Category Archives: Achievement/Recognition

HISD salutes National Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 

The theme of this year’s May-long celebration of Asian Pacific Americans is honoring Asian Americans in time of war. This year’s HISD poster features three JROTC teachers: Lamar High School grads Major (Retired) Kenneth Zapanta and Command Sgt. Major (Retired) Hai Dang, as well as Westside High School grad Major Gilbert Gozalo.

Zapanta served two terms of duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom, one term in Operation New Dawn-Iraq, and Operation Inherent Resolve-Kuwait. Gozalo served in Afghanistan’s Operation Enduring Freedom, and Dang served two terms in Operation Iraqi Freedom and one term in Kosovo Forces. HISD’s JROTC program was established in 1926, and currently there are 20 Army, four Navy, and one Air Force JROTC programs for the school year 2017-2018.  Continue reading →

Vote in second round of ‘Fan Favorite’ Teacher of the Year

Two winners to be announced at May 18 Educators of the Year banquet

Over the past week, HISD staff, students, and alumni have voted for their “Fan Favorite” Teacher of the Year. Voters could choose from any of the campus-based Teacher of the Year nominees. The votes are now tallied, and the top four elementary and secondary teachers are moving on to round two. The finalists are: Continue reading →

Graduation ceremony schedule, venue information available for the Class of 2018

Hundreds of HISD seniors will walk across the stage this spring during graduation ceremonies planned for May 26 through June 9.

Most ceremonies will take place at various locations around the city (primarily the Barnett Fieldhouse, Butler Fieldhouse, Delmar Fieldhouse, NRG Arena, NRG Stadium, Texas Southern University campus, and Wilkins Pavilion).

A few will be taking place early (HSPVA and E-STEM on May 26 and May 31, respectively) or later (Liberty HS on June 10), so be sure to check the schedule for times and locations at HoustonISD.org/GraduationCalendar. Continue reading →

High school string quartet to join touring Beatles vs. Stones show at Hobby Center

When the touring show Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown comes to the Hobby Center on May 20, the Houston Bellaire High School String Quartet will have the privilege of joining the professional musicians on stage to add some orchestral texture to the evening. The show pits Rolling Stones tribute band Satisfaction against rival Brit boys Abbey Road in an all-out musical showdown for rock dominance. The Bellaire string quartet will perform seven songs with the bands.

There is one show only, at 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 20, in Zilkha Hall at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $44-$64, but HISD friends and family members can receive a 20% discount with the promo code “Fab4.” The code will be accepted over the phone, online, and at walk up. Tickets may be purchased by calling 713.315.2525, at the Box Office, or online at www.thehobbycenter.org. The 500 seats will likely sell out in advance of the show, which is appropriate for all ages.

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Student World AIDS Day art posters on display

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The colorful banners hanging on the fence between the HISD baseball field and the Hattie Mae White Education Support Centers are eye-catching works of art by district middle-school children. They were put on display recently after being displayed at the City of Houston’s Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center in December to honor World AIDS Day on Dec. 1.

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Two coaches receive Ann Sledge Instructional Coach Excellence Awards

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Two HISD instructional coaches received a big surprise in their classrooms on Friday as HISD administrators dropped in to present them with the second annual Ann Sledge Instructional Coach Excellence Awards.

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Help determine the Fan Favorite Teachers of the Year 

Winners to be announced at May 18 Educators of the Year banquet

It’s that time of the year again to decide the “Fan Favorite” Teachers of the Year, who will be announced on Friday, May 18, as HISD honors teachers and principals across the district at the Educators of the Year banquet.

The districtwide elementary and secondary Teachers of the Year are determined using performance data and other criteria, but the Fan Favorite category was created so the HISD community could vote on social media for their favorite elementary and secondary teacher.

All campus-based Teachers of the Year are eligible for this award, which will be determined by who has the largest number of fans. Anyone can vote—including colleagues, parents, students, and former students.  Continue reading →

HISD names 2017-18 Teacher of the Year finalists, Beginner Teacher of the Year winners 

Winners will be recognized on May 18 at the Educators of the Year banquet

In recognition of teaching excellence across the district, HISD will officially crown its principals and teachers at the “royal wedding-themed” Educators of the Year banquet on Friday, May 18, at the Hilton Americas Hotel.

Fourteen finalists have been named for the Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the year. The two winners, who will go on to represent the district in Region 4, will be announced during the Educators of the Year banquet on Friday, May 18. The 14 finalists were selected from all 287 campuses based on performance data and other criteria.  Continue reading →

State Board of Education creates ethnic studies class based on HISD’s Mexican-American Studies course

Douglas Torres-Edwards, center, with HISD trustees Elizabeth Santos and Sergio Lira.

Course author honored by Mayor Sylvester Turner and Councilman Robert Gallegos

After more than four years of debate, the Mexican-American Studies course pioneered in HISD will be used as the framework for the first statewide high-school ethnic studies class.

The State Board of Education (SBOE) voted unanimously on April 13 to create TEKS standards for an ethnic studies class based on HISD’s course, written primarily by veteran educator Douglas Torres-Edwards. Continue reading →

Jane Long Academy social worker feels called to make a difference 

Berta Alicia Ontiveros

As the school bell rings and chatter begins to fill the hallways at Jane Long Academy, Berta Alicia Ontiveros holds a squawking radio and smiles broadly as she approaches students who are still lingering after the tardy bell.

“Come on sweetie, you don’t want to be late,” she says softly.

Ontiveros is finishing her third year as a social worker for HISD. She works at Jane Long, a school with a diverse student body. Students speak multiple languages and come from varied backgrounds and cultures, which can sometimes make it difficult for them to adjust.  Continue reading →