Victor Rodriguez inspired his classmates to create 16 metal roses in just three days — and he gave one of them to his mother, Rosa. CTE programs like welding at Milby, along with eight Futures Academies and 14 CTE workforce level I certificate programs, are helping HISD graduates fill jobs in some of Houston’s most high-demand industries.

Editor’s Note: February 27 through March 3 is Texas Public Schools Week, and we are celebrating by sharing personal stories throughout HISD on how public education is helping students succeed. Tweet at us @HoustonISD and share how public education is positive force for you or your student, using the hashtag #PowerofPublic.

When a popular Milby High welding project, completed each year by the senior class, was in jeopardy of not getting off the ground, the instructor knew he could count on Victor Rodriguez to get things rolling again.

A junior at the time, Victor had the leadership skills to rally his classmates to complete 16 metal roses for Valentine’s Day in three days — a record for the class.

“I rounded up all my good friends, and I said, ‘OK, you’re making this, you’re drilling this, you’re making the petals, you’re making the leaves.’ We created an assembly line,” Victor said.
“I truly felt like a leader. The teacher let me keep one, and I gave it to my mom for Mother’s Day.”

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Nicole Mut turned quantum physics into something anyone can understand, making her one of 15 finalists in a global contest. HISD is exposing students to STEM at all levels and offering STEM-focused programs at magnet schools and public charters, pathway schools, and through 23 TIF 4 grant schools.

Editor’s Note: February 27 through March 3 is Texas Public Schools Week, and we are celebrating by sharing personal stories throughout HISD on how public education is helping students succeed. Tweet at us @HoustonISD and share how public education is positive force for you or your student, using the hashtag #PowerofPublic.

As far back as she can remember, Nicole Mut has been interested in science. Her parents, both engineers, wove science and engineering topics into everyday activities. Family vacations were often spent in national parks, where Nicole’s dad would explain about animals or the environment, and discussions often dealt with the reasons behind why things are the way they are.

Nicole’s passion for all things STEM was further nurtured by enthusiastic teachers with whom she felt a personal connection. She remembers her seventh-grade science teacher explaining course material in ways that made the lesson seem like an adventure. Her fifth-grade teacher made a strong impact when she encouraged Nicole to participate in a STEM contest where she explored turning algae into biofuel.

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Valencia Grayson put in practice time off the field with Khan Academy’s free SAT prep courses — and gained the point increase she needed to pursue her dream of playing sports at a Division I university.

Editor’s Note: February 27 through March 3 is Texas Public Schools Week, and we are celebrating by sharing personal stories throughout HISD on how public education is helping students succeed. Tweet at us @HoustonISD and share how public education is positive force for you or your student, using the hashtag #PowerofPublic.

Valencia Grayson loves sports, and she was fairly certain that her SAT scores were not good enough to get her into a university where she could compete at the highest level of intercollegiate athletics.

“I knew I had to get my math scores up, and I didn’t know what to do,” she said. “Then somebody at school showed me Khan Academy.” Continue reading →

Grace is one of 17 HISD students with developmental disabilities working at the Houston Food Bank through a partnership with H.E.A.R.T. (Housing, Entrepreneurship, and Readiness Training). HISD has several programs to help young adults like Grace transition successfully from high school to a productive adult life.

Editor’s Note: February 27 through March 3 is Texas Public Schools Week, and we are celebrating by sharing personal stories throughout HISD on how public education is helping students succeed. Tweet at us @HoustonISD and share how public education is positive force for you or your student, using the hashtag #PowerofPublic.

Grace keeps looking at her watch. It’s quite impressive — a large wristwatch she got for Christmas. It’s the perfect gift for this 19-year-old developmentally disabled HISD student, because her life is busy, and she can’t be late to her internship at the Houston Food Bank.

“I get up at 5:20 a.m., shower, dress, and fix my lunch,” Grace said. “I have to catch the bus at 6:20 a.m., but sometimes it comes early, so I go to the bus stop at 6:10 a.m.” Continue reading →