Category Archives: Parents

Open House to Showcase HISD’s Portfolio of School Choices

Options include magnet programs, Montessori, early colleges and Futures academies

The Houston Independent School District provides families with a vast portfolio of educational programs, and parents and students will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from many of them this weekend.

Representatives from more than 100 schools will be on hand during the HISD School Choice Open House on Saturday, Nov. 2, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Northwest Mall, 9500 Hempstead Highway.

“Our goal is to ensure parents can select the right school to adequately meet their child’s unique needs and talents,” said HISD Assistant Superintendent for School Choice Dave Wheat. “We are committed to providing all students a high-quality education that prepares them to be college-ready, regardless of which program they choose.”

Representatives from HISD’s Magnet programs, Vanguard Magnet programs, Montessori, early colleges, Futures academies and charter schools will be ready to assist parents in making the best school choice for their children. Parents will also have the opportunity to learn more about the online option to submit their applications. Applications for Magnet programs will be accepted from Nov. 4 to Dec. 20, 2013, for guaranteed consideration in the first round.

“At this event, parents will find all the resources and assistance they need to explore their options for the next school year,” Wheat said. “The representatives will be there to assist them with every step of the application.”

HISD’s school choice options are available to all children, including those who live outside HISD.

For more information about the HISD School Choice Open House, contact the Office of School Choice at 713-556-6947.

Local Computer Recycling Programs to Provide 165 Free, Refurbished Computers for HISD Students

Over the next week, 165 HISD students from two different schools will take home a free, refurbished computer thanks to two local computer recycling programs.

The computers will be given to students at Sugar Grove Academy and Berry Elementary School. They are being provided by Comp-U-Dopt and TechnoCycle.

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School Choice Fairs Scheduled Across Houston

The Houston Independent School District is hosting several school choice fairs across the district to inform parents of the different educational choices available to their children as they transition into middle and high school.

“HISD offers excellent opportunities to meet your child’s needs, challenge their thinking, and develop their skills,” said Dave Wheat, HISD assistant superintendent for school choice.  “But most importantly, we prepare them for success in college and their careers.”

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HISD Introduces New Online Magnet Application Option to Parents

Six parent orientation sessions scheduled to familiarize parents with school choice options and new online system

The Houston Independent School Districts is launching a new online application system for parents and students wanting to attend any of the district’s 115 magnet programs. While paper applications will still be accepted, HISD is hosting a series of orientation sessions to familiarize parents with the new online option and outline the multitude of school choices available.  The first session will be on Tuesday, September 17 at 6 p.m. at Burbank Middle School, 315 Berry.

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Children First Academy charter school students invited to enroll in HISD

The Houston Independent School District is inviting students from the Children First Academy, a charter school closed this week by the Texas Education Agency, to enroll in HISD.

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Parent Student Connect Gives Parents Access to Child’s Grades, Attendance, and More

If you have ever wondered how your child is doing in school, you need to know about Parent Student Connect. Also known as PS Connect or GradeSpeed, it is an essential tool for every HISD parent or guardian. PS Connect gives you instant access to your child’s grades, assignments, progress reports, report cards, class attendance, tardies, and class schedule. To stay on top of students’ performance, you can register for alerts via text or email to be sent when a grade falls below a certain average, assignments are missing, or they are absent or late to class. Students can also access PS Connect to check on their grades and upcoming assignments.

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5 Ways to Help Your Child Succeed This School Year

Students across Houston are headed back to the classroom this week, and there’s no better time than the start of a new school year to set positive routines to help your children succeed. We know that HISD parents will do whatever it takes to support their child in and outside of the classroom, so here are a few simple yet effective ways to make sure your child has a great year.

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Families Required 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

Families must complete an application for their children to qualify for free-and reduced-price meals and ensure their children start the school year with access to healthy meals.

Families can fill out their application at any HISD campus, at the HISD Food Services Support Facility (6801 Bennington Street), or online at www.mealapps.houstonisd.org.

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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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