Facilities Services and Fleet Operations employee’s desire to help leads to 47 years of service

Sherry Jones

As one of the longest-serving employees in Facilities Services and Fleet Operations, Sherry Jones’ career is fueled by a desire to be of service and to help wherever she can.

Jones – an administrative assistant – has been with HISD for 47 years. In that time, she’s worked with 15 managers and under the leadership of 11 superintendents, working hard to ensure her department is always properly supported.

According to Jones, her strong work ethic and desire to be of service was instilled by wise words from her mother that she carried with her throughout her career.

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7th Annual School Lunch Hero Day to be celebrated on May 3

Students and school faculty will soon have the opportunity to show their appreciation to cafeteria staff during School Lunch Hero Day.

On May 3, Nutrition Services will celebrate School Lunch Hero Day, a nationwide celebration that honors school nutrition professionals for the valuable work they do each day. The observance will allow students and school staff to celebrate their campus’ cafeteria team.

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Kinder HSPVA wins 2019 Landmark Award

The new Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts building was named the winner of the Houston Business Journal 2019 Landmark Award this past week.

The annual award program recognizes impressive real estate projects that make a significant impression on the Houston landscape and help sculpt the look, feel, and image of the city.

“We love the new space,” Kinder HSPVA Principal Scott Allen said. “The building design is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also incredibly functional, supporting our academic and arts programs.”

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Gifted and Talented Expo on April 23 to showcase student research projects 

Pre-K through 12th-grade gifted and talented students from across the district will present more than 450 research projects at the Gifted and Talented Exposition on Tuesday, April 23, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. 

The event, which will take place at Delmar Fieldhouse (2020 Mangum, 77092), is the culmination of a year of hard work for HISD gifted and talented students. The state of Texas requires gifted and talented students to participate in high-level research throughout the year. This student-directed research culminates in a research project that participants will present in a three-minute synopsis at the exposition. 

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Still school shopping? Save the date for the upcoming Spring School Choice Fair

Magnet application deadline for Phase 2 is May 31 

Magnet schools and other choice programs that still have open seats will be available to discuss options with parents at the Spring School Choice Fair on Saturday, April 27. 

The event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at Heights High School (413 East 13th St., 77008) and will offer a glimpse of the many programs still waiting for students after the Phase 1 magnet deadline, as well as all other transfer options.

Schools with space available will have representatives at the event.  
For a complete list of magnet programs with openings, click here. Other programs such as dual language and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs will also be represented.

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HISD Interim Superintendent surprises students with $5,000 scholarships

Throughout the month of April, ten outstanding HISD seniors were surprised with 2019 HISD Superintendent and Board of Education Scholar Awards totaling $50,000.  

HISD Superintendent and Board of Education Scholar Awards, in the amount of $2,000, are presented annually to graduating seniors who have exemplified great character and resilience in the face of adversity. One senior from every HISD high school will receive scholarships. 

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HISD recognizing National Arab American Heritage Month

For the month of April, the Houston Independent School District is celebrating National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM) to recognize the historical and cultural contributions made by the people of Arabic descent.  

To join the district in celebrating NAAHM, click here to download the Educator’s Curriculum Kit, which highlights the history of Arab migration to America, geographic understanding of the Arab world, Arab American diversity in faith and language, interesting customs and traditions, and achievements in business, politics, education, and more.  

You can also visit the Arab America webpage for daily features highlighting the culture and influences of Arab America.

Austin HS partners with Raise Your Hand Texas to transform student learning experiences

Three years ago, Austin High School Principal Steve Guerrero and his team attended what they thought would be a typical professional development training with Raise Your Hand Texas Foundation. While attending, they were inspired to apply for a $500,000 grant that would be of great benefit to the campus. 

In applying for the grant, the team was able to create a plan to rethink the typical high school student experience and re-conceptualize how the school used its resources to increase personalization for students.   

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Summer of Fun METRO Pass offers students free rides all summer long 

The Summer of Fun pass is a unique fare card offering K-12 (and college) students free rides on the following METRO services from June 1 through August 31, 2022. 

  • Local bus
  • Park & Ride bus
  • METRORail
  • METRORapid
  • METRO curb2curb

If you don’t have a discounted METRO Q® Fare Card, you can obtain one through the METRO Online RideStore, and your card will be sent via U.S. mail. During your store transaction, you’ll be required to upload specific documents as proof of eligibility.

Applicants must provide one of the following: current student ID, report card, or class schedule. 

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