Bellaire HS preparing to open three new wings to students this fall

With the first phase of construction 85 percent complete, Bellaire High School is on track to debut three new wings — academic, fine arts, and physical education — when students return for the 2021-2022 school year.

Crews are installing technology in the three-story academic wing, which is nearly complete and expected to be outfitted with furniture in June after students depart for the summer.

Carpet has been installed in the auditorium and ceiling tiles and flooring are now being installed in the remainder of the fine arts wing. Epoxy flooring in the natatorium pool also is underway in the physical education wing.

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Austin HS celebrates virtual grand opening with watch party

Following a path of green and white balloons, dozens of Austin High School students and staff shuffled into the auditorium to find seats for the big event — the premiere of Austin’s virtual grand opening.

Clad in green attire and masks, students and staff gathered for the physically distanced watch party hosted in the recently renovated school auditorium, where a giant screen was set up to display the celebration.

Among the sea of green was senior Zuri Mendoza Gonzalez, who sat front and center in a ruffled green and white dress. She said she was excited to represent Austin as the master of ceremonies in the virtual grand opening and wanted to be close to the action.

“It was nice to be part of such a historical event, especially as the master of ceremonies,” Mendoza Gonzalez said. “It was very special, an honor really.”

Built as part of the 2012 Bond program, Austin’s $80.9 million, 288,628-square-foot campus features a three-story academic wing, two gyms, and an outdoor courtyard. The virtual grand opening showcased these areas, bringing them to life with student-led segments and performances.

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Associate Teachers of the Month recognized at Scarborough and Stevens elementary schools

As Maria Iglesias posed for photos in her classroom at Scarborough Elementary School to celebrate her selection as the Associate Teacher of the Month for March, several of her kindergarten students stood by quietly hoping to get a photo with their favorite associate teacher.

“I just come here and I know they need so much help, especially now because of the pandemic,” Iglesias said. “I know I can help them, push them forward, however I can make a difference in their lives.”

Repeatedly referring to them as “my kids,” Iglesias has long had a passion for teaching. She became a part-time associate teacher when she retired as a full-time HISD teacher with the district, where she taught for 16 years.

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Bellaire HS makes history with nine valedictorians

There have been seniors who have tied for valedictorian at many HISD high schools over the years, but never before have there been nine valedictorians who all achieved a grade point average of 5.0.

Bellaire High School is where this extraordinary achievement happened. The nine valedictorians are Alkiviades Boukas, Daniel Chen, Evie Tseng-Ying Kao, Angela Ling, Miles Mackenzie, Wenson Tsiah-Hao Tang, Christopher Zhou, and twin sisters Annie and Shirley Zhu.

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HISD Board of Education approves 2021-2022 academic calendar

In April, the Houston Independent School District Board of Trustees unanimously approved the 2021-2022 academic calendar, which includes 15 additional academic days to help address learning gaps caused by COVID-19.

These additional days were added to the calendar after input from teachers, parents, students, and educational experts. Additionally, recent statewide results for the STAAR test show that learning loss has occurred because of the pandemic.

This provides the district an opportunity to address student academic needs and utilize resources to regain learning. That informed the decision to add the 15 additional days of instruction as well as a full return to in-person instruction in the fall. We expect this will produce better student outcomes. Additionally, we are formulating plans that will mitigate students’ lost time and improve educational performance.

The calendar consists of a one-week Thanksgiving break, two-week winter break and a one-week spring break. Students will be off on Labor Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, Chavez-Huerta Day, and Memorial Day. The school district will also observe a Fall holiday on September 16, 2021, and Spring holiday on April 15, 2022.

The approved 2021-2022 school year can be found at houstonisd.org/2021AcademicCalendar.

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HISD Police Department’s K-9s Boni and Thor to get donation of body armor

HISD Police Department K-9s Boni and Thor

The Houston Independent School District Police Department’s K-9s Boni and Thor will receive bullet- and stab-protective vests, thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.  

K-9 Boni’s vest is sponsored by Kathleen Pellissier of Temecula, Calif., and will be embroidered with “Honoring those who served and sacrificed.” K-9 Thor’s vest will be embroidered with “This gift of protection provided by Teresa.” Delivery is expected within eight to 10 weeks.

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Nurses of the Month named at School at St. George Place, Jane Long Academy

It’s not easy surprising a school nurse.

As Human Resources snuck into the back entrance of the School at St. George Place, Nurse Hsueh Beveridge was working on her morning tasks near the front entrance. They had to be careful not to spoil the surprise of Nurse Beveridge being named the March Secondary Nurse of the Month.

As she entered the school cafeteria expecting a medical issue, Beveridge was surprised to find HR waiting along with several teachers, the school principal, and one special guest—her husband.

“I’m very honored,” Beveridge said. “And overwhelmed!”

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HISD Interventions Office Conference set for April 17

The HISD Interventions Office is set to host its inaugural conference on Saturday, April 17, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Designed for both HISD employees and educators across the country alike, the one-day, virtual conference will focus on educational interventions for suffering students and other assistance for special populations.

The theme of the conference is Momentum: Getting Back on Track, and will have four different tracks. The four tracks are:

  1. Technology: developing responses to providing instruction, learning opportunities, and tools in a pandemic.
  2. Whole Child: fostering a learning environment with empathy, creativity, and engagement that support the needs of a diverse learner.
  3. Leadership in a Pandemic: creating accommodations for virtual learning, supporting staff members, moral, engaging parents.
  4. Interventions Resources: implementing independent learning opportunities and strategies for ongoing success.
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Sixth six weeks selection period for in-person or virtual instruction begins

With the sixth six weeks of the 2020-2021 school year approaching, HISD families have the option starting Monday to revise their selection for either in-person or virtual instruction for students. The first day of the sixth six weeks is May 3.

The selection process remains the same. Parents will have from Monday, April 12, through Friday, April 16, to make their selection through the HISD Connect Parent Portal “Forms” section. If parents would like to keep their selection as-is, no action is needed. The current selected mode of instruction will carry over to the sixth six-weeks grading period.

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Superintendent Search meetings planned for students, parents, teachers

The Houston Independent School District is undergoing a nationwide search for a permanent superintendent. As we continue this process, it is important to receive your input. 

The district is hosting several virtual meetings for teachers, students, and parents as follows: 

  • Virtual Parent and Community Townhall Meeting – Wednesday, April 7 at 6 p.m.

Attendees can provide their comments in advance here.

The meetings will seek feedback about the candidate profile and offer an opportunity to discuss the search process. For more information on the search process, go to HoustonISD.org/SupeSearch. 

We hope you’ll join us, and we look forward to your valuable input.