Category Archives: Elementary Schools

HISD to Dedicate New Environmental Science Magnet School Berry Elementary

HISD Board of Education Trustee Rhonda Skillern-Jones will address a crowd of students, parents, community members, alumni, and HISD staff at the dedication ceremony for the new Berry Elementary School (2310 Berry Road) on Monday, April 16th at 9 a.m.

“I am so thrilled for the Berry Elementary community!  This lovely new school was designed to create a positive learning environment and to inspire students to want to learn and to grow,” said Skillern-Jones.  “With these excellent teachers and this beautiful, technology-driven environment, I know we will see more great leaders emerge from Berry Elementary.”

Berry is among many schools taking part in the Houston Independent School District’s Green School Challenge in which students track how much energy is used on campus and suggest ways to make us even more energy efficient.

“Our students are studying the connection between the environment and they way we live, and this new energy-efficient campus is a huge part of the learning process,” said Principal Deborah Silber, referring to the school’s environmental science magnet program. “It is no accident that we are dedicating our campus during National Environmental Education Week.” 

The new Berry facility is built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards – Gold level and is projected to have a 38 percent reduction in water use, and a 24.5 percent reduction in energy use.  The district has committed to build all new construction projects to LEED standards. 

            The $805 million bond referendum approved by voters in 2007 made the project possible. The new school includes:

  • New library;
  • New science classrooms;
  • Outdoor garden and habitat;
  • New computer lab; and
  • Smart Board technology in all classrooms.

 For more information about other school construction projects district wide, visit www.hisdprojects.org.

Upcoming Motor Activities Training Program Challenge Day at T.H. Rogers School

It’s time once again for the T.H. Rogers School Motor Activities Training Program (MATP) Challenge Day. Each year this fun-filled event gives students with severe physical disabilities a chance to demonstrate their personal best in a variety of sporting events. A tropical luau will serve as the theme for this year’s MATP Challenge Day. Students, faculty, and staff from Barbara Bush Elementary and Memorial Elementary will also take part in the festivities.

Who: T.H. Rogers School MI/PSI Students, Parents, Faculty, and Staff

What: Motor Activities Training Program (MATP) Challenge Day

When: Friday, April 13, 2012, Opening Ceremonies: 9:30 a.m.

Where: 5840 San Felipe Road, Houston, 77057

See photos of the new DeChaumes Elementary School

HISD administrators, staff and students will gather on Tuesday, April 3, for a ceremony to dedicate the new DeChaumes Elementary School (155 Cooper), one of  16 new schools designed with eco-friendly features. The school will feature new science labs, library and  Smartboard technology in every classrom.

Take a look at the new DeChaumes Elementary in the gallery below:

[slideshow]

See what they’re saying about STAAR

The first administration of the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) exam began today, and students and parents took to social media sites to talk about the test. Here’s what some of them had to say:

  1. Share
    “
    For the freshmen taking STAAR, may the be force be with you.

     

    Johnny TaylorDefiningMatter

    Mon, Mar 26 2012 08:00:14
     
     
  2. Share
    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YB7ax2i73Rk?wmode=transparent&showinfo=0]
    HISD Answers Frequently Asked Questions about STAAR

     

    thehisd

    Mon, Mar 26 2012 15:26:50
     
     
  3. Share
    “
    STAAR testing was way more fun than I thought it would be!

     

    Ty SnopekTy Snopek

    Mon, Mar 26 2012 11:05:15
     
     
  4. Share
    “
    I think I’m going to like STAAR. It was pretty easy

     

    Aleaahh ;D_IbreakNeckss

    Mon, Mar 26 2012 12:23:40
     
     
  5. Share
    “
    Good luck to both my boys this week on the STAAR testing I love you both bunches, n good luck to all the other kids who are testing as well

     

    Chavella PicasoChavella Picaso

    Mon, Mar 26 2012 11:00:47
     
     
  6. Share
    Texas Education Agency – STAAR™ Resources

    STAAR logo Beginning in spring 2012, the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR™) will replace the Texas Assessment of…
    State
     
