Category Archives: Early Education

HISD 2019-2020 educators of the year announced during surprise home visits

The 2019-2020 Houston Independent School District educators of the year were announced during surprise home visits, including visits by Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan at the homes of the elementary and secondary teachers of the year and beginning teachers of the year.

The visits took place on Wednesday, May 6, and Thursday, May 7, during Teacher Appreciation Week and included yard signs, balloons, and gift baskets near the front doors of the educators who were asked to come outside for the announcements, in keeping with safe social distancing practices.

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HISD announces 2019-2020 Teacher of the Year finalists

Twelve finalists have been named as HISD’s 2019-2020 Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year. The two winners will go on to represent the district in Region IV. The 12 finalists were selected from all 280 schools based on performance data and other criteria. 

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HISD provides supports for parents of special education students

The Houston Independent School District is committed to providing instructional resources to parents of students with disabilities during this time away from school buildings as well as multiple ways to engage children in meaningful learning experiences. 

HISD has updated the special education section of the HISD @ H.O.M.E page to enhance the organization of resources and tools for virtual instruction.

For example, if a student is accessing learning in a Structured Learning Class (SLC), there is a section with resources specific to students being served in this setting. There are also sections for additional placements to include: Preschoolers Achieving Learning Skills (PALS), Preparing Students for Independence (PSI), Skills for Learning and Living (SLL), and Structured Learning Class- Alternative (SLC-Alt). 

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Pre-K application process transitions to online only

Due to the districtwide closure and current restrictions involving social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the application process for pre-K is now online only.

HISD is currently accepting applications for its full-day pre-K program at schools across the district, offering more 3- and 4-year-old students in our community with the opportunity to attend a high-quality program that will build a strong foundation of learning.

Due to precautions surrounding the coronavirus, pre-K application and enrollment timelines have been adjusted:

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HISD Pre-K Enrollment Festival set for April 18

HISD is collaborating with Good Reason Houston to promote an opportunity for families to enroll their eligible 3 and 4-year-olds into prekindergarten. 

HISD and Good Reason Houston, a local nonprofit dedicated to creating a future where every child excels in world-class public schools, will be hosting a Pre-K Enrollment Festival from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 18 at Delmar Stadium (2020 Mangum Rd., 77092), which will allow families to learn about the prekindergarten programs across the district. Additionally, HISD and Good Reason Houston will also host a second Pre-K Festival in June.  

Families will be able to talk directly with program leaders and administration and apply for pre-K programs on the spot for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year. Texas Children’s Hospital mobile clinic will provide free vaccinations to children 0-18 who do not have insurance and the Ronald McDonald Mobile Dentistry unit will be on site to do free dental checkups.  

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Apply now for HISD pre-K programs for 2020-2021

School Choice Fair scheduled for Feb. 15 at Northside HS 

To enroll students in any HISD pre-K program for 3- and 4-year-olds for the 2020-2021 school year, parents will need to submit an application by Feb. 28, 2020 for Phase 1. Parents can also apply in-person at campuses. 

[su_document url=”https://blogs.houstonisd.org/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/02/HISDPreKEnrollment_flyer.pdf”]
Can’t see this PDF? Click here

For more information, HISD is holding a School Choice Fair from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 15 at Northside High School for space-available campuses.  

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School Choice application deadline for Phase 2 is Feb. 28  

Parents who would still like to apply for a school choice program for the 2020-2021 school year have until Friday, Feb. 28 to do so. 

After all applications in Phase 1 have been offered, eligible Phase 2 students who meet a program’s qualifications will be considered in the order in which their application was submitted should the program have space available. 

Any applications for students who live outside the HISD boundaries will not be considered until Phase 3, even if the application was submitted during Phase 2. 

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Want to become an HISD teacher?

District’s alternative certification program hosting info session 

Thinking about changing careers and love working with children? Maybe you’ve thought about becoming a teacher, but not sure what’s involved with getting your certification? 

The Houston ISD Alternative Certification Program invites you to attend its upcoming ACP Teacher Information Session at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 29 at Hattie Mae White (4400 West 18th St., 77092).  

Prospects can learn more about the ACP program and candidate selection process, as well as meet current teachers with HISD and those enrolled in the HISD ACP program. The one-year program is dedicated to recruiting individuals from diverse educational and career backgrounds who are passionate about students, teaching, and learning. 

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HISD celebrating Principals Month with downloadable templates for special messages

Principals play a vital role in the success of our students. As campus leaders, principals are responsible for fostering a positive climate and culture at our schools.

Whether it’s placing the right teacher in the classroom or having coffee with school parents, it’s without question that HISD principals go the extra mile to ensure the greatest outcomes for students.

HISD is encouraging students, parents, staff, and community members to honor and thank district principals during the month of October by printing out one of our custom cutouts, which are downloadable at the link below. You can include a message to give to your school leader or display on your campus and post on social media. There is even a version for students to color!

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School Choice applications for 2020-2021 available on Sept. 27

First of five school choice fairs set for Sept. 28 at Sterling HS

Parents will have the ability to begin applying to School Choice Programs for the 2020-2021 school year on Friday, Sept. 27, 2019. The district’s first school choice fair will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 28 at Sterling High School (11625 Martindale, 77048).

HISD offers a robust portfolio of magnet programs at 112 schools to best meet students’ academic needs and interests. The magnet programs within the district include:

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