Three HISD campuses nominated for prestigious National Blue Ribbon Schools award

Three Houston Independent School District schools have been nominated for the U.S. Department of Education’s prestigious 2020 National Blue Ribbon Schools award.

High School for Law and Justice (HSLJ), Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy (YWCPA), and Memorial Elementary School – all first-time nominees – are among 26 schools in Texas to be nominated by the Texas Education Agency.

“I applaud the dedication and work ethic of the students, parents, teachers, staff, and principals at each of our nominated campuses,” Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan said. “These schools are proof that closing achievement gaps and creating high-performing academic environments districtwide is our commitment in HISD.”

Continue reading →

City of Houston program offers paid summer jobs to students

HISD students can gain real-world work experience through the City of Houston’s Hire Houston Youth (HHY) Initiative, which offers paid summer jobs and internships throughout the city.

The HHY initiative, which started in 2016, offers students ages 16 to 24 a minimum of $9 per hour for seven weeks of paid work at the City of Houston, and in Houston’s nonprofit and private sectors.

This summer, more than 10,000 job opportunities will be available with companies such as McDonald’s, United Airlines, the YMCA, and more. Most summer employment opportunities begin on June 8, 2020, and end July 30, 2020.

Continue reading →

Yates HS pool construction passes halfway mark

It’s been several years since students at Yates High School had a swim team. But with the completion of the school’s new natatorium set for April, students are one step closer to making that team a reality once again. 

Construction on the school’s natatorium and four-lane practice pool is 55 percent complete. The building’s exterior walls – which feature large garage-style overhead coiling doors that allow fresh air inside and have fencing at each opening to maintain a secure perimeter — were built first to ensure interior pool construction would not be affected by wet weather.  

The pool’s concrete foundation was laid in January, and pool walls are now being constructed. The project is expected to wrap up later this semester. 

Continue reading →

Nutrition Services offers tips to help student athletes better fuel their bodies

When it comes to meeting the nutritional needs of HISD students, Nutrition Services’ work isn’t limited to the cafeteria. Their efforts go beyond the plate and all the way to the athletic field.  

Nutrition Services Dietitian Nan Cramer and Chef Trainer Brittany Jones recently visited Delmar Stadium to serve up samples of green power smoothies — a tasty blend of apple, banana, soy milk, kale, no-nut butter, and vanilla extract — and to educate coaches, players, and parents on the impact of proper nutrition on athletes.  

He eagerly sampled the smoothie and gave his approval. 

Continue reading →

HISD to host Special Education Job Resource Fair

The Houston Independent School District’s Office of Special Education Services will host its first career resource fair for students and their families to help them prepare for a successful transition into the workforce.  

The conference will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, February 20 at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center (4400 W. 18th St., 77092). The workshop is open to students ages 14-21 who receive Special Education Services from the district. 

Continue reading →

Lathan, key community leaders discuss strategies to increase school safety

Houston Independent School District Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan engaged in a school safety discussion on Friday with key community leaders to discuss strategies to ensure student safety and security. 

The meeting was an additional measure to engage with HISD stakeholders in the wake of the tragic shooting at Bellaire High School last month, which resulted in the death of a student.

Continue reading →

Top HISD student-athletes commit to collegiate teams across the U.S.

With their parents, coaches, and friends looking on, two of the Houston Independent School District’s top athletes announced they will attend Sul Ross State University and the University of California at Berkeley to pursue their athletic and academic careers. 

Fatou Samb is a standout in basketball at Westside High School and has been offered a scholarship to play at the University of California at Berkeley. 

Jordan Huffpower, a top running back at Yates High School, has accepted a scholarship to play at the Sul Ross State University. 

Continue reading →

HAABSE selects Lathan as recipient of its top honor

The Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators (HAABSE) has selected Houston Independent School District Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan as this year’s recipient of its most prestigious award for educators and public servants who make significant contributions to the city’s diverse educational, cultural, and social heritage.

The Elaine Bailey Heart of HAABSE Award is an acknowledgment by the recipient’s peers that the honoree has made exemplary contributions to the educational profession and community.

“To be recognized by your peers is always special because they have a clear understanding of the work, commitment and vision required to equip our children to realize their full potential and become global scholars,” Lathan said. “I am extremely honored to receive this award, and it’s a direct reflection of the important work HISD is doing to support every student.”

Continue reading →

HISD honors African-American voting rights for Black History Month

The Houston Independent School District is celebrating Black History Month by honoring the voting rights of African-Americans and how voting has impacted generations of African-Americans, specifically black women.  

The theme for this year’s celebration was created to align with the Association for the Study of African-American Life and History’s (ASALH) theme “Africa-Americans and the Vote,” which commemorates the centennial anniversary of the 19th Amendment granting women’s suffrage movement and the 150th anniversary of the 15th Amendment giving black men the right to vote. 

Continue reading →

Graduation ceremony schedule, venue information available for Class of 2020 

Thousands of HISD seniors will walk across the stage this spring during graduation ceremonies planned for May 29 through June 7. 

Most ceremonies will take place at various locations around the city (primarily the Barnett Fieldhouse, Butler Fieldhouse, Delmar Fieldhouse, NRG Arena, NRG Stadium, Texas Southern University campus). 

A few will be taking place early (HSPVA and E-STEM on May 23 and May 28, respectively) or later (Liberty HS on June 7), so be sure to check the schedule for times and locations at HoustonISD.org/GraduationCalendar. 

Continue reading →