     
  7. Share
    “
    #BelieveItOrNot i like STAAR better than taks

     

    CINDOO ♥OBEY__BEE

    Mon, Mar 26 2012 16:48:32
     
     
  8. Share
    “
    RT @jewduhrob: I’m just a normal boy most days, but today I’m a STAAR.

     

    KJ Stewart KJStewy

    Mon, Mar 26 2012 12:05:22
     
     
  9. Share
    “
    STAAR is great.

     

    Max Rand.maximusrand

    Mon, Mar 26 2012 12:14:02
     
     
  10. Share
    STAAR – HISD Connect –

    What is STAAR? For years, students have been taking the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) to determine whether they have …
    Houstonisd
     
     
  11. Share
    “
    That awkward moment when someone’s phone goes off in the middle of the STAAR test and its an eminem song… #totesawk

     

    Claire StowellHeyCweezy

    Mon, Mar 26 2012 12:13:40
     
     
  12. Share
    “
    Good Luck my dear friends that have to take the STAAR TEST. I know you will do great

     

    Kelsey-Ray PassafumaKelsey-Ray Passafuma

    Mon, Mar 26 2012 09:49:55
     
     
  13. Share
    “
    Me: u ready for your writing test? Student: yes sir Mr. O’Neil, I know how to write stories. He’s ready for STAAR! #edchat

     

    TheCollinsPrincipalONeilCMSPrincip

    Mon, Mar 26 2012 12:28:45
     
     
  14. Share
    “
    Happy #STAAR testing today to all Texas 9th graders. Write like you’ve never written before! Wait, no…

     

    Hillari Hhillarih

    Mon, Mar 26 2012 12:26:27
     
     
  15. Share
    “
    Happy STAAR testing, and may the odds be ever in your favor.

     

    Christina MoenChristina Moen

    Mon, Mar 26 2012 10:00:18
     
     
  16. Share
    “
    New questions from HISD parents answered on STAAR Q&A site: hisdstaar.wordpress.com

     

    HISDSTAARHISDSTAAR

    Mon, Mar 26 2012 12:17:53
     
     
  17. Share
     
  18. Share
    “
    Shout Out!! to the DHS Freshman Campus…. in Taking the STAAR Test Today.

     

    Tselane Candi McdonaldTselane Candi Mcdonald

    Mon, Mar 26 2012 09:51:12
     
     
  19. Share
    “
    Good Luck Kids!

     

    Amber Parker-CollinsAmber Parker-Collins

    Mon, Mar 26 2012 11:36:31
     
     
  20. Share
    “
    iWonder how my little brother doing on the STAAR Test.
    This morning I told him if he didn’t know the answer to just choose C.
    #BestBigSister

     

    Hi&&Bye.✌HomeIGuess

    Mon, Mar 26 2012 12:13:57
     
     
  21. Share
    “
    Good luck today on the STAAR, Freshman.!(:
    #So happy to be a 1996 baby<3

     

    Sattyn Justice WarnkeSattyn Justice Warnke

    Mon, Mar 26 2012 10:10:45
     
     
  22. Share
    “
    Staar test was too easy!

     

    (● ω ● )caatado

    Mon, Mar 26 2012 12:23:02
     
     
  23. Share
    “
    Just finished my STAAR test , it was really easy I’m ready for the second part now!!!!!

     

    101410 thoo♡ ツ !Reree_3badd

    Mon, Mar 26 2012 12:25:35
     
     
  24. Share
    “
    First day of new TX state assessment, #STAAR . Less multiple choice, two types of essays, timed. Best of luck to all those testing!

