Author Archives: HISD Communications

Astros mascot leads pep rally for reading at HISD schools

The Houston Astros mascot, Orbit, not only encourages fans at Minute Maid — he’s pumping up students to get excited about reading.

Orbit served as the Master of Ceremonies for literacy pep rallies at several HISD elementary schools. Excited elementary students were entertained with animated skits, vibrant performances, lively music, interactive games, and teacher participation in an effort to encourage them to read at least 20 minutes daily.

Orbit’s visit was made possible by a partnership among the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, Phillips 66, Houston Astros, and HISD.

Phuong Uyen Tieu named principal of Reagan PK-8

Phuong Tieu poses for a photograph during the Professional Learning Series at NRG Center, June 15, 2016. (Dave Einsel/Houston ISD)Phuong Uyen Tieu has been named principal of Billy Reagan K8 Educational Center. Tieu graduated from Hastings High School and received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from University of Houston and a master’s degree in education administration from Concordia University in Austin. Following her undergraduate education, she worked in corporate America for eight years before becoming a teacher. Tieu began her career in education at Stafford Municipal School District, where she served as an elementary school teacher, dual language coordinator, and dean of instruction.

Currently, she is an assistant principal at Scarborough High School. Tieu has two children, Olivia, 12, and Ethan, 10.

Student-run Apollo Market serves 200 families more than 6,000 lbs. of groceries

Sharpstown High School students, as well as volunteers from Morgan Stanley, Memorial Hermann, and Volunteer Houston, made the holiday season a little brighter for their community at last weekend’s Apollo market. Approximately 200 families were provided with more than 6,000 pounds of groceries.

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The Apollo Market is a weekly food distribution run entirely by student volunteers, but the December 12 market included a special holiday fair for the community, which included:

* fresh groceries, including a turkey

* a recipe demonstration by the Sharpstown High School HealthCorps Cooking Club

* free blood-pressure screenings from Memorial Hermann Southwest staff

* the opportunity to learn more about the onsite Memorial Hermann school clinic

* a nutrition demonstration by Houston Food Bank staff

* booths with holiday games and activities provided by Morgan Stanley staff * the opportunity to register for eligible social services with Epiphany Community Health Outreach Services (ECHOS).

“This was such a great event to support the local community.” said Sharpstown community member Kim Benson. “I was impressed by the students, who were helpful and sweet. It really puts you in the holiday spirit.”

HISD Board of Education Runoff Election Results

Board President Rhonda Skillern-Jones and Trustee Manuel Rodriguez Jr. were re-elected to the Houston Independent School District Board of Education on Saturday, according to final, but unofficial results of the trustee runoff election.

Skillern-Jones, who has served on the board for four years, defeated challenger Larry Williams to retain her District II seat. Rodriguez, who has served on the board for 11 years, defeated challenger Jose Leal in the race for the District III spot.

Both will serve a four-year term, which formally begins when they are sworn in during the first 2016 Board of Education meeting on January 14.

In addition to serving as board president, Skillern-Jones also represents HISD on the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Board of Directors. The native Houstonian earned both a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in clinical sociology from Texas Southern University.

Rodriguez, who serves as first vice president of the board and was first elected in 2003, is the founder and president of the MARVAA Corporation, which provides assistance in education, housing, and community involvement. A graduate of HISD’s Stephen F. Austin High School, Rodriguez earned an associate of arts degree in social sciences from Solana Community College and studied organizational behavior management and marketing at University of Houston.

Joining Skillern-Jones and Rodriguez are Diana Dávila and Jolanda Jones, both of whom were elected to the board in November’s general election.

Jones won a seat on the board for the first time, beating out three opponents to fill the District IV spot being vacated by departing Trustee Paula Harris. Jones owns the Law Office of Jolanda Jones and previously spent four years on the Houston City Council, where she served as a council member at-large in District V. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Houston and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Houston Law Center.

A former HISD teacher, Dávila previously served on the HISD Board from 2003 to 2010. She defeated incumbent Trustee Juliet Stipeche for the District VIII seat. A graduate of HISD’s Milby High School, Dávila earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis on bilingual education from the University of Houston and a master’s degree in educational management and principal certification from University of Houston-Clear Lake.

HISD Board of Education votes to hire search firm tasked with finding new superintendent

The Houston Independent School District Board of Education voted Thursday to hire a search firm to help find a replacement for outgoing Superintendent Terry Grier.

Trustees hired Ray and Associates, an Iowa-based firm that specializes in searches for educational executives and leaders. The firm was among four companies that responded to a request for proposals issued in October. All four were interviewed by the board last month. Continue reading →

HISD Board of Education approves $212.4 million additional bond funding proposal

The Houston Independent School District Board of Education on Thursday approved a funding proposal that would add up to $212.4 million to the bond program to cover significant increases in inflation and construction costs.

The proposal passed 8 to 1 with Trustee Juliet Stipeche casting the dissenting vote. Continue reading →

Trustee Paula Harris honored before last board meeting

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HISD Board of Education Trustee Paula Harris, before stepping down from her District IV seat and attending her final board meeting on Thursday, was honored for her leadership and dedication to children.

“There are so many things I have learned through this journey,” said Harris, who has served for eight years on the board. “I really want to say a special thank you to this board because we all want what’s best for children.”

Continue reading →

First wall goes up at new Milby High School

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The construction work at Milby High School took a major step forward on Thursday when workers lifted the first wall of the new school.

“It’s really a ballet,” said HISD’s Project Manager Mark Crippen. “Once the first wall is up, it just keeps going. That crane can’t stop.”

Milby is among 40 HISD schools being renovated or rebuilt as part of the district’s $1.89 billion bond program. The 267,000 square foot project is a combination of new construction and renovation. The school will maintain its historical façade along Broadway in Houston’s East End, while creating a modern learning environment for up to 2,000 students.

Continue reading →

‘Crack the Code’ STEM event set for January 9

The Innovative Curriculum department will hold its first ever invitational coding event for its TIF 4 STEM grant schools on Saturday, January 9, 2016 from 9 a.m. to noon, called “Crack the Code.” Students, teachers, and chaperones from 18 of the grant’s middle schools and elementary schools will convene at Southmayd Elementary School, the host campus, for the day’s festivities.

Over 200 people are expected to participate in the day’s coding activities. A unique aspect of this event is that participants will learn, test, and refine their coding skills alongside each other, highlighting the ability of students and teachers to be co-constructors of STEM-based knowledge and skills.

The purpose of the invitational, is to serve as a “pilot” coding event for HISD. Any business entities, philanthropic organizations, or non-profits interested in helping to support the vision for a district-wide coding event in the future, should contact Annie Song in HISD’s Strategic Partnerships Office at 713-556-7218.

Current funding provided by the TIF 4 grant supports the TIF 4 STEM team, responsible for leading and preparing the day’s activities, busing to the event location, and recognitions for all participants.