Category Archives: Distance Learning

Scarborough valedictorian looking forward to in-person classes at Notre Dame

Benjamin Brown has adjusted to his new online classroom routine but says he would prefer to go back to in-person classes to utilize his “full potential.”

Benjamin wakes up 30 minutes prior to his first virtual class, has breakfast, and logs into the portal where the class will take place. Afterward, he immediately gets started on the work for his dual credit and high school classes.

“One of the two of the main challenges I am experiencing with virtual schooling is waking up on time,” he said. “The second is definitely an increase in the amount of work from my dual credit classes.”

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Waltrip HS valedictorian ready for future in finance

For Yash Shahi, being Waltrip High School’s Class of 2020 virtual valedictorian feels just as good as if school were in session.  

“Nothing has changed – it still feels great,” he said. “I am so happy that I was announced valedictorian before school closed.” 

Despite the physical distance, Yash has found innovative ways to help his fellow students with the transition to virtual learning.

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Milby HS valedictorian looks forward to next chapter

Mariela Banda was looking forward to celebrating the end of her high school years in person with her classmates at Milby High School.

“Being a virtual valedictorian is unfortunate since we will not be able to fully close this chapter of our lives before we continue with the next one,” she said. “It’s heartbreaking not to be able to share the joy of graduation with my class. Instead, we have to worry about the future. Being a virtual valedictorian is both challenging and stressful, but I feel certain my class will continue to move forward.”

Mariela is still reaching out to motivate members of her senior class.

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HISD celebrates special day to honor principals

National School Principals Day is Friday, May 1, and although HISD schools are closed, principals remain on the job supporting their staffs and students during the transition to distance learning.

For their hard work, leadership, and dedication to children during this unprecedented challenge, HISD is recognizing the district’s outstanding campus leaders as schools navigate the COVID-19 crisis and ensure that academic greatness continues to be held to the highest standard for all children.

HISD encourages students, teachers, parents, and all HISD staff to thank and recognize our campus leaders. Please share on social media what makes your principal an outstanding leader using the hashtag #HISDPrincipalsDay.

Ashford ES teacher wins Alliantgroup’s HISD Elementary Science Teacher grand prize

Ashford Elementary School fifth-grade Science Teacher Kirk Coppes has received the 2020 HISD Elementary Science Teacher Grand Prize Award from Alliantgroup.

Six finalists from across the district were nominated by HISD for the award based on their innovative teaching methods and ability to ignite the interest of students in the subject of science. The grand prize award announcement was made live on CW39’s “Morning Dose” on April 28.

Coppes, a veteran teacher in his 12th year in HISD and fourth year at Ashford ES, credited the support he receives both at work and home for the achievement.

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Virtual town hall offers vital college readiness info for HISD seniors

HISD aired a live virtual town hall meeting on Tuesday, April 28, to assist students pursuing postsecondary education options during the COVID-19 crisis.

The virtual town hall, which aired in English and Spanish, opened with remarks from HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan and featured experts in college admissions, scholarships and financial aid, testing requirements, and enrollment.

Dr. Lathan thanked everyone for their patience during this difficult time, saying, “Our goal is to give you access to knowledgeable individuals who can provide up-to-date information, resources, and answers to any questions you might have.”

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T-Mobile donates $60,000 to support HISD students during COVID-19 crisis

T-Mobile has donated $60,000 to help meet the needs of the students of the Houston Independent School District during the COVID-19 crisis.

The donation was sent to the HISD Foundation, the district’s nonprofit organization that raises funds to support students, staff, and families.

“We greatly appreciate T-Mobile’s generosity during this challenging time,” HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan said. “None of us can get through this crisis alone, so we are grateful to our community partners who are helping the district continue our commitment of meeting the educational and nutritional needs of students and their families.”

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Virtual Student Leadership Program accepting applications from high school students, district alumni

In response to the unique challenges presented by COVID-19, the Houston Independent School District is excited to announce that 100 interns will be hired to tutor students remotely.

The HISD Virtual Student Leadership Program will offer online instruction and lessons to students in need, delivered by student interns. To promote social distancing and properly plan, the focus of HISD’s Summer Student Leadership Program has been shifted from in-person internships within departments to online virtual tutoring services.

In addition to providing high-quality virtual academic instruction, the district remains committed to ensuring that students have access to competitive summer employment opportunities. All students who applied for the Summer Student Leadership Program will be notified of the change and are invited to apply for a paid internship tutoring students virtually.

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Travis ES kicks off annual One Book, One School event with drive-through parade, book pickup

As a line of cars stretched down the block of Houston’s Woodland Heights neighborhood, Travis Elementary second-grader Kai Teste eagerly waved his hands from the car window at his teachers’ smiling faces.

For the past six years, the HISD school has participated in the One Book, One School event in which the entire campus community reads one book together at the same time.

Because the districtwide closure due to COVID-19 happened before the books could be delivered, the campus created a drive-thru parade so students could pick up the book while simultaneously saying hello to their teachers.

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Writers in the Schools offers ways to virtually celebrate National Poetry Month

Writers in the Schools (WITS) is helping HISD students celebrate National Poetry Month with virtual offerings to support the transitions of students, families, and educators to online learning.

Historically, WITS has created art installations, organized student readings, and held poetry slams during the month of April. Amidst the outbreak of COVID-19, WITS has developed new, free digital offerings highlighting poetry and amplifying student voices.

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