Author Archives: HISD Communications

Rick Cruz selected to serve as HISD’s new Chief of Major Projects

Richard (Rick) Cruz poses for a photograph, January 6, 2016.

Richard (Rick) Cruz poses for a photograph, January 6, 2016.

Houston Independent School District Major Projects Officer Rick Cruz has been selected to lead his division, replacing outgoing Chief Don Hare, who is retiring.

Cruz, a former fifth-grade teacher who was tapped to serve in the HISD administration after launching the district’s successful EMERGE program more than five years ago, will officially assume his new role on Jan. 25.

In his new position, he will be tasked with managing the College Readiness and Counseling and Guidance departments, as well as major initiatives designed to transform education in the district, such as the EMERGE and Futures Academy programs, and Linked Learning.

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Rosca de Reyes, one sweet reason for a get together

The holidays may have come and gone, but many Hispanic kids are still eagerly awaiting their presents.

On Los Reyes Magos — known as “the three wise men” or “the three kings” in English — children receive gifts on the Day of the Epiphany, Jan. 6. The date marks the culmination of the twelve days of Christmas immortalized by the song of the same name and commemorates the three kings who traveled from distant lands to bring gifts to the infant Jesus.

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Herod ES seeking help in observing its 50th anniversary

Herod - Dec 015

Fifth-graders Miriya Mattern, Rudy Rodriguez, and Trevor Groenewold (L–R) proudly display a banner they made for Herod Elementary School’s 50th anniversary. Behind the table are (L–R): Principal Lisa McManus (center), Assistant Principal Bryan Bancroft (second from L), Vanguard Magnet Coordinator Todd Paulus (far R), and parents Angela Spears and Andrea Simon.

When Herod Elementary School opened its doors back in the fall of 1965, LBJ was still president, Beatle-mania was taking America by storm, and the The Sound of Music was only about six months old.

Now, the Vanguard magnet school is 50 years old. It celebrated its anniversary on Dec. 10 with cake, balloons, and special presentations from each class.

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Meet HISD’s newest trustees in this month’s edition of ‘Up Close’

In this edition of “Up Close,” HISD Board of Education President Rhonda Skillern-Jones visits with recently elected District IV Trustee Jolanda Jones and District VIII Trustee Diana Dávila.

Jones landed a seat on the board for the first time in November, beating out three opponents to win the District IV spot being vacated by departing trustee Paula Harris, who did not seek re-election. Jones says she is looking forward to focusing on the new superintendent search. She is also planning to advocate for the preservation of existing schools, and to work on resource equity.

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Got health insurance? If not, attend a weekly enrollment event

If your family still hasn’t selected health insurance for 2016, don’t despair.

HISD’s Health and Medical Services Department, in partnership with the City of Houston Health and Human Services Department and the Health Insurance Marketplace SRA, will be hosting events every weekend throughout the month of January in an effort to help families meet the requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and enroll in the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)/Children’s Medicaid.

The events will be held in different areas of the city at various Multi–Service Centers, and navigators will be on-site for application assistance.

The next event will take place on Friday, Jan. 22, at the Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center (3810 W. Fuqua, 77045) from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. Please see the attached flyer (.pdf) for details and additional dates.

Significant work completed on Waltrip HS bond project

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Waltrip’s project scope includes partial replacement and general renovations to the existing building to accommodate 1,800 to 2,000 students.

Students are remaining on campus throughout construction. Significant behind-the-scenes work has been ongoing in the past year including the upgrading of the campus main electrical service feed, replacement of electrical panels and transformers in several areas along with needed demolition work.

Installation of a new curtainwall system and windows and upgrades of athletics offices and locker rooms were the main focus in the third and fourth quarters. Replacement of the fire alarm, HVAC and electrical systems are ongoing. Band hall and JROTC renovations are now underway. Some renovated classrooms were made ready for move-in over winter break.

Current project work includes:

Auditorium seat replacement has begun with the installation new cushioned seating.

New fire sprinkler system pipe is being installed above the ceiling in the dining area.

Newly renovated CTE Health classrooms, science labs and other classroom areas including Extended Learning rooms in the three-story academic wing are being completed and HISD movers are setting these new rooms up for teachers’ and students’ use next week for school.

Renovation of the new Art Room lab is progressing.

Renovation to several existing restrooms in the three-story academic wing is nearly complete.

Renovation and build-out of the Boy’s Athletic Locker Room area wall stud framing is nearly complete and electrical work is under way.

The new Band Addition foundation is progressing and structural steel is on site, erection of steel columns and beams has begun.

As each area is complete and operable it is turned over to campus personnel for use. The project has a target completion date of third quarter 2016.

Photo gallery of HISD building projects

New building for North Houston Early College HS to be ready for 2016-17 school year

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Construction on the new North Houston Early College High School is well underway with its structure currently in place, and roofing and exterior framing on the building is ongoing. The school will receive a new building to accommodate 400 students located at the Houston Community College (HCC) Northline Campus.

The 59,000-square-foot facility will feature modern science labs, flexible learning spaces and a college resource center to provide students with college scholarship and registration information as well as access to counselors.

Construction will be completed in the second quarter of 2016, and be ready for students for the 2016-2017 school year.

Photo gallery of HISD building projects

Construction continues for new North Forest HS

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Steel beams are now standing, and concrete slabs are being completed on the new North Forest High School.

The new facility will accommodate 1,300 to 1,500 students and is set to include plenty of natural light, flexible learning spaces, a modern dining commons and CTE (career and technical education) spaces. It is the only school in the district with plans for an indoor running track.

The target completion is first quarter of 2017.

Photo gallery of HISD building projects

Construction well underway for new South Early College HS

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Construction on the new South Early College High School is well underway. Roof installation and exterior framing is currently ongoing, along with concrete installation for the parking lot, building sheathing and waterproofing.

The 57,000 square foot facility, located on the campus of Houston Community College South Campus, will accommodate 400 students and will feature flexible learning spaces that support the school’s technological programs, including robotics, computer technology, and software engineering. The new building is slated to open for the 2016-2017 school year.

Photo gallery of HISD building projects