Author Archives: HISD Communications

Westbury High School opens new addition ahead of schedule

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Westbury High School students and staff looked right at home in their new building addition on Monday — the official opening day of the school’s two-story building expansion.

The new wing was completed and furnished ahead of schedule, which enabled the school to move in two weeks early for a “soft opening” before spring break.

Westbury Principal Susan Monaghan said the move was seamless, with crews and teachers working over the weekend to prevent any disruption to instruction time. Continue reading →

Parker ES students mark first day in new school

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Roaring applause and cheers of joy echoed throughout the Parker Elementary School cafeteria on Monday as Principal Lori Frodine welcomed students to the first day of school in their new building.

To mark the first day, students gathered by grade level for assemblies in the cafeteria, where Frodine excitedly introduced the students to the new facility and its features and answered their questions.

“You guys have the coolest music rooms ever,” Frodine said to the eager students seated before her.

Continue reading →

Pilgrim Academy addition set for completion next month

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Construction on Pilgrim Academy’s new building addition is nearing completion with work on the project scheduled to wrap up at the end of April.

Interior ductwork and sprinkler system piping have been installed, as have the ceiling grid and insulation. Installation of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are underway and exterior brickwork is ongoing. Most internal drywall also is in place, while painting and interior finishes will be the focus in the coming weeks.

“It will be wonderful to have the extra space for our middle school students,” Pilgrim Academy Principal Diana Castillo said. “We can’t wait to move in.” Continue reading →

HISD social workers recognized in March for national Social Work Month 

The National Association of Social Workers has proclaimed March to be Social Work Month, with the theme of “Social Workers: Leaders. Advocates. Champions.”

The Houston Independent School District includes 37 social workers on campuses across the district. These social workers provide crisis support, helping children overcome issues such as death and grief, and helping communities connect to resources to recover from natural disasters – most recently from Hurricane Harvey and flooding. Continue reading →

HISD to be closed March 12–16 for Spring Break

All HISD campuses and offices will be closed for Spring Break from Monday, March 12, through Friday, March 16, 2018.

Schools and offices will reopen for normal business on Monday, March 19, 2018.

Employees should consult the duty schedules posted here.

The HISD Police Department will be patrolling district facilities all during the holiday break. Emergencies may be reported by calling 713-892-7777.

Report shows HISD has taken steps to improve special education program

 The American Institutes for Research (AIR) released a comprehensive new report that finds HISD has already taken specific action that will enable the district to improve outcomes for students with disabilities and implement the report’s recommendations more effectively.

The report, Special Education Program Review, was commissioned by the Houston Independent School District. The HISD Board of Education contracted AIR to assess the district’s strengths and areas in need of improvement with respect to its special education program. The results of the review were presented at the March HISD Board of Education meeting by experts from AIR. Continue reading →

New Kinder HSPVA construction making great progress

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Rising five stories into the air, the new Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts is becoming a real presence in downtown Houston with the building now 80 percent complete and visible progress being made every day.

Permanent power is now connected, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are up and running. Work on mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, as well as installation of internal sheetrock and external masonry is ongoing. Workers will focus next on interior fixtures and finishes. Continue reading →

3 town hall meetings planned on HISD magnet program 

The Houston Independent School District’s Office of School Choice is planning three meetings on proposed changes to the district’s magnet program.

Meeting attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about school choice in the district.

Meetings will be held at the following locations and dates. All meetings are from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, March 20
Milby High School
1601 Broadway, Houston 77012

Wednesday, March 21
Hattie Mae White
4400 W 18th St., Houston 77092

Thursday, March 22
Wisdom High School
6529 Beverly Hill, Houston 77057

HISD Board of Education to consider reduction in force

‘Critical shortage’ positions eliminated from list of positions eligible for RIF

The Houston Independent School District Board of Education on Thursday will consider a reduction in force for certain term- and continuing-contract employees.

The board’s regular monthly meeting begins at 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 8, 2018 in the Manuel Rodríguez Jr. Board Auditorium of the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center, 4400 W. 18th St. Click here to view the full agenda.

Trustees are expected to consider the two annual reduction in force (RIF) agenda items related to being able to execute a reduction in force of teachers and other campus-based employees, as well as certain central office employees who hold term and continuing contracts. These agenda items were originally scheduled for consideration at the Board’s February meeting, however trustees voted to delay a vote until March. Continue reading →