Category Archives: Achievement/Recognition

HISD Communications honored with 25 Star Awards, Platinum and Crystal certificates by TSPRA

The Houston Independent School District’s Communications Department picked up 25 Star Awards, as well as a Platinum Award Certificate of Merit and three Crystal Commendation Certificates of Merit, during the 2018 Texas School Public Relations Association Annual Conference in Frisco.

“We have a team of highly qualified individuals who are committed to doing exceptional work that supports and informs our schools and communities,” said HISD Communications Chief Rebecca Suarez. “It takes teamwork and dedication to tell the stories of HISD in an effective and compelling way, and I couldn’t be more proud of our department.”  Continue reading →

Codwell ES celebrates 40th anniversary at grand opening ceremony

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Eleven Codwell Elementary School violinists decked out in Michael Jackson’s signature black fedoras assembled Wednesday on the steps of their new stage as they performed the classic hit “Billie Jean.”

The musical selection performed by the Codwell Violin Ensemble served to formally kick off the school’s Grand Opening and 40th Anniversary Celebration.

The day held special significance for community members, students, and faculty — not just because it marked the anniversary of the school’s inception, but also because it marked the completion of a major renovation and repurposing of the Tavenor Lane campus.

Continue reading →

Culinary students from three HISD high schools prepare to compete in Cooking Up Change 

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A group of Houston Independent School District students will be slicing and dicing their way to a winning recipe as they get ready to compete in Cooking Up Change at the Art Institute of Houston in April.

Cooking up Change is a culinary competition that challenges high school students to create healthy meals that meet the real-life nutritional and cost requirements of the national school meal program.

Seven teams from Northside, Milby, and Westside high schools will spend the next two months getting ready to go head to head on April 21, attempting to wow the judges and claim the winning dish. The winning HISD team will advance to the Cooking Up Change national finals in Washington, D.C. in June.   Continue reading →

For Black History Month, a primer on historically black colleges and universities

In honor of Black History Month, HISD is highlighting historically black colleges and universities.

The Higher Education Act of 1965 defines an HBCU as “… any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans, and that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary [of Education] to be a reliable authority as to the quality of training offered or is, according to such an agency or association, making reasonable progress toward accreditation.”

HBCUs are, however, open to all students, regardless of race. There are more than 200 HBCUs, and the list can be found here.   Continue reading →

Sophomore teacher setting district records in reading wins Teacher of the Month 

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Sophomore teacher Becky Orr of Milne Elementary School is raising the bar for rookie teachers as Sterling McCall VIP Services February Teacher of the Month.

The third-grade ELA teacher was recognized on Tuesday for her students’ recent reading snapshot that not only scored above average for the first time in campus history, but across the district.  Continue reading →

HISD announces winners of Elementary College Week 

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Over the past week, elementary schools throughout HISD were challenged to showcase their campus’ college knowledge.

In partnership with Counseling & Student Support, HISD’s Office of College & Career Readiness hosted the district’s first Elementary College Week! More than 70 schools actively competed for the chance to win a trip to UT-Austin, as well as classroom pizza and ice cream parties.

Each day, students answered essential college questions, such as “What is college?” or “Who can go to college?” As part of the competition, teachers and other school personnel were encouraged to post pictures and videos of Elementary College Week Activities on Twitter and Facebook, using #HISDElem2College.  Continue reading →

Black History Month events scheduled around the city 

Black History Month is a time to celebrate the richness of African-American culture and recognize the central role of African Americans in U.S. history, as well as the numerous contributions African-Americans have made to society. HISD’s 2018 theme, “African Americans in Times of War,” commemorates the 100-year anniversary of the end of World War I and recognizes the participation of African Americans in all U.S. wars.

Below are some ways to celebrate Black History Month in Houston. Continue reading →

National School Counseling Week is Feb. 5-9

Have you thanked your school counselor lately for all that they do? National School Counseling Week, which focuses public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors, runs Feb. 5-9.

This year’s theme is “School Counselors: Helping Students Reach for the Stars.” Sponsored by the American School Counselor Association, the event highlights the work school counselors do to inspire students, help them achieve school success, and plan for a career.

Join HISD in recognizing the unique contribution to the academic success and personal well-being of our students that district counselors make each and every day. Share photos and posts on social media using #NSCW18 and #HISDcounselors.

For Black History Month, a list of African-American scholarship opportunities 

In recognition of Black History Month, here is a list of scholarships available to African-American students. They are arranged by due date and include those that award $4,000 or more. There are many more scholarships listed in Naviance and on PowerUp GO.   Continue reading →

Schad named finalist for Houston organization’s CIO of the Year award

Houston Independent School District Chief Technology Information Officer Lenny Schad has been named as a finalist for the CIO of the Year Oribe Awards.

The award, presented by HoustonCIO, recognizes chief information officers who have demonstrated excellence in technology leadership. Finalists and winners are selected through an independent peer review process.

Schad is a finalist in the nonprofit/public sector category. Other CIO of the Year award categories include super global, global, enterprise, and corporate. Award winners will be announced at the Houston Marriott Marquis on Thursday, March 22.

“It’s a huge honor to be in the running for this award,” Schad said. “It’s an incredible testament to the work we are doing here at HISD to bring the best technological support and infrastructure to our students, schools, and staff.”

HoustonCIO’s mission is to build a strong professional community among Houston technology executives and to inspire CIOs to achieve their leadership potential.