HISD campuses celebrate Nutrition Services staff with 7th Annual School Lunch Hero Day

Cheers echoed down the hall as Bruce Elementary School students and staff gathered Friday in Room 137 to surprise their beloved cafeteria staff with an ice cream bar and certificates of appreciation.  

The party was held in honor of School Lunch Hero Day, a nationwide celebration that honors school nutrition professionals for the valuable work they do each day. The annual celebration stems from author Jarrett Krosoczka’s Lunch Lady, a graphic novel series featuring a crime-fighting Lunch Lady whose mission is to serve up justice while serving up lunch.

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HISD celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week May 6-10

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 6-11, and HISD is asking students, families and the community to “Thank a Teacher” in person or on social media using #ThankAnHISDTeacher.  

To celebrate our teachers’ commitment and service, HISD will recognize teaching excellence across our district at the annual Educators of the Year banquet on May 17, at the Hilton Americas Hotel.  

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Ascending to Men Project celebrates inaugural year with districtwide summit

The Houston Independent School District’s Ascending to Men Project (ATMP) held its districtwide youth summit to mark the end of its inaugural year on Friday.  

The summit, titled Changing the Narrative of Our Story, was held at Kingdom Builders’ Center to celebrate a successful year of the districtwide program, which connects male students with mentors who provide a wide range of support to keep students on track toward success in college, careers and beyond. 

“The Ascending to Men Program was just a vision 12 months ago,” Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan said to the crowd of students, staff and guest. “We are here today because of your hard work.” 

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HISD campuses ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s Best High Schools

44 schools selected, including campuses on Best STEM, Best Charter and Best Magnet lists

U.S. News & World Report has listed 44 Houston Independent School District campuses – with four breaking the top 100 in the nation – on its 2019 Best High Schools rankings.

HISD campuses ranked near the top of the best public high schools list are:

  • DeBakey High School for Health Professions, ranked #3 in Texas, #17 in the nation
  • Carnegie Vanguard High School, ranked #4 in Texas, #24 in the nation
  • Eastwood Academy High School, ranked #9 in Texas, #97 in the nation
  • Challenge Early College High School, ranked #10 in Texas, #102 in the nation
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Senior recipients honored at Board of Education and Superintendent Scholarship Dinner

Houston Independent School District graduating seniors who have overcome odds and adversity to achieve their academic goals were honored at the annual HISD Superintendent and Board of Education Scholarship Dinner on Wednesday evening. 

At the dinner, which was held at the Cockrell Boy Scouts Center, each of the 46 award recipients and their families were treated to a dinner and reception hosted by ABC 13 reporter Stefania Okolie. Kinder HSPVA senior Racquel Leonard performed a gorgeous rendition of Disney’s “I’m Almost There.” 

After the performance, Leonard, who will attend Loyola University in the fall to study music, was surprised with her own HISD Superintendent and Board of Education Scholar Award. The scholarship, originally worth $2,000, was increased to $5,000 after HISD’s Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan learned that Leonard was short on her tuition.  

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At YWCPA, a red-carpet celebration of 100% senior college acceptances

It was a day of celebration as students at Houston Independent School District’s Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy held a red-carpet celebration in honor of 100% senior college acceptances on Thursday.  

During a special school-wide assembly, YWCPA students walked a red carpet to announce the institutions of higher learning where they will continue their academic careers. Some have been accepted to the nation’s most prestigious universities, including Bryn Mawr College, the University of Virginia, Berea College and Texas A&M University. 

“We are so excited and proud of you all,” YWCPA Principal April Williams said to a cheering crowd of students, parents and staff. “Always come back to visit us and help us to build upon that strong YWCPA spirit.” 

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Application period for school choice program transfers to end May 31

Applications for school transfers in choice programs for current HISD students will no longer be accepted after May 31, 2019.  

The online application is now available through HISD’s Office of School Choice Student Transfer page. It can be used for school transfers in choice programs such as dual language and international baccalaureate, as well as career and technical programs, and many more. 

The online application can be found here. 

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HISD budget proposal for 2019-2020 includes no cuts to campus PUA, no pay increases

Houston Independent School District Chief Financial Officer Rene Barajas today will present a proposed budget to Board of Education trustees for the 2019-2020 school year. 

The proposed budget is based on current law and includes a $36 million deficit. This deficit is arrived at by estimating several key variables, the most important of which include property values, student enrollment, and recapture obligations. 

Under this proposal, the campus per unit allocation, or PUA, would not be cut by $73, and there would be no cuts to schools or departments. However, this does not prevent departments from reorganizing.  The budget proposal does not include pay increases or step increases for any employee group. 

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HISD celebrates first-ever Academic College Signing Day

For the first time ever, HISD hosted Academic College Signing Day for the district’s top University Interscholastic League (UIL) Academics, Music, and One Act Play students.  

Nearly 190 students from 32 high schools signed ceremonial letters of intent in the presence of their families, teachers, and classmates.  

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Wharton Dual Language Academy celebrates new school with grand opening

Hundreds of Wharton Dual Language Academy students, staff, parents, and community members gathered Thursday in their new gymnasium to celebrate the school’s grand opening. 

Red and yellow balloons created a colorful backdrop for guests as they were entertained by several student musical performances, as well as traditional folkloric dance routines performed by students clad in colorful, folkloric attire.  

“Today we celebrate the realization of the vision that we had for our new school,” Wharton Dual Language Academy Principal Jennifer Day said. “And it is a school that is built especially for our unique program,”  

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