Author Archives: HISD Communications

New Mandarin Immersion Magnet School campus near completion, set to open Monday

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The new Galleria-area campus for the Mandarin Immersion Magnet School (MIMS) is nearing completion, and construction crews are working hard to ensure that the building is all set to welcome students for the first day of school on Monday.

Part of the district’s current bond program, the $32.2 million school, located in the 5400 block of W. Alabama adjacent to the School at St. George Place, is one of HISD’s most popular magnet programs, with more than eight applications for every available spot. It draws students from all parts of the district and is one of HISD’s most diverse schools, but it long ago outgrew its initial location on the former Gordon Elementary campus in Bellaire.

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Board of Education set to name Richard A. Carranza HISD superintendent

carranza2New superintendent will address news media, meet with public following vote

The Houston ISD Board of Education is scheduled to finalize the hiring of lone superintendent finalist Richard A. Carranza on Thursday.

The meeting will begin at 4:30 p.m. in the Board Auditorium of the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center, 4400 W. 18th Street. After the vote, Mr. Carranza will address members of the news media and participate in a meet-and-greet with members of the public. The full agenda is available here. Continue reading →

Back-to-school events and resources for parents 

Getting ready for the first day of school? There are a number of events and resources available to ensure children are ready for the new school year:

HISD Homeless Education Office Back-to-School Extravaganza

Free backpacks, school supplies, shoes, health screenings, and immunization for low-income HISD families, not just the homeless. Students must bring their shot records to get free immunizations. The Houston Food Bank will distribute fresh produce to families. Noon to 4 p.m., Friday, Aug. 19, 2016, at Bethel’s Empowerment Center, 12660 Sandpiper Dr., Houston 77035.  Continue reading →

Two HISD high schools to host grand openings this week to celebrate new buildings

Two HISD high schools will host grand opening celebrations this week to mark the completion of construction projects on their campuses.

Worthing High School will host a grand opening, campus tour and custom mural dedication on Thursday to celebrate the completion of its new classroom wing, the construction of which is the first phase of plans to rebuild the comprehensive high school.

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Facilities Services kicks off the new school year with ‘Welcome Back’ event

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Hundreds of Facilities Services employees celebrated the start of the new school year at a ‘Welcome Back’ event hosted by HISD Facilities Officer Brian Busby and his management team.

“We wanted to say ‘thank you’ for the effort you put in over the summer and throughout the year to ensure our schools are ready and safe for the kids,” Busby told the group. “There is no amount of letters, notes, awards or trophies I could present that could adequately express my appreciation for what you achieve each year, year after year. We always pull together as a team and get the job done.”

The event was held Tuesday at staggered times throughout the day to accommodate the large group, which included custodians and plant operators, as well as staff from facilities maintenance, security maintenance, business services, and grounds. The employees were treated to refreshments and had the opportunity to visit with colleagues and ask questions.

Busby used the occasion to discuss the strategic vision of the department and its culture of teamwork and accountability.

“I hope to instill the mindset throughout our division that we are all accountable, and we’re all in this together,” Busby said. “The bottom line is: It’s all about the kids. If it’s not kid-driven, then it will not be done.”

Families Encouraged to Complete Application for HISD’s Free and Reduced Price Meals Program

Application available online and at all HISD campuses for 2016-17 academic year

The Houston Independent School District announced its policy today for providing free and reduced-price meals for children served under the attached current income eligibility guidelines. Each school/site or the central office has a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by anyone on request.

Starting on Aug. 22, 2016, the Houston Independent School District will begin distributing letters to the households of the children in the district about eligibility benefits and any actions households need to take to apply for these benefits. Applications also are available at the HISD Nutrition Services Support Facility and all HISD schools.

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New Worthing High School to feature custom mural focused on importance of education

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In a community rich with history, Sunnyside has another reason to be proud — a new addition to Worthing High School, which will open its doors to students and neighbors with an open house and dedication ceremony on Aug. 18.

Though the new building embodies 21st century design, it honors the history of Sunnyside with a mural painted in the tradition of African American folk art that will be unveiled in the school’s learning commons.

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More HISD schools meet state standard

Number of schools with “Improvement Required” rating declines 31 percent

The number of Houston ISD schools meeting state standards is now the highest it has ever been under Texas’ tougher new accountability system.

According to preliminary ratings released Monday, 85 percent of HISD schools (235 out of 275) earned a “met standard” rating for the 2015-2016 school year, a 6-point increase from the previous year. At the same time, 18 fewer schools received an “improvement required” rating. HISD earned a “met standard” district rating. Continue reading →

HISD to open six new school buildings

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The Houston Independent School District will open six new schools that were rebuilt as modern learning environments with flexible classrooms, increased access to technology, bursts of color, and plenty of natural light.

The six campuses – Condit and Mark White elementary schools, Mandarin Immersion Magnet School, North Houston and South early college high schools, and Fonwood Early Childhood Center — will open their doors Monday, Aug. 22 for the 2016-2017 school year. The designs for each school place an emphasis on 21st century learning with centralized learning commons, courtyards, outdoor learning areas, and other seating nooks where students can gather to create and learn. Continue reading →

HISD voters to decide whether to send local school tax dollars to the state

Board also calls special election for Trustee District VII

In order to comply with Texas’ school finance law, Houston ISD trustees on Thursday called a special election to let voters decide whether they are willing to send an estimated $162 million in local tax dollars to the state of Texas.

Under Texas law, HISD is now considered a “wealthy” school district because of rising property values, even though three-quarters of all students come from low-income households. As a result, HISD is being asked to pay the state about $162 million later this fiscal year. That payment cannot be made unless voters approve.

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