Author Archives: HISD Communications

DeBakey HS community hears final design, construction plans

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Students and staff at DeBakey High School for Health Professions will soon have a new facility in the heart of the Texas Medical Center that will allow easier access to some of the best facilities in the world.

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Pin Oak MS wins first UIL middle school tournament of year

More than 500 middle school students spent their Saturday at Hamilton Middle School on Oct. 25, competing in the first University Interscholastic League (UIL) Middle School tournament of the 2014–2015 season.

Students from 15 schools competed: Attucks, Baylor College of Medicine Academy at Ryan, Black, Burbank, Clifton, Cullen, Fondren, Hamilton, Johnston, Pershing, Pin Oak, Revere and Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy for Young Men.

Pin Oak Middle School was declared the sweepstakes champion, with Mickey Leland College Prep winning second place and Black MS taking home third.

Here are the individual results: Continue reading →

Pumpkins get a makeover as schools explore literacy through art

In HISD, people aren’t the only ones donning costumes this Halloween. In an effort to get students excited about reading, pumpkins across the district have been painted, polished, and primped to depict dozens of children’s favorite literary figures.

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Bond Oversight Committee reviews progress in third quarter

Bond Oversight Committee members Bob Eury and Phoebe Tudor

Bond Oversight Committee members Bob Eury and Phoebe Tudor

The Bond Oversight Committee held its third quarter meeting on Tuesday, getting an update on the status of 2012 bond building projects and a preview of upcoming fourth quarter activities.

About 90 percent of the Group 1 Schools have entered into the Construction Documents phase and are working through the regulatory process and permitting with the city. All schools in this group are on track to begin construction work before the end of this year.

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HISD facilities planner awarded scholarship to attend CEFPI World Congress

Princess Jenkins

Princess Jenkins

Princess Jenkins, a facilities planner for HISD’s 2012 bond program,  was recently selected by the Council of Educational Facilities Planners International (CEFPI), Southern Region Foundation to receive an all-expenses paid scholarship to attend the CEFPI World Congress in Portland, Oregon.

Conference attendees toured new schools in the Pacific Northwest area Oct. 3-6, attended interactive sessions and presentations on state-of-the art planning and design principles, and visited the industry expo, which highlighted the latest in materials, equipment, and systems for 21st century schools.

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HISD receives Mayor’s Proud Partner Award for environmental program

ProudPartner_102714Houston Independent School District became the recipient of a Proud Partner Award in the 2014 Mayor’s Proud Partner Awards on Monday. The district accepted the award for its National Wildlife Federation Eco-Schools Program, along with five additional recognitions, during the 30th annual luncheon hosted by Keep Houston Beautiful.

The Mayor’s Proud Partners Luncheon, hosted by Keep Houston Beautiful, recognizes outstanding work by local organizations and individuals who aim to improve Houston’s landscape through environmental and beautification projects.

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Rodriguez ES and Student Assessment prove good neighbors also make good reading buddies

Betty Garcia from HISD’s Student Assessment Department reads aloud from “Nugget & Fang,” by Tammi Sauer, to Rodriguez ES students.

On the last two days of every work week, between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., you’ll find members of HISD’s Student Assessment Department making their way across the busy intersection of Chimney Rock and Glenmont.

Why are they braving the lunch hour traffic? To get to Rodriguez Elementary School, on the other side of the street.

Last month, Rodriguez Principal Elena Martinez-Buley launched a new Reading Buddy Partnership with Student Assessment in support of the district’s Literacy By 3 movement, and now, more than a dozen volunteers from that department visit the school twice a month to read to students during their lunchtime. Continue reading →

Don’t overlook your neighborhood campuses when shopping for a school

Crockett ES is not a magnet school for fine arts, but its program is top-notch due in part to art teachers like Geetha Thomas, pictured here with some of her students. Parents are encouraged to check out the offerings at their neighborhood schools first, before shopping for alternatives.

It’s fall in Houston, and that means many HISD parents are already thinking about which campuses to send their children to for the 2015–2016 school year.

But while the attraction of the district’s many magnet programs is undeniable, parents are encouraged to take a closer look at the “zoned” schools located in their neighborhoods, as sometimes a hidden gem can be right around the corner.
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Parents: Start exploring your options during Magnet Awareness Week Nov. 3–7

The current school year is underway, but parents who want to send their children to campuses other than the ones to which they are zoned next fall need to start planning now.

Magnet applications for the 2015-2016 school year open online on Saturday, Nov. 1, with processing starting Monday, Nov. 3. Parents must submit those applications before Friday, Dec. 19, 2014, for guaranteed first-round consideration.

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To assist families in choosing a school, HISD will be hosting a Magnet Open House on Saturday, Nov. 1, at Northwest Mall (9500 Hempstead Hwy., 77092). The event will take place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., and representatives from many of the district’s campuses will be on hand to answer questions and offer information about their programs. Continue reading →

What’s afoot? Rival HISD HS bands are playing the same tune for special appearance

The Austin High School Sonic Boom and Milby High School Marching Thunder will join the University of Houston Spirit of Houston Cougar Marching Band to kick off the East End Street Fest from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, October 25 along Navigation Blvd.

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The bands practiced this week for Afoot! A Marching Band Extravaganza, a choreographed, artistic performance. The experience, while fun for the dedicated musicians, also builds character and a solid work ethic, emphasizes teamwork, and helps prepare them for life. Continue reading →