Category Archives: Special events

Black History Month events scheduled around the city 

Black History Month is a time to celebrate the richness of African-American culture and recognize the central role of African Americans in U.S. history, as well as the numerous contributions African-Americans have made to society. HISD’s 2018 theme, “African Americans in Times of War,” commemorates the 100-year anniversary of the end of World War I and recognizes the participation of African Americans in all U.S. wars.

Below are some ways to celebrate Black History Month in Houston. Continue reading →

12 HISD students to compete during MLK Jr. Oratory Competition finals on Jan. 12 

Twelve HISD students will continue the tradition of honoring the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. when they compete Friday in the final round of the Gardere MLK Jr. Oratory Competition.

For more than 20 years, fourth- and fifth-graders from two dozen HISD schools have competed in the annual contest, which challenges students to write and present a short original speech on a subject related to the slain civil rights leader. The topic this year is, “What is your dream for today’s world?”

Watch livestream of competition at Facebook.com/HoustonISD or follow along on Twitter at Twitter.com/HoustonISD

Students are judged on delivery, stage presence and decorum, content interpretation, and memorization at all three levels (school, preliminaries, and finals) of the competition. The first-place prize is $1,000; the second-place prize is $500; and the third-place prize is $300. Other finalists will receive a $100 award.. 

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Organization provides East End students with 2,500 pairs of shoes for holidays

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Students in Houston’s East End gathered at Austin High School on Thursday to receive new shoes in time for the holidays, thanks to the Navigation Area Business Association’s annual Shoes for Kids donation.

For the 30th year, NABA donated more than 2,500 pairs of shoes to students from 10 HISD elementary schools: Burnet, Carillo, DeZavala, Franklin, Gallegos, J.R. Harris, J.P. Henderson, Lantrip, Page, and Tijerina. Continue reading →

HISD students get $100 gift cards for shopping spree with police officers, pro athletes

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Houston Independent School District students and police officers experienced the joy and excitement of Christmas a few days early thanks to the Shop with a Cop, Shop with a Jock community event.

With $100 gift cards in their hands and accompanied by one police officer and one professional athlete, 100 students had 10 minutes to shop for whatever they wanted in the Target at 8500 Main St.

When the horn sounded, students took off, making a mad dash to the toy section to grab what they could in the allotted time. It didn’t take long for them to find exactly what they wanted. Continue reading →

Pop Up Shop for Harvey-impacted families canceled; will be rescheduled after holidays

Sunday’s Pop Up Shop for families impacted by Hurricane Harvey has been canceled.

The Pop Up Shop was previously scheduled to take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 17, at Butler Stadium. An alternative time and date  for the Pop Up Shop is pending for after the holidays, and HISD will broadcast that information as soon as it becomes available.

 

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Carranza to be part of NAACP Houston’s ‘Let’s Talk Education’ conversation 

Four Houston area school superintendents, including HISD’s Richard Carranza, will be part of NAACP Houston Branch’s quarterly conversation on Dec. 7 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Carl Walker Jr. Multipurpose Center (4300 Noble St., 77020).

Attendees should RSVP by Dec. 6 here.

Admission is $25 for general seating, $35 for reserved seats (available through Dec. 1), and $35 at the door.

The other superintendents attending are H.D. Chambers, Alief ISD; Charles Dupre, Fort Bend ISD; and Angi Williams, Galena Park ISD. Co-Moderators are Dr. Roderick Paige, former U.S. secretary of education, and Dr. Jasmine Jenkins, executive director of Houstonians for Greater Public Schools.

For questions, email QCS@naacphouston.org or call 713-526-3389.

Special Olympics Field Days kick off; volunteers still needed 

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HISD kicked off its fifth annual Special Olympics Field Days on Tuesday at Joe Kelly Butler Fieldhouse, held in partnership with Special Olympics Texas.

The three-day event gives students with intellectual and developmental disabilities a chance to showcase their athletic skills by taking part in fun athletic contests. The friendly competition includes basketball, tennis, soccer, and track and field for all ages, as well as flag football for high-schoolers.

Elementary students got their Special Olympics Field Day on Tuesday. Middle-school students will have their events on Wednesday, while high school students will participate on Thursday. Opening ceremonies begin daily at 9 a.m. with the Parade of Athletes, Torch Pass, and the Declaration of Games Open.

Volunteers are still needed over the next two days to help with setup and breakdown, athletic events, escorting students around the facility, serving lunches, and other tasks. Volunteers will be provided with on-site instruction and modeling for their specific assignment so they are prepared to work with the students, who range from elementary to high school age.

To register to volunteer for the one or more of the events, click here.

HISD to unveil 2017 holiday greeting cards designed by students

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The Houston Independent School District on Monday will unveil its 2017 holiday greeting card collection designed by students as part of the district’s annual holiday card competition.

This year, 60 students from elementary, middle, and high schools are finalists. The winning cards will be announced by HISD Superintendent Richard Carranza, who will select a winner from each school level.

The winning students will be present for the unveiling. All of the finalists’ holiday cards will be on display and available for purchase at HoustonISD.org/HolidayCards.

HISD College & Career Ready Day to be held at Austin HS 

Students in grades 6-12 and their parents are invited to the HISD College & Career Ready Day on Saturday, Nov. 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Austin High School.

During this high-impact event, parents and students will explore different career opportunities in the greater Houston region, learn about HISD programs and resources, and connect with higher education and industry representatives.

Two lucky students will win a $500 scholarship for college. Transportation from other campuses to Austin High School will be provided, as well as breakfast for all participating parents and students.

Six informative college and career sessions will be led by Teach for America alumni and HISD staff. Participants can attend up to three of their choice, including:  Continue reading →