Category Archives: High Schools

Workers install tilt-walls and steel beams at Sam Houston MSTC

Construction on the new Sam Houston Math, Science, and Technology Center is well underway and moving forward as scheduled with no significant impact to the timeline resulting from Hurricane Harvey.

Since breaking ground last spring, workers have completed underground mechanical, electrical and plumbing installation, along with most of the foundation work. Tilt walls are currently being raised, and are more than halfway complete.

“The project has been running very smooth so far,” said Skanska Project Manager Scott Conley, who oversees the Houston MSTC construction for the Houston Independent School District. “We’re on track with the schedule and pleased with the progress.” Continue reading →

YWCPA construction surpasses midway point

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When Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy students returned for the 2017-2018 school year, they came back to a new building addition complete with gym, locker rooms, and science and career technology labs.

The work is part of a $31.1 million project, which calls for general renovations to the campus, as well as a partial replacement of the building. Once complete, the school — part of HISD’s voter-approved 2012 Bond Program — will accommodate between 900 and 1,000 students.

“The renovations and new addition are wonderful,” said Interim Principal Tiffany Bob, who also serves as high school dean. “I can’t wait until the other phases are done. I’m looking forward to the final product.”

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North Forest HS construction approaches completion

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With construction almost complete, the North Forest High School Bulldogs are on track to kick off the 2018 spring semester in their new building.

Both doors and kitchen equipment have arrived for installation, and marker boards are scheduled to be delivered in the coming weeks, project officials said. Carpet and ceiling tile installation also is underway.

The $59.5 million campus, which is being built on the east side of Mesa Road across from the existing school, will accommodate 1,300 to 1,500 students.

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Scarborough HS construction more than halfway complete

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Construction at Scarborough High School is over halfway complete with renovations to classroom spaces and common areas finished in time for students to enjoy on the first day of school on Sept. 11.

The remaining portion of the project — a 13,000-square-foot JROTC and fine arts building addition — is nearly complete with roofing underway and brick installation set to begin in the coming weeks.

“Although our construction timeline is slightly delayed, the crew has us back on track,” Scarborough Principal Rod Treviño said, referring to initial delays in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. “Our classrooms and hallways look great, and students are excited about the look of their new 21st century building.”

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Workers prepare foundation for new Lamar HS

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Though there’s not much to see above ground, construction at Lamar High School is well underway, as crews are drilling piers and preparing to lay the foundation for the campus’ new addition.

As part of that foundation work, crews soon will begin installing grade beams and pouring the concrete slab. Once the groundwork and foundation are complete, installation of steel columns and beams will follow, taking the project vertical by year’s end.

“Once this project gets out of the ground, it will be easy to see progress almost every day,” said Heery International Project Manager Marvin Stone, who oversees the Lamar construction for the Houston Independent School District. “Stay tuned. This will be a fun project to watch.”

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Construction on new Bellaire HS to start next summer 

The Bellaire City Council has approved an updated site plan and traffic study for the new Bellaire High School and granted a permit for the property, meaning construction on the facility could begin as early as next summer.

The  approval of the specific-use permit by the city effectively clears the last hurdle in the design process for the new high school, being rebuilt under HISD’s voter-approved 2012 Bond Program.

“After all the work we’ve put into this project to build consensus amongst all of our stakeholders, we are thrilled to finally get the green light from the City of Bellaire and begin moving forward,” Bellaire Principal Michael McDonough said. “This is a huge step forward for our students, our school, and our community.”

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High schools celebrate arrival of Literacy Empowered resources  

All campuses receiving classroom libraries and other materials to support high school expansion of literacy initiative

Schools across HISD are celebrating the arrival of nearly 300,000 new books and other reading materials as part of the launch of Literacy Empowered, the high school expansion of the district’s comprehensive literacy initiative.

As part of Literacy Empowered, all high school English language arts and social studies teachers are receiving classroom libraries and each high school campus is receiving grade-level book club libraries (9-12) across an enormous variety of text types, themes, genres, and reading levels.

On Friday, Sept. 22, members of the Raider cheerleading squad and school ambassador program helped their teachers unpack the Literacy Empowered resources at Sterling High School. Principal Justin Fuentes thanked his students and staff and also thanked the district for the centralized support, resources, and tools to grow secondary students on his campus as readers, writers, listeners, speakers, and thinkers.  Continue reading →

Condit ES selected as finalist for Texas school architecture competition

Designs for three additional bond schools honored with ‘Stars of Distinction’

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Constructed as part of HISD’s 2012 Bond Program, Condit Elementary School has been selected as one of five finalists vying for the highest honor offered by the 2017-18 Exhibit of School Architecture Competition.

Three additional bond campuses — Atherton Elementary School, Mandarin Immersion Magnet School, and Sterling Aviation High School — received Stars of Distinction.

The annual school architecture competition showcases new and renovated Texas schools and recognizes excellence in their planning and design. It is sponsored by the Texas Association of School Administrators and the Texas Association of School Boards.

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DeBakey HSHP welcomes back students for the first day of school

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Reaching five-stories high, the stairwells at DeBakey High School for Health Professions were filled with students making their way to their classrooms on Monday morning for the first day of school.

DeBakey Principal Agnes Perry said she had been looking forward to having her students back, and both her parents and students also seemed excited about the day.

“I’ve been waiting for this day to happen,” Perry said. “Our teachers are ready.”

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Milby HS students walk new hallways for the first time

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Footsteps echoed throughout the hallways of the new Milby High School as students flowed into the building on Monday for the first day of the 2017-2018 school year.

Principal Roy de la Garza said he and his staff were excited to spend the first day in the school after so much time away. For the past three years, Milby High School students and staff have been temporarily located at the old Jones campus to allow for construction of their new school, which was part of the 2012 Bond.

“It’s so much nicer to be back in the neighborhood,” de la Garza said, admitting that he was overcome with emotion after walking the building on the first day and seeing his students in their new classrooms for the first time. “It’s so good to have them here.”

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