Author Archives: HISD Communications

Pilgrim Academy construction nears halfway mark 

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Construction at Pilgrim Academy went vertical last month, as workers erected steel columns and framing to support the new building addition.

Work on the $8.9 million project is expected to reach the halfway mark by year’s end.

“It’s wonderful to see the project has progressed to this point,” Pilgrim Principal Diana Castillo said. “The expansion is much-needed, so there’s a lot of anticipation, and we’re eager to move in next spring.”

As part of the Houston Independent School District’s 2012 Bond Program, the kindergarten through eighth grade school is receiving renovations and a new addition that includes a new science lab, a gymnasium, flexible learning areas, teacher work spaces and additional classrooms. Continue reading →

Superintendent and Group 1 Automotive surprise teacher of the month

New recognition program to honor HISD teachers

Dogan Elementary School teacher Kazmere Dean admits she’s in need of a new car, but she never expected to be surprised with a shiny red BMW to drive for the rest of the month.  The car, along with a $150 gift card, balloons , and other goodies were presented to the second grade teacher by Superintendent Richard Carranza and representatives from Group 1 Automotive VIP Services as part of her prize package as the November 2017 Teacher of the Month.

“Teachers complete a ton day-in and day-out for their students, and we are always working for the success of our students,” shared Kazmere. “To be appreciated for our work through this award, helps us reenergize and reignite our passion for teaching. I’m extremely appreciative and thankful to Superintendent Carranza and Group 1 Automotive.” Continue reading →

Three HISD incumbents prevail on election night, one open seat filled, and two open seats head to runoffs

Houston Independent School District Board President Wanda Adams and Trustee Anne Sung were re-elected to the Board of Education Tuesday, while Trustee Holly Maria Flynn Vilaseca won a seat she was previously appointed to, and Sue Deigaard won the open District V seat.  The District I and District III seats will be decided in a runoff election.

Adams, a graduate of Kashmere High School and Texas Southern University, won a second term as the trustee for District IX. President Adams defeated Gerry Monroe and Karla Brown.

Sung, a Bellaire High School and Harvard University graduate, won her first full term as the trustee of District VII. She was elected in December of 2016 to fill the unexpired term of Harvin Moore. Trustee Sung defeated John Luman. Continue reading →

Free home Internet access available for eligible high school students 

Students in grades 9-12 must fill out a short survey by Nov. 17 

The Sprint Foundation is providing HISD with a donation to provide free Internet access to high school students (grades 9-12) who currently do not have high-speed Internet at home.

To determine eligibility for the donation, high school students must complete a short survey by Nov. 17 indicating what type, if any, of internet access they have available to them at home.

Students may complete the survey at https://goo.gl/SrpWNw.

Eligible students will be notified by the district and provided with additional details during the spring 2018 semester. Parents and students are not financially responsible for the donation. Recipients will keep the mobile hotspot throughout their high school career (four years) at no cost to their families.

HISD names student winners of 2017 holiday greeting card contest 

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The Houston Independent School District on Monday announced the winners of the district’s 2017 holiday greeting card competition that features creative student artwork highlighting holiday traditions, seasonal decorations, and classic holiday songs.

The winners – fifth-grader Marissa Reyes of Scroggins Elementary School, seventh-grader Sophie Hinh of Pershing Middle School, and ninth-grader Daisy Prince of Lamar High School – were among 60 finalists from elementary, middle and high schools. All finalists received a boxed set of their holiday cards. All designs will also be available for purchase and on display at the HISD administration building.  Continue reading →

Foundation at new Madison HS more than halfway complete

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Construction on the new Madison High School is now fully underway, with the foundation two-thirds of the way complete and tilt walls being erected.

Demolition of both the temporary buildings and dugouts have been completed. In addition, the school’s parking lot on White Heather Drive is nearly complete, and site utilities are also being installed.

“I am very excited about the progress and can’t wait to see the finished product,” Madison Principal Orlando Reyna said, mentioning his recent walk-through of the construction site.

Continue reading →

HISD to unveil 2017 holiday greeting cards designed by students

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The Houston Independent School District on Monday will unveil its 2017 holiday greeting card collection designed by students as part of the district’s annual holiday card competition.

This year, 60 students from elementary, middle, and high schools are finalists. The winning cards will be announced by HISD Superintendent Richard Carranza, who will select a winner from each school level.

The winning students will be present for the unveiling. All of the finalists’ holiday cards will be on display and available for purchase at HoustonISD.org/HolidayCards.

HISD schools, offices closed Friday for Astros World Series victory celebration

District will resume regular schedule Monday, Nov. 6

The Houston Independent School District will be closed Friday, Nov. 3, to allow students and staff to enjoy the festivities and parade to celebrate our World Series Champions.

“Our hometown heroes are World Series Champions for the first time in franchise history,” Superintendent Richard Carranza said. “This is a memorable moment for our city and a time to celebrate, especially after the challenges Houston has faced over the past several months.” Continue reading →

Achieve 180 campuses providing literacy and wraparound supports for students 

Leaders from Dogan ES and Henry MS provide progress update to board 

Students at Patrick Henry Middle School are getting intense support and specialized interventions to improve their literacy skills as part of the district’s Achieve 180 initiative. The campus has added a literacy specialist, is utilizing a universal screener to determine student reading levels, and is providing literacy report cards for every student.

“We will be having meetings for all of our parents to go over the report cards so they can understand what level their child is at,” said Principal Kenneth Brantley. “Plus we are going to provide them with free resources and things they can do at home to directly support their child in reading and writing.”  Continue reading →