     

    Sarah Jensenltf_sarah

    Mon, Mar 26 2012 12:18:59
     
     

“Exciting Time for HISD Students”: Magnet Letters to Arrive Starting March 26

Almost 34,000 students who applied to one of the district’s 115 magnet programs will find out during the week of March 26 whether they have been accepted to the school of their choice. Letters alerting students of their admissions status will be sent out on Friday, March 23, and students and parents can expect to receive their notification letters beginning Monday, March 26.

“This is a very exciting time for HISD students. We want to ensure they get the chance to build up the special knowledge and skills they desire, whether that be Chinese or Spanish language, math and science, dance, or even aviation skills,” said Assistant Superintendent of School Choice Lupita Hinojosa.

Students who are “accepted” must indicate that they will attend the magnet school for the 2012-2013 school year by returning the enclosed signed Student Entrance Agreement no later than April 9th.

Students who have not been immediately accepted will receive a letter stating “waitlisted,” “out of district,” or “not qualified.”

Magnet coordinators will begin making phone calls on April 9 to offer spots to waitlisted students who move up the list if the school has any students who decline to attend.

Selection for out of district students will begin June 6, after all in-district candidates have been accepted.

Students who receive a “Not Qualified” letter for a particular magnet program are invited to attend the Second Annual School Choice Fair on Saturday, April 28, at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center from 9 a.m. – noon to learn about other schools.

“The fair will feature magnet, specialty, and neighborhood schools with space available for more students. Everyone will be able to find a school of choice for the 2012-2013 school year,” said Hinojosa.

• See how many students applied to each magnet school (.pdf)

HISD seeks community input on plan to increase class time

HISD has scheduled 10 public meetings to gather community input on a plan to add 19 minutes to the average student’s school day by coordinating the bell schedule among the district’s 279 schools.

If approved, the extra 19 minutes of daily instructional time would be equal to an extra seven full days of school by the end of the school year. In addition, the plan would save HISD $1.2 million as the district seeks to address a $34 million deficit caused by the Texas Legislature’s decision last year to cut public funding.

Under this plan, every HISD school would have an instructional day that is 7 ½ hours long.  Currently, HISD schools have about 20 different start and end times.  Under the option presented, schools would operate on the following bell schedule:

  • Approximately half of all elementary schools would operate from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Approximately half of all elementary schools would operate from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • All middle schools would operate from 7:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
  • All high schools would operate from 8:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

The cost savings in this plan would come from a much more efficient school bus operation that would allow many buses to drive more routes than is currently possible.  However before a final decision is made, HISD will be gathering input at a series of community meetings held in locations throughout the district. Principals are also being asked to meet with their communities to gather additional input. 

The public meetings are scheduled for the following dates and locations:

  • April 3 (Tuesday) – 6-7 p.m.  
    • Austin HS (1700 Dumble)
    • Bellaire HS (5100 Maple Street)
    • Chavez HS (8501 Howard)
  • April 4 (Wednesday) – 6-7 p.m.  
    • Lamar  HS (3325 Westheimer)
    • Sharpstown HS (7504 Bissonnet)
    • Waltrip HS – (1900 West 34th )
  • April 9 (Monday) – Noon-1 p.m.
    • Hattie Mae Educational Support Center (4400 W. 18th Street)
  • April 10 (Tuesday) – 6-7 p.m.
    • Wheatley HS (4801 Providence)
    • Worthing HS (9215 Scott)
    • Yates HS (3703 Sampson)

HISD has created an online survey for parents, students, and community members to provide feedback for the proposal. The survey also includes an open comment section. It can be found on the website http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HISDTimeSurvey.

HISD administration plans to analyze all of this feedback before making a formal proposal for the Board of Education’s consideration by May 17.  A detailed description of the plan can be found on the district’s website www.houstonisd.org.

HISD Hosts National Education Leaders for League of Innovative Schools Gathering

The Houston Independent School District hosted some of the country’s most innovative education leaders on Monday, March 19 for the second meeting of the League of Innovative Schools.

