Author Archives: HISD Communications

Superintendent House announces leadership changes, restructuring to meet student needs

As part of the collective work moving the district towards improved student outcomes, it is critical that Houston Independent School District have aligned structures and efficient processes.

Over the past several weeks, Superintendent Millard House has closely examined the district’s overall structure, identifying opportunities for the district to become more efficient and responsive to student needs.

The following district leadership changes will help lead HISD to become a more effective organization:

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Superintendent House meets with community leaders from across Houston

Around 100 representatives from organizations and groups from across Houston were present this week, as Superintendent Millard House hosted the latest in his series of meet-and-greet events.

This event was held to offer community and spiritual leaders the chance to meet the new superintendent as well as offer their feedback and ask questions about House’s plan for the Houston Independent School District.

In the gathered crowd, there were representatives from LULAC, Memorial Hermann Hospital System, Loving Houston, Discovering Youth, The Alliance Texas, Houston Federation of Teachers, United Way of Greater Houston, the Asian Chamber of Commerce, Legacy Community Health, and many others.

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HISD inducting inaugural class into newly created Athletic Hall of Honor

The Houston Independent School District has a rich history of student athletes not only making an impact but making history in the sports world. These athletes will be recognized at the inaugural induction ceremony into the HISD Athletic Hall of Honor on August 14.

A project spearheaded by Athletics Director Andre’ Walker and the Hall of Honor Executive Committee, the Class of 2021 consists of 16 individuals and one team. They include Super Bowl champions, Olympic winners, a basketball player whose college team inspired a movie, a tennis champion who led the way for tennis to become a professional women’s sport, and the best football team in state history.

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LaTreal Peterson named new principal of Paige ES

LaTreal Peterson

LaTreal Peterson has been selected as the new principal of Paige Elementary School. Peterson started his educational career as a 2012 Teach for America corps member at Emerson Elementary School and later transferred to Burbank Elementary. He has also served as a gifted and talented coordinator, instructional coach, school director, and teacher specialist. In 2018, he became the Dean of Instruction at DeAnda Elementary and for the past two years has held the same leadership role at Burbank.   

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Erica Cantu Tran named new principal of Patrick Henry MS

Erica Cantu Tran

Erica Cantu Tran is the new principal for Patrick Henry Middle School. Cantu Tran began her education career 19 years ago as a 4th grade ESL teacher for the Houston Independent School District at J.C. Mitchell Elementary. Tran went on to work in Goose Creek CISD as a 3rd grade teacher, reading specialist, assistant principal and principal. In 2018, she returned to HISD as the Principal of Bonham Elementary where she has restructured the school and built a community of trust and academic excellence.

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Tier II leaders attend New Leader Institute ahead of school year

For Ashly Evans Vining, the fall season means she gets to return to the two places she loves the most: the classroom and the stage.

The trained opera singer —who has been performing professionally for 15 years— is ready to see students back in the classroom and also recently received her schedule for the new season with Houston Grand Opera.

She is also embarking on a new journey this year in her educational career. The former choir director and Section 504 coordinator was recently chosen to serve as the assistant principal at Pin Oak Middle School. This week, she attended the New Leaders Institute with other new Tier II leaders from across the district, including other assistant principals, deans, instructional specialists, and teacher specialists.

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Lamar HS internships produce ongoing dividends

As the school year wrapped up in June, rising Lamar High School senior Ariana Valdez pondered her future.

The 17-year-old had been tapped in the spring for a financial internship sponsored by the Smart Financial Credit Union branch on the Lamar campus. As she embraced the program, her perspective shifted.

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HISD preparing for safe return to in-person learning for all students

HISD will offer in-person learning five days a week for all students this coming school year, and preparations for a safe and healthy return to the classroom are already underway.

In-person learning is critical for both student growth and success as well as addressing pandemic-related learning losses. To ensure safe in-person experiences, HISD is continuing to work in partnership with health and education officials.

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Johnatan Guzman named new principal of Jefferson Elementary

Johnatan Guzman is the new principal for Jefferson Elementary School. Guzman is a proud product of HISD schools and has been an educator for 14 years starting as a teacher assistant before becoming a teacher then a teacher specialist. He is currently the Assistant Principal at Milby High School.  His recognitions include being named “Teacher of the Year” in 2013 and 2014.  He was also selected to participate in the distinguished HISD MBAE Cohort #2 and Career Pathways leadership program.

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Gaylon Davenport named new principal of Roosevelt Elementary

Gaylon Davenport

Gaylon Davenport is the new principal for Roosevelt Elementary School. Dr. Davenport is a proud product of HISD, including having attended Roosevelt as a child. He has served as a teacher, instructional coach, and interventionist. He is currently the Dean of Instruction at Foerster Elementary School. His recognitions include being named “Teacher of the Year” in 2015 as well as being selected to participate in the distinguished Leadership Advisory Committee. 

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