Category Archives: 2012 bond

Construction on new Bellaire HS to start next summer 

The Bellaire City Council has approved an updated site plan and traffic study for the new Bellaire High School and granted a permit for the property, meaning construction on the facility could begin as early as next summer.

The  approval of the specific-use permit by the city effectively clears the last hurdle in the design process for the new high school, being rebuilt under HISD’s voter-approved 2012 Bond Program.

“After all the work we’ve put into this project to build consensus amongst all of our stakeholders, we are thrilled to finally get the green light from the City of Bellaire and begin moving forward,” Bellaire Principal Michael McDonough said. “This is a huge step forward for our students, our school, and our community.”

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Construction at Lawson MS hits halfway mark

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Construction at Lawson Middle School is more than halfway complete with the installation of the roof and testing of the heating and cooling system well underway.

Lawson Principal Kasey Bailey said she’s happy with the construction progress and is looking forward to opening the new school next year.

“I’ve walked the building twice, and it’s definitely coming along,” Bailey said. “Since we are a fine arts magnet, I’m really looking forward to celebrating the arts.”

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Askew ES construction nearly halfway complete

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Construction at Askew Elementary School is almost halfway done, with roofing, interior steel framing, and door and window frames all complete in the new building.

Additionally, the installation of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are well underway, with crews expected to begin testing the equipment towards the end of this year, project officials said.

“Things are just coming along great,” Askew Principal Ebony Cumby said. “It’s cool to have the building being built next door, so the kids and community get to see the daily progress.”

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Condit ES selected as finalist for Texas school architecture competition

Designs for three additional bond schools honored with ‘Stars of Distinction’

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Constructed as part of HISD’s 2012 Bond Program, Condit Elementary School has been selected as one of five finalists vying for the highest honor offered by the 2017-18 Exhibit of School Architecture Competition.

Three additional bond campuses — Atherton Elementary School, Mandarin Immersion Magnet School, and Sterling Aviation High School — received Stars of Distinction.

The annual school architecture competition showcases new and renovated Texas schools and recognizes excellence in their planning and design. It is sponsored by the Texas Association of School Administrators and the Texas Association of School Boards.

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DeBakey HSHP welcomes back students for the first day of school

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Reaching five-stories high, the stairwells at DeBakey High School for Health Professions were filled with students making their way to their classrooms on Monday morning for the first day of school.

DeBakey Principal Agnes Perry said she had been looking forward to having her students back, and both her parents and students also seemed excited about the day.

“I’ve been waiting for this day to happen,” Perry said. “Our teachers are ready.”

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Milby HS students walk new hallways for the first time

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Footsteps echoed throughout the hallways of the new Milby High School as students flowed into the building on Monday for the first day of the 2017-2018 school year.

Principal Roy de la Garza said he and his staff were excited to spend the first day in the school after so much time away. For the past three years, Milby High School students and staff have been temporarily located at the old Jones campus to allow for construction of their new school, which was part of the 2012 Bond.

“It’s so much nicer to be back in the neighborhood,” de la Garza said, admitting that he was overcome with emotion after walking the building on the first day and seeing his students in their new classrooms for the first time. “It’s so good to have them here.”

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Codwell ES students mark first day of school year with newly renovated building

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Codwell Elementary School staff were all smiles on Monday as they welcomed students back to their newly renovated Tavenor Lane campus.

The day held special significance for many parents and students — not just because it marked the first day of the 2017-2018 school year, but because it marked the first time they were able to go back into the building since having to relocate to a temporary campus three years ago.

“This is like a dream come true,” Codwell Principal Kristy Love said while greeting her students with hugs as they trickled into the main entrance of the school. “Our 21st century building with modern technology will rival any suburban school.”

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Wisdom HS staff work around the clock to repair leaks, open new school after Hurricane Harvey

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Senior Jasmine Jones cringes when she thinks of the old Wisdom High School. Corridors were narrow and dark, the air conditioning was always on the fritz, and negativity seemed to surround the student body.

It looked and felt like a prison, Jones and her friends said Monday — their first day of class in the new Wisdom High School, which was built as part of the 2012 Bond Program.

“It’s just a whole new environment. It feels so different,” Jones said, noting that the impact of having a modern new building was academically and emotionally significant. “I feel like people are going to be more into school and trying to learn. I feel like even the teachers are more motivated.” Continue reading

Sharpstown International School showcases renovated spaces on the first day of school

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Sharpstown International School Teacher Kyle O’Heron chuckled as he pointed to a group of students who had planted themselves in desks that were the farthest possible distance away from the entrance to his classroom.

Without fail, he said, students always gravitate to the back of the classroom.

But in Sharpstown International’s new learning centers, where white boards hang on nearly every wall, the concept of front and back is now obsolete.

“My goal is to never have a back of the classroom,” O’Heron said, pointing to the large white board hanging directly behind the students. “The more board space we have, the more kids can be up and doing problems on the board.” Continue reading

Kashmere High School opens renovated campus

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Kashmere High School students buzzed with anticipation Monday morning as teachers, staff, and community members welcomed them for their first day back to school at a newly renovated campus.

“It’s just beautiful,” Principal Nancy Blackwell proclaimed. “We went from dark and dingy to light and open.”

Blackwell said that the aesthetics that surround a child are important, so she is hopeful the new environment will positively impact students — both academically and emotionally.

Kashmere was renovated as part of HISD’s voter-approved 2012 Bond Program. In conjunction with an upgraded front entrance, the $17 million project included upgrading and enclosing the main central courtyard to create a large, indoor flexible space designed for year-round use. Continue reading