Author Archives: HISD Communications

Free tutorials available for students needing to retake STAAR exams 

High school students who need to retake one or more STAAR End of Course Exams have unlimited access to free online tutorials that can help them master the concepts and learning objectives that are challenging them.

STAAR EOC retest exams for English I and II, Algebra I, Biology, and U.S. History will be given Dec. 5-9.  Students can start preparing for these exams with Apex Learning Tutorials, a districtwide, online resource that allows students to customize their learning to the style they prefer.

A pre-test for each topic is available to help retesters focus on the skills and topics they need to master. The tutorials also offer interactive paths in each topic, such as “Learn it – Try it – Review it – Test it.”

Students can look up their campus code here and enroll themselves in the tutorials.  A “how-to” guide is available here to walk students through the process.

In addition to STAAR EOCs, students can enroll themselves in any of the following classes:

  • College Readiness – TSI, ACT & SAT
  • Adapted English 6th – English III
  • Adapted Math 6th – Algebra II

Questions can be directed to the HISD Virtual School Department at 713-556-7295 or emailed to vschool@houstonisd.org.

High school students get first-hand look into higher-education options

Students from Jones Futures Academy and Milby High School recently had the opportunity to learn more about pursuing their higher-education options and to start thinking about looking into options beyond their bachelor’s degree studies.

In an event hosted by Prospanica Houston (formerly known as the National Society of Hispanics MBAs) and with volunteers from the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA), students were encouraged to explore the opportunities they can pursue after graduating high school, including the benefits of a master’s degree.

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Elementary students experience joy of competition during Special Olympics Field Day

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Elementary school students took the field on Thursday during final day of the fourth annual Special Olympics Field Days at Butler Stadium. Students were able to participate in a variety of sports, including a “Future Stars” event for the youngest athletes. Middle school and high school students competed last week during their own field days. The events give students with intellectual and developmental disabilities a chance to showcase their athletic skills by taking part in fun athletic contests.

SPARK Week brings 3 new SPARK parks to HISD 

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It’s been a long time coming, and Lyons Elementary School students can’t wait to use their newly rededicated SPARK Park. The updated park opened on Tuesday, with a jungle-themed ceremony that included performances by the school band, cheerleaders, choir, and ballet folklórico.

SPARK Park board members joined representatives from the U.S. Congress, Texas House of Representatives, and Houston City Council, as well as landscape architect Lauren Griffith, at the exuberant rededication. The original Lyons SPARK Park opened in 2004.

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Superintendent takes questions from HISD community during Virtual Listen & Learn broadcasts 

Superintendent Richard Carranza wrapped up his Listen & Learn Tour on Monday night with two virtual sessions in both English and Spanish, which were streamed live on HISD-TV, the district’s website, and Facebook.

Topics included the issue of recapture and how the state’s current school funding structure is affecting the district, equity, dual language programs, fine arts access, serving the whole child, standardized testing, special education, and what the superintendent is looking for in future district leaders.

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HSPVA junior named city’s second Youth Poet Laureate

Fareena Arefeen

Fareena Arefeen

Fareena Arefeen, a junior at the High School for Performing and Visual Arts, has been named Houston’s second Youth Poet Laureate, succeeding Andrew White, who graduated from HSPVA in June and is now attending New York University. The position was created by Writers in the Schools in partnership with the Houston Public Library, City of Houston, and Office of the Mayor.

Arefeen was one of 40 Houston-area students to apply. Candidates submitted five poems to a committee of what WITS Executive Director Robin Reagler called “page poets and stage poets.” The committee narrowed it down to five students, and the finalists were interviewed by a smaller group of published poets. The one-year term includes a book deal, a scholarship, and being mentored by Houston’s Poet Laureate, Robin Davidson.

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Wilson Montessori breaks ground on new addition

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new addition and renovations at Wilson Montessori School on Tuesday had all the usual celebratory elements from the obligatory shovels and hard hats to a distinguished list of speakers.

But Principal Beth Bonnette turned the morning into a teachable moment for the school’s more than 500 students when she challenged them to be part of history by contributing to a time capsule that will be placed within the walls of the new building.

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Runoff election date set for HISD District VII Trustee race

Winner will serve outgoing Trustee Harvin Moore’s unexpired term

The runoff election for the top two candidates to fill the unexpired term of outgoing HISD District VII Trustee Harvin Moore has been set for Dec. 10.

Candidates competing in the runoff are Anne Sung and John Luman. Continue reading →

Groundbreaking ceremonies planned for Wilson Montessori, Energy Institute HS

Wilson Montessori and Energy Institute High School will hold groundbreaking ceremonies in November to celebrate the start of construction on their new buildings.

The Wilson Montessori event will be held Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 9 a.m. at their school campus, 2100 Yupon St. The Energy Institute event will be held Saturday, Nov. 19, at 10 a.m. at the site of their new location, 3501 Southmore Blvd. Continue reading →

Fun, friendly competition during Special Olympics Field Day for high schools

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High school students took the field on Thursday during the fourth annual Special Olympics Field Days at Butler Stadium, participating in sports such as football, basketball, track, and soccer. The events give students with intellectual and developmental disabilities a chance to showcase their athletic skills by taking part in fun athletic contests. Elementary school students will have their field day next week on Nov. 17, which will conclude the event this year.