Author Archives: HISD Communications

More than two dozen HISD students spend memorable week in nation’s capital 

Thanks to Washington, D.C.’s Workshops Foundation and The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America, 27 HISD students spent a week in the nation’s capital learning about leadership, civic education, domestic and global politics, and American culture.

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Students receive scholarships, iPads, Target shopping spree  

Foundation led by ex-NFL player, Madison HS grad Moran Norris continues commitment to HISD students for 11th year

Thanks to the Moran Norris Foundation’s “Shopping for Good Character” program, 150 HISD middle-school students won a $100 shopping spree at Target in May. The students were selected by their teachers for great character, as well as excellent attendance. Of those students, six received iPads for their essays on good character. Another six students won athletics scholarships for college.

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The foundation handed out the awards at its 10th-anniversary fundraising gala, “Follow Me to the Stars,” in late June. In addition, HISD representatives presented Moran and Tamara Norris with a Certificate of Recognition for their outstanding support of HISD students over the years with scholarships, charitable initiatives, and the “Shopping for Good Character” program.

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HISD Police Department to host public forum as part of national re-accreditation process

The Houston Independent School District Police Department and a team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies will host a public forum next week as part of the department’s re-accreditation process.

It has been 13 years since the department first achieved accreditation, becoming the only school district police department in the nation to achieve such a feat. This summer, the department is seeking its fourth renewal of the designation, and they need your input.

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Board president takes Up Close look at bond program with interim COO

Approved by Houston voters in 2012, HISD’s Bond Program will renovate or rebuild 40 schools across the district, and Interim Chief Operating Officer Lenny Schad shared the latest details during the July episode of Up Close with Manuel Rodriguez.

“This summer is shaping up to be a turning point in the bond program,” Rodriguez said, as he opened his show. “Currently, we have more than two dozen schools under construction, and we are set to open six new schools in August.” Continue reading →

Monthly workshop features coaching on leadership communications

Participants in this month’s Workshop Wednesday, entitled Talk Like a Leader, learned that strong leadership and effective communication go hand-in-hand, and received tips on incorporating constructive phrases, positive body language, and effective vocal quality into daily interactions.workshopwed 0716

Presented by Corinne Chalmers, owner and leadership coach at Deliberate Changes, the workshop also gave insight into fundamental strategies for what works and what doesn’t when influencing others.

“Leadership is all about influencing a group toward a common goal,” Chalmers said. “There is very little distinction between strong leadership skills and strong communication skills.”

The group of about 50 attendees learned to drop key phrases that harm credibility and adopt new ones that create positive influence and encourage mutual respect in a conversation. Continue reading →

HISD to test schools for lead in water

Amid national concerns about lead in municipal water supplies, HISD has begun random lead testing and plans to test all schools not being rebuilt within the 2012 bond program by the end of the 2018-2019 school year.

In March 2016, HISD conducted a test for lead at five schools that were selected at random. The schools tested were: Wharton Dual Language Academy, Hogg Middle School, Henderson Elementary School, Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy for Young Men, and McReynolds Middle School. Lead levels in all water samples were within acceptable standards.

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5 fun ways to keep your child engaged this summer

The long stretch of hot days (and nights) in Houston have begun, and by now you probably have already heard your child utter two dreaded words: “I’m bored.” Don’t worry – we have you covered! See the list below for some ideas that will keep your child both entertained and prepared when the first day of school rolls around. You can also check out HISD’s summer page for more helpful information. Continue reading →

HISD receiving $9.2 million grant from TEA for pre-K program

The Texas Education Agency on Tuesday awarded the Houston Independent School District a $9.2 million grant to enhance its early childhood education program.

HISD is among 578 school systems across Texas to be awarded a grant as part of Gov. Greg Abbott’s high-quality prekindergarten initiative. The $116 million grant program allows districts and charters to receive funding for qualifying pre-K students in addition to the half-day Foundation School Program funding that is already received for each eligible pre-K student. To receive the grant funding, a district or charter must meet certain enhanced quality standards related to curriculum, teacher qualifications, academic performance, and family engagement.

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HISD Nutrition Services looking for people to join their team 

HISD’s Nutrition Services department plays a vital part in the district’s mission to prepare students for success after school. Students can’t learn if they’re not properly fed.

The Nutrition Services team members understand this and take their jobs seriously, which is why nearly 500 job seekers recently attended their job fair. While about 200 people were hired, Nutrition Services still needs more motivated team members to help cook and serve healthy meals to the district’s students.  Continue reading →

Mickey Leland robotics clubs end year on top, winning national championships 

Mickey Leland Preparatory Academy's middle-school and high-school teams at the SECME VEX nationals with SECME staffer Anthony Bowser. Students (left to right) are Evert Guzman, Brandon Chuor, Danny Medina, Anthony Bowser, Marcellus Jordan, Luis Torres, and Jarmel Brown.

Mickey Leland Preparatory Academy’s middle school and high school teams display their awards at the SECME VEX nationals with SECME staffer Anthony Bowser (center). Students (left to right) are Evert Guzman, Brandon Chuor, Danny Medina, Marcellus Jordan, Luis Torres, and Jarmel Brown.

Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy’s high-school robotics club won first place at the 40th annual SECME Summer Institute’s VEX nationals in June at Tennessee State University in Nashville, and the middle-school team took second place.

This summer event brings together STEM educators and students for learning, collaboration, and dialog.

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