Author Archives: HISD Communications

Kashmere HS drum major the face of new Metro ad campaign

Zackery Johnson, drum major for Kashmere High School, takes METRO to school every day, and his dream is to one day be part of the famed Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul Marching Band.

But you may already know all of this if you’ve seen or heard the latest ad for Metro on TV or on the radio. The ad, part of Metro’s “This is My Metro” campaign, features Zack on the bus and performing on the field.

“(Zack) is amazing and can always bring a smile to my face,” said Kashmere High School Principal Nancy Blackwell. “Zack works hard to promote the band, and he has specific plans for his future. I love having him at Kashmere High School.”

According Metro’s website, “We have invited real customers to talk about their experiences riding our system and tell why they do it and how it’s changed their lives.”

 

Twenty-eight HISD schools recognized by state for top performance in 2015-2016

HISD schools were twice as likely as other Texas schools to earn the maximum number of distinction designations from the Texas Education Agency for their strong performance during the 2015-2016 school year, according to a report released this week.

Eleven percent of the district’s 255 eligible campuses earned every distinction designation for which they were eligible. Statewide, only 5.5 percent of eligible schools can make that claim. HISD’s awarded campuses include 15 elementary schools, six middle schools, and seven high schools. Continue reading →

Superintendent, Board of Trustees hosting series of town hall meetings in HISD communities 

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HISD Board of Education trustees are hosting a series of community town hall meetings with newly appointed Superintendent Richard Carranza as a way to introduce the new leader to the community, solicit input from stakeholders about the district’s future, and learn about key issues across HISD.

Continue reading →

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month 

As part of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, HISD is partnering with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Greater Houston to get the word out on suicide prevention measures and how to talk to teens about suicide without increasing the risk of harm.

Last December, NAMI Greater Houston trained 16 new volunteers to speak at middle and high school campuses about mental health wellness, mental illness, how to be a friend of someone dealing with mental health challenges, and suicide intervention. This past summer, NAMI volunteers began working with HISD to train district administrators, social workers, special education case managers, and other employees.

HISD has its own Crisis Intervention team, which is part of the new Social and Emotional Learning department. There are nine psychologists on staff under the direction of Dr. Lauren Goonan. All are licensed as both psychologists and as specialists in school psychology in the State of Texas.

Continue reading →

Hispanic Heritage Month perfect opportunity to showcase campus namesakes

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Click image to enlarge.

The Houston Independent School District is observing Hispanic Heritage Month, which kicks off today and runs through Oct. 15, by honoring the Hispanics for whom many of the district’s schools are named.

Half a dozen schools will be highlighted each week on the HISD website (see below for the first six).

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month by recognizing the contributions made to this country by people of Hispanic descent, including those whose ancestors immigrated from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

Continue reading →

Furr High School awarded $10 million grant

HISD’s Furr High School has won a $10 million Super School Project grant, beating out thousands of other schools who applied from across the nation.

The five-year grant, awarded by the XQ Institute, began with a call for innovative ideas for redesigning traditional American high schools to prepare students for college and the workforce. Only 10 schools were awarded grants. Continue reading →

52 HISD students named National Merit semifinalists

Fifty-two seniors from six Houston Independent School District high schools qualified as semifinalists this week in the 62nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

The HISD students are among 16,000 from across the country to earn the semifinalist designation, allowing them the opportunity to continue in the academic competition and vie for nearly $33 million in scholarships that will be awarded next year.

The students attend Bellaire, Booker T. Washington, Carnegie Vanguard, and Lamar high schools, DeBakey High School for Health Professions, and the High School for the Performing & Visual Arts. Continue reading →

Telemundo, Chick-fil-A want to recognize outstanding HISD teachers

Know an outstanding teacher who deserves kudos and free Chick-fil-A? Then nominate them for Telemundo/Chick-fil-A’s Teacher of the Month program.

The partnership seeks to recognize HISD educators who inspire their students, are involved in the community, and routinely go above and beyond in the classroom.  Continue reading →

Workshop attendees learn growth strategies for small business

This month’s Workshop Wednesday featured a presentation from Melissa Rascon, managing partner and founder of The Rascon CPA Firm, who discussed business strategies to grow a small business as well as tax updates and tips.IMG_8688

“When you start your business, it’s so important to have a passion for what you do and be very deliberate in your plans,” Rascon said. “A positive attitude and state of mind are essential.”

Rascon also discussed the pros and cons of various corporate structures, the importance of focusing on sales every day, and which numbers a business owner should keep an eye on.

Continue reading →

Foster ES unveils newly built reading nook, thanks to partnership

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Foster Elementary partnered with the Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation, Quanex, and EWI on on Wednesday for the school’s “Jungle Book Reveal.”

These organizations helped the school build a jungle-themed reading nook in the school library and also provided second-grade students with free books, backpacks and school supplies.

“The creation of this Jungle Nook is aligned with the Literacy by 3 initiative, as well as our push to ensure that all students become literate on our campus,” said Foster Elementary School Principal Eric Tingle.

Neil Bush was on hand address the second-graders, and speakers from each of the organizations also participated.

All second-graders also received a free copy of the book “The Day the Crayon Quit,” which was signed by Texans Cheerleaders in attendance.