HISD students attend prestigious Tapia Say STEM Camp at Rice University

More than 20 HISD students were among a select group of scholars from around the state who were invited to attend the prestigious Tapia Say STEM Camp at Rice University this summer.  

The camp, which is sponsored by ExxonMobil, is available to rising eighth- through 12th–graders and features a weeklong residential experience with a challenging STEM curriculum. Campers experimented with hands-on STEM projects, like building miniature wind turbines out of household items such as glue, cardstock and popsicle sticks.  

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HISD Interim Superintendent, band students attend 2019 National Battle of the Bands

Two schools receive scholarships to fund instruments; students attend HBCU college fair

HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan and band students from seven HISD high schools were invited to attend the 2019 National Battle of the Bands competition Sunday at NRG Stadium, where Washington and Kashmere high schools received $1,000 each for their band programs.  

“I am truly honored to be at such a historic and powerful event,” Lathan said. “Historically black colleges and universities play a significant role in educating and developing young minds and the future leaders of tomorrow.” 

Over 300 Houston Independent School District high school students joined thousands of other area students to enjoy the competition’s performances, featuring eight collegiate marching bands representing historically black colleges and universities. HISD high school band students in attendance included Austin, North Forest, Northside, Sterling, Waltrip, Westbury, and Yates.  

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HISD Foundation accepting applications for Innovation Fund program

The HISD Foundation is now accepting applications for its Innovation Fund program, which provides funds for teachers and schools to develop innovative projects that lead to increased student success.

The Foundation is funding projects that will:
  • Inspire students, teachers, and parents to think differently about school
  • Enhance the student experience and lead to improved academic outcomes
  • Implement district initiatives in innovative ways
  • Find a new solution to combat barriers of success for students

    • The program, which is in its second year, will allow teachers in grades pre-K through 12 to apply for a $3,000 – $7,000 grant. Two or more teachers from the same school can also apply for a Teacher Collaborative Grant ranging from $5,000 – $10,000.

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    Transportation Services update scheduled for Thursday

    Transportation Services is announcing its first round of bus route updates on Thursday. The changes will impact 445 routes with families being notified via SchoolMessenger. 

    These adjustments result from the department’s continued focus to increase route efficiency, as well as its efforts to process new requests for bus service and route and stop changes. Changes to routes are not uncommon at the start of the school year and mostly involve minor adjustments to stop times.  

    This year, Transportation Services will be making route update announcements on Thursdays, as needed, with changes to take effect the following Monday. The announcements distributed Thursday will take effect immediately after Labor Day on Tuesday, Sept. 3. 

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    HISD launches mentorship initiative to empower female students

    The Houston Independent School District announced its newest student mentorship program, Resilient Outstanding Sisters Exemplifying Success (ROSES), at a kick-off event on Thursday at Jack Yates High School with elected officials, community partners, and educators.  

    ROSES is the sister program of the Ascending to Men Project (ATMP) and seeks to provide positive role models and advocates to underserved young women offering them guidance and opportunities for educational, social, and professional growth.   

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    Jones Futures simulated learning clinic helps students explore careers in health care

    Pens and medical charts in hand, students from HISD’s Jones Futures Academy listened intently as Alex diligently answered their medical intake questions, each of them nodding as they quickly jotted down notes to determine the best treatment plan for the new patient.  

    Alex is not a human patient; he is an interactive mannequin and a valuable teaching tool inside the school’s state-of-the-art simulated learning center, which provides students real-life training in different medical scenarios.  

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    Interim Superintendent makes special stop during first-day districtwide tour to showcase pre-K expansion efforts

    During her whirlwind first-day of school district tour, HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan stopped at Neff Early Learning Center, where she and other administration officials gathered to highlight to the media and community the expansion of pre-K education throughout the district. 

    “High-quality, full-day pre-K will continue to be a top priority in HISD,” Lathan said. “We must provide all children with a solid foundation as they embark on their educational journeys. Funding these programs are an investment in our children and our families.” 

    HISD’s full-day Pre-K program, which is offered to three- and four-year-olds, began in 2006. This school year, a total of 12 elementary campuses throughout the district will be expanding pre-K classrooms for a total of 38 pre-K rooms.  

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    Northside HS students start new school year in renovated facility

    Northside High School students steadily filed into the commons on Monday and lined up behind a bank of white tables, eager to pick up schedules, find friends, and get a first glimpse of the new campus. 

    Standing just behind the tables was Assistant Principal Victor Okoli, armed with a floor plan and ready to help students navigate the new facility. 

    Principal Cecilia Gonzales stood just a few feet away, watching over the process, welcoming students back to school, and guiding them through new, brightly colored hallways.  

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    Lamar HS students enjoy first day of school in new building

    Gathered outside Lamar High School’s new main entrance, cheerleaders, Rangerettes, and the color guard shook their pompoms to the beat of the music played by the band, welcoming students back to school. 

    Inside, the hum of conversation filled the grand hall as hundreds of students peered around the two-story room, admiring the tall glass walls and massive, blue staircase, as they waited for the first bell to ring. 

    “The kids walked in wide-eyed saying, ‘It’s beautiful,’” Lamar Principal Rita Graves said, recalling how eager students had been to see the school during last week’s Texan Prep Days. “They’re just really excited to be learning in such a cool place.” 

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