Category Archives: North Forest

Texas commissioner of education praises North Forest schools in HISD

In December, Texas Commissioner of Education Michael Williams visited schools in the former North Forest school district, which was annexed into HISD in July 2013. The decision to make the schools part of HISD was his, and as he states in a Houston Chronicle opinion piece, he hoped for a “wholesale transformation.” The visit confirmed that his hope is being realized.

“The North Forest High School campus looked remarkable,” Williams wrote. “As I walked through the halls and peered into math classes, tutoring sessions and graduation labs, I found students and teachers actively engaged in learning.” Continue reading →

New Instructional Spaces Will Benefit Students at SECHS and Waltrip

Parents and community members at South Early College High School and Waltrip High School got the opportunity to weigh in Thursday on designs ideas for the two schools, which are set for construction under the 2012 bond program.

Site work is already underway for the new South Early College High School, which is being built on the campus of Houston Community College – South, at 1990 Airport Blvd. Waltrip High, located in Oak Forest off 34th Street, is scheduled to be partially replaced and renovated.

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North Forest High School Students Celebrate New Cafeteria Offerings and Improvements

HISD Food Services will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday

After giving the cafeteria dining area and kitchen a complete makeover, students at North Forest High School will get to enjoy four new build-your-own dining stations and celebrate their cafeteria’s new look during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, August 30at 10 a.m. at 10725 Mesa Drive.

“The new build-your-own dining stations increase our variety of offerings to students and encourage them to be creative while eating healthy versions of their favorite meals,” HISD Food Services Senior Administrator Brian Giles said.  “Each station offers fresh vegetables, lean and low-fat proteins and whole grain bread options.”

Earlier this summer, North Forest High School students participated in focus groups and provided feedback on the type of school lunch experience they would like to have.  Their feedback helped HISD Food Services develop lunch experiences to meet their campus’ needs.

North Forest High School students can now order their lunch from the following dining brands:

  • Green Street Deli™ – made–to-order subs, wraps and hot panini sandwiches from fresh ingredients
  • Tortilla Fresh-Mex™ – build-your-own chicken or beef burritos, quesadillas and taco salad bowls with an offering of fresh-made salsas, Spanish brown rice and charro beans
  • Custom Bros. Grill™ – build-your-own burgers, grilled chicken and other grilled items topped with a wide selection of fresh vegetables and special sauces
  • Home Zone™ – a healthy twist on classic comfort foods and home-style cuisine.

“The revamped cafeteria allows students to enjoy their favorite foods created their own way, while refueling physically and emotionally to meet the challenges of the day,” said North Forest Principal Pamela Farinas.  “I am pleased with the work of HISD Food Services to improve the kitchen conditions, eating environment and food for the students at North Forest High School.”

Eighty-seven new dining brand stations have been implemented in high schools throughout the district since last fall, providing flavor and variety to more than 30,000 students.

North Forest HS Students Excited About Expanded Food Choices

When the first lunch bell rang at North Forest High School, hungry students filled the cafeteria and noticed that the walls were a little brighter and there were more food choices than last year. For the first few minutes, students walked around trying to figure out what to order.

Over the summer, HISD Food Services completely overhauled the cafeteria and menu offerings in the former North Forest ISD school. “I like how the lines are set-up with different things to choose from,” said senior Chanzce Jones. “The food tastes better than last year, and I’m glad to hear it will be different every day.” Students who were accustomed to seeing the same items daily can now choose from four dining choices developed by HISD Food Services/ARAMARK Education.

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Houston News Media Report Positive Feedback from HISD Parents, Students, Staff, and Community

The Houston Independent School District’s handling of the annexation of North Forest community schools earned accolades on Monday’s first day of school, according to news reports. HISD’s newest magnet schools and neighborhood elementary schools also created positive buzz.

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New School Year Brings Excitement, Opportunities for HISD Students

[vimeo https://vimeo.com/73169755/ w=320&h=205]

Monday marked the first day of the new school year for the Houston Independent School District, and everyone—from parents to the superintendent—expressed excitement about what that would mean for students.

Superintendent Terry Grier visited several campuses to welcome students and teachers back to class, including Baylor College of Medicine Academy at Ryan and Thurgood Marshall Elementary School.

Baylor is one of two new secondary campuses opening this fall to offer students a highly specialized curriculum. (See related article on the other one, Energy Institute High School.)

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HISD Conducting Tele-Town Halls for North Forest Parents

Parents of Houston Independent School District students in the North Forest community are invited to participate in a tele-town hall meeting Thursday night.

This is HISD’s second tele-town hall meeting to provide North Forest parents an opportunity to ask questions of top HISD officials before the first day of school on Aug. 26.

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North Forest Families Urged to Complete Application for HISD’s Free and Reduced Price Meals Program

Application available online and at all HISD campuses for 2013-2014 academic year

The Houston Independent School District urges all North Forest families to complete an application with HISD’s Food Services Department as soon as possible in order for their children to qualify for free or reduced price meals during the 2013-2014 school year.

“Many of our families may not realize they need to apply each year for meal benefits,” HISD Food Services Senior Manager Brian Giles said. “It‘s important that they submit the application in order to qualify so their children can start the first day of school with healthy meals.”

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