a quality education.” Continue reading →

Lamar HS football coach retiring after 33 years of service at HISD

Tom Nolen

Lamar High School Football Head Coach Tom Nolen has announced his retirement after 33 years of coaching football at HISD.

Nolen led the Lamar Texans to 308 University Interscholastic League (UIL) wins and 19 district championships. In his 33 years, the Texans made the playoffs 31 times.

“Lamar has become part of my identity,” Nolen said. “My students and coaches are my best friends. In some cases, I’ve coached them, their parents, and their grandparents. I am deeply honored to have had the privilege of working with some great athletes at a school as special and diverse as Lamar.” Continue reading →

Fifth Annual Special Education Conference draws hundreds of parents, HISD staff 

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More than 900 parents and members of Team HISD filled Kingdom Builders’ Center on Tuesday to kick off the district’s Fifth Annual Special Education Conference.

The two-day conference, themed Engage, Restore and Support Every Student, focused on arming participants with new and effective instructional, compliance and behavioral strategies.

“We have come a long way from our very first conference with approximately 70 attendees,” Senior Manager of Special Education Services Kelli Charles said. “It is my hope that you leave here ready to give your absolute best to the students who needed it the most and ready to elevate HISD’s special education services.” Continue reading →

Three HISD police sergeants promoted to captain

Three veteran sergeants from the HISD Police Department have been promoted to the new rank of captain, HISD Police Chief Paul Cordova announced on Thursday.

The three are Capt. Richard Morris, Capt. Artina Walker, and Capt. Robert Barbosa, and they will report to Asst. Police Chief Lucretia Rogers. Their promotions take effect on Monday, July 16.

“Each of these officers is a proven leader with a unique skill set and dedicated to our mission of strengthening our relationship with the community as we work to keep our schools and students safe,” Cordova said. “They work well together, and I’m excited to have them on the police department leadership team.”

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HISD thanks Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority for Harvey efforts

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This week, HISD joined with more than 20,000 members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated to publicly thank them for donating thousands of dollars to district students and staff in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.

Continue reading →