Author Archives: HISD Communications

HISD Communications honored with 25 Star Awards, Platinum and Crystal certificates by TSPRA

The Houston Independent School District’s Communications Department picked up 25 Star Awards, as well as a Platinum Award Certificate of Merit and three Crystal Commendation Certificates of Merit, during the 2018 Texas School Public Relations Association Annual Conference in Frisco.

“We have a team of highly qualified individuals who are committed to doing exceptional work that supports and informs our schools and communities,” said HISD Communications Chief Rebecca Suarez. “It takes teamwork and dedication to tell the stories of HISD in an effective and compelling way, and I couldn’t be more proud of our department.”  Continue reading →

Construction on new Madison HS reaches midway point

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Construction on the new Madison High School has now reached the halfway point — a significant milestone for the building project, which is part of HISD’s voter-approved 2012 Bond Program.

Exterior wall installation is nearly finished, and window and roof installation are underway. Brick work has begun on the southeast corner of the building, and fencing is now up along the perimeter of the school’s west parking lot.

Crews also are framing interior walls, installing utilities and flooring, and finishing concrete walls in the auto shop, as well as in locker rooms and restrooms.

Continue reading →

Pop Up Shop for Harvey-impacted families Sunday, Feb. 25

Families impacted by Hurricane Harvey are invited to join HISD and the Houston Area Urban League for a free Pop Up Shop from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, at Butler Stadium (13755 Main Street, Houston, 77035).

The Pop Up Shop will include new clothing for men, women, and children, household goods, bedding, towels, and a limited supply of furniture. Attendees are asked to bring their FEMA number.

District IX community meeting planned for March 20 

HISD District IX Trustee Wanda Adams will discuss the district’s 2018-2019 budget during a community meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 20 at Westbury High School (11911 Chimney Rock, Houston 77035).

Trustee Adams will also discuss the difficult choices the district faces regarding improvement required campuses, HB 1842, and SB 1882. Questions from the audience are welcome.

The meeting will end with a tour of Westbury High School.

Codwell ES celebrates 40th anniversary at grand opening ceremony

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Eleven Codwell Elementary School violinists decked out in Michael Jackson’s signature black fedoras assembled Wednesday on the steps of their new stage as they performed the classic hit “Billie Jean.”

The musical selection performed by the Codwell Violin Ensemble served to formally kick off the school’s Grand Opening and 40th Anniversary Celebration.

The day held special significance for community members, students, and faculty — not just because it marked the anniversary of the school’s inception, but also because it marked the completion of a major renovation and repurposing of the Tavenor Lane campus.

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Must-see TV: HISD principal featured in ad to air during Olympics

Former Olympian and Woodson K-8 Principal Stephen Gittens is featured in a new ad that will air on KPRC (Channel 2) Thursday through Feb. 25.

The spot pays homage to Gittens’ role as a Track and Field Olympian and honors the dedication and drive of all members of Team HISD to serve every student in HISD.

The ad also features HISD’s new logo and tagline: Building Houston’s Future, Right Now. The tagline emphasizes HISD’s role in preparing a future Houston workforce that is college and career ready through initiatives including literacy, college access, wraparound services, innovation, and fine arts.

Be sure to tune in to KPRC to see the ad, or get a sneak preview below.

 

Carranza, local law enforcement urge HISD community to help in preventing school incidents, threats 

In the wake of the tragedy at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., HISD Superintendent Richard Carranza on Wednesday asked parents, students, and school staff to be the first line of defense when it comes to keeping HISD students safe.

“The best preventative measure is a well-informed school culture – a student body that feels comfortable bringing information forward,” Carranza said.

He urged students that if they “see something, say something” and report any concerns to an adult.

He also joined Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo and Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez in calling on parents to talk to their students about the consequences of making jokes or threats regarding school safety on social media, in person, or through other channels. Threats – even if considered a joke by the person who made them – are considered crimes.  Continue reading →

Letter to community from HISD Superintendent Richard Carranza

Editor’s note: HISD Superintendent Richard Carranza sent the following letter to HISD parents and staff in the wake of the Parkland, Fla., shootings last week. For more on the district’s response, click here.

Dear HISD Community:

Our district joins the nation in mourning after the tragic loss of life at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida on Wednesday. When Hurricane Harvey hit Houston, Broward County Schools were among the first to step up to help our students, and today we stand in solidarity with them in the aftermath of this senseless attack.

We want you to know that the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We continue to take proactive steps on every campus to ensure the effectiveness of our security measures and identify and address potential threats. The HISD Police Department and Risk Management Team are currently reviewing all emergency policies and procedures, and we will immediately begin increasing the number of drills that are conducted on every campus.

We are also establishing a new team trained specifically to respond to active threats and emergencies, and its members will be stationed throughout the district. In addition, the HISD Police Department conducts annual trainings for its officers on how to respond rapidly to an active shooter event, and in recent months the department provided its officers with additional safety equipment as a tactical response to potential threats on campus. Continue reading →

HISD Foundation awards nearly $150,000 to 18 schools across the district

HISD Superintendent Richard Carranza’s call to rebuild and reimagine the future of HISD’s classrooms arrived just in time at this year’s State of the Schools, where Board President Rhonda Skillern-Jones and Carranza announced the recipients of the HISD Foundation’s Innovation Grant.

Using funds raised from last year’s State of the School’s ceremony, the Foundation awarded 18 campuses nearly $150,000 as part of the district’s new Innovation Grant program that was created to provide funds for teachers and schools to purchase equipment, supplies, and other items to enhance teaching and learning in the classroom. Continue reading →

HISD Construction Services leads administration members on tour of new HSLJ

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HISD Construction Services on Monday led Board of Education Trustee Diana Dávila and other district administrators on a tour of the new High School for Law & Justice, which is set for completion next month.

An outdoor patio overlooking the Houston skyline, a realistic courtroom classroom, and a large cafetorium with floor-to-ceiling windows were just a few of the areas attendees got a sneak peek of during the tour.

HISD Board of Education Trustee Diana Dávila said she is pleased with the building’s overall architecture and location.

Continue reading →