HISD celebrates inaugural CTE and Military Signing Day at Barbara Jordan Career Center

Students graduating from the Houston Independent School District’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, as well as those headed into the military, celebrated with a first-ever signing day on Thursday.

At the inaugural event, which was held at HISD’s Barbara Jordan Career Center, CTE students announced their career choices in several high-wage, high-skills and high-demand occupations, such as: cosmetology; transportation distribution and logistics; health science; public safety, corrections and security; hospitality; and business management and administration.

“Today we are honoring our students who are entering the workforce, and who have been offered careers beyond graduation, as well those students who have chosen to enlist in the armed forces,” said Director of Career Readiness Juliet Amara. “Today we are excited to recognize those efforts, their hard work and commitment to their career choice.”

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Register by July 12 for mayor’s Back to School Fest

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Registration is now open for Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Back to School Fest, an annual event that helps elementary students across the city access the free resources they need for a successful school year, such as school supplies, backpacks, and medical services.

All participants must register for an appointment by Friday, July 12 in order to attend. To register, visit this link. Families may also register by calling 311 or 713-837-0311 to request an appointment.

The event, held in partnership with Shell and the University of Houston, is a great opportunity for Houston families to take advantage of an array of resources provided by the City of Houston and other sponsors.

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Longtime Washington HS educator wins HEB Excellence in Education award

Booker T. Washington Engineering teacher Nghia Le accepts the
Secondary Education Leadership prize at HEB’s Excellence in Education Awards on Saturday, May 4.

An engineering teacher at HISD’s Booker T. Washington High School and the High School for Engineering Professions is one of the eight educators statewide receiving this year’s HEB Excellence in Education Awards. 

Nghia Le was awarded HEB’s Secondary Education Leadership prize, which honors teachers with 10 to 20 years of classroom experience. The award comes with a $10,000 grant for his school and a $10,000 check for his personal use.  

“Dr. Le is certainly one of our shining stars in the classroom,” HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan said. “He leads an out-of-this-world program and deserves this prestigious honor and the prize that accompanies it.” 

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Explore the unknown through Houston Public Library’s Summer reading program

Summer is the perfect time for students to hone their reading skills, and thanks to a partnership with the Houston Public Library, they can have fun while doing just that. 

HISD is encouraging students to join the Houston Public Library’s summer reading program for kids and teens called “Explore the Unknown,” which kicks off June 1 and runs through Aug. 1. 

Students can receive a free book and lanyard simply by registering. At each prize level, students earn another book and pins to decorate their lanyards and show off their success. They can earn pins by reaching their reading goals, attending library activities, and being an active member in their communities.  

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HISD Police to celebrate Police Appreciation Week

This week, law enforcement officers in HISD and across the country will be celebrated for their service and sacrifice as part of Law Enforcement Appreciation Week.

The annual observance was created in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week in which the date falls as Law Enforcement Appreciation Week.

“Every year we use this time to reflect on the value of peace officers to our society and the immense sacrifices they make on a daily basis to protect the community,” HISD Police Chief Paul Cordova said. “During this week we want to honor both the living and the dead who have dedicated their lives to serve others.”

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HIPPY participants to gather for graduation ceremonies

HISD’s Elementary Curriculum and Development department will host an end-of-year ceremony on Saturday at BakerRipley Gulfton Sharpstown Community Center to honor 2018-2019 HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) graduates. 

More than 650 parents and children completed the program this year. The free, home-based program helps parents prepare their preschool child for academic success over 30 weeks. Parents are taught educational activities that they then repeat with their child throughout the week.  

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HISD athlete runs to win at state track meet

Top Sprinter Robert Gregory from HISD’s Wheatley High School achieved remarkable rankings at the Texas State Track and Field Meet held May 10-11.

Gregory placed first in the Boys 4A 200-meter dash. He completed the contest in just over 21 seconds and beat the second-place finisher by nearly half a second. Gregory is currently ranked first in the region, second in the state, and fifth in the nation.

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Interim Superintendent outlines Strategic Priorities for HISD’s 2019-20 school year

HISD Interim Superintendent Lathan recently presented to the Board of Education Trustees during a board workshop and to the district’s principals at their monthly meeting the five Strategic Priorities for the 2019-2020 school year: 

  • Expanding Educational Opportunities 
  • Ensuring Student Health, Safety and Well-Being 
  • Transforming Academic Outcomes 
  • Increasing Organizational Efficiency 
  • Cultivating Team HISD Talent 

Expanding educational opportunities is a high priority for Lathan, who plans to build upon an innovative and dynamic style of curriculum that not only challenges students’ knowledge but also cultivates their creativity.  

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HISD students honored at Marvy Finger Family Scholarship ceremony

Houston Independent School District seniors who hope to pursue career and technical education opportunities after graduation were honored at the annual Marvy Finger Family Foundation Scholarship Ceremony on Wednesday evening.  

At the ceremony, which was held at the Delmar Field House, the 65 scholarship recipients and their families were treated to a dinner and reception attended by members of HISD’s Board of Education, Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan and the Finger family. 

Since 2013, the Marvy Finger Family Foundation Scholarship has awarded worthy HISD graduates full scholarships covering their two-year degree or certification program in high-demand careers. 

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