Author Archives: HISD Communications

Bird’s-eye view of bond construction

School construction is moving forward across the city at a record pace as project teams work to implement the district’s $1.89 billion bond program. With about two dozen projects currently under construction, chances are you’ve seen some of this work in progress.

For a bird’s-eye view of some of the sites, check out these aerial photos taken in May and June.

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HISD’s voter-approved bond program calls for the rebuilding or renovation of 40 schools, including 29 high schools. Once complete, HISD will have one of the most modern portfolios of high schools in the country.

The bond program also includes projects that will benefit students across the district, including $100 million in technology upgrades, $44.7 million to replace regional fieldhouses and improve athletics facilities, $35 million to renovate middle school restrooms, and $17.3 million for safety and security improvements

Schools set to open in time for the start of the 2016-2017 school year include Condit and Mark White elementary schools, North Houston Early College and South Early College high schools, Mandarin Immersion Magnet School, and (non-bond) North Forest Early Childhood Center.

More information on HISD Building Programs

Student behavior focus of Professional Learning Series 

HISD educators trained on preventative and proactive behavior management  

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Nearly 2,000 district and school based employees gathered at NRG Park June 13-15 for the HISD Professional Learning Series (PLS), an intense three days of professional development, team building, and preparation for the upcoming 2016-17 school year.

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Topping Out Ceremony marks milestone for new Wisdom High School

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Workers on the site of the new Wisdom High School paused last Friday to celebrate as the last structural steel beam was placed atop the building, an important milestone in construction of the $74 million project.

Satterfield & Pontikes, Inc., the construction manager at risk for the new facility, organized the “Topping Out” Ceremony to thank subcontractors for their hard work and safety record. The group was treated to a barbecue lunch before they watched a large crane lift and place the final beam.

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HISD budget vote scheduled for Thursday

Deep budget cuts required to offset loss of  $162 million to Texas school finance formula

The Houston ISD Board of Education will meet Thursday morning to consider adopting the proposed 2016-2017 budget.

For the first time ever, due to rising property values, the state of Texas has designated HISD as a property “wealthy” district. As a result, Houston schools will lose an estimated $162 million in local tax dollars to the state, meaning deep budget cuts. In an effort to lessen the budget impact on classrooms as much as possible, Interim Superintendent Ken Huewitt’s budget proposal contains $84.3 million in cuts to central office and districtwide programs.

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HISD Nutrition Services kicks off free summer meals program 

The Houston Independent School District kicked off its No Cost Summer Meals Program with a party at Brookline Elementary School, where the community received information about the program, food items from the Houston Food Bank, and enjoyed a morning of fun and games.

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HISD launching Literacy in the Middle to boost reading skills for middle-schoolers

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As HISD has worked to boost literacy among its younger students, the district is now expanding the successful Literacy By 3 program to include middle school students.

The Literacy in the Middle model includes best practices for read alouds, independent reading, writing, and small group instruction across all core disciplines for students in grades 6-8. Ultimately, students will be further engaged in their classes while advancing their literacy levels at the same time. Continue reading →

June’s Workshop Wednesday features helpful tips to protect against cyber attacks

A group of 25 local business owners received tips and strategies for preventing cyber-attacks and security breaches on Wednesday during a monthly workshop hosted by HISD’s Business Assistance Supplier Diversity department.

Cybersecurity expert Peter Thomas gave a presentation on building cyber resilience and being proactive in a reactive cyber world. Thomas currently serves as chief technology officer of Blue Lance, a global provider of cybersecurity products and services that help companies assess and remediate the security of their information systems.

“The human factor is the biggest cyber risk and vulnerability for any organization,” said Thomas. “No machine can beat a well-trained employee.”

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Calling all teachers: HISD to host recruitment event at NRG Park 

As preparations for the 2016-2017 school year continue, HISD is inviting pool-approved applicants to attend a teacher job fair on Wednesday, June 15.

The fair comes on the heels of a three-day professional development seminar that campus leaders from nearly all HISD schools will attend, and they will be looking to fill as many vacant teaching positions as possible.

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EMERGE fellows get first-hand look at college life

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Students tour over a dozen top-tier campuses in south and northeast

Nearly 200 students from high schools throughout HISD are getting a first-hand look at top-tier colleges in the south and northeast as part of the district’s EMERGE summer tours.

Ninety rising seniors are visiting schools in North Carolina and Virginia this week, while 75 rising sophomores are spending time in Massachusetts. The tours are designed to expose students in EMERGE, a program made up of high-performing students from underserved backgrounds, to colleges and universities outside of Texas, as well as opportunities to help them make the most informed decision in their pursuit of higher education.

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HISD dietitian named 2016 Outstanding Nutrition Educator

The Houston Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics presented HISD Education Dietitian Jennifer Lengyel with the 2016 Outstanding Nutrition Education Award recently at its end-of-the-year meeting, recognized Lengyel for her major contributions educating HISD students on nutrition.

Lengyel was awarded the distinction from among two other nutrition education professionals in the Houston area. The nominating committee recognized Lengyel’s inspiring leadership in nutrition education by teaching students healthy eating habits.

Nominating Committee Chair Kasandra Davis praised Lengyel’s innovative ideas for working with librarians, nurses and teachers. “Jenny loves teaching nutrition,” Davis said. “Many students remember her year to year and look forward to her exciting presentations.”

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