Category Archives: 21st century schools

Yates HS pool construction passes halfway mark

It’s been several years since students at Yates High School had a swim team. But with the completion of the school’s new natatorium set for April, students are one step closer to making that team a reality once again. 

Construction on the school’s natatorium and four-lane practice pool is 55 percent complete. The building’s exterior walls – which feature large garage-style overhead coiling doors that allow fresh air inside and have fencing at each opening to maintain a secure perimeter — were built first to ensure interior pool construction would not be affected by wet weather.  

The pool’s concrete foundation was laid in January, and pool walls are now being constructed. The project is expected to wrap up later this semester. 

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New Milby HS pool set to open in coming weeks

In a few short weeks, Milby High School students will be able to make a big splash as the school’s new natatorium and four-lane practice pool nears completion. 

The natatorium, which is 98 percent complete, features large garage-style overhead coiling doors that open to allow fresh air inside, with fencing at each opening to maintain a secure perimeter.  

Remaining work includes installation of the gas meter, fencing, timing system, access control, vestibule doors, emergency phone, roof edge, gutter, and downspouts. 

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New Bellaire HS tops out as construction moves forward

Construction at Bellaire High School marked a significant construction milestone this month, as the new building reached its topping out point.  

Topping out refers to the act of placing the last steel beam atop a structure’s highest point. Bellaire students, faculty, and alumni celebrated the occasion by signing a large white beam that was then placed above what will become the school’s natatorium. 

“Having the Class of 2020, our faculty, staff, alumni, and friends sign the beam was a wonderful gesture to ensure that all the elements that make a school community will forever be a part of this new building,” Bellaire Principal Michael McDonough said. 

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Mitchell ES construction 60 percent complete

The new Mitchell Elementary School is more than halfway complete, and the building will be ready for the school’s young leaders to move in this summer.  

The $23 million project is tracking at 60 percent completion with site work, paving, underground utilities, structural steel, and fireproofing complete. Exterior and interior wall systems, roofing, and mechanical, electrical and plumbing installation are ongoing.  

The building is enclosed and interior finishes, such as flooring and ceilings, are expected to begin this quarter, as well as insulation under the building.  

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Kolter ES construction more than 70 percent complete

The new Kolter Elementary School will soon be ready for students, teachers, and staff to move in and the Cougars can hardly wait to be back home. 

The $23 million project is tracking at 72 percent completion and slated to be occupied by this summer. Structural steel, roofing, and fireproofing will wrap up this quarter. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing installation is 81 percent complete. 

“We’re only five months away from being able to move into our new school home and we’re thrilled,” Kolter Principal Julie Dickinson said.  

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Braeburn ES construction 65 percent complete

Construction at the new Braeburn Elementary School is steadily progressing and the building will be ready for the Bobcats to move in this summer. 

The $30 million project is tracking at 65 percent completion with fireproofing complete and structural steel and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing installation to wrap this quarter. Roofing and interior framing are more than 75 percent complete and paving will be completed this month. 

The building is enclosed and interior finishes, such as flooring and ceilings, are expected to begin this quarter. 

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Northside HS celebrates grand opening with spirited event

Following a purple carpeted path, students, staff, and community members walked through an inflatable Panther tunnel, that led to a dining commons area decorated with purple and silver balloons in celebration of the Northside High School grand opening ceremony.  

Festive holiday music filled the space as guests heard student performances from the Northside High School Jazz Band, Dancing Pantherettes, Choir, Ballet Folklórico, and Cheerleaders.  

“This campus not only allows us to clearly express ourselves, but it inspires us to be more creative,” Northside Senior Jacquelin Ricalday said. “It’s great for current students, future students, and our community overall.” 

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Pittsburgh Public Schools visits DeBakey HSHP

Visitors from Pittsburgh Public Schools toured DeBakey High School for Health Professions recently to learn more about the state-of-the-art campus and Nutrition Services. 

Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent’s Chief of Staff Errika Fearbry Jones said their district’s strategic plan includes adding another science-based school and incorporating scratch cooking into its food services.  

“Houston is cutting-edge, so we’re coming here to kill two birds with one stone,” Jones said. “You’ve got to bring people along if you want them to buy in.” 

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Bond Oversight Committee tours Sam Houston MSTC, looks ahead to future plans

While Sam Houston Math, Science, and Technology Center students made their way to classes Tuesday morning, the HISD Bond Oversight Committee strolled through the hallways to see the new school in action.  

Led by Associate Principal Ryan Hutchings and HISD Construction Services Senior Manager Sizwe Lewis, the group made stops in the school’s dining commons, cosmetology, robotics and math labs, gymnasium, and auditorium.  

The Bond Oversight Committee is an independent citizens’ committee tasked with monitoring the bond program, ensuring revenues are spent appropriately, and evaluating program risks and controls. The group meets quarterly. 

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TXRX Labs unveils makerspace for Eastwood Academy students

The students of Eastwood Academy got the reveal they’ve been waiting for on Wednesday when they celebrated the unveiling of their very own makerspace, thanks to community partner TXRX Labs. 

Thanks to the long-awaited community project, students will no longer have to trek off-campus after school hours to complete their innovative projects such as motorized bicycles and 3D equipment. Instead, they’ll have everything they need for such projects right at their fingertips.  

“We are excited for this workspace where students will be able to create and innovate to bring all of their ideas to life,” Principal Brandi Lira said. “By having the makerspace on our campus, we can open our doors to feeder patters on the East End where we can create other innovators within the community.”  

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