Kelli McDonald named new principal of Briargrove Elementary School

Kelli McDonald is the new principal for Briargrove Elementary School. McDonald currently serves as a Dean of Instruction and the Lead Academic Dean for Lamar High School. During her tenure at Lamar, she advised and supported students and parents throughout IB’s Middle Years Program, Career Related Program, and Diploma Program. She began her educational career in elementary school as a classroom teacher in grades 1, 4, and 5, team lead, and curriculum specialist. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Texas State University and her juris doctorate from South Texas College of Law. 

Cedric Starks named new principal of Frost Elementary School

Cedric Starks has been selected as the new principal of Frost Elementary School. He has been an educator with HISD for 13 years and most recently served as Dean of Instruction at South Early College High School. There he supported the Special Education team, English and Social Studies Department, and Title I. Being a product of HISD, he attended Blackshear Elementary, James D. Ryan Middle School, and Jack Yates High School. His experience ranges from being an English teacher, Instructional Coordinator, Title I Coordinator, and SPED and LPAC Administrator. He holds a bachelor’s in English and Psychology, master’s in Public Administration with a specialization in Government and Policy, master’s in Education Administration, and a master’s in Technology Education. 

Christina Aguirre-Oliva named new principal of Ketelsen ES

Christina Aguirre-Oliva is the new principal of Ketelsen Elementary School. She has been in public education for 24 years, all of which have been with HISD. Aguirre-Oliva began her career in education as a third grade ESL teacher at Wainwright Elementary School. She also worked as an assistant principal at Scarborough High School and the Mandarin Immersion Magnet School. Most recently, Aguirre-Oliva served as the principal of Wainwright Elementary School. An HISD alumni, she earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Houston and a master’s degree from the University of North Texas in Library Science.

Cameshia Emerson named new principal of Lockhart Elementary

Cameshia Emerson has been selected as the new principal of Lockhart Elementary School. Emerson has 18 years of experience in the field of education. She started her career as a third-grade teacher in Tennessee and has also served as an instructional coach, assistant principal, and principal. Currently, she is an administrator at Hartsfield Elementary School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Tennessee at Martin. She also obtained an Education Specialist degree in Administration and Supervision from Freed-Hardeman University.

Samantha Woods named new principal of Valley West Elementary School

Samantha Woods is the new principal of Valley West Elementary School. Woods transitioned from Alief ISD to HISD in 2015 and has served as a science lab teacher, teacher specialist, and assistant principal. During her tenure at Valley West, she has focused on building strong academic programs and accountability systems for the diverse population she serves. She earned her bachelor’s degree from University of Phoenix, Houston Campus, and her master’s degree from Lamar University, Beaumont.

Jerri Nixon named new principal of Westbury High School

Jerri Nixon has been selected as the new principal of Westbury High School. Nixon began her career at Hogg Middle School as a Language Arts teacher. She then served as the assistant principal at Black Middle School and Bellaire High School before becoming the principal of Herod Elementary. She has also supported HISD in the Human Resources Department. Most recently, Nixon served as an Assistant Principal at Westbury High School for the last 5 years. She earned her educational degree from Texas A&M University and obtained a master’s degree in educational leadership from University of Houston and in construction management from Texas A&M University. 

National Wildlife Federation grant deadlines approaching

The National Wildlife Federation is offering two grant opportunities for HISD schools. Applications are due Monday, June 15.

One grant focuses on secondary schools interested in developing nature-based solutions to community stormwater runoff or flooding. The second is open to all grade levels and emphases energy literacy.

Energy and Sustainability Quality Assurance Analyst Stephanie Walker said schools should apply despite the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Record number of HISD students receive full scholarships from Marvy Finger Family Foundation

The Marvy Finger Family Foundation awarded a record 84 full scholarships this year to Houston Independent School District graduates who will attend two-year colleges to pursue Career and Technical Education (CTE) certificates and associate’s degrees.

The scholarship recipients are students who are seeking careers in fast-growing, high-paying professions such as computer programming, maritime transportation, petroleum engineering technology, nuclear medicine technology, automotive, HVAC, pipefitting, cybersecurity, construction, licensed vocational nursing, and welding. 

“The generosity of the Finger family is well known when it comes to funding post-high school career training and higher education for our graduates, but they have surpassed themselves this year,” HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan said. “These scholarships are extremely timely and appreciated right now because many of our graduates and their families are experiencing hardships due to COVID-19.”

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