Category Archives: High Schools

Reagan student mentors host field trip for Helms fourth-graders

Two dozen fourth-grade students from Helms Elementary School recently got a taste of high school when they visited Reagan High School as part of collaboration with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston.

Reagan students have been mentoring the Helms students this year. The Helms students were greeted with a big banner when they arrived at Reagan.

The students broke up into groups and participated in a scavenger hunt around the school. The Helms students also learned all about the career pathways offered at Reagan.

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2,000+ students participate in Special Olympics field days

More than 2,000 Houston ISD students from more than 120 schools participated last week in the second annual field days hosted by the district and Special Olympics Texas.

The events were for students who have intellectual disabilities.

“It’s so important because it gives our children the opportunity to participate just as regular athletes do,” teacher Lynn Mayer said.

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Waltrip HS band gets effusive shout out from Georgia State band director

(Houston Independent School District)It’s not every day that a judge at a music competition reaches out to a high school principal to offer praise for his or her students’ performance, but that’s exactly what happened to Andria Schur after a group of her students from Waltrip High School returned from the Dixie Classic Festival held last month in Atlanta.

Schur received a highly complimentary email from Robert Ambrose, the director of bands at Georgia State University, after he served as an adjudicator and clinician for the Waltrip High School Concert Band.

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HISD announces 2014 Teachers of the Year at Celebration of Excellence

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HISD held its third annual Celebration of Excellence at the Hilton Americas Hotel on May 1, 2014, to honor the many dedicated professionals who contribute to the success of Houston’s students on a daily basis.

Among those recognized at the event were the district’s Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year, who were revealed for the first time that evening.

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HISD Names Chief High School Officer

Shonda Huery Hardman

Shonda Huery Hardman is no stranger to HISD schools. The High School for the Performing and Visual Arts graduate will bring her more than 20 years of experience and knowledge of administration to the role of Chief High School Officer. Huery Hardman, who recently served as assistant superintendent of HISD’s Futures Academy, will oversee 47 campuses with a combined enrollment of about 51,000 students.

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EMERGE students help Eastwood Academy classmates excel

Last year, a pair of juniors in the EMERGE program at Eastwood Academy had a thought: EMERGE prepares high-performing students from underserved communities to successfully attend and graduate from Ivy League and other top-tier colleges. Maybe EMERGE students could volunteer to help other students study? And with that spark of inspiration, Students With Academic Grit – or SWAG – was born.

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HISD recognizes six top JROTC cadets in HISD Class of 2014

Houston ISD’s JROTC program formally honored its top six cadets from the class of 2014 during the annual HISD JROTC Final Review and Awards Ceremony on April 26.

The students were chosen from the ranks of all seniors in HISD’s 26 JROTC programs and all were promoted to cadet colonel (Army JROTC) or cadet captain (Navy JROTC), which is the highest ranking attainable in the JROTC program.

The selection board members for this year’s competition consisted of cadets from Texas A&M University. Cadets received points based upon their scholastic standing, demonstrated leadership skills, and participation in extracurricular activities. At the competition, cadets were awarded points for their proficiency on a JROTC curricular-based skills test, an oral presentation, a personal evaluation consisting of military courtesy, knowledge of current events, appearance, knowledge of geography, and an evaluation of first-aid techniques such as lifesaving, bandaging, and transporting sick and wounded victims.

The top six graduating seniors from the class of 2014 are:

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Next year’s seniors can get help getting college-ready

Juniors who have been identified as needing a boost toward college readiness are being offered the chance to sign up for preparatory classes in mathematics and English language arts in their senior year.

The courses are being developed through a partnership between HISD and the Houston Community College System as part of recent state legislation, known as House Bill 5.

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HISD Schools Earn Spots on U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools Rankings

HISD Schools Earn Spots on U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools Rankings

Several HISD high schools are  featured in the 2014 U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings, with one breaking the into the top 25. The list ranks 4,707 highest-scoring schools across the country and includes an overall national list as well as rankings by state. U.S. News & World Report also ranked the Best Magnet Schools and Best STEM Schools. Continue reading →