HISD is moving to build modern campuses and equipping all students with the technology they need to succeed in the 21st Century
Houston ISD Superintendent Terry Grier used his fourth State of the Schools address Friday to thank voters for overwhelmingly supporting the district’s work to build modern, safe schools, and unveiled a plan to give students the technology they need to become graduates who contribute to Houston’s prosperity.
Who: HISD Superintendent Terry Grier, Board of Education President Anna Eastman, student speakers and performers, and thousands of public school supporters
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Delivering his annual HISD State of the Schools address to a sold-out crowd of 2,000 today, Superintendent Terry Grier said the district took significant steps in 2011 toward raising the level of academic achievement at every campus and meeting parents’ expectations.
And while HISD lays claim to some of the top-performing schools in the nation, Dr. Grier said, too many of Houston’s neighborhood schools are not improving fast enough.
“We’re proud of the schools that reliably produce graduates prepared to excel in college and in the workplace. But we also know that too many of our schools don’t fit into that category,” Dr. Grier told the crowd of community leaders, educators, and business organizations. “We must be able to look every parent in the eye and tell them we’d be proud to send our own children to any school in Houston. That’s the kind of consistency I’m talking about.”
Sterling High School senior George Smith Jr.:
Thank you for the opportunity to be here this afternoon. I’m a senior in the aviation magnet program at Sterling High School. And, I am very happy to tell you that as of February 25th, I am a licensed pilot!
I transferred from the Aldine school district to attend Sterling High School as a sophomore because I wanted to be in the aviation program. It’s the best decision I ever made.
It’s been an incredible experience, and I’m proof that HISD offers a great education for anyone willing to take advantage of it. I placed all my pride into my new school and strived for excellence, as I was not just representing myself and my family, but I was also representing my school and my district. I have taken AP and dual-credit courses and with much hard work, I’m proud to tell you that I am the salutatorian of my graduating class.
Board of Education President Michael Lunceford:
Thank you.
Good morning! It’s an honor to stand before you today, as we take a look at the state of our schools — our achievements as well as our challenges.
I would like to recognize and welcome my fellow trustees on the Board of Education. Trustees, please stand as I introduce you.
First, our immediate past president, Paula Harris, who did an outstanding job of leading the Board in 2011. Thank you, Paula, for your dedication and hard work last year.
And our other board trustees:
And our newly elected trustee, representing District II – Rhonda Skillern-Jones.
Stevenson Middle School Principal Alisa Zapata-Farmer:
Let’s give a round of applause to the Pin Oak Middle School Orchestra. Weren’t they great?
Hello and welcome to the 2012 State of the Schools.
It is an honor to be here with Superintendent Terry Grier and to welcome my HISD colleagues, Board of Education trustees, elected officials, parents, students, and business and community leaders.
The State of the Schools is a time for all of us to come together and celebrate our accomplishments, as well as determine our next steps on where we still need to go and the best way to reach our destinations.
As I reflect on the many goals we have set for ourselves this year, I think about the students in class – working to understand concepts, asking questions, and seeing their faces once they understand the concept being presented.
I think about the lessons that my teachers plan for them. Every time I hear the phrase, “effective teachers in every classroom,” I think about my school community – how the teachers at Stevenson plan together; how they truly care about the students.
Nearly 2,000 community and business leaders, educators, and elected officials are expected to attend HISD’s State of the School luncheon on March 1 at the Hilton Americas Hotel. Superintendent Terry Grier will address the many accomplishments and progress HISD has made made toward preparing students for college and future careers. Among the year’s highlights:
Although the luncheon is sold out, coverage of the event will be provided on the HISD News blog, HISD’s Twitter stream (@HoustonISD) and a live stream on abc13.com.
For more information, please click here to visit the Houston ISD website.