The Elementary Curriculum and Development Department celebrated Science Teacher Dierdre Ricketts of Stevens Elementary School as the winner of the 2019 Elementary Science Teacher award, sponsored by alliantgroup on Tuesday.
Earlier this month, the department announced the below six finalists for the inaugural award who were selected by a committee of school office and curriculum leaders, teacher development specialists, strategic partnerships, and university partners.
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A child research and advocacy organization has recognized Nutrition Services as a top five food delivery district in the state of Texas.
Children at Risk ranked HISD fourth among large school districts in the state based on its record of providing daily meals to children in need, especially its school breakfast program, which allows schools to serve students breakfast in their classroom before starting the school day.
The organization measured the participation rate of school nutrition programs across districts based on data provided by the Texas Department of Agriculture and the Texas Education Agency.
Four of HISD’s 22 entries in the 32nd annual Houston Art Car Parade caught the judges’ attention, winning trophies and even some cash.
The Art Car Parade judges like to give out numerous awards, so there are winners in multiple categories, including four first-place winners, four second-place winners, and four third-place winners.
Heights High School students with leader Rebecca Bass won first place for their homage to Texas legend Stevie Ray Vaughn, “Pride & Joy.” This is Bass’s 32nd art car. Bass also received a Lifetime Achievement award, after spending the last 30 years as an Art Car Parade participant.
Continue readingHISD administrators had a special surprise planned for two HISD instructional coaches on Thursday as administrators dropped by their classrooms to present them with the third annual Ann Sledge Instructional Coach Excellence Awards.
Ambreen Ali, literacy instructional specialist at Meyerland Middle School, was the winner of the campus-level award. Rogelio Martinez, Teacher Development Specialist in the HISD’s Secondary Curriculum and Development Department, was the winner at the districtwide level.
Continue readingWith red, plastic fire marshal hats placed firmly atop their heads, more than 200 students from HISD’s Law Elementary School learned about the importance of fire safety from Houston Astros right fielder George Springer.
As part of The Hartford’s Junior Fire Marshal program, the students learned about fire alarms, exit plans and ways to prevent and escape a fire. They even had an opportunity to simulate a kitchen fire with smoke on a trailer the Hartford Home Fire Index brought to the school.
“Congratulations to everybody today who’s going to become a junior fire marshal,” 2017 World Series MVP Springer said during the event. “I know that’s a big deal, you’re going to have your crazy hat and everything.”
Continue readingWinners to be announced at May 17 Educators of the Year banquet
HISD needs your help to determine the district’s “Fan Favorite” Teachers of the Year, who will be announced on Friday, May 17, as HISD honors teachers and principals across the district at the Educators of the Year banquet.
The districtwide elementary and secondary Teachers of the Year are determined using performance data and other criteria, but the Fan Favorite category was created so the HISD community could vote on social media for their favorite elementary and secondary teacher.
All campus-based Teachers of the Year are eligible for this award, which will be determined by who has the largest number of fans. Anyone can vote—including colleagues, parents, students, and former students.
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The Houston Business Journal has named Houston Independent School District Chief Communications Officer Rebecca Suarez as a 40 Under 40 Class of 2019 honoree.
The list, which includes CEOs, founders, and young professionals in Houston who have become inspiring leaders in their respective industries and communities, were selected from over 500 nominations this year. Judges chose the honorees based on three key criteria: leadership, community involvement, and overcoming challenges.
“I grew up in the East End and learned at a young age the value of education, hard work, and gratitude,” Suarez said. “I am extremely humbled to be recognized by the Houston Business Journal and thankful to HISD for giving me the opportunity to share the powerful stories of our students, administrators, parents, and community in the largest school district in Texas.”
Continue readingWinners will be recognized on May 17 at the Educators of the Year banquet
To celebrate teaching excellence across the district, HISD is saddling up to highlight the district’s principals and teachers at the “western-themed” Educators of the Year banquet on Friday, May 17, at the Hilton Americas Hotel.
Twelve finalists have been named for the Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year. The two winners, who will go on to represent the district in Region 4, will be announced during the Educators of the Year banquet on Friday, May 17. The 12 finalists were selected from all 287 campuses based on performance data and other criteria.
Continue readingThe Houston Independent School District paid tribute to the top students from each high school’s graduating class during the annual Scholars Banquet on Tuesday evening.
Every spring, HISD honors the top two scholars at each of its high schools with a formal celebration of the accomplishment of finishing first or second in their class academic rankings. During the banquet, the 94 valedictorians and salutatorians were presented with a medallion in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements.
“This has been a challenging year for HISD, but you are proof that great things are happening throughout the district,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Grenita Lathan. “Given what you have accomplished so far, there is no limit to what you can do in college and beyond.”
Continue readingStatebound Apollos have built strong relationships within team despite language barriers
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They’ve been dubbed the “seven-nation family” — 11 starters, seven countries, four languages, and one dream: to become state champions.
The Sharpstown Apollos varsity soccer team earned a regional title over the weekend with a win over Kingwood Park to advance to their first state tournament in school history.
“This is something we have visualized and dreamed about,” Coach Greg Boles said. “This is huge – this is what we’ve worked for, and I am just so proud of these guys.”
The championship-bound Apollos team features a diverse roster of players from seven different countries – USA, Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Rwanda, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. And, despite some language barriers, the team has formed a strong bond during their time out on the pitch.
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