Category Archives: Special events

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 →

Volunteer to help HISD families and students recover from Harvey 

Volunteers help sort donated items at Delmar Fieldhouse.

Individuals and local organizations have an opportunity to help HISD students and families impacted by  Hurricane Harvey by volunteering at the district’s designated donation site.

Delmar Fieldhouse (2020 Mangum Road, Houston, TX 77092) will be receiving donations the week of Sept. 11 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Anyone interested in volunteering will need to sign-up by clicking here, and select the day and time they can volunteer.  Continue reading →

Facilities Services thanks its “lucky stars” during welcome back ceremony

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Houston Independent School District’s Facility Services rolled out the red carpet for employees on Wednesday during a Hollywood-themed Welcome Back event designed to recognize workers for their outstanding performance.

Several hundred Facilities Services employees packed the bleachers of Barnett Fieldhouse to learn about new changes for the coming school year, including the development of new departmental values. Employees received surveys during the event to provide input on the values that are most important to them, as well as feedback on ways to improve the workplace culture and environment.

“Each of you is important,” Facility Services Officer Alisha Jolivette said as she addressed the crowd. “You have an impact on student education.”

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Grand opening celebration for new Milby HS set for Thursday

Construction at Milby High School, June 21, 2017. (Dave Einsel/Houston ISD)

Milby High School will host a grand opening on Thursday at 5 p.m. to celebrate the completion of its new facility, which was rebuilt as part of the Houston Independent School District’s 2012 Bond Program.

The three-story, $79 million project is a combination of new construction and renovation that preserves the historical front facade while creating a modern learning environment for 2,000 students.

The historic, front-facing main building has been transformed into a bright, open student-union-style space with a dining commons, learning commons, and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto a large courtyard. Continue reading →

Superintendent outlines priorities at ‘Welcome Back’ event 

Achieve 180, wraparound services, and restorative justice practices are priorities for 2017-2018 school year 

Superintendent Richard Carranza outlined HISD’s top priorities for the 2017-2018 school year to school and district leaders at the annual “Welcome Back” back event on August 11.

Nearly 1,200 principals, deans, assistant principals, and district leaders packed Delmar Fieldhouse to hear Carranza’s message, which celebrated the successes of the previous year and outlined goals, initiatives, and challenges for the coming year.


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HISD Summer graduation ceremony set for Aug. 19 at TSU 

Hundreds of students from as many as 42 HISD high schools will collect their diplomas as part of the district’s annual summer graduation ceremony.

There will be only one ceremony, and it takes place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, at Texas Southern University in the Health and Physical Education Building, which is located on Wheeler Ave. at Ennis St. in Houston, 77004.

HISD Chief Academic Officer Grenita Lathan will emcee the celebration.

The graduating students have successfully completed summer school and/or passed their State of Texas assessments.

Community gathers to honor late Trustee Rodríguez at board auditorium naming ceremony

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The family of late District III Trustee Manuel Rodríguez Jr., along with elected officials, educators, and community members, gathered at Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center on Thursday to dedicate the board auditorium in his name.

Rodríguez, who passed away July 19, was a lifelong public servant and a trustee for 14 years. He was also a product of HISD schools, graduating from Austin High School in 1970 after attending Franklin Elementary and McReynolds Middle schools. His wife and four children also attended HISD schools.

“Today is a day of joy as we leave behind a legacy for the Rodríguez family,” said HISD Board of Education President Wanda Adams. Continue reading →

Reliant Energy donates generator to Energy Institute HS during annual school supply donation event

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Each year, Reliant Energy donates school supplies to HISD schools in August, but this year the company added something extra—a Goal Zero Yeti generator valued at more than $2,000.

The lucky recipients are the students at Energy Institute High School, and they saw a demonstration of the small but powerful generator during their freshman orientation on Aug. 10.

“We’re confident that demonstrating our portable Goal Zero Yeti 400 Lithium generator will give the event a unique STEM focus,” said NRG Retail Charitable Foundation representative Leanne Schneider. “It will combine the school’s cutting-edge approach with the buzz of renewable energy.”  Continue reading →

Superintendent welcomes 1,500 new teachers for 2017-2018 school year 

HISD Superintendent Richard Carranza on Thursday personally welcomed some of the nearly 1,500 new teachers to the district at an exclusive meet-and-greet event.

Attendees at the event included those new to teaching and experienced teachers who are new to the district. The newest members of Team HISD got to network with their colleagues, take selfies with the superintendent, and hear some motivational and encouraging words from HISD’s top leader.

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