Category Archives: High Schools

Chávez High School Graduates’ Futures Go Full Throttle

Chavez HS teacher Greg Ditch (center) poses with former students and recent graduates Eric Lopez (left) and Walter Campos.

While many recent high-school graduates are planning trips to the beach, enjoying their newfound freedom, or sleeping late, members of Chávez High School’s Class of 2013 Eric Lopez and Walter Campos are going full throttle this summer—literally.

These young men were part of the Motor Sports Engineering program launched this school year by science teacher Greg Ditch, in which students turned an ordinary Pontiac GTO into a fully-fledged land speed race car that was piloted by NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Donnie Neuenberger.

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YWCPA Officially Dedicates Revitalized Campus Courtyard

Students at HISD’s Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy didn’t want much—just an outdoor space on the grounds of their 88-year-old campus to take an occasional break from their studies.

Now, they have it, thanks to an organization called The Links, Inc. and the seven Houston chapters’ joint community service project.

Representatives from that organization came to the campus on June 19 to celebrate the unveiling and official dedication of the newly renovated courtyard, which is shaded by a huge oak tree, graced with a tiled fountain, and paved with 207 bricks sold for $100 each and engraved with the names of their benefactors.

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Principals selected, changes proposed for North Forest schools

As the State of Texas moves forward with its order to close North Forest ISD and annex the area into the Houston Independent School District, HISD is making plans to change the purpose of some NFISD buildings and selecting staff for NFISD schools.

In addition, the district plans to recommend attendance zones for the North Forest area to meet the needs of transferred students, and make modest changes to HISD school attendance zones for areas adjoining the North Forest boundary later this summer. Pursuant to the order issued by Texas Education Commissioner Michael Williams, these changes will take effect on July 1, 2013.
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Students edit their future in Apple-certified lab

Students edit videos in Reagan High School's Apple-certified lab

Reagan High School’s Apple Authorized Training Center is helping students who dream of working in television and film get closer to their goals.

The school offers video editing as a track in its technology magnet program.

“We determined that Apple’s Final Cut Pro was the freshest and most popular high-end video software on the market,” said Michael Shea, a teacher in Reagan’s Digital Media Center.

The school wanted students to be able to be certified in Final Cut Pro, so it embarked on a mission to become an Apple Authorized Training Center.

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Hundreds volunteer at schools for Deloitte’s annual ‘Impact Day’

Class may be out for the summer, but three Houston ISD schools kept their doors open on Friday, June 7, 2013, as roughly 300 Deloitte employees poured in to beautify the campuses as part of the company’s annual ‘Impact Day’ service project. The Deloitte volunteers divided themselves between Wharton Elementary, Hamilton Middle, and Reagan High School and spent the day providing both aesthetic and functional improvements to the schools.

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Teachers’ pens hit paper as Summer Writing Institute begins

Instructor Edward Wilson uses a nursery rhyme to explain the basics of writing at the Summer Writing Institute. (Houston Independent School District)

Instructor Edward Wilson uses a nursery rhyme to explain the basics of writing at the Summer Writing Institute.

Even though classes for students ended last Thursday, some teachers were on the other side of the desk this week as they began work on their own lessons during Houston ISD’s Summer Writing Institute.

More than 230 educators began learning the ins-and-outs of writing, including assessment, instruction, development and theory in one of the four 12-day training sessions this summer. The Institute is the first of its kind for the district as it continues its effort to increase teacher development.

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Photos: Behind-the-scenes of an HISD graduation

Graduating seniors put on their cap and gown while friends and family held back tears before their loved ones crossed the stage and received their diploma.

We went behind-the-scenes at Delmar Field House for a bit of the action before the ceremony for the High School for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice commenced.

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HISD Superintendent Terry Grier to Address Class of 2013 at Commencement Ceremonies

Nearly 9,000 seniors to graduate at 41 HISD graduation ceremonies

Starting today nearly 9,000 seniors will graduate from HISD high schools at 41 commencement ceremonies across Houston.  On Saturday and Sunday HISD Superintendent Terry Grier will be addressing the seniors at the commencement ceremonies for Chavez, Washington and East Early College high schools.  Members of the HISD Board of Education will also be taking part in commencement ceremonies across the district.

“It is such an honor to see thousands of students walk across the stage, ready to embark on a new chapter in their lives,” Dr. Grier said.  “At HISD we work hard to ensure all students are college and career ready, so we feel confident that every senior from the Class of 2013 is on the right path to success.”

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HISD to Offer Free Summer Meals Program at more than 200 campuses

Families invited to kick-off parties on June 11 and 12

The Houston Independent School District’s free summer meal program kicks off on June 11 at more than 200 schools. Children ages 1 to 18 will be able to enjoy a healthy breakfast and lunch at no cost through mid-July.  The start of the program will be celebrated with kick-off parties at Bonham and Kashmere Gardens elementary schools.

The ‘Summer Food, Summer Fun’ kick-off parties on June 11 and 12 will include giveaways, music, games and a special visit from Ace the nutrition mascot.

Children do not have to be enrolled in summer school nor show proof of income in order to receive a free meal at the participating HISD schools.  Adults may also participate by purchasing breakfast for $2 and lunch for $3.25.

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Summer School begins Tuesday

Students who plan to take summer school for either course credit, STAAR re-testing, completing courses early or other reasons will begin taking classes very soon.

Each principal will decide their dates of summer school with most campuses expected to begin on June 11, 2013, with an end date ranging from July 3 through July 18. All schools will be closed on July 4.

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