Author Archives: HISD Communications

New wing, renovated classrooms greet Wilson Montessori students for new school year

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Nestled in the heart of Montrose, the Wilson Montessori campus was filled with excitement on Monday as students entered the doors of the newly renovated building for the first day of school.

Final construction work wrapped on the project this summer, with Monday marking Monday the first time that both the new wing and existing classroom renovations were complete and open to students.

“We are truly excited about this new school year in this new space,” Wilson Montessori Principal Shameika Sykes-Salvador said. “Teachers are excited about being in their own spaces and being able to unpack and make it home.”

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Lawson MS students step into their new learning space for first day

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Clad in super hero capes and masks, enthusiastic teachers and staff gathered in the foyer of the new Lawson Middle School to welcome students for the first day of the 2018-2019 school year.

Lawson Principal Kasey Bailey said the costumes were a reminder to students and parents of their power to move the campus forward and conquer obstacles that stand before them.

“It’s a new era of academic achievement” Bailey said. “Lawson’s academic status is now ‘Growth Distinction.’ We are no longer ‘Improvement Required.’ That alone has given us the additional boost of excitement preparing us for this new academic achievement.”

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Designs for Westbury HS fine arts wing take shape

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As work on the initial scope of Westbury High School’s bond construction is wrapping up, Project Advisory Team members met recently for the first look at design plans for another new addition.

The new $6.2 million fine arts wing, which is funded through surplus 2012 Bond Program funds, will be built on the north side of the campus on the site of the school’s old gymnasium and dining hall, which are in the process of being demolished.

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Pilgrim Academy welcomes students back to new building

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A sea of students dressed in red rushed into Pilgrim Academy’s newly renovated building on Monday to begin the first day of the 2018-2019 school year.

Pilgrim’s $8 million construction project, which is a part of the voter-approved 2012 Bond Program, features an expansion and building renovation that incorporates architectural aspects of both the past and future.

Pilgrim Principal Diana Castillo said school staff worked for more than two weeks to make sure that everything was ready to go for the first day of school.

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Eastwood Academy students enjoy first day in new addition

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Students at Eastwood Academy looked right at home in the recently completed two-story library wing on Monday, as they gathered for the start of the 2018-2019 school year.

“It’s pretty cool. It’s calm and chill. It makes me happy,” senior Josue Cruz said. “I’ll come here more often to study. It’s nice how things have changed.”

The school’s new addition – which is the final phase of the school’s 2012 Bond Program construction – features a two-story library expansion, additional teaching spaces, small and large group gathering areas, a community meeting room, and an enclosed walkway that connects to the main entrance. Continue reading →

Washington HS starts school year in new building

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At Washington High School, the first day of school wasn’t just about starting a new school year. It was a true celebration.

The start of the 2018-2019 school year not only marks the opening of the new campus, but also the school’s 125th anniversary. It was originally built in 1893 as the city’s first African-American high school.
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Students embark on first day at new High School for Law and Justice

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Excitement filled the air at the new High School for Law and Justice as students gathered in the central dining commons to pick up class schedules and connect with friends on Monday — the first day of the 2018-2019 school year.

“When I first walked into the building, all I could say was, ‘Wow!’” HSLJ senior Cecilia Marenco said. “The grand staircase is breathtaking, and the design is modern and innovative.”

Part of the 2012 Bond Program, the $40 million campus features a realistic courtroom, crime-scene investigations lab, emergency communications center, law library, and flexible dining commons space with a three-stories-high sky bridge and a dramatic grand staircase. Continue reading →

HSPVA senior’s experience as a fine arts student has left indelible mark

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It’s a bittersweet last first day of school for Kinder HSPVA senior Jorge Cordova. On one hand, he is excited to see his friends after summer break, but on the other, this will be their last year together. As a theater student who plans to be an actor, Cordova is thankful for his experience at the arts magnet high school.

“HSPVA has made a huge impact on my life,” Cordova said. “It has already opened doors for me both inside and outside of school. My teachers have always encouraged us to dream big, and I am already living my dream.”

It’s been just Cordova and his mom since he was 3 years old. “My mom is from Tampico, Mexico, and I was born here in Houston. She has been both mother and father to me, and she has done an amazing job. She has been by my side through some tough times, and I don’t know what I would have done without her.” Cordova’s mother, Alex Barron, has her own small housecleaning service.  Continue reading →

Yates HS students enter the new Lion’s Den for the first day of school

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Festive music and cheers filled the air of the new Yates High School as students danced their way into the new facility to kick off the 2018-2019 school year.

More than 20 alumni — donning crimson and gold — gathered at the school’s main entrance chanting the school song as the band and color guard performed for students and staff in celebration of the new facility.

“The building brings life to Yates and the community,” said Yates alumnus Marcus Brooks, who is also the father to a current Yates senior. “It’s something new and fresh for the kids.”

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High School for Law and Justice celebrates new building with grand opening

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A large crowd of students and staff welcomed a host of elected officials, alumni, and public safety officials to the official grand opening for the newly built, 105,000-square-foot High School for Law and Justice.

Positioned on the central grand staircase, the Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Art’s jazz band provided an array of up-tempo musical selections, helping to kick off the celebration.
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