Author Archives: HISD Communications

YMCPA Community Turns Out to Hear About Bond Project at Campus

About 35 people attended a community meeting on Thursday night at Young Men’s College Preparatory Academy to discuss construction plans for the fifth ward school under the $1.89 billion bond program.

Community members discuss plans for Young Men's College Preparatory Academy at a meeting Thursday night at the school.

Community members discuss plans for Young Men’s College Preparatory Academy at a meeting Thursday night at the school.

The 2012 bond program approved by voters in November will build or renovate 40 schools across the district, including 29 high schools.

School Board Trustee Rhonda Skillern-Jones led the discussion, which emphasized community involvement and a need for a facility that reflects the school’s curriculum.

“We want to make sure the academic program (at YMCPA) is sustained by the building,” Skillern-Jones said. “We need 21st century buildings for that.”

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Community Input Sought on Rebuilding of Booker T. Washington High School

Meeting will focus on schedule, site needs,construction process for 2012 bond project

What:             Community meeting to discuss the upcoming project to rebuild Booker T. Washington High School. As part of the 2012 Bond Program, voters authorized HISD to build a facility that would better meet the academic needs of students. The meeting will discuss project schedule and site considerations, as well as planning, design, and construction requirements.

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The City of Houston Mayor’s Office Recognizes HISD Transportation Department

Houston City Hall

Houston's City Hall is awash in yellow in honor of HISD's Transportation Department.

The Houston Independent School District Transportation Department will be recognized by the City of Houston Mayor’s office this month.  February is national “Love the Bus” month which raises awareness and appreciation for school bus transportation personnel who work to safely transport children to and from school.

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Vendors, Suppliers Get Tips on HISD Bidding Process

Vendors and suppliers curious about how to do business with HISD got an overview Wednesday on how to fill out a “Request for Proposal,” the paperwork required for companies to bid on a project.

More than 45 people turned out for the workshop, sponsored by the district’s Office of Business Assistance. Leading the two-hour event was HISD procurement manager Robert B. Fazakerly, who covered topics such as how RFPs are evaluated and the importance of meeting all specified deadlines.

“We go by the time and date stamp at the board services office,” Fazakerly said. “If it’s late, we’re not even going to open the box.”

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High Schools Holding FAFSA Workshops for Student and Parents

Seniors heading to college need to apply for financial aid by March 15

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As HISD seniors begin receiving college acceptance letters, another important part of the college process begins—figuring out how to pay for it! In an effort to help HISD students and their families apply for financial aid, high schools across the district have been holding FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) workshops. Continue reading →

HISD Business and Community Partners Recognized by the Texas Association of Partners in Education

Nine Houston ISD business and community partners, Volunteers in Public Schools volunteer George W. Black, and HISD’s State of the Schools event were recently recognized by the Texas Association of Partners in Education.

The winners were announced last week at the Texas Association of School Administrators’ Midwinter Conference and Education Expo in Austin. HISD’s partnership with the Houston Food Bank was one of two partnerships that received the highest honors in all categories.

HISD Strategic Partnership General Manager Caleen Allen said HISD is very proud of its partners for being recognized on the state level.  “Their commitment to the district and increasing student achievement is undeniable,” said Allen. “The knowledge, resources and innovative programs they bring to the district continue to make a major difference academically and socially in the lives of our children.”

The Texas Association of Partners in Education provides leadership and expertise for schools, families, businesses, and communities to build partnerships that enhance student success.

Here is a list of the winners:

TAPE Community Partnership Awards

  • Academic Impact:                 Prepared 4 Life
  • Career Education:                  City of Houston
  • STEM:                                          Bernard Harris Foundation
  • Health                                         Houston Food Bank
  • Art                                                Houston Ballet

TAPE Business Partnership Awards

  • Career Education                    Port of Houston Authority
  • STEM                                            Comcast

TAPE Partnership Awards

  • Mentor                                        Steed Media Group (Rolling Out)
  • Volunteer                                  Target

TAPE Special Events Award

  • Special Event                            State of the Schools

TAPE Individual Volunteer Award

  • Wisdom                                      George W. Black

Athletes Commit to Colleges and Universities on National Signing Day

Female Lamar HS lacrosse player lands most unusual scholarship offer of the year

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Lamar HS student Sara Holland signing a letter of intent from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia.

Almost 100 HISD student athletes signed letters of intent for colleges and universities on Feb. 6, National Signing Day.

High school seniors of both genders have been offered athletic scholarships in a wide variety of sports, including football, basketball, baseball, track and field, swimming, softball, volleyball, wrestling, tennis, and golf.

Perhaps the most unusual offer this year is a lacrosse scholarship that has been extended to Lamar HS student Sara Holland from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. Continue reading →

DeBakey Community Encouraged to Make Voices Heard on Planning of New School

A woman signs up for a committee to help plan the new DeBakey.

A woman signs up for a committee to help plan the new DeBakey.

About 30 people turned out Tuesday for a meeting at DeBakey High School for Health Professions, where they were urged to get involved in planning the new school that will be built under the 2012 bond program.

HISD Chief High School Officer Orlando Riddick told audience members that their ideas for the new facility should be innovative, and he encouraged them to think outside of the box. “The sky is the limit,” he said.

The $1.89 billion bond program will build or renovate 40 schools across the district, including 29 high schools.

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