Elementary Teacher of the Year Finalist named Teacher of the Month for May

Dogan Elementary got to celebrate twice this month when their fourth-grade ELAR teacher Brittani Rideaux, who was crowned as an Elementary Teacher of the Year finalist was also named the Sterling McCall VIP Services Teacher of the Month for May. 

To help close out the school year, Sterling McCall VIP Services surprised Rideaux on Wednesday to celebrate her accomplishments in the classroom that have landed her multiple recognitions across the district.  

“Ms. Rideaux has a strong commitment and passion to Dogan students’ academic achievement,” Principal Sandra Menxueiro said. “Her growth mindset and grit are a motivation to her students and staff, which has resulted in classroom success.” 

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South Early College HS students inspire bestselling author during Literacy Day

After a recent visit to HISD’s South Early College High School, author Shaytee Gadson has announced plans for his second book inspired by students he met during his visit.   

Gadson was invited to speak during South Early’s student-created Literacy Day, where he discussed his acclaimed memoir “Hallelujah! in Hollywood: A True Hollywood Story.” During the visit, each student received an autographed copy of the book and spent the day with Gadson discussing the book’s literary elements. 

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HISD students hold Earth-to-space call with NASA astronaut currently aboard ISS

HISD students from Milby High School, Deady Middle School, and Davila Elementary School had an exclusive opportunity on Wednesday to speak with and interview NASA astronaut Col. Tyler “Nick” Hague, who is currently living and working aboard the International Space Station.  

“Our students are getting a once-in-a lifetime chance today,” said Milby Principal Ruth Ruiz. “This is a great opportunity for our feeder pattern because this is our first year as an aerospace STEM academy.” 

During the 20-minute Earth-to-space call, students asked Hague several different questions about his time in space, future missions and experiments conducted aboard the ISS. The first question of the day went to Davila second-grader Leslie Garcia, who asked Col. Hague about his work schedule aboard the ISS.  

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Chung Ying named new principal of Mandarin Immersion Magnet School

Chung Ying has been selected as the new principal of Mandarin Immersion Magnet School. Ying started his career in HISD in 2003 and has served students as a special education teacher, department chair and LPAC coordinator. For the last six years, he has been an assistant principal in Harmony Public Schools. He has extensive experience in special education and ESL education. Ying earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston and holds an advanced degree in educational leadership from the University of St. Thomas. He is fluent in Mandarin.

Holly T. Gibson named new principal of Middle College at HCC Gulfton

Holly T. Gibson has been selected as the new principal of Middle College at HCC Gulfton. She began her educational career at HISD in 1991 as a math teacher at Jane Long Middle School and has since taught in Dallas ISD and served as an assistant principal before returning to HISD in 2004 as assistant principal at Fonville Middle school. For the last 10 years, she has served as dean of instruction at Lamar High School. Gibson earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Texas Southern University and a Master’s in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University-Commerce.

Toufic Elachkar named new principal of McNamara Elementary School

Toufic Elachkar has been selected as the new principal of McNamara Elementary School. In his 27-year career with HISD, he has served students as a bilingual teacher, Title III coordinator, and an assistant principal. As a classroom teacher, he was recognized as an Aspire Highly Effective teacher, ranking in the top 10 percent districtwide. During his tenure as assistant principal at McNamara, the campus has made notable progress with improved student performance. Elachkar earned a bachelor’s in political science from Texas Southern University and holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Thomas. Elachkar is fluent in Spanish, Arabic, French and English.

Vanessa Saldaña named new principal of Hogg Middle School

Vanessa Saldaña has been selected as the new principal of Hogg Middle School. Saldana began her career at HISD as a teacher assistant at Durkee Elementary School and later served as a math teacher at McReynolds Middle School. Since 2015, she has been the seventh-grade assistant principal at Hogg, where she implemented the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) and improved student achievement in all academic areas. Saldaña holds a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Houston and a master’s in Educational Leaderships from the University of St. Thomas.

Marlen Martinez named new principal of Ortiz Middle School

Marlen Martinez has been selected as the new principal of Ortiz Middle School. An HISD alumnus, Martinez has served students as a teacher, magnet coordinator, and an assistant principal. Most recently, she served as the principal at Lewis Elementary School, where she built a strong academic program that shepherded the school out of Improvement Required (IR) status into meeting state standard. She earned a bachelor’s degree at Texas State University and a master’s degree from the University of Houston-Clear Lake.

Walnut Bend ES to make seventh Odyssey of the Mind World Finals appearance

Students from seven HISD schools will be competing at the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals this week. But for students from Walnut Bend Elementary School, the thrill of advancing past the state level is particularly sweet, as 2019 marks the school’s seventh appearance in eight years.  

A team of seven students won first place in their division at the Odyssey of the Mind Regional tournament with a perfect score. The team then went on to win the Texas Sate Finals in the Structure Toss Category. 

Odyssey of the Mind allows students to engineer and create to solve a problem, all under their own direction and leadership. Michele Dahlquist, Walnut Bend ES principal and Odyssey coach, has been coaching Odyssey teams for more than 30 years and is proud of how far her team has come. 

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