The Houston Independent School District Board of Education on Thursday is expected to consider a resolution that would begin the process of renaming three additional schools so they better represent the district’s values and diversity.
The resolution would affect Albert Sidney Johnston and Sidney Lanier middle schools, and Jefferson Davis High School. Continue reading
On Feb. 8, 1926, Jack Yates High School opened its doors as the second campus for children of color in the city of Houston. Ninety years later, Mayor Sylvester Turner issued a proclamation announcing Feb. 9, 2016, as “Jack Yates Senior High School Day.”
Since its opening, the school has been a launching pad for world-renowned artists, athletes, politicians, and other figures. The school was named after a formerly enslaved reverend, who became an influential leader in Houston’s Fourth Ward.
99-year-old Maxine Williams, Yates alumna
“A lot of good things came out of Yates,” said Carolyn Simples, president of the Fabulous Fifties Yates alumni group, whose crimson and gold attire brought a celebratory mood at City Hall. “And [they] are still coming out of Yates.”
One such product, 99-year-old alumna Maxine Williams, was present for the event. So, too, were 50 current Yates government students, hoping to witness the ceremony. They had the opportunity — through Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and the help of Yates alumni and city attorney Arva Howard — to see the proclamation process from beginning to end.
“To get our kids involved and understand how government works, and get them involved in the process…for me, personally, it’s kind of a highlight of the year,” said Yates Principal Kenneth Davis. “Having a historically black school that receives a proclamation — this is something they’ll always have and remember in the future. It’s part of their history as well.”
To see a sampling of Yates’ distinguished alumni, please visit the district’s Alumni channel.
HISD students and parents from 20 high schools across the district gathered at NRG Arena on Tuesday morning for the NACAC Houston National College Fair, where admissions representatives from nearly 240 colleges and universities were on hand.
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“There are a lot of colleges right now that I’m interested in, and it’s good to see all of the colleges out in one place,” said Energy Institute High School student Jacob Guerrero.
The fair, which is organized by the National Association for College Admission Counseling, provides information about national and international schools, public and private universities, two-year and four-year programs, admissions requirements, and financial aid. More than 6,000 students from the Houston area were able to receive information on financial aid, scholarships, virtual campus tours, and advice on writing college essays.
“I really liked the fair, and I think it’s diverse,” said Ebony Edwards, an 11th-grade student at Yates High School. “It’s a good atmosphere for students to come around and see different colleges to see what each offers.”
Students will have three more opportunities to attend college fairs before the end of the month: the Houston Hispanic Forum’s College & Career Day (Feb. 13), the National Hispanic College Fair (Feb. 15), and the Black College Expo (Feb. 27). For details, please see this related article.
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Students from Milby High School’s welding program now have access to a state-of-the-art virtual-reality arc-welding training simulator. The computer-based training system is an educational tool designed to supplement traditional welding training. The VRTEX® 360 allows students to practice their welding techniques in a simulated environment that is just like being on the job. The machine is suitable for students studying everything from basic to advanced welding.
Houston Independent School District students will have the opportunity to attend several upcoming college readiness fairs being held across the city. The events are supported by HISD’s College Readiness department, which is committed to providing higher education access to all HISD students. All events are free for HISD students. Students should check with their college access coordinator to see if school-based transportation is available. Continue reading
The Houston Independent School District Board of Education soon will begin gathering community feedback on the candidate profile for the next superintendent, and could have a replacement named as early as May.
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As a part of National Signing Day, more than 100 HISD students gathered at the Pavilion on the Forest Brook Middle School campus on Feb. 3 to formally announce their intent to play sports for particular colleges or universities this fall. The annual ceremony marks the culmination of years of hard work — both in the classroom and out on the field — and many of the talented athletes present were savoring their moment in the spotlight.
“I have never been to anything like this before,” said Reagan High School soccer player Stephanie Sanchez, who is going to Alcorn State University in Loman, Mississippi. “I am just soaking it all in.”
More than 100 of HISD’s top performing student athletes committed to taking their academic and athletic talent to the college level on Wednesday as part of National Signing Day.
The HISD ceremony recognized the students’ formal commitment to continue their education and sports careers at colleges and universities around the country. During the event, students signed symbolic certificates of intent to continue their careers in baseball, basketball, football, lacrosse, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball, water polo, and wrestling. Continue reading
Six high school campuses in HISD were honored recently for their athletes’ consistent demonstration of good sportsmanship during competitions. Austin, Kashmere, Lee, North Forest, Waltrip, and Westbury high schools were all named finalists for the Touchdown Club Houston’s annual Sportsmanship Awards.
“The annual gala rewards high schools for doing things the right way,” said HISD Senior Athletics Program Administrator André Walker. “Squads are judged based on their actions on the field, the actions of the support personnel in the stands, the number of personal fouls and unsportsmanlike fouls, and respect for the American flag.”
The schools were formally recognized during the Touchdown Club’s 11th annual luncheon held on Jan. 28.
Two dozen HISD students have earned a spot on a Texas Music Educators Association All-State Ensemble this year.
Flutist Jiayuan Han (Lamar HS) and French horn player Eduardo Sierra (pictured, Waltrip HS), as well as seven students from Bellaire High School and 15 from the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA), will perform in various groups during the TMEA’s annual convention in February.
All-State is the highest honor a Texas music student can receive. More than 1,600 students were selected this year through a process that began with more than 64,000 from around the state vying for the honor to perform in one of 15 ensembles (bands, orchestras, and choirs).