Author Archives: HISD Communications

Winners of Holiday Greeting Card Reception embrace togetherness

The annual Holiday Greeting Card Reception is more than just a showcase of student’s creative holiday card art—it’s an event that celebrates togetherness.

“It will be a better holiday because of your artwork,” Superintendent Millard House said to the student winners during Tuesday’s live-stream event.

Continue reading

Navarro MS coat drive ‘perfect way’ to start Thanksgiving holiday

Cars lined the front of Navarro Middle School on Saturday, as Navarro hosted a “Coat Distribution Day” that also included turkey giveaways, free COVID-19 vaccinations, and voter registration. Navarro had 500 coats available to donate.

More than 120 students had pre-registered, and members of the community came out early in the morning to pick up their coats and turkeys.

Continue reading

U.S. Coast Guard commandant supports CTE Maritime Program students with new partnership

Colorful replicas of maritime flags and bright green balloons adorned the aisles of the Austin High School auditorium to welcome U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Karl Schultz, special guests, and more than 300 Maritime program students.

“The maritime pathway is pretty cool,” senior Diana Anaya said. “It’s more than just boats and going to the beach. We learn about transportation, safety, and supply logistics.”

Continue reading

HISD receives high ranks from Children at Risk for being pandemic resilient

HISD is home to some of Houston’s most pandemic resilient schools according to Children at Risk’s annual list of best public schools.

The research and advocacy organization evaluated 1,347 schools in the Houston area to identify those that were most resilient during the pandemic. This year’s rankings focused on analysis comparing academic performance during the 2020-21 school year with the 2018-19 school year to identify the impact of the pandemic on children in Houston.

Continue reading

HISD schools to host COVID-19 vaccinations for students ages 5 and up

HISD is partnering with various organizations across the city, including the Houston Health Department, to offer COVID-19 vaccine opportunities in school communities. COVID-19 vaccinations for 5 years old and up will be available in several HISD schools beginning Friday, Nov. 12.

Continue reading

R. Martinez Elementary School names Coleman-Hernandez new principal

April Coleman-Hernandez has been selected as the new principal of Raul C. Martinez Elementary. Coleman-Hernandez began her teaching career in 1997 at Sharpstown High School. She continued serving the children of HISD as dean of students at Revere MS and Fonville Middle School, and dean of instruction at North Forest High School.

Continue reading

Rockets, military a winning combo at Oates ES Hoops For Troops

For Houston Rockets newcomer Armoni Brooks, planting seeds and giving back to the Houston community is part of his roots. The Waco-born former University of Houston Cougar was joined by teammates Kenyon Martin Jr., Joshua Christopher, Rockets staff, mascot Clutch, and members of the military on Tuesday for the Hoops For Troops event at Oates Elementary School. The event was a beautification project that saw the military and Rockets organization roll up their sleeves and work on the Oates grounds by painting the basketball court, pulling weeds, replacing benches, power-washing the walls, and adding new flower beds.

“Just being able to give back to the community is a big part of what we wanted to do when we chose this profession,” Brooks said. “Being able to do it in the local community means a lot, and I’m sure it really means a lot to the kids and the families and everyone that is involved.”

Continue reading

Dedicated Capital Planning Steering Committee focuses on future

A buzz of enthusiastic energy swept into the boardroom at Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center Tuesday evening.

More than 20 members of the Capital Planning Steering Committee, including HISD staff, kicked off their inaugural meeting.

Continue reading

HISD extends application deadline for Student Teacher Corps to Jan. 12

In response to the unique challenges presented by COVID-19, HISD is partnering with iEducate to hire up to 500 college readiness mentors as tutors through a new initiative called Student Teacher Corps.

All HISD students and alumni ages 15 through college are invited to apply for this paid opportunity. The purpose of this program is to address gaps in learning widened by the pandemic at 50-plus elementary schools in need, all while helping students interested in the field of education gain valuable hands-on teaching experience.

Continue reading