Category Archives: District VIII – Judith Cruz

Wharton Dual Language Academy breaks ground on new facility

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Nestled in the middle of a dirt construction site, current and former Wharton Dual Language Academy students donning brightly colored dresses, sombreros, and mariachi suits danced in celebration of the school’s groundbreaking.

The students — part of MECA Ballet Folkorico — joined scores of Wharton parents, students and staff, all of whom gathered Friday to celebrate the start of construction on the renovation and addition project for their new school. Continue reading →

HISD to celebrate new building dedication and two groundbreakings in May

Three HISD schools are celebrating construction milestones this month — Fonwood Early Childhood Center will dedicate its new building, while Wharton Dual Language Academy and Barbara Jordan High School for Careers will celebrate the start of construction on their new schools.

The first event will be held at Fonwood Early Childhood Center, where school officials plan to formally dedicate the new school that opened its doors to students for this school year. The new school, which serves the district’s youngest learners, features 27 classrooms, including two special education centers and specialized visual arts and science labs, as well as three outdoor play areas and an outdoor learning center. It also features vibrant interior colors with plenty of natural light throughout. Continue reading →

Two events offer students opportunity to learn about career options 

This week, two events will help HISD students of all ages explore careers in high-demand, high-growth industries.

First up is Family Career Night from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 19, at East Early College (220 N. Milby St., Houston, 77003).

The event, sponsored by District VIII Trustee Diana Davila, is for parents and students in grades K-12 in the Northeast and East part of the city and will provide the opportunity to learn more about different careers in the Greater Houston area, HISD programs and resources, and how to connect with high education and industry representatives. There also will be an opportunity to win a scholarship.  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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Furr HS parents get sneak peek of new school

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Furr High School Principal Bertie Simmons celebrated her 83rd birthday last week by leading Trustee Diana Davila and other school supporters on a tour of their new campus, which is being rebuilt as part of the 2012 Bond Program.

“It’s the most beautiful building in the district,” Simmons said. “We can’t wait to move in.”

With construction on the new facility now more than 80 percent complete, anticipation among stakeholders is growing every day as they see the project nearing the finish line. Construction is expected to be completed in mid-June, and the building then will be stocked with new furniture and technology, making way for teachers and staff to move in over the summer. Continue reading →

Family Career Night planned for April 19 

HISD District VIII Trustee Diana Davila is hosting a Family Career Night from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 19 at East Early College (220 N. Milby St., Houston, 77003).

The event is for parents and students in grades K-12 in the Northeast and East part of the city and will provide the opportunity to learn more about different careers in the Greater Houston area, HISD programs and resources, and how to connect with high education and industry representatives. There also will be an opportunity to win a scholarship.

Dinner will be provided, as well as free giveaways throughout the event. In some cases, transportation will be available. Please check with your school for details.

For more information, contact HISD College and Career Readiness at 713-556-6981.

View bond construction progress up close and online – no hard hat required

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Anyone interested in viewing construction progress at HISD bond schools may only need an internet connection, as web cameras are being installed at several sites to make daily update photos available to everyone.

Program management firm Rice & Gardner Consultants recently began installing online web cams at several of the schools for which they provide project management services. Currently three projects, Wilson Montessori, HSPVA, and High School for Law and Justice, have cameras up and running with live internet links. Others are expected to come online in the coming months as more construction gets underway.

Continue reading →

New Furr HS set to open this summer

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Construction on the new Furr High School is now about 75 percent complete, and the building is on track to open this coming summer.

As part of HISD’s $1.89 billion bond program, Furr will receive a new 182,000-square-foot $55 million building to accommodate 1,300 students. The three-story building has been designed to enhance the school’s science, technology, engineering, and arts programs. It will include flexible, brightly colored learning areas with moveable furniture and sliding glass doors to make the rooms easily adjustable.

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Austin HS marching band receives Certificate of Congressional Recognition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Austin High School marching band were presented with with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition Jan. 15 during the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Battle of the Bands at at Thorne Stadium.  The marching band has participated in various MLK activities since the band’s creation in 2005, including the battle of the bands every year.  The band nicknamed “Sonic Boom” has led the MLK Youth Parade since 2008, along with several other parades including Houston Veteran’s Day Parade, Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights Parade in Louisiana. The students also have participated in the Cinco de Mayo Parade, Fiesta Patrias downtown, Fiesta Flambeau in San Antonio, and Mardi Gras in both Galveston and New Orleans. The band is led by music director Keavon Runnels, who pushes the group to not only represent diverse cultures but also to experience cultures first hand.

 

HISD Board of Education elects new officers

District IX Trustee Wanda Adams named 2017 president

The HISD Board of Education voted unanimously Thursday to name District IX Trustee Wanda Adams president for 2017.

A Kashmere High School graduate, Adams was first elected to the school board in 2013. She previously served six years on the Houston City Council.

Continue reading →