Category Archives: District IX – Myrna Guidry

New Westbury HS construction project moving along


The Westbury High School Huskies are seeing significant changes on their campus as construction on their two story addition is nearly halfway complete.

The $40 million dollar project, which is a part of HISD’s voter-approved 2012 Bond, calls for general renovations to the current building, as well as a new addition with 26 classrooms, flexible learning centers, two new gyms, and a dual purpose commons serving as both a dining area and space for students to gather.

“There is great progress being made as far as I can visibly see,” Westbury Principal Susan Monaghan said. “I think it’s going to be awesome for Westbury and the community.”

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Worthing HS undergoing physical and academic transformation


With modern construction underway and a new administration in place, Worthing High School is on the verge of a transformation.

While construction crews work tirelessly to rebuild the 59-year-old school nestled in Houston’s historic Sunnyside neighborhood, new Principal Khalilah Campbell-Rhone is doing the same from the inside out.

“My desire was to come in and put Worthing back on the map,” Campbell-Rhone said, recalling how the school’s academic programs were once highly sought after and school pride was ubiquitous. “We can get back to that.”

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Parker ES construction passes halfway mark

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Construction at Parker Elementary School is now more than halfway complete with exterior framing and roofing well underway on the east side of the building.

“I’ve been doing a monthly walk-through in the building, so I’m seeing the progress each time I go,” Parker Principal Lori Frodine said. “I feel good it’s moving along. I’m happy that they’re starting to accelerate the work.”

The construction crew is working diligently at the site to make up some time lost due to previous weather delays. Currently, they are installing the HVAC systems on the first floor along with the chilled water pipes. Installation of the sprinkler system is also in progress.

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Construction begins on new Madison HS

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Work on the new Madison High School is now underway as crews have demolished athletic fields and begun construction on a new parking lot across the street from the current building.

The work is part of the project’s first phase, which also includes construction of the new high school.  Passersby can expect to see steel being erected over the summer as crews officially begin construction of the building.

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‘On the Yard’: Westbury HS College Go Center helps students navigate college-application process 

During this month’s episode of On the Yard, HISD Board President Wanda Adams sits down with Westbury High School Principal Susan Monaghan and the staff of the school’s College Go Center.

The Go Center allows students at the school – many of whom are first-generation college applicants – to access the information they need on where and when to apply, financial aid, housing options, and more.   Continue reading →

More than half of bond projects to be completed by year’s end

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With eight projects slated to open for the next school year, and six more wrapping up in the third and fourth quarters, HISD is on track to complete 55 percent of bond projects by the end of 2017.

”We’re really excited about the progress made in this past quarter,” Officer of Construction Services Derrick Sanders told members of the Bond Oversight Committee on Tuesday during their regular quarterly meeting. “We opened Sterling High School and Delmar Fieldhouse, and both turned out to be really wonderful spaces.” Continue reading →

‘On the Yard’: Learn more about the May 6 vote on Prop 1 

HISD Board President Wanda Adams recently visited with General Manager of Budgeting and Finance Glenn Reed to discuss the importance of the Recapture issue on the May 6 ballot.

During Adams’ inaugural episode of On the Yard, which will be featured monthly on HISD-TV, Reed outlined the consequences of both options under Proposition 1: a vote for, to purchase attendance credits from the state, or a vote against, to have commercial property detached from HISD tax roll.   Continue reading →

HISD Scholars Banquet honors 100-plus high school seniors at top of their class 

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The Houston Independent School District paid tribute to the top students from each high school’s graduating class during the annual Scholars Banquet.

The 101 valedictorians and salutatorians were recognized for their dedication and hard work during the banquet, which was held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, at the Westin Oaks Houston.

“I commend you all for your commitment to academic excellence,” HISD Superintendent Richard Carranza told students. “You have made it a personal priority to prepare for college and ultimately your successful future.”

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Parents and community gather at Hispanic Parent Summit

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On Saturday, April 8, Wanda Adams, HISD Board of Education President and District IX Trustee, held a parent summit to provide Hispanic families with access to information and resources to help support their students’ academic achievement.

Adams kicked off the event, addressing attendees in Spanish and sharing that “the most overwhelming key to a child’s success is the positive involvement of parents, so it’s good to see so many of you here today because it’s a sign of how successful your kids – our students – will be.”

That message was also echoed by Dr. Adriana Tamez, Houston Community College Trustee for District III, who emphasized “the critical importance of being informed, partnering with teachers, and attending events like the Hispanic Parent Summit will benefit our kids’ futures.”

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Lawson MS hosts beam signing celebration

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Huge smiles could be seen throughout the Lawson Middle School courtyard as students headed outside to scribble their signatures on what will be the final beam to be erected as part of their new school.

The southwest Houston middle school is among 40 schools being renovated or rebuilt as part of the 2012 Bond program. The signed beam will be the last piece of steel installed, as the $59 million project is nearly one-third of the way complete.

“We are overjoyed at the feeling of knowing that the school is on the mark to be completed by the end of the school year,” said Lawson Principal Tynette Guinn. “The kids are excited to be a part of history.”

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