Category Archives: Magnet/School Choice

HISD students get wild with visit from Houston Zoo ambassador animals

Fonville Middle School is an HISD magnet campus that houses the Academy for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) Professionals. Under the direction of Magnet Coordinator Nishtha Pant, Fonville’s three-year-old magnet program gives STEM scholars access to classes developed to foster creative thinking in scientific fields.

Fonville’s STEM curriculum begins with Introduction to STEM in the sixth grade and branches out into three learning pathways: Engineering, Information Technology, and Computer Science. To supplement these programs of study, Fonville works with community organizations to introduce further STEM concepts. One of these organizations is the Houston Zoo, who visited Fonville on Friday, Nov. 3, with three animal ambassadors in tow.

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National STEM Day: Project-based learning at HISD’s Energy Institute

Nov. 8 is National STEM Day, but at Energy Institute High School, every day is about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The STEM-focused magnet follows an interdisciplinary instruction model that blends science, math, and language arts into project-based learning. This year, students are learning about ancient architecture and civilizations in English and history and using that as inspiration to create their own modern “world wonders” that exemplify Houston culture.

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Hartsfield ES students embark on underwater drone project

On the journey to Destination 2035, HISD educators are looking for ways to incorporate innovative lessons in technology-focused core competencies. At Hartsfield Elementary School, students are learning with underwater drones.

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HISD elementary school opened before the Great Depression celebrates its 95th birthday

Brett Gallini is a self-proclaimed history buff, so it should come as no surprise that he was excited to take up the mantle of principal at River Oaks Elementary (ROE). This year, the school celebrates its 95th birthday and just under a century of growth and progressive learning.

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HISD elementary school offers hands-on animal and environmental experiences year-round

Hartsfield Elementary School looks like an average campus from the outside. Inside the school’s front doors, even a keen observer might not immediately notice one of the elements that makes Hartsfield unique, even though it – or they – are just a few feet away, lining the hallways to the left and right: snakes, lizards, a tarantula, even an alligator, all call Hartsfield, HISD’s only Animal and Environmental Science magnet elementary school, home.

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HISD magnet programs provide an individualized education for a unique student body

With more than 186,000 students of different interests and talents, HISD offers 128 unique magnet programs at schools throughout the district. From STEM, medicine, and biotechnology to law and performing and visual arts, and the programs are designed with accessibility, equity, and individual student growth in mind.

“HISD magnet programs serve as a bridge for our scholars and families to access unique opportunities, transformative experiences, and exposure to innovative careers,” said School Choice Manager Alyssa Banks, who is herself a product of a magnet program. “The assortment of magnet themes and options are a testament to our philosophy in HISD, that our students can be anything they set their mind to, and we as educators are here to help them get there.”

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Teen journalists discover “More to the Story” covering news in their school and community

Attucks Middle School prides itself on wearing many hats in order to consistently create opportunities for students to engage with and experience the community around them. In doing so, Attucks has made itself a home for a variety of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) magnet programs including a gardening club, an award-winning robotics program, and a culinary club via the Attucks STEAM Academy.

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Enroll today: HISD offers a variety of pre-K options for Houston families

There’s no better time for a child to begin their educational journey than pre-K, and in HISD, our youngest learners dream big!

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National School Choice Week: Phase I application deadline Feb. 2

National School Choice Week (NSCW) 2023 runs Jan. 22-28 and aims to inform, inspire, and empower parents and caregivers to discover education options available for their children. Houston Independent School District has a variety of options across 274 campuses, including magnet and vanguard programs, career and technical education, early college, dual language, international baccalaureate schools, fine arts, and options for early childhood education and pre-K.

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HISD hosting enrollment events for pre-K parents

HISD is offering one-on-one support for parents and caregivers seeking assistance with enrolling their child in pre-K for the 2023-2024 school year.

Elementary schools that offer pre-k programs and Early Childhood Centers will participate in a pre-K fair on Wednesday, Feb. 1, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.

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