Author Archives: HISD Communications

New Lamar HS to facilitate innovative approach to learning

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At Lamar High School, it’s not uncommon to see a massive crane hoisting steel columns and beams into the air as crews work to rebuild the school as part of the 2012 Bond Program.

The $122.9 million project began vertical construction last November with the installation of the new building’s first upright column. Steel installation has been underway since then, recently reaching as high as the third floor of the building’s north wing.

While crews construct the physical structure, Lamar Principal James McSwain is working with educators to ensure furniture and interior features of the new building enhance the school’s innovative new teaching methods. Continue reading →

For Black History Month, a primer on historically black colleges and universities

In honor of Black History Month, HISD is highlighting historically black colleges and universities.

The Higher Education Act of 1965 defines an HBCU as “… any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans, and that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary [of Education] to be a reliable authority as to the quality of training offered or is, according to such an agency or association, making reasonable progress toward accreditation.”

HBCUs are, however, open to all students, regardless of race. There are more than 200 HBCUs, and the list can be found here.   Continue reading →

Best Buy donates $160,000 in technology, support to Fleming MS 

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Donation is part of $580,000 gift to HISD and the surrounding community in wake of Harvey

Best Buy representatives stopped by Fleming Middle School on Friday for a special reveal, handing over a donation of $160,000 in technology and support – part of the company’s larger investment in HISD and the surrounding community following Hurricane Harvey.

The donation will provide more than 5,000 of the district’s students with the opportunity to learn the skills to be prepared for tech-reliant jobs of the future. Best Buy is donating a total of $580,000 to greater Houston’s storm recovery effort.   Continue reading →

Construction on new Washington HS nearing completion

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Washington High School students and staff are edging closer to moving into their new building with the construction project now 85 percent complete.

Tile flooring and doors have been installed, as have cabinetry, countertops, and fume hoods in the career and technology classrooms, science and agricultural labs, and computer-aided design spaces. Crews are installing bathroom fixtures and sinks in the science and engineering labs where painting and floor staining also are underway.

In addition, crews are nearly done painting the auditorium and administrative offices and wrapping up installation of the school’s elevator.

Continue reading →

Sam Houston MSTC construction makes steady progress

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Construction on the new $118.9 million Sam Houston Math, Science, and Technology Center is now 40 percent complete, with permanent power — a significant milestone for the project — expected to be connected by late March.

Tilt-wall installation is expected to wrap up later this month. Concrete slabs have been poured in all areas, and two sections of the complex are now completely enclosed. Crews are continuing to install sections of the roof, as well as mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.

Sizwe Lewis, HISD senior manager of construction services, said the project experienced some weather-related delays, but he is hopeful that the crew can make up the time and remain on schedule. Continue reading →

HISD Board of Education approves contract for construction of four Harvey-damaged schools

The Houston Independent School District Board of Education on Thursday approved a construction contract for the rebuilding of four elementary schools — Braeburn, Scarborough, Kolter, and Mitchell — severely damaged by Hurricane Harvey.

Trustees authorized district officials to negotiate and execute a Construction Manager-At-Risk — more commonly known as CMAR — contract with Satterfield & Pontikes Construction. A CMAR contract requires the contractor to commit to completing a project within a guaranteed maximum price. Though that price has not yet been negotiated, the agenda item states that the total cost of the project is not to exceed the project budget. Continue reading →

Sophomore teacher setting district records in reading wins Teacher of the Month 

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Sophomore teacher Becky Orr of Milne Elementary School is raising the bar for rookie teachers as Sterling McCall VIP Services February Teacher of the Month.

The third-grade ELA teacher was recognized on Tuesday for her students’ recent reading snapshot that not only scored above average for the first time in campus history, but across the district.  Continue reading →

Bond Oversight Committee tours North Forest HS, hears update on bond and building programs

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The Houston Independent School District Bond Oversight Committee got an up-close and personal look at a 21st-century learning environment on Tuesday when they toured the new North Forest High School during their regular quarterly meeting.

The eight-member group gathered first in the auditorium for a brief introduction and a chance to see the space’s retractable seating, before moving on to the dramatic main hall, which serves as a focal point for the school.

The space features modern chandeliers and lots of windows providing both natural light and views of the surrounding landscape. It connects to a food-court-style dinning commons with two levels of flexible seating. Continue reading →

HISD announces winners of Elementary College Week 

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Over the past week, elementary schools throughout HISD were challenged to showcase their campus’ college knowledge.

In partnership with Counseling & Student Support, HISD’s Office of College & Career Readiness hosted the district’s first Elementary College Week! More than 70 schools actively competed for the chance to win a trip to UT-Austin, as well as classroom pizza and ice cream parties.

Each day, students answered essential college questions, such as “What is college?” or “Who can go to college?” As part of the competition, teachers and other school personnel were encouraged to post pictures and videos of Elementary College Week Activities on Twitter and Facebook, using #HISDElem2College.  Continue reading →