Author Archives: HISD Communications

Register for HIPPY’s Back to School Festival on Aug. 5 

HISD’s Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) will hold its Back to School Festival from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5 at Kingdom Builders Center (6011 W. Orem, 77085).

Parents of children ages 0-11 or in grades pre-K through 5 are encouraged to attend. At the event, parents will be able to learn more about the HIPPY program, connect with HISD and community resources, receive free back-to-school supplies, and have the chance to win prizes. Lunch will be provided.

To register, go to HoustonISD.org/HippyFestival or call 713-967-5298. The registration deadline is July 21.

HIPPY works with parents of 3- and 4-year-old children to help prepare their preschool child for academic success. Instructors visit parents in their homes for an hour a week in a 30-week period and cover early literacy skills, mathematics, science, fine and gross motor skills, and language development. Research shows that HISD kindergarten students whose parents have participated in the HIPPY program significantly outperform their peers in reading and math. Interested families can contact the HIPPY office at 713-967-5298.

HISD wins five Golden Achievement Awards, multiple other NSPRA honors

The Houston Independent School District has received 14 National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) awards, including five Golden Achievement Awards.

The Golden Achievement Awards, the highest honor given by the organization, were for the following:

  • 2017 HISD State of the Schools communications campaign, which included a dedicated website, invitation, program, and other materials.
  • Listen and Learn Tour to introduce new HISD Superintendent Richard Carranza to the community, complete with branding, flyers, online survey, and signage – as well as a live “virtual” town hall meeting streamed on district’s website, social media, and TV channel.
  • Family-Friendly Schools Certification, including a video, branding materials, and a dedicated website.
  • Social Media Scorecard to provide schools with feedback on their social media channels and school websites. The Communications team created a rubric for grading and provided the feedback in customized reports for each school, as well as resources and best practices.
  • 2016 Educators of the Year, including branding for the superhero-themed event, signage, and a social media campaign.

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HISD Board of Education approves 2017-2018 school year budget

Proposed budget includes almost $49 million for salary increases, $2.2 million for special education

The Houston Independent School District Board of Education on Thursday approved a 2017-2018 school year budget that includes almost $49 million in salary increases and $2.2 million for special education.

The salary increases are designed to ensure the district is providing all employees with a competitive and livable wage, while the special education funding is designed to provide that department with essential additional resources. Continue reading →

HISD Board of Education to consider proposed 2017-2018 budget during Thursday meeting

Proposed budget includes $48.6 million for salary increases, $2.2 million for special education

The Houston Independent School District Board of Education on Thursday will consider a proposed 2017-2018 school year budget that includes $48.6 million in salary increases and $2.2 million for special education.

The salary increases are designed to ensure the district is providing all employees with a competitive and livable wage, while the special education funding is designed to provide that department with essential additional resources. Continue reading →

STAAR scores now available: What you need to know  

The Texas Education Agency has redesigned the STAAR student report cards and revised the way students’ performance is labeled on STAAR tests in grades 3-12. The results of the May 2017 STAAR and End of Course (EOC) tests are now available online at www.TexasAssessments.com. Read below to learn how to access your child’s score, how to read the new student report cards, and what has changed with STAAR performance labels. Continue reading →

HISD superintendent discusses equity, district’s vision during forum with African-American community leaders

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HISD Superintendent Richard Carranza told African-American community, business, and civic leaders on Tuesday that HISD is prioritizing equity in the district and proposing a plan, called Achieve 180, to target 32 underserved schools with extra supports and funding.

Carranza outlined his priorities for the coming year during a one-on-one interview with Houston Defender Publisher Sonceria Messiah Jiles, part of the Defender’s “Conversations and Coffee” series. Continue reading →

Parker ES construction passes halfway mark

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Construction at Parker Elementary School is now more than halfway complete with exterior framing and roofing well underway on the east side of the building.

“I’ve been doing a monthly walk-through in the building, so I’m seeing the progress each time I go,” Parker Principal Lori Frodine said. “I feel good it’s moving along. I’m happy that they’re starting to accelerate the work.”

The construction crew is working diligently at the site to make up some time lost due to previous weather delays. Currently, they are installing the HVAC systems on the first floor along with the chilled water pipes. Installation of the sprinkler system is also in progress.

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High School for Law and Justice construction makes steady progress

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Driving along the Gulf Freeway near the University of Houston, it’s not hard to spot the new High School for Law and Justice, which rises three stories tall and is now about 60 percent complete.

“I love seeing the progress,” said HSLJ Principal Carol Mosteit. “This is going to be a beautiful building that will enhance our law and justice curriculum and provide a wonderful learning environment for students.” Continue reading →

Free ‘Camp Adventures’ offered for HISD elementary students  

The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation and the Houston Area Urban League are sponsoring two summer Camp Adventures in July and August.

The first camp is July 10 through July 21 at Atherton Elementary School (2011 Solo).  The second camp will take place at Bastian Elementary School (5051 Bellfort) from July 24 through Aug. 4. Each camp registration deadline is open through the end of summer school for all HISD K-5 students. Registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis and will be limited to 400 campers per each camp session. Continue reading →

Three classrooms added to Pilgrim Academy expansion

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Three new classrooms are being added to the current expansion of Pilgrim Academy as part of a plan allowing forecasted bond surplus funds to be used for outstanding needs at bond campuses across the district.

The new plan, approved last month by the HISD Board of Education, set aside an additional $842,000 for Pilgrim.

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