Author Archives: HISD Communications

Preparing today’s high school graduates for the future

HISD recognizes the need to instill in students the skills they will need to be successful after high school, in college, or the workplace, and to compete in today’s global economy. In this month’s edition of Up Close, HISD Board of Education President Rhonda Skillern-Jones discusses the skills and characteristics of the Global Graduate with HISD Secondary Curriculum and Development Officer Annie Wolfe, Davis High School Principal Julissa Alcantar-Martinez, Chief Elementary Curriculum and Development Officer Lance Menster, and Shadydale Elementary School Principal Tammie Daily.

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“HISD engaged industry leaders, educators, university professors, community leaders, parents, and students to determine what knowledge, skills, and dispositions are critically important to have in place when a child graduates from HISD,” explained Menster. “Interestingly, they all focused on the six characteristics that form HISD’s Global Graduate profile.” Continue reading →

HISD receives Platinum Pear award from Dept. of Agriculture

(Houston Independent School District)

Dietitian Manager Amanda Oceguera accepts a Platinum Pear award for Nutrition Services’ efforts to serve locally-sourced foods.

The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) honored HISD Nutrition Services this year with its Platinum Pear Award.

TDA challenged Texas schools to include three local products on their menus during the 2015 School Breakfast Week. Nutrition Services met the challenge by serving locally sourced cinnamon toast, low-fat milk, and apple juice March 2–6.

Nutrition Services Senior Administrator Audene Chung stated that one of the department’s goals is to support Texas farmers. “Our department buys locally-sourced products to bring the freshest products to our students,” she said.

TDA’s Growing Healthy Texans awards were distributed during the Texas Association for School Nutrition’s annual conference in Grapevine, Texas.

Business Operations employees recognized for Service Excellence

Three HISD employees were recognized on Tuesday morning as August’s Employee of the month for Service Excellence during a special breakfast with Chief Operating Officer Leo Bobadilla.

Each month, HISD’s Business Operations department hosts the event to celebrate employees from the areas of Transportation, Police, Nutrition Services, Construction and Facilities Services, and Business Assistance who go above and beyond in providing customer service throughout the district. Continue reading →

Principal uses HISD training to help crash victim

(Houston Independent School District)

Principal Angela Sugarek

Hogg Middle School Principal Angela Sugarek used the fire extinguisher training she received through HISD on Aug. 7, when she witnessed a fiery crash while on her way to work.

Sugarek said a driver slammed into the back of a truck that was preparing to turn, and she stopped to make sure everyone was OK.

“I saw that one of the drivers was still in his car, and that the engine was on fire,” Sugarek said. “I helped another witness to get a car door open so that the driver could get out.” Continue reading →

Homeless Education Office to host Back-to-School Extravaganza Aug. 21

Classes start on Monday, Aug. 24, but just a few days before that, HISD’s Homeless Education Office will help you get your child ready to go back to school.

The office is hosting a Back-to-School Extravaganza from noon to 4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21, at Bethel’s Place Empowerment Center (12660 Sandpiper, 77035). Continue reading →

YWCPA stakeholders briefed on initial design plans for renovated school

One of HISD’s oldest school buildings is undergoing a $27.1 million makeover that will preserve its historic past while integrating modern learning spaces designed to prepare students for the future.

“This is a magnificent building,” said Architect Carolina Weitzman during a community meeting Tuesday at the Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy, located at 1906 Cleburne. “It’s got great bones.”

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‘Caught in the Act’ spotlights Wheatley HS geometry teacher

Keisha Evans, a Wheatley High School teacher, was “Caught in the Act” of delivering great instruction during a sophomore geometry class toward the end of the 2014–2015 school year. An HISD video crew, along with Secondary Curriculum and Development Officer Annie Wolfe, surprised Evans and her students, and captured the video below.

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The “Caught in the Act” video campaign was started by HISD earlier this year to recognize highly effective teachers who are delivering instruction that will lead to students becoming Global Graduates — young men and women who possess the skills necessary to ensure success in college and the ability to compete in today’s global workforce. Continue reading →

Phase 3 of PowerUp begins

Monday was an exciting first day of duty for teachers at DeBakey High School for Health Professions. They received their laptops in the third phase of HISD’s PowerUp initiative.

“I’m excited about how I’m going to use it in my classroom,” said math teacher Wilson Chavez. “Sometimes it’s difficult to implement technology in math, but I have exciting plans to use it for various projects.”

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The teachers are currently receiving training on their laptops, including how to use web-based tools in their daily instruction through the HUB. Continue reading →

Sign up now to participate in 2015 Grads Within Reach walk

HISD wants to get dropouts back in school, and to do that, we need your help.

The district’s annual Grads Within Reach walk will be held on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015, and we’re looking for caring community members to visit the homes of students who have not returned to finish their high school education and help them explore the many options for graduation that HISD offers. Continue reading →