Category Archives: Achievement/Recognition

HISD superintendent receives national communications award

Dr. Grier honored by NSPRA for effective community partnerships, engagement practices

051215_grier300The National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) has awarded HISD Superintendent Terry Grier the 2015 Bob Grossman Leadership in School Communications Award. The award recognizes a practicing superintendent of schools for outstanding leadership in school public relations and communications. The award will be presented on July 14 at the NSPRA National Seminar in Nashville, Tenn.

“From the multi-channeled communication program that has been established in Houston ISD to the authentic engagement, transparency, and accountability at all levels, there is no question that Terry Grier leads by example and ‘walks the walk’ in supporting strategic communication as a management function,” said NSPRA Executive Director Rich Bagin.

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Nutrition Services meets the Local Products Challenge

Nutrition Services representatives Jennifer Lengyel, Amanda Oceguera, Audene Chung, Kasandra Davis, Lindsay Pollino, and Nan Cramer (L-R) pose with the award.

Nutrition Services representatives Jennifer Lengyel, Amanda Oceguera, Audene Chung, Kasandra Davis, Lindsay Pollino, and Nan Cramer (L-R) pose with the award.

HISD’s Nutrition Services department was recently recognized for completing the Local Products Challenge during School Breakfast Week 2015.

Each year, the Texas Department of Agriculture challenges schools to use more Texas products in the meals they serve during National School Breakfast Week and recognizes those who complete the challenge.

HISD served four menu items that were locally sourced, including skim and 1% milk, apple juice, and cinnamon toast.

“We are very proud to receive this recognition,” said Amanda Oceguera, Nutrition Services manager. ”HISD Nutrition Services is committed to serving local products in our schools.”

This was the district’s second year of recognition. HISD Nutrition Services was also presented with a certificate for completing the local products challenge last year.

One lucky graduating senior to drive away with new car Sunday

Smart Financial Credit Union donates 2015 Toyota Corolla for Cool to be Smart

One lucky HISD senior will drive away with a brand new car at HISD’s annual Cool to be Smart event on Sunday, May 17, at the Bayou City Event Center. The 2015 Toyota Corolla was donated by Smart Financial Credit Union,  a long-time supporter of HISD and the district’s commitment to expanding student access to Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate , and dual-credit courses.

“It’s an honor to sponsor this great program which rewards the hard work of HISD students,” said Smart Financial Credit Union CEO Gary Tuma.  “We only wish we could afford to give every outstanding HISD graduate a car to let them know congratulations, you are important, and job well done.”

Smart Financial and Joe Myers Toyota are taking the car on a “road trip” this week to visit several HISD high schools, so students can check out the new Corolla. Watch the video below to see the reaction from students at Eastwood Academy.

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Sam Houston student attains three IT industry certifications

CompTIA Certs

Senior Luis Guapo with his industry certifications alongside teacher Edward Cantu.

Luis Guapo, a senior at Sam Houston Math, Science & Technology Center, recently passed the CompTIA Network+ test over the weekend, giving him a total of three industry certifications – Information Technology Fundamentals, A+, and Network+.

“This a great accomplishment for Guapo and the IT program at Sam Houston,” said one of his technology teachers, Eduardo Cantu. “Luis’ accomplishments exemplify what the IT program is about – passion for IT, commitment to learning, and a professional attitude.”

In addition to obtaining these industry certifications, Guapo took first place in February in the Skills USA District 8 computer maintenance competition and went on to compete at the state level.

Guapo is in the top ten percent of his senior class and has been accepted at the University of Texas.

Help pick the ‘Fan Favorite’ among HISD campus Teachers of the Year

Winner to be announced May 15 at Celebration of Excellence

New this year at the HISD Celebration of Excellence is the Fan Favorite award. Over the past week, HISD staff, students, and alumni have been voting for their favorite campus-based Teacher of the Year, as designated by schools across the district. More than 25,000 votes were submitted and tallied—and the top two elementary, middle, and high school teachers are moving on to round two of voting. The top six finalists are:

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Middle school students win Target shopping spree

The Moran Norris Foundation is treating 150 students from six HISD middle schools to a shopping spree on Friday, May 8, 2015, at Target South Central, 6500 South Main, 77025.

In the “Shopping for Good Character” program, students from Cullen, Dowling, McReynolds, Marshall, and M.C. Williams middle schools, as well as Woodson Leadership Academy, were selected by their teachers for excellent attendance, great character, and the ability to make good choices. Each student receives $100 to purchase items for themselves and family members. They are also treated to lunch, courtesy of the foundation.

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Hamilton MS ‘Scratch Off’ contest gives students a taste of coding careers

The team from McGowen ES, who won first place in the beginner division

The team from McGowen ES, who won first place in the beginner division

About 50 teams of students from various HISD elementary and middle schools came together on the campus of Hamilton Middle School May 2, and all were eager to test their mettle as coders in the school’s inaugural “Scratch Off” contest.

Named in honor of the free programming language developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the competition challenged students to complete 20 tasks using Scratch, such as making an animated character called a “sprite” change color or move in particular ways on the screen.

By the time the competition was over, Pin Oak Middle School had nailed down the victory in the advanced division, while a team of students from McGowen Elementary School took home the laurels in the beginner division. Continue reading →

Eight more HISD students win National Merit Scholarships

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation has announced this year’s $2,500 National Merit Scholarship winners, and eight HISD students are among them.

They winners from HISD schools are: Tianxiu Chen and Marina Finley (Bellaire HS); Brett Gu (Carnegie Vanguard HS); Xiaoyi Dou, Zachary Kortum, Teresa Lee, and Poornima Tamma (DeBakey HS); and Claudia Heymach (High School of Performing and Visual Arts).

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East Early College HS educator named National SECME Teacher of the Year

Samuel Saenz was a KBR Science TOTY in 2013 and a finalist for HISD’s secondary TOTY in 2014

SECME_Saenz_250The third time has proven to be the charm for HISD’s Samuel Saenz.

The East Early College High School (EECHS) physics teacher, who placed second for KBR’s Science Teacher of the Year in 2013 and was a finalist for HISD’s Secondary Teacher of the Year in 2014, has been named the National Southeastern Consortium of Minorities in Engineering (SECME) Teacher of the Year for 2015.

“Each year, SECME accepts nominations for extraordinary educators to be recognized for their dedication, creativity, and professionalism in inspiring students’ interest and achievement in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM),” said SECME, Inc. Interim Executive Director Michele Williams. “Mr. Saenz clearly demonstrates all of the qualities that SECME encourages in educators to accomplish our mission to engage and prepare a diverse pool of students for college and careers in STEM.”

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