Category Archives: High Schools

‘First Generation’ documentary inspires students to see college as a possibility

The national “Go College!” tour made stops at Worthing, Sharpstown International, Sharpstown, and Sam Houston high schools this week to show students that they can go to college regardless of the challenges they may face at home. The tour features a screening of the documentary film, First Generation, which tells the story of four high school students who aspire to break their family’s cycle of poverty by pursuing a college education.

“College is so different from high school,” said Dontay Gray, a cast member in the film who spoke to students briefly after the screening at Sharpstown on Tuesday. “And as a first generation college student, I was really on my own. I had to find people who were like-minded and had similar goals to mine, so that I could stay focused.”
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Contractors, HISD Supplier Diversity department host networking event for Davis HS project

H.J. Russell & Co. representatives meet with subcontractors to discuss opportunities on the rebuilding of Davis High School.

HISD’s Business Assistance – Supplier Diversity Department, along with representatives from H.J. Russell & Global Momentum, hosted a meet and greet recently at the Hattie Mae White building to give contractor attendees the opportunity to network and discuss requirements for the upcoming bond construction project at Davis High School.

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HISD enrollment reaches 215K, highest level in four decades

The first of four official state counts of enrollment in Houston ISD showed Friday that membership now surpasses 215,000 students — the highest figure since 1973.

The district’s membership tally on the 51st day of school was 215,225, up from 211,406 over the same day in 2013, 3,819 students more. It is the figure that will go into state records as HISD’s fall Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) count.

“The steady upswing in student performance, our great neighborhood schools, and HISD’s reputation for a school option for every interest and goal are undoubtedly helping to draw families to our schools,” said Superintendent Terry Grier. Continue reading →

HISD statement related to incident near James Madison High School

HISD Police, with help from the Houston Police Department, are investigating an incident that occurred near the James Madison High School campus. At approximately 1 p.m., a student was stabbed during an altercation that took place near campus. The student then returned to campus for help, and staff immediately notified authorities. The student since has been transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Please know we take these situations very seriously, as the safety of our students is always our top priority. HISD notified parents of the incident, and classes continued as normal. All after-school activities have been canceled as a precautionary measure. A gradual student dismissal began at 3:45 p.m.

Video details how designs are coming along for a new HSLECJ

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A new video released by HISD gives an inside look into the design process for the new High School for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice. As part of the district’s 2012 bond program, $40 million has been budgeted to build a new 21st century facility for the school.

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FRAC grant to bring First Class Breakfast to more high school students

Students at eight HISD high schools will now receive their first meal of the day right in their classrooms, thanks to a $64,000 grant from the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), funded by Kellogg’s corporate citizenship fund.

The money will be used to purchase equipment, food, labor, and marketing materials to implement the First Class Breakfast program at Kashmere, Lee, Madison, Milby, Sam Houston, Sterling, Washington, and Wheatley high schools. Continue reading →

DeBakey HS community hears final design, construction plans

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Students and staff at DeBakey High School for Health Professions will soon have a new facility in the heart of the Texas Medical Center that will allow easier access to some of the best facilities in the world.

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Don’t overlook your neighborhood campuses when shopping for a school

Crockett ES is not a magnet school for fine arts, but its program is top-notch due in part to art teachers like Geetha Thomas, pictured here with some of her students. Parents are encouraged to check out the offerings at their neighborhood schools first, before shopping for alternatives.

It’s fall in Houston, and that means many HISD parents are already thinking about which campuses to send their children to for the 2015–2016 school year.

But while the attraction of the district’s many magnet programs is undeniable, parents are encouraged to take a closer look at the “zoned” schools located in their neighborhoods, as sometimes a hidden gem can be right around the corner.
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What’s afoot? Rival HISD HS bands are playing the same tune for special appearance

The Austin High School Sonic Boom and Milby High School Marching Thunder will join the University of Houston Spirit of Houston Cougar Marching Band to kick off the East End Street Fest from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, October 25 along Navigation Blvd.

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The bands practiced this week for Afoot! A Marching Band Extravaganza, a choreographed, artistic performance. The experience, while fun for the dedicated musicians, also builds character and a solid work ethic, emphasizes teamwork, and helps prepare them for life. Continue reading →

Strengthening ‘academics first’ at Yates before construction begins at school

Close to 40 Yates High School parents, alumni, educators, and students attended a special community meeting Thursday to discuss strengthening academic programs at the school before construction begins on a new facility for Yates.

Yates is one of 40 schools HISD will rebuild or renovate under the district’s 2012 $1.89 billion bond program. Construction on Yates is scheduled to begin mid- to late 2015.

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At the meeting, attendees shared ideas and voiced concerns on what academic programs to expand on or include in the new building, including offering more advanced courses for students.

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