Author Archives: HISD Communications

Sam Houston MSTC construction ‘tops out’ as project passes halfway mark

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Work on the new Sam Houston Math, Science, and Technology Center came to a temporary halt on Friday as the project team celebrated the building’s “topping out” after reaching the highest point in construction.

Nearly 200 contractors and sub-contractors gathered in the school’s main gymnasium, which is still under construction, where they enjoyed a barbecue lunch, door prizes, and entertainment from Houston MSTC Mariachis. Continue reading →

Chavez HS cafeteria hero uses good food and the Golden Rule to make a difference

Marylyn Williams wants students who visit the cafeteria at Chavez High School to experience more than just food. She wants them to feel welcomed and at home.

As the campus cafe manager, Williams believes she is responsible not only for serving appetizing meals but also for creating an environment that influences students for the better. Each day, she said, she makes it a point to greet every student with a smile, show them respect, and offer a listening ear.

“Treat others as you would like them to treat you,” Williams said. “If you say good morning and thank you to the students, they will eventually say those same things back to you.” Continue reading →

Allstate Foundation donates $400,000 to replace books lost during Harvey 

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The Allstate Foundation has donated $400,000 to four HISD elementary schools severely affected by Hurricane Harvey.

Braeburn, Hilliard, Mitchell, and Scarborough elementary schools will use the funds to replace their libraries, which were lost during the storm. This means 27,000 new books for these HISD schools.

On April 27, 2018, Allstate officials, agency owners, and volunteers from 18 agencies in the Houston area gathered at Scarborough Elementary Relocation Campus (former Terrell Middle) for the check presentation.

Roberto DeLeon, senior manager of Allstate corporate relations, and Kristen Freis, division manager, were at Scarborough to oversee the event, which also included a book delivery, library tour, and Lunch and Learn reading activity.   Continue reading →

HISD salutes National Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 

The theme of this year’s May-long celebration of Asian Pacific Americans is honoring Asian Americans in time of war. This year’s HISD poster features three JROTC teachers: Lamar High School grads Major (Retired) Kenneth Zapanta and Command Sgt. Major (Retired) Hai Dang, as well as Westside High School grad Major Gilbert Gozalo.

Zapanta served two terms of duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom, one term in Operation New Dawn-Iraq, and Operation Inherent Resolve-Kuwait. Gozalo served in Afghanistan’s Operation Enduring Freedom, and Dang served two terms in Operation Iraqi Freedom and one term in Kosovo Forces. HISD’s JROTC program was established in 1926, and currently there are 20 Army, four Navy, and one Air Force JROTC programs for the school year 2017-2018.  Continue reading →

Vote in second round of ‘Fan Favorite’ Teacher of the Year

Two winners to be announced at May 18 Educators of the Year banquet

Over the past week, HISD staff, students, and alumni have voted for their “Fan Favorite” Teacher of the Year. Voters could choose from any of the campus-based Teacher of the Year nominees. The votes are now tallied, and the top four elementary and secondary teachers are moving on to round two. The finalists are: Continue reading →

Graduation ceremony schedule, venue information available for the Class of 2018

Hundreds of HISD seniors will walk across the stage this spring during graduation ceremonies planned for May 26 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, and Wilkins Pavilion).

A few will be taking place early (HSPVA and E-STEM on May 26 and May 31, respectively) or later (Liberty HS on June 10), so be sure to check the schedule for times and locations at HoustonISD.org/GraduationCalendar. Continue reading →

HISD interim superintendent, chief operating officer meet with transportation employees

HISD Chief Operating Officer Brian Busby

Houston Independent School District Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan met with all HISD bus drivers and transportation staff on Friday to deliver a simple message of support: “I hear you.”

Lathan called the meeting so she could directly address employees and reinforce the important role they play in the success of students across the district.

“You truly are the first contact every child in this district has each day on his way to school,” Lathan said. “People think it’s just about the principals and teachers, but it’s about our bus drivers, our food service workers, our custodians. You are essential.”

The meeting marked the first time Lathan has met with the entire Transportation Services department. She was joined by HISD Chief Operating Officer Brian Busby and Transportation Services General Manager Timothy Brown. Continue reading →

Scarborough HS celebrates grand opening of modernized school

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A sunny spring day and large shady trees provided the perfect backdrop to celebrate the grand opening of Scarborough High School.

As the school band played a selection of rhythm and blues, students, faculty, staff, community members, and visitors gathered Thursday on the school’s front lawn to celebrate official completion of the $14.6 million construction and renovation project.

Continue reading →

Washington HS students create special works of art

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A project for an art class at Booker T. Washington High School has turned into a special gift for a university president on behalf of HISD. Students in Maya Imani Watson’s art class created a piece that highlights the late poet Maya Angelou. The piece will be gifted to Dr. Ruth J. Simmons, the newly minted president of Prairie View A&M University.

Continue reading →

Milby’s Broadway Buffs advance to national culinary competition

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Six teams of student chefs clad in double-breasted white jackets and black-and-white houndstooth pants converged on the Art Institute of Houston last weekend, all aiming to slice and dice their way to a national title.

The six teams, which were made up of HISD culinary students from Westside, Northside, and Milby high schools, were participating in the annual Cooking Up Change competition. The contest challenges students to create healthy meals that meet the real-life nutritional and cost requirements of the national school meal programs. Continue reading →