Author Archives: HISD Communications

Project Prom this weekend to help students in need receive free formal attire 

The Houston Independent School District Student Assistance Department will provide free dresses, tuxedos, shoes, and accessories to hundreds of homeless and at-risk high school seniors planning to go to prom.

The third annual Project Prom event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 7, at Pin Oak Middle School (4601 Glenmont St. Bellaire, 77401). Students will be able to select formal attire from a wide selection of dresses and menswear.

The event also will include college and career resources; health services, including meningitis shots, which are required for all incoming Texas college students; free food; and giveaways.

10 HISD students to compete in nation’s largest regional spelling bee

Ten HISD students are among 53 spellers who will compete in the nation’s largest regional spelling bee Saturday at Baylor College of Medicine Academy at Ryan (2610 Elgin St., 77004).

The top two spellers will advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., May 27-June 1.

Competitors representing grades second through eighth will come from 1,060 schools in 34 Texas counties to compete in the bee, which is hosted by Houston Public Media. Live updates on the spelling bee will be available on the Houston Public Media Facebook page and on Twitter at @HoustonPubMedia. Final rounds and highlights of the spelling bee will be broadcast on TV 8 and streamed on houstonpublicmedia.org/spellingbee at 3:30 p.m. the following Saturday, April 14. Continue reading →

Transportation Services conducting review to provide better service to students 

HISD Transportation Services is conducting a review of its operations to identify ways to improve service for students who take the bus to and from school daily.

The review comes in response to challenges the department has faced this year, including staffing and bus shortages, an aging bus fleet and limited replacement budget, and the need to create new routes for students and schools displaced by Hurricane Harvey.

These issues have made it difficult for the department to run at an optimal level and have led to service delays and disruptions.  Continue reading →

Police officer’s service in HISD spans from helping schools to serving alongside superintendent

HISD Police Officer Brenson York

Every morning, Brenson York prepares for a day full of surprises. As an HISD police officer assigned to the superintendent’s security detail, he must be ready for anything.

“I’ve done and seen almost everything,” York said with a chuckle. “From driving the superintendent to local meetings around the city to making turn-around trips to Austin — even providing security at events, monthly board meetings, and, of course, hundreds of school visits.”

According to York, fighting Houston traffic, navigating backroads, finding detours, and waking up before sunrise for early morning meetings are just part of the gig. He also serves as the eyes and ears for HISD’s superintendent, often acting as a needed buffer for the school district chief at public events. Continue reading →

Board of Education hears proposal on funding model for 2018-2019 school year

The Board of Education on Monday discussed proposed changes to HISD’s Resource Allocation System that address the district’s $115 million budget deficit for the 2018-19 school year.

The changes include a reduction to the Per Unit Allocation (PUA), an increase in the small school subsidy, and the centralization of funding for Career and Technical Education.

HISD faces a $115 million budget deficit for the 2018-2019 school year. To address the deficit, the district is proposing cutting $70 million from central office. Originally, the district proposed cutting $45 million from campuses, but that figure was reduced to $34 million by anticipating and assigning unspent funds from the 2018-2019 budget.
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HISD surveying parents on family engagement efforts 

The Houston Independent School District is seeking parent input in an annual survey is to determine how well their child’s school partners with them and encourages family engagement in the education process.

Your feedback on this survey is important and will help the district to develop strategies to improve supports for parent and family engagement at the school level.

Parents may access the 2017–2018, HISD Title I, Part A Parent and Family Engagement Survey here.

The survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete and will remain anonymous. The survey should be completed for each school being attended. For assistance in reading or interpreting the survey, please contact the Title I campus contact person at the school level for additional assistance.

Madison HS Project Advisory Team tours new school construction

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Madison High School Project Advisory Team members joined with school staff for a tour of the Marlins’ new facility, getting a sneak peek of the new gym, dining commons, auto shop, and auditorium.

Construction of the new school is more than halfway complete. The concrete walls have been erected and the installation of the roof, windows, and exterior brickwork is underway. Interior walls are being framed and utility site work is underway.

Permanent power to the building — an important project milestone — will be connected to the building in early May.

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20 HISD schools to participate in Houston Art Car Parade

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Some 20 HISD schools are participating in the 31st annual Art Car Parade, which lines up along Allen Parkway on Saturday, April 14, and rolls out at 2 p.m. into downtown Houston.

For those who want to get jump on the parade, see the cars up close, and talk to the owners, join the “Starting Line Party” along Allen Parkway between Montrose and Sabine Street Bridge at 11 a.m. There will be food trucks, music, beverages, and more.

Nearly 250 cars, bikes, skaters, and motorized creations take about two hours to wind through the streets of Houston and end up back along Allen Parkway. For the parade route and complete details, see Houston Art Car Parade.

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CANCELLED: ‘When I Grow Up’ career expo

When I Grow Up has been cancelled due to threat of severe weather on Saturday morning. However, students 16-24 years old will still be able to apply and interview on the spot for various summer jobs at companies who are partners to Hire Houston Youth. This is an initiative of the Mayor’s office, and HISD has encouraged its business partners to do their summer hiring through HHY. See this website for details: www.hirehoustonyouth.org/youth.

In addition, students will still be presenting project presentations reflecting a year of working with ACE Mentors. Preliminary and final presentations in the architecture, construction, and engineering fields that solve business problems will be presented at Hattie Mae White beginning at 8 a.m. this Saturday.

Nutrition education dietitian growing more than just food with school garden program 

When HISD Nutrition Education Dietitian Julia Jarrell gets a reluctant student to try — and enjoy — bok choy for the first time, she knows she’s doing exactly what she is meant to be doing.

Studies have proven the link between healthy eating and improved academic performance, she said. Good nutrition can boost grades, lower dropout rates, and even reduce disciplinary problems.   Continue reading →