Category Archives: District I – Elizabeth Santos

New principal plus new librarian equals new library for Hogg MS students

martha3When Angela Sugarek took the helm at Hogg Middle School in the summer of 2015, one of her priorities was to continue the work of her predecessor. Her goal: to have a fully functioning library, complete with its own certified librarian.

That dream became a reality recently, when the campus celebrated the complete renovation of its library with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 21. The library at Hogg is now state-of-the-art, with warm wood accents, rolling shelves filled with tempting and informative titles, and a presentation area that invites students and teachers to linger while they learn.

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Flexible furniture complements modern learning environments across HISD

Construction at Grady Middle School, January 8, 2016.

Interior work is underway in the new wing at Grady Middle School.

With construction well underway on schools throughout HISD, a few are beginning to put the finishing touches on their buildings—including installation of furniture that will bring 21st century learning to life.

Under the bond program, a total of 40 schools are currently being built or renovated with flexible and innovative learning spaces. Inside of each building, flexible furniture will be included in the learning spaces to move beyond the traditional classroom of four walls, white board, and fixed desks and chairs.

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Thank a trustee during National School Board Recognition Month

The 2016 Board of Education

The 2016 Board of Education are (L-R): Anna Eastman, Michael Lunceford, Second Vice President Diana Davila, First Vice President Wanda Adams, Assistant Secretary Rhonda Skillern-Jones, Secretary Jolanda Jones, President Manuel Rodriguez Jr., Harvin Moore, and Greg Meyers.

January is National School Board Recognition Month, honoring the men and women who serve on the nation’s thousands of Boards of Education. These dedicated public servants become school board trustees because they are committed to improving public education and their communities.

Our board members devote many hours to making sure Houston’s schools are safe and have the resources and instructional programs needed to educate children to their fullest potential.

“The students in HISD are very fortunate to have dedicated board members who work day in and day out to shape policies that support a high-quality education for all of our students,” said HISD Superintendent Dr. Terry Grier. “If you haven’t reached out, please thank your school board trustee for caring about our children, and let them know that they truly are appreciated for what they do.”

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Arabic-speaking parents and students can now access resources in Arabic online

First day of class at the Arabic Immersion Magnet School, August 24, 2015.

First day of class at the Arabic Immersion Magnet School, August 24, 2015.

Arabic-speaking parents in HISD will now be able to access various resources on the district’s website in the Arabic language. The new section will be accessible from the top right corner of the district’s website, in the same way that resources in Spanish and Vietnamese can be accessed.

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Significant work completed on Waltrip HS bond project

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Waltrip’s project scope includes partial replacement and general renovations to the existing building to accommodate 1,800 to 2,000 students.

Students are remaining on campus throughout construction. Significant behind-the-scenes work has been ongoing in the past year including the upgrading of the campus main electrical service feed, replacement of electrical panels and transformers in several areas along with needed demolition work.

Installation of a new curtainwall system and windows and upgrades of athletics offices and locker rooms were the main focus in the third and fourth quarters. Replacement of the fire alarm, HVAC and electrical systems are ongoing. Band hall and JROTC renovations are now underway. Some renovated classrooms were made ready for move-in over winter break.

Current project work includes:

Auditorium seat replacement has begun with the installation new cushioned seating.

New fire sprinkler system pipe is being installed above the ceiling in the dining area.

Newly renovated CTE Health classrooms, science labs and other classroom areas including Extended Learning rooms in the three-story academic wing are being completed and HISD movers are setting these new rooms up for teachers’ and students’ use next week for school.

Renovation of the new Art Room lab is progressing.

Renovation to several existing restrooms in the three-story academic wing is nearly complete.

Renovation and build-out of the Boy’s Athletic Locker Room area wall stud framing is nearly complete and electrical work is under way.

The new Band Addition foundation is progressing and structural steel is on site, erection of steel columns and beams has begun.

As each area is complete and operable it is turned over to campus personnel for use. The project has a target completion date of third quarter 2016.

Photo gallery of HISD building projects

New building for North Houston Early College HS to be ready for 2016-17 school year

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Construction on the new North Houston Early College High School is well underway with its structure currently in place, and roofing and exterior framing on the building is ongoing. The school will receive a new building to accommodate 400 students located at the Houston Community College (HCC) Northline Campus.

The 59,000-square-foot facility will feature modern science labs, flexible learning spaces and a college resource center to provide students with college scholarship and registration information as well as access to counselors.

Construction will be completed in the second quarter of 2016, and be ready for students for the 2016-2017 school year.

Photo gallery of HISD building projects

Design for new Sam Houston MSTC progressing

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Sam Houston MSTC is receiving $101.4 million for a new school for 2,550 to 2,750 students that will incorporate the new science classroom and laboratory wing.

The school held the first of three community meetings last fall to share information about progress on the project’s design. In addition to providing a comprehensive high school curriculum that emphasizes math, science and technology, the school also offers licensing programs and vocational certification in a variety of trades including auto mechanics, plumbing, and cosmetology.

The new school will be designed to have a collegiate feel with a large open courtyard that will also function as a flexible learning space. The classrooms and labs will feature large windows to incorporate transparency throughout, enabling programs and student projects to be on display. The design process is going well and moving quickly toward completion.

Photo gallery of HISD building projects

Plans for new Davis HS moving forward

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The Davis High School project took a major step forward when the Board of Education approved additional funding that will allow construction of the school to proceed as originally described to voters in 2012.

The work will be a combination of renovation to the historical building and the addition of new construction for the school’s culinary and fine arts programs.

The project will be moving into design development during 2016, which will further refine how the building will take shape. A second community meeting is scheduled for Feb. 25. The goal is have the project ready for bid during the third quarter 2016.

Photo gallery of HISD building projects

Designs for new Garden Oaks Montessori taking shape

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Garden Oaks will receive a new $26.6 million addition and general renovations of the existing facilities designed to accommodate 750 to 900 students in pre-K through eighth grade.

Design plans feature both new and renovated classroom spaces, a new multipurpose gymnasium, and a new secure main entrance. Additional parking and separate bus and parent drop-off driveways, as well as upgraded electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems are also included in the scope of work. The school will feature flexible, child-centered learning spaces that will accommodate diverse learning styles with integrated technology.

The project team plans to retain most of the green space and trees that are important to the school and incorporate outdoor learning centers.

The school is in the design phase, which will continue in 2016. Construction is expected to begin later this year and take about 18 months to complete.

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First phase of new Scarborough HS scheduled for completion in third quarter

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Scarborough High School, which is getting a $12.6 million for renovation to its existing facility, held the first of three community meetings last fall to share information about progress on the project’s design.

The updated campus will feature a new JROTC building, upgrades to athletics fields, a new welcome center, and a face-lift for the front of the campus.

The project will be completed in phases, with Phase I (Classroom renovation and welcome center addition) targeted for completion in the third quarter. Phase 2 (new JROTC/performing arts building) scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2017.

Photo gallery of HISD building projects