Author Archives: HISD Communications

Parent Leader Summit helps families arm themselves with information

Board of Education President Rhonda Skillern-Jones presents a certificate of recognition to keynote speaker John Robinson.

Board of Education President Rhonda Skillern-Jones presents a certificate of recognition to keynote speaker John Robinson.

Dozens of parents came to the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center on May 16 for the District II Parent Leader Summit. The event connected more than 80 families from 46 different schools with HISD departments and community organizations to share information on parent advocacy, special education, school choice options, and more. The event also featured several organizations that provide parents with options on how to raise money for their children’s schools.

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Texas Connections Academy giving athletes the ‘flexibility’ needed to compete

The Kelley sisters, from left, are: Skyla, Shayla, McKenna, and Emma

The Kelley sisters, from left, are: Skyla, Shayla, McKenna, and Emma

The Texas Connections Academy has been providing students from across the state with the ability to obtain their high-school diplomas online since 2008. Many pupils are attracted by the flexibility of the program, which allows them to accommodate unconventional work schedules, challenging family obligations, or other responsibilities that make traditional programs unfeasible.

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Meet the top students from HISD’s Class of 2015

Each spring, the Houston Independent School District honors the top two scholars at each of its high schools with a formal celebration of their outstanding academic achievements.

In 2015, the district recognized the valedictorians and salutatorians of its 47 high schools during a special ceremony held on April 7. A valedictorian has earned the highest grade-point average in his or her graduating class, and the student with the second-highest grade-point average is designated as the salutatorian.

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Carnegie Vanguard HS freshman wins Congressional Art Competition

The Cowboy

The Cowboy

Oulu Li, a ninth-grader at Carnegie Vanguard High School, has been selected as the winner of the Congressional Art Competition for District 18, which is represented by Sheila Jackson Lee.

Each spring, high-school students in each congressional district submit their works to the Artistic Discovery competition, a nationwide visual arts competition designed to recognize budding talent. More than 650,000 young people have participated since the contest began in 1982.

Oulu Li

Oulu Li

Students send entries to their representatives’ office, and panels of district artists select the winners. The winning students are recognized both in their respective districts and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. Their works are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol.

Marshall ES students get a lesson on heroes while building literacy skills

LX3_BooksNBears_300John Moore Services is observing its 50th anniversary in Houston this year, and to celebrate, the company gave away 250 books and teddy bears on May 15 to students at HISD’s Marshall Elementary School.

The books were written and illustrated by a local artist, and tell the story of “Buddy the Home Repair Bear,” who learns he doesn’t have to be a star athlete to be a hero in his own right.

“We are so grateful to John Moore Services for this generous gesture,” said Principal Hilarion Martinez. “I particularly like the book’s message — that people who come through for their friends are heroes, too.”

“We want to support literacy in our community by giving back to children who may not always have the privilege of getting their own book and toy,” added a John Moore Services representative.

Grady MS student named myON’s third ‘Reader Leader’

Grady MS seventh-grader Prabin Panta with HISD Curriculum Specialist Cynthia Gonzalez and Library Services Manager Liz Philippi. Photo courtesy Muses3, LLC.

Grady MS seventh-grader Prabin Panta with HISD Curriculum Specialist Cynthia Gonzalez and Library Services Manager Liz Philippi. Photo courtesy Muses3, LLC.

Prabin Panta, a seventh-grader at Grady Middle School, has been named the third “Reader Leader” by myON for logging the most time spent reading on that website during a particular month.

Prabin read for 97 hours and 22 minutes in myON in April. As a part of his prize, Prabin received a laptop (with computer case) from Muses3, LLC, the representative of myON in southeast Texas. He was formally recognized during a special ceremony held on his campus May 14.

“It was a pleasure meeting Prabin,” said Carl Franklin, account manager with Muses3. “He is a terrific student and an amazing reader. We are delighted that myON is part of his middle school experience.”

Board of Education announces student awards for 2014–2015 school year

Trustee Paula Harris (far L) presents the Board Awards to some of the first graduate from the Young Women's College Preparatory Academy

Trustee Paula Harris (far L) presents the Board Awards to some of the first graduate from the Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy

Each year, the HISD Board of Education honors distinguished seniors from district high schools in recognition of their accomplishments, as exemplified by their character, academic achievement, leadership, and service.

Selections are made by school-based committees appointed by each principal and the awards are presented by the trustee representing each district during commencement exercises.

One outstanding young man and young woman are selected from each high school, as well as up to five honorable mention students. A list of this year’s award recipients is here (.pdf) and a list of the students receiving honorable mention is here (.pdf).

Worthing HS shows neighborhood kids that school has a bright future

Feeder pattern students tour school, learn about Futures Academy and construction of 21st century campus

Students from neighboring middle schools and fifth-graders from nearby elementary schools spent a morning at Worthing High School last week, where they learned about the school’s Futures Academy and new construction.

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Teachers of the Year for 2015 announced at HISD Celebration of Excellence

HISD held its fourth annual Celebration of Excellence at the Hilton Americas Hotel on May 15, 2015, and one of the evening’s most exciting moments came when the district’s Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year were announced.

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Robert Uzick, a fourth-grade teacher at Cunningham Elementary School, and Jessica Joseph, a sixth-grade math teacher at Hogg Middle School, have been named the winners of these awards for 2015. Continue reading →