Category Archives: Special events

HISD Interim Superintendent, band students attend 2019 National Battle of the Bands

Two schools receive scholarships to fund instruments; students attend HBCU college fair

HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan and band students from seven HISD high schools were invited to attend the 2019 National Battle of the Bands competition Sunday at NRG Stadium, where Washington and Kashmere high schools received $1,000 each for their band programs.  

“I am truly honored to be at such a historic and powerful event,” Lathan said. “Historically black colleges and universities play a significant role in educating and developing young minds and the future leaders of tomorrow.” 

Over 300 Houston Independent School District high school students joined thousands of other area students to enjoy the competition’s performances, featuring eight collegiate marching bands representing historically black colleges and universities. HISD high school band students in attendance included Austin, North Forest, Northside, Sterling, Waltrip, Westbury, and Yates.  

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Yates HS feeder pattern community celebrates back to school

Families from the Yates High School feeder pattern community gathered together on Saturday for a fun-filled back-to-school bash to help get students ready for the new school year.  

Over 400 people from Cullen Middle School, Baylor College of Medicine Academy at Ryan Middle School, and Blackshear, Foster, Hartsfield, Lockhart, Peck, Thompson, and Whidby elementary schools all received free school supplies, backpacks, haircuts, uniforms, shoes, and food vouchers at the celebration.   

“It was exciting to see the community come together in preparation for the school year,” Leesa Giles, Special Education Resource Teacher and Title I Coordinator at Foster Elementary, said. “Many families have less to worry about regarding supplies and other school-related items thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Yates Feeder Pattern Schools.   

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HISD’s Report Card: 92 percent of schools earn passing grade on state accountability system 

Kashmere High School rewrites history by earning passing grade

The Houston Independent School District earned an overall high “B” rating by the Texas Education Agency under the state accountability system for the 2018-2019 academic year, exiting nine campuses from the state’s “Improvement Required” list. The district earned a grade of 88.

According to the ratings released by TEA, 92 percent of HISD schools (250 out of 271 rated campuses) earned a passing grade. For the first time, all HISD schools received a letter grade under the state’s new A-F rating system, which was implemented in 2018. Fifty-seven HISD campuses earned A’s, 78 earned B’s, 86 earned C’s and 29 earned D’s. A minimum grade of “D” is required for a school to receive a passing rating.

“We are extremely proud of all of our teachers, principals, school support officers, and area superintendents for working diligently to help our students succeed,” HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan said. “Our students demonstrated significant gains, and we are committed to empowering them to thrive academically.”

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Blackshear ES unveils inspirational new mural to Third Ward community

Despite the soaring temperatures, an enthusiastic crowd gathered outside HISD’s Blackshear Elementary School on Wednesday for the unveiling of a new campus mural that celebrates the school’s recent academic achievements and improvement in literacy. 

“We now have the best mural in the city of Houston – the most beautiful mural in the city of Houston,” Blackshear Principal Alicia Gobert Lewis said. “At Blackshear, we want to make sure that everywhere children look they see something beautiful.” 

The mural, which as the brainchild of Lewis, was designed and painted by Houston-based artist Reginald Adams. His art installations can be seen in historic and underserved communities across the U.S. The theme of the mural is Break Every Chain, and it is brimming with literary elements, colorful books, and powerful images of children reading. 

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HISD to host Ascending to Men appreciation luncheon

The Houston Independent School District will host a special appreciation luncheon for the men and women who have served as mentors during the successful first year of the district’s Ascending to Men Project (ATMP).

The luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Friday, August 23 at the Boy Scouts of America Cockrell Scout Center (2225 N. Loop West, 77008).

Since it began last fall, the unique HISD program, which is open to male students, has provided academic, emotional, and social support to 1,088 students from 181 mentors.

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Parent University to kick off for second year with districtwide workshops

The Houston Independent School District will kick off its second year of Parent University on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at all district campuses.

The workshops will connect parents and children to resources offered by the district to create successful academic careers as well as safe and healthy environments at home and at school. 

A variety of district and community program representatives and experts will be available for parents to connect with individually. After the districtwide event on Sept. 17, Parent University workshops will take place monthly at geographically dispersed locations at 5:15 p.m. as follows: 

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HISD to host Back to School Extravaganza for 2019-2020 school year

HISD’s Homeless Education Office will host a Back to School Extravaganza on Friday, Aug. 23 to help students get ready for the 2019-2020 school year. 

The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Delmar Stadium (2020 Mangum Road 77092). 

Free assistance will be available for Medicaid applications, Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) renewal and recertification, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Health screenings also will be available. 

Also available for free, while supplies last, will be immunizations (must bring original shot record), fresh produce, backpacks, shoes, and school supplies. Students must be present to receive free items. 

For transportation assistance, contact the Homeless Education Office at 713-556-7237.

HISD to host Special Education Spring Parent Summit on April 27 

The Houston Independent School District’s Office of Special Education Services will host its Spring Parent Summit on Saturday, April 27 at five locations throughout the district.   

Parents and guardians are invited to attend and meet with special education professionals, attend learning sessions, ask questions, and share input about special education in the district. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m.  

At each site, there will be entertainment from local schools, an art exhibit and a vendor/resource fair for parents.   

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HISD’s Ascending to Men Project will host roundtable discussion with students and community leaders

The Houston Independent School District’s Ascending to Men (ATM) Project will host a roundtable discussion next week with students and community leaders to foster dialogue centered around issues impacting today’s youth.

The discussion will take place from 6 – 7:30 p.m., on Thursday, Feb. 28 at Jack Yates High School. Dinner will be provided beginning at 5:30 p.m. Participants will discuss the qualities of successful students, while sharing examples of how they can reach their personal and academic goals.

Participants will also share their own perspectives on the importance of developing quality mentorships and the impact they can have on a student’s success.

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Help make this a prom to remember for HISD students

HISD’s Homeless Education Office is requesting donations of formal attire for hundreds of homeless and at-risk high school seniors planning to attend their prom.

The homeless office is requesting formal dresses, shoes, handbags, and jewelry for girls and tuxedo rentals, men’s shirts, and men’s shoes for boys.

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