Lamar HS scholar charts path to academic excellence

Robert W. Lane III was solving multiplication problems, spelling third-grade words, and putting together complicated Lego sets – all at the age of 18 months.

While attending Valley West Elementary School, Robert performed at a post-high school level while maintaining honor roll status, as well as excellent conduct and perfect attendance.

During his years at Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy for Young Men, he was selected for a pilot program in which he took and excelled at advanced high school math courses. He scored in the top five percentile in the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test and was recognized as a Duke University TIP Program medal recipient in math, reading, science, and English.

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Virtual Parent University session set for Jan. 19 to focus on college and career readiness

The Houston Independent School District will host its next virtual Parent University workshop from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 19.

The theme of the fourth session will be “College and Career Readiness.” The workshop will begin with a general session followed by virtual breakout sessions that will include information on district programs, parent engagement, and community resources.  

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HISD board approves $250,000 grant for family mental health supports related to pandemic

The Houston Independent School District Board of Education accepted a $250,000 grant from School-Based Healthcare Solutions Network to address students’ and parents’ mental health issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The grant, approved by an 8-0 vote with one abstention, will be used at 10 participating schools to assist families whether their students are enrolled in virtual or face-to-face instruction. Only 25 recipients across the nation are receiving the grant. The HISD schools are: Highland Heights and Wesley elementary schools; Attucks, Cullen, Henry, and Thomas middle schools; and Bellaire, Madison, North Forest, and Waltrip high schools.

Joining the board for her first regular meeting was newly appointed Trustee Myrna Guidry (District IX). The Houston attorney and law professor will fulfill the unexpired term of Wanda Adams who resigned to serve as a Harris County Justice of the Peace. The board term expires December 31, 2021.

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Winter break begins Dec. 21, with classes resuming on Jan. 4 

HISD schools and district offices will be closed for Winter Break beginning Monday, Dec. 21. Classes and regular business hours will resume on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021.

Employees with questions should consult the duty schedules posted here.

The HISD Police Department will be patrolling district facilities during the holiday break. Emergencies should be reported by calling 713-892-7777.

HISD Board of Education appoints Houston attorney Myrna Guidry to District IX position

During a special meeting Tuesday, the Houston Independent School District Board of Education unanimously voted to appoint attorney Myrna Guidry as the new trustee for District IX to fulfill the unexpired term of Wanda Adams.

Guidry was sworn in on Thursday at noon before the regular board meeting.

“I am grateful and happy to have this opportunity to serve the district by working to build up our students’ potential and do whatever I can to contribute to their ultimate success,” Guidry said.

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CTE students commit to HCC construction program during drive-in ceremony

Partnership with Marek Construction offers dual credits, industry credentials

Houston Independent School District Career and Technical Education students signed commitments on Tuesday to complete a two-year Marek Construction Academy program at Houston Community College.

The commitment ceremony took place during a physically distanced drive-in event in the HCC Southeast Campus parking lot. Students received commendations from executive leadership and then made their way to the stage individually to sign their commitment forms.

“We are proud of all of you. Hone your skills, learn your trade and strive to be the best,” Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan said. “As you grow in this career, you will have the satisfaction of knowing you made a great choice to invest in yourself and an excellent program.”

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Robinson ES teacher named December Teacher of the Month

Fifth-grade math teacher Jennifer Harwell was teaching her students at Robinson Elementary School how to multiply decimals when she was pulled out of her classroom for a special surprise.

Harwell was named HISD’s December Teacher of the Month for making learning about numbers exciting for all students, even those who may not always enjoy math. As a thank you for her hard work, this holiday season, she will be driving a 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV LT, courtesy Sterling McCall Chevrolet.

Harwell is also a team lead for fifth grade and ensures her team works cohesively and actively collaborates with other grade levels to align instruction and good practices. This year, she has taken on the role of Career Pathways Instructional Excellence Coach and is working to coach new teachers on effective practices and quality instruction for all students.

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Proposed Pre-K instructional materials available for online review

The Houston Independent School District is participating in the prekindergarten instructional materials adoption process TEA’s Proclamation 2021, evaluating which of the state-adopted materials best supports HISD students.

As part of that evaluation, the district invites school and community members to review the state-adopted materials for English and Spanish prekindergarten systems and provide feedback. Materials selected and approved next spring by HISD Board of Trustees are then eligible for district purchase and distribution to Pre-K classrooms.

Ten publishers have submitted materials for HISD’s consideration. Instructions on accessing online samples of these materials can be viewed online here.

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School Choice application deadline for Phase 2 is Feb. 26  

Parents who would still like to apply for a school choice program for the 2021-2022 school year have until Friday, Feb. 26 to do so. 

After all applications in Phase 1 have been offered, eligible Phase 2 students who meet a program’s qualifications will be considered in the order in which their application was submitted, should the program have space available. 

Any applications for students who live outside the HISD boundaries will not be considered until Phase 3, even if the application was submitted during Phase 2. 

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Emancipation Park Conservancy provides more than 100 bicycles to HISD second-grade students

More than 100 Houston Independent School District second-grade students at two elementary schools were given new bicycles Friday afternoon, donated by the Emancipation Park Conservancy as part of its holiday season celebrations.

Second-graders at Thompson and Blackshear elementary schools were surprised to learn they were receiving the new bikes.

“We hope these bicycles will brighten the lives of our hardworking students,” HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan said. “The Emancipation Park Conservancy is a wonderful community partner, and we always appreciate their support.”

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