Category Archives: Special events

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.

 

Continue reading →

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 →

Teacher-turned-rapper breaks down college aid for Achieve 180 students   

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Two students awarded $5,000 college scholarship from Sallie Mae

Students at schools in the district’s Achieve 180 initiative recently got an interactive lesson on college financial aid thanks to a visit from a former middle school teacher turned rap artist.

David Augustine Jr., also known as rapper Dee-1, addressed the crowd of high school seniors on the importance of applying for college and sang his hit single about paying off student loans. The song, Sallie Mae Back, is about how Augustine paid off his college student loans with an advance he received after signing a record deal.

“I was like, how should I spend this,” said Dee-1. “Most rappers buy a new car, they take a vacation, buy jewelry but I wanted to break all the stereotypes – and most importantly, I wanted to get out of debt.”  Continue reading →

Volunteers needed for Special Olympics Field Days 

Annual event scheduled for Nov. 14 through 16

Volunteers are needed for the fifth annual HISD Special Olympics Field Days scheduled for Nov. 14, 15, and 16 at the Joe Kelly Butler Fieldhouse (13755 Main St., 77085).

About 1,700 volunteers are needed throughout the three 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. Continue reading →