Author Archives: HISD Communications

Construction begins on new Madison HS

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Work on the new Madison High School is now underway as crews have demolished athletic fields and begun construction on a new parking lot across the street from the current building.

The work is part of the project’s first phase, which also includes construction of the new high school.  Passersby can expect to see steel being erected over the summer as crews officially begin construction of the building.

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HISD wins five Telly Awards 

Videos on Read Houston Read and Superintendent Listen and Learn tour honored 

With over 13,000 entries from all 50 states and numerous countries, HISD has been awarded with five Telly Awards for outstanding video production. The Telly Awards was founded in 1979 and is the premier award honoring outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs, the finest video and film productions, and online commercials, video and films. Winners represent the best work of the most respected advertising agencies, production companies, television stations, cable operators, and corporate video departments in the world.

HISD’s Multimedia team received four awards including a Silver Telly for a public service announcement highlighting Read Houston Read, the district’s literacy mentorship initiative. You can watch the PSA below.

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HISD officer of Nutrition Services honored for excellence in food service

Betti J. Wiggins, HISD’s officer of Nutrition Services, was presented a 2017 Silver Plate Award by the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) during the 63rd Annual Gold & Silver Plate Awards Celebration this month in Chicago.

“The month of May has been full of excitement,” said Wiggins, who officially joined the district May 15. “Not only did I begin a new role in the nation’s seventh-largest school district, but the work I have done over the years to advocate for children and their communities was recognized by my peers and others in the food service industry. This award brings it all full circle and reminds me of exactly why I come to work each and every day.” Continue reading →

Class of 2017 set to graduate in ceremonies across the city this week

Nearly 11,000 high school seniors from across the Houston Independent School District will receive their diplomas at graduation ceremonies this week for the Class of 2017.

Students from HISD’s Class of 2017 have received more than 10,000 acceptances to state colleges as well as top-tier colleges and universities across the country. To date, the entire senior class has racked up more than $342 million and counting worth of scholarships and financial aid awards.

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Austin HS readying for construction of new school

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A temporary campus will begin to take shape this summer just across the street from Austin High School as crews begin installing modular buildings to accommodate students during construction of their new school.

The temporary campus will be located along South Lockwood Drive, directly behind the current school. Students will have access to the same programming, activities, clubs, and sports that are currently being offered. Continue reading →

Books Between Kids donates millionth book to HISD student 

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There were bubble machines, free books, and lots of exuberant children at Piney Point Elementary School recently, because Books Between Kids was there to celebrate the presentation of the one-millionth book to an HISD student.

Second-grader Justin Ikwuagwu was the lucky boy, and he seemed a bit overwhelmed by the attention. As Books Between Kids staff and volunteers gathered round for pictures, Justin held up the book, “How Much is a Million?” and smiled shyly.  Continue reading →

Bellaire HS senior twins have matching GPAs and class rank 

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Bellaire High School’s Connelly twins may look alike, but they have forged two very different paths in high school.

Caitlin is varsity swim captain, loves Spanish and will attend Texas Christian University. Gillian is a varsity cheerleader, likes art and history, and will attend Texas A&M. So imagine their mother’s surprise when the calculations for GPA and class rank came back: The girls have the exact same numbers.

“I found it odd that they had exactly the same GPA and class rank,” said Elizabeth Connelly, who teaches second grade at Horn Elementary school. “I thought there must be a mistake, so I contacted the school to verify the information. But it’s correct.” Caitlin and Gillian both have a 3.8 GPA and a class rank of 208 out of 789 students at Bellaire.   Continue reading →

Sharpstown HS construction progresses at full speed

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Construction of the new Sharpstown High School is nearly two-thirds of the way complete, with the new facility expected to open to students in January 2018 when they return from winter break.

Project officials said the concrete walls of the gym and exterior glass wall in the main building are nearly complete, and the interior painting and tiling are halfway done. In addition, air conditioning units have been installed on the roof, wooden cabinets are being installed in science labs, and the outdoor amphitheater is being formed. Continue reading →

Free summer meals offered at more than 250 HISD schools

Houston Independent School District will be kicking off its Summer Meal Program May 31 at more than 250 area schools. Children ages 1 to 18 can enjoy a free healthy breakfast and lunch from May 31, 2017 through Aug. 4, 2017.

Children do not need to be enrolled in summer school to participate in the program, and no paperwork, registration, or proof of income is required. Adults can also participate by purchasing breakfast for $2.25 and lunch for $3.50. Continue reading →