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 →

Northside HS teacher transforms academic outcomes through Rice University program

Northside High School Teacher Andrea Davis saw a window of opportunity when she learned about Project Equip, a pilot program offered by Rice University scientists and educators that is supported by the Glasscock School of Continuing Studies.  

Thanks to HISD and the Advance Placement office, Davis along with 17 other teachers was selected to attend a three-day workshop last winter to learn about OpenStax Tutor, an interactive learning platform that uses machine learning to adapt to the needs of individual students.  

As part of Project Equip, the AP biology teacher is provided real-time data, which allows her to identify areas of opportunity for students and close achievement gaps at a faster capacity than most teachers across the district.  

Continue reading →

HISD Foundation to host Public Education Matters Benefit Luncheon on March 6

The Houston Independent School District Foundation, a nonprofit organization that raises funds to support HISD’s strategic initiatives, will hold its Public Education Matters Benefit Luncheon on Friday, March 6. 

The event will highlight the importance of community investment in public education and focus on the social and economic impact that results when public school students receive a quality education. 

Continue reading →

A special message from Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan

As the district continues to explore measures to increase safety and security on our campuses, we want to hear from you.  

We have made an online form available on the district’s website for you to submit recommendations on how to improve campus safety and security. Just click on the featured button on the homepage or go to HoustonISD.org/SchoolSafety.  

Continue reading →

HISD names interim chief financial officer

Glenn Reed, a 20-year veteran with the Houston Independent School District’s Budgeting & Financial Planning Office, has been named interim chief financial officer for the Houston Independent School District.

Reed assumes his new role immediately, reporting to Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan.

“Mr. Reed’s institutional knowledge of the district and longstanding reputation as a reliable resource on the district’s financial matters makes him an ideal candidate to fill this role,” said HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan. “I have full confidence that he will continue the standard of excellence that exists in our finance department.”

Continue reading →

HISD closely monitoring international coronavirus outbreak

The Houston Independent School District is closely monitoring an international outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus to provide parents, students and staff updates with the latest information. 

Currently, there have been no confirmed cases in the state of Texas of the outbreak that was first identified in Wuhan, China. 

As part of HISD’s due diligence to ensure campuses and facilities are safe and healthy, the district has trained staff who routinely monitor individuals who exhibit fever, cough, and shortness of breath. In this case, staff are also inquiring about recent personal travel.  

Continue reading →

FMO Code Compliance team focuses on keeping students, staff safe

In the course of just one day, Code Compliance team members receive a variety of calls — reports of broken elevators, overflowing trash receptacles, and even fire code violations.  

But for the eight-member team, it’s all in a day’s work. 

“It’s about life safety,” said Code Compliance Area Manager Anne Washington, who leads the team. “We’re behind the scenes, but our job is to make sure that we are in compliance with fire codes so that in an emergency, the staff and students can get out of the building safely.” 

Continue reading →

Transportation Services addressing issues with SafeStop app

Transportation Services is continuing to work with SafeStop to troubleshoot technical glitches resulting from incorrect application configurations.  

For parents viewing open routes in SafeStop, it may have appeared as though the bus was stationary at the bus terminal.   

To help address this and other issues, parents are encouraged to make sure they download all SafeStop software updates to ensure they have access to the latest data. 

Continue reading →

New Milby HS pool set to open in coming weeks

In a few short weeks, Milby High School students will be able to make a big splash as the school’s new natatorium and four-lane practice pool nears completion. 

The natatorium, which is 98 percent complete, features large garage-style overhead coiling doors that open to allow fresh air inside, with fencing at each opening to maintain a secure perimeter.  

Remaining work includes installation of the gas meter, fencing, timing system, access control, vestibule doors, emergency phone, roof edge, gutter, and downspouts. 

Continue reading →

Status of school choice applications now available

Parents and students who submitted an application to a school choice program for the 2020-21 school year during Phase I (Sept. 27-Dec. 6, 2019) can now check the status of their applications online. 

Parents who created an online account will be able to find the results posted on their parent dashboards at HISDchoice.com.  If you forgot your password and wish to reset it, please contact the office of school choice directly at 713-556-6947 or via email at SchoolChoice@houstonisd.org. 

Continue reading →