Author Archives: HISD Communications

HISD Plans to Integrate Sustainability in New Schools

First-graders Isai Rogel, left, and Fatima Carranza prepare to recycle materials from their class at Lewis Elementary school.

Imagine a school building that can be used as a teaching tool. Or a campus with roof-top gardens, energy-saving lighting and a curriculum designed not only to help students learn, but to encourage them to be better stewards of the environment.

Through a partnership with The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) under NWF’s Eco-Schools USA program, HISD hopes to make this vision a vital part of the $1.89 billion 2012 bond that will replace or rebuild 40 schools across the city.

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HISD to Honor Top Six JROTC Cadets at Final Review and Awards Ceremony

The Houston Independent School District will honor the top six JROTC cadets from the class of 2013 during the annual Final Review and Awards ceremony.  The top cadets were chosen among all graduating seniors in HISD’s 25 JROTC programs and have been promoted to the rank of Cadet Colonel, the highest rank in the JROTC program.  Those cadets will be featured leading their respective command groups.

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Apply Now for New HISD Magnet Schools

Two students learning parts of the body with a

These could be your students at the new Baylor College of Medicine Academy at Ryan beginning next fall.

Applications are being accepted now through the application deadline of May 16, 2013 for the newly created Energy Institute High School and the Baylor College of Medicine Academy at Ryan. The two new magnet schools were approved by the HISD Board of Trustees at a recent board meeting.

The Energy Institute High School will capitalize on Houston’s world-leading energy industry, representing the fields of geoscience, alternative energy, and offshore technology. HISD is expanding its existing partnership with the Independent Petroleum Association of America to enhance the school’s curriculum and instruction. The Energy Institute High School will begin with ninth-grade students and add a grade level each year to eventually serve students in grades 9-12.

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‘Pathways to the Future’ Event Focuses on Career/Technical Education Strategies

HISD principals, teachers, and parents discuss ways to incorporate career and technical education into new schools being built under the 2012 bond program.

More than 50 HISD administrators, principals, teachers and staff from 2012 bond program campuses gathered Wednesday to learn about strategies for incorporating career and technical education into traditional classes.

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HISD’s Mandarin Chinese Language School To Share Virtual Classroom With Elementary School in China

Bryan Bordelon (L) and Zheng Ruifang, shake hands following the signing of a Sister School Agreement between their campuses.

Bryan Bordelon (L) and Zheng Ruifang, shake hands after the signing of a Sister School agreement between their campuses.

Students at HISD’s Mandarin Chinese Language Immersion Magnet School (MCLIMS) may soon be completing their projects with more than just their classmates a few desks over.

MCLIMS and The Elementary School Affiliated to Renmin University of China officially entered into a Sister Schools agreement on April 16, marked by a ceremony at the Bellaire area school. The partnership will enable students and teachers from both countries to share ideas and further develop language instruction in both English and Chinese, using technological resources to increase communication.
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HISD Focuses on Building Libraries with 21st Century Features

Students at Billy Reagan K-8 study in the library, which incorporates a large amount of natural light.

Gone are the days where librarians stock books on shelves according to the Dewey Decimal system. Today, librarians are considered information professionals who check out books to students through e-reader devices and facilitate learning through technology and collaborative groups.

“Think about the future of our libraries as a Barnes & Noble store combined with a traditional library,” HISD’s Manager of Library Services Liz Philippi said.

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HISD Schools Add Some Pep to STAAR Prep

HISD schools across the district are doing their part to get students prepared and pumped up for the upcoming STAAR exam. At Neff Elementary, Principal Rupak Gandhi and his teachers have been practicing their dance moves for an upcoming STAAR pep rally that they hope will encourage students to do their best. Over the past few weeks, members of the school’s fine arts team have spent their ancillary periods and after-school hours creating a fun “Gangnam Style” video that they will show at the campus rally on Monday, April 22, 2013. Students in grades three through eight will take STAAR April 23–26.

“We wanted to do something fun that would not only motivate our students to do well, but would involve the entire staff,” said Gandhi. In the video, entitled “Neff STAAR Style,” Gandhi breaks out his best dance moves and so do the school’s custodians, food services workers, and students.
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Texas Supreme Court Justice is Austin High School’s White Rose Dinner Keynote Speaker

Second annual event to raise funds to benefit students and school programs

April 16, 2013 – Texas Supreme Court Justice Eva Guzman, an Austin High School alumna, will be the keynote speaker for the school’s second annual White Rose Dinner on Thursday, April 18.

Justice Guzman was appointed to the Supreme Court of Texas in 2009.  Before her appointment, she served as an Associate Justice on the Houston-based Texas 14th Court of Appeals for eight years and as a trial court judge in the 309th Family District Court.

The annual dinner is hosted by Austin faculty, staff and alumni to raise funds to benefit the students and school programs.  Last year, the dinner raised $7,000 and all proceeds were used to purchase incentives to promote perfect attendance and honor roll.

The cost per person is $50, and sponsorships are available.  For ticket information, call 713-924-1600.

What:              2nd Annual White Rose Dinner

Who:               Eva Guzman, Texas Supreme Court Justice and Austin High School alumna

When:             Thursday, April 18, 2013, 6 p.m.

Where:            University of Houston Hilton Hotel, 4800 Calhoun, Houston, TX 77004

Record Number of Houston Schools Make Nation’s Top 9 Percent

Carnegie Vanguard HS

Carnegie Vanguard High School is one of the national top 100 schools in the Washington Post High School Challenge.

Houston ISD high schools made their strongest showing ever this year in the prestigious Washington Post High School Challenge rankings that were released this week.

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