The League is an alliance of school districts committed to working with entrepreneurs, researchers, thought leaders and leading education companies to dramatically increase student achievement.  The League was launched in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education and Digital Promise, the new national center created by Congress to advance breakthroughs in education with technology.  The purpose of this initiative is to spur innovation in education and prepare all students to thrive in a 21st century economy.

HISD is one of 35 school districts across the country chosen to join this initiative.

Monday’s meeting explored the League’s role in transforming the education technology market.  Some of the League’s key initiatives include: accelerating the innovation cycle with real-time evaluations of education technologies, scaling innovation and sharing best practices on how to effectively use technology, and improving the K-12 marketplace by informing consumers and aggregating demand.

Among the speakers were Brad Allan, program manager from Harvard Education Innovation Laboratory; Jonathan Guryan, associate professor of human development and social policy and economics at Northwestern University; and Zoran Popovic, director of the Center for Game Science.

Judge’s life, accomplishments honored at DeAnda dedication ceremony

The friends and family of Judge James DeAnda were joined by noted jurists, community members, elected officials, and HISD Superintendent Terry Grier at the official dedication of James DeAnda Elementary School. The school is one of the district’s new campuses built to LEED specifications and made possible by public support of 2007’s $805 million bond program.

Senators Rodney Ellis and Mario Gallegos presented DeAnda Principal Eduardo Sindaco with an official proclamation commemorating Judge DeAnda’s life and accomplishments.

“We ought to name schools after those whose accomplishments are on the right side of history,” Ellis said. “This school is named for Judge DeAnda because he lived a life worth emulating.”

Attendees included Board of Education Trustee Manuel Rodriguez; former Houston City Council member Felix Fraga; Michael Solar of the legal firm Solar & Associates; U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison; federal judge, Louis De Anda, brother of Judge DeAnda and Michael Olivas, law professor at the University of Houston.

“He was our Thurgood Marshall,” said Olivas, who currently sits of the board of the Mexican American Legal Defense Fund, which DeAnda founded.

Louis J. DeAnda, Judge DeAnda’s son, thanked Principal Sindaco for his dedication to the school and its students.

“When I finished my tour, one thing I noticed is that as we were leaving the school, Mr. Sindaco greeted each parent by name. It’s not just a job for him, and that let me know that this school is going places.”

Judge James DeAnda was raised in Houston and attended Sherman Elementary School. He was one of the first Mexican American attorneys to argue before the Supreme Court, and was the second Mexican American to serve as a federal judge, nominated by President Jimmy Carter in 1979, and received his commission to the bench on May 10, 1979.

Walnut Bend ES Advances to State Odyssey of the Mind Competition

Students from almost two dozen HISD schools will be competing at the state level of the Odyssey of the Mind contest on April 14—but for two groups of students from Walnut Bend Elementary School, the thrill of advancing past the regional level is particularly sweet, as 2012 marks only the first year that the Apollo 20 campus has ever participated. 

A team of fifth-graders won first place in its division for designing a vehicle with two propulsion systems that could move forward and backward and display four different emotions. 

A team of fourth-graders won first place in its division for building a balsa wood structure weighing less than the combined weight of three nickels (approximately 15 grams) that could support 345 pounds of steel. 

“This is a mathematical engineering problem that uses one of the lightest woods on the planet,” explained Walnut Bend Principal Susan Shenker, “so a structure’s strength comes from its design. The fourth-graders’ structure held more weight at the regional tournament than any other team’s present — including those from middle and high schools.” 

Both of the teams from Walnut Bend were coached by reading teacher Michele Dahlquist. 

Other schools that will advance to the state competition next month are: Burnet, Condit, Herod, Oak Forest, Parker, Poe, River Oaks, Roberts, Twain, and West University elementary schools; Grady, Lanier, Pershing, Pin Oak, and Revere middle schools; Bellaire and Carnegie Vanguard high schools; and T.H. Rogers, the Horn Academy, and Sharpstown International. 

For complete regional results, visit the Odyssey of the Mind website.