Category Archives: Elementary Schools

HISD Board of Education adopts school funding formula

The HISD Board of Education on Thursday unanimously approved a school funding proposal that aims to minimize the impact of looming budget cuts on classrooms.

HISD must send a projected $165 million in local property tax dollars to the state because the Texas school finance systems considers the district wealthy. Nearly 80 percent of HISD students come from low-income households. The projected deficit was previously $107 million, but rising property values have reduced that amount to $95 million.

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HISD celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week, will host special ceremony for fellowship program

The Houston Independent School District will extend its thanks to nearly 12,000 teachers who serve in HISD classrooms during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 2— May 6.

On Teacher Appreciation Day, scheduled for Tuesday, May 3, HISD will host a ceremony for seniors who were accepted into the district’s new Teach Forward Houston program. Through the Teach Forward Houston fellowship program, HISD graduates interested in obtaining a degree in education are eligible for free tuition at University of Houston in exchange for teaching four years in HISD after graduation.

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Who is your teacher hero? 

Teacher-Appreciation-Instagram-Banner-800px-800pxShare your photos, videos, and messages on social media 

While they may not wear capes, HISD teachers truly are real-life superheroes. As part of National Teacher Appreciation Week (May 2-6), HISD is asking students, parents, and staff to thank a teacher hero in their lives and share out on social media.

Take a picture with your favorite teacher (past or present) or take a picture of your child with his or her favorite teacher and post on social media using the hashtags #HISDHero and #ThankATeacher. If your favorite teacher is not nearby, take a selfie holding a piece of paper with a simple message thanking that teacher who made a difference in your life.

Or better yet, surprise an HISD teacher using your camera cell phone and tell them why they are your teacher hero. Check out the video below and watch as Westbury High School students give a surprise thank you to their teachers and even their principal.

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HISD will be sharing the posts on its own social media channels, so be sure to follow us on Twitter @HoustonISD and like us at Facebook.com/HoustonISD.

 

 

State releases preliminary STAAR math and reading results for grades 5 and 8

The Texas Education Agency today released preliminary math and reading scores for fifth- and eighth-grade students on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR).

Students were required to answer more questions correctly this year in order to pass. Continue reading →

Community gathers for dedication of new addition at Katherine Smith Elementary

Katherine Smith Elementary School students, staff, parents, and community members gathered at the campus Wednesday morning to celebrate the completion of and officially dedicate the third and final phase of the school’s new building addition.

The construction project included a new library and a multi-purpose cafeteria/auditorium space, which also can be used for a gymnasium. Previous segments of the project, which were part of the 2002 and 2007 bond programs, included Phase 1 construction of 26 classrooms and Phase 2 construction of remaining classrooms, ancillary, special education and administrative offices.

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Student leaders welcomed about 75 attendees in the new auditorium, where they kicked-off the dedication with student performances by the K. Smith Choir and the Second Grade Scholars.

“We are so excited to finally see our new school completed,” Katherine Smith fifth grader Reneijah Richardson told the crowd.

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Wharton renovation, expansion plans presented to community; construction to start soon

Once construction is complete, the new Wharton Dual Language Academy will feature new learning spaces and labs, a new gym and library, an interior courtyard preserving heritage trees, and a grand, three-story, glass entryway.

Designs plans for the school’s renovation and new addition were detailed to nearly 100 Wharton parents and community members Thursday night during  community meeting at the Wharton campus.

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The project is part of the Houston Independent School District’s 2012 Bond Program, which calls for renovation or replacement of 40 schools across the district. Construction at Wharton is expected to start later this year, with the Montrose-area school expected to re-open its doors in fall of 2018.

The project will expand the school’s capacity up to 900 students and eliminate all the temporary buildings from the site.

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HISD interim superintendent calls for school finance reform as district aims to build on literacy gains

HISD Board President Manuel Rodriguez announces district’s first-place win of prestigious Magna Award for literacy efforts

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Speaking before a packed ballroom, HISD Interim Superintendent Ken Huewitt urged the community to rally around its most struggling schools, while Board of Education President Manuel Rodriguez announced the district has won a national Magna Award for its literacy efforts.

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33 HISD schools earn spot on 2015 Texas Honor Roll

 List includes schools that exhibit high academic achievement and have reduced achievement gaps

Thirty-three schools from across the Houston Independent School District have been named to the 2015 Texas Honor Roll by the Educational Results Partnership, a nonprofit organization that showcases schools with high academic achievement.

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HISD Police Department kicks off 2nd annual art contest for Police Appreciation Week

The HISD Police Department is looking for kindergarten through second-grade students to show off their artistic skills for the department’s second annual art contest, which kicks off today.

The department is asking for students to showcase their artistic skills on the “Theme of Law Enforcement” to be displayed during Police Appreciation Week (May 15-21).

“Last year’s contest produced over 200 entries,” said HISD Police Lt. Guadalupe Jimenez. “Our focus on Police Appreciation Week allows our students an opportunity to visualize the work that officers perform each day and to consider becoming a police officer as a career choice.”

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Meet HISD’s 2016 Principals of the Year

The Houston Independent School District named its top campus leaders on Thursday during surprise visits made to the winning schools — Bush Elementary School and Lanier Middle School.

Bush Principal Theresa Rose was named HISD’s Elementary Principal of the Year, and Lanier Principal Felicia Adams was selected as HISD’s Secondary Principal of the Year.

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Rose and Adams were among 15 elementary and 21 secondary principals vying for the distinction of HISD Principal of the Year. They learned of the award during surprise visits made on Feb. 18 to their respective campuses by HISD Deputy Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer Ken Huewitt.

“I am so proud of our principals and thrilled to have the chance to recognize them for all their hard work and dedication,” Huewitt said. “Effective principals are absolutely critical to ensuring the success of both students and teachers.”

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