Mexican university offers HISD students higher education opportunities

HISD high school students interested in studying abroad attended a college information session on Friday led by Dr. Luis Ernesto Derbez, the president of Universidad de las Américas Puebla (UDLAP). 

The university is one of the most prestigious in Latin America. It is one of the few accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the same organization that endorses major universities like the University of Texas at Austin, Rice University and Tulane University.  

“Universidad de las Américas Puebla is one of the most beautiful universities in Mexico,” Derbez said. “UDLAP is a multi-cultural community that offers many on-campus activities to international students.” 

Continue reading →

‘When I Grow Up’ career expo to be held March 23

More than 100 exhibitors from local companies will be on hand to help students explore their options in high-demand, high-growth industries at the seventh annual “When I Grow Up Expo.” 

The event will take place from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., Saturday, March 23 at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center (4400 W. 18th Street, 77092). 

Students will have the opportunity to talk with local employers about future careers and compete in various competitions in subjects such as cosmetology, movie making, construction, and culinary skills.  

Continue reading →

Transportation Services gearing up for next year, seeking to hire more drivers

With planning already underway for the upcoming school year, Transportation Services is employing a proactive approach to address issues involving routing and scheduling. 

General Manager John Wilcots IV said the department will stop making routing changes for the current school year on April 1. This will allow the department to begin planning for routes for next year — well in advance of the first day of the 2019-2020 school year.  

“As we plan the bus routing for next school year, we want to make sure our students are not walking long distances and that they don’t have long wait times to board our buses,” Wilcots said. “The work that we will begin on April 1 is critical to ensuring the school year gets off to a smoother start next year.” 

Continue reading →

Nutrition Services dietitian recognized as a top dietitian in the state

Julia Jarrell
 Julia Jarrell 

HISD Nutrition Services Food Literacy Manager Julia Jarrell has been selected as one of the 2019 Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Recognized Young Dietitians of the Year.

Jarrell was nominated and selected for her progressive work in teaching HISD students how to lead healthy and productive lives through good nutrition.

“I love the opportunity to promote health within the Houston community” Jarrell said. “To be recognized and honored for doing things I am deeply proud of makes me feel elated and privileged to be part of such a wonderful profession.”

Continue reading →

Three HISD schools receive grants to boost theater education programs

Theater programs at three Houston Independent School District campuses have received grants from the Andrew Lloyd Webber Initiative totaling nearly $50,000.   

HISD’s Chavez High School received $30,000 from the group to refurbish its set design workshop. The Chavez Lobo Theatre not only builds its own sets but also provides items for productions, classrooms and clubs for other campuses in the district. 

HISD’s Northside High School received $12,500 from the Andrew Lloyd Webber Initiative to improve its theatrical library, playwriting curriculum and obtain high quality costumes.  

The district’s Gregory-Lincoln Education Center for the Performing and Visuals Arts received $7,107 for the purchase of a spotlight, sewing machine, costumes, stage props, a projector, and to establish a Theatre Arts reading/writing program. 

Continue reading →

HISD named Demonstration District by Texas Alliance of Black School Educators

The Houston Independent School District has been selected as one of the state’s two Demonstration Districts by the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators (TABSE). 

The organization stated that HISD and Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan were selected based on success closing the achievement gap and making school improvements. 

“Every staff member, from our custodians to our key administrators, works tirelessly every day to serve our children,” Lathan said. “It is not always easy, but we are committed to the work and it is gratifying to receive this recognition.”  

Continue reading →

Win-Win Program at Scarborough HS builds bridge between law enforcement and youths

More than 140 Scarborough High School students joined law enforcement officers from the HISD Police Department, Houston Police Department and the Metro Houston Police Department in a program on Wednesday to reduce the number of hostile encounters between juveniles and law enforcement officers. 

The Win-Win Program, developed by the Houston Health Department’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative, imparts conflict-resolution skills through interactive workshops and candid group discussions. 

Participants gathered together for a general assembly in the Scarborough High School auditorium, where they discussed the importance of strong student and peace officer relationships, which, according to Principal Roderick Trevino, Scarborough students are prepared for.  

Continue reading →

HISD’s Ascending to Men Project will host roundtable discussion with students and community leaders

The Houston Independent School District’s Ascending to Men (ATM) Project will host a roundtable discussion next week with students and community leaders to foster dialogue centered around issues impacting today’s youth.

The discussion will take place from 6 – 7:30 p.m., on Thursday, Feb. 28 at Jack Yates High School. Dinner will be provided beginning at 5:30 p.m. Participants will discuss the qualities of successful students, while sharing examples of how they can reach their personal and academic goals.

Participants will also share their own perspectives on the importance of developing quality mentorships and the impact they can have on a student’s success.

Continue reading →

Help make this a prom to remember for HISD students

HISD’s Homeless Education Office is requesting donations of formal attire for hundreds of homeless and at-risk high school seniors planning to attend their prom.

The homeless office is requesting formal dresses, shoes, handbags, and jewelry for girls and tuxedo rentals, men’s shirts, and men’s shoes for boys.

Continue reading →

Special Olympics Field Days rescheduled for March; volunteers needed

Editor’s note: Due to the threat of inclement weather, the Special Olympics Field Days rescheduled for March have been postponed. When new dates are established, they will be communicated.

The sixth annual Special Olympics Field Days, which was postponed in November because of inclement weather, are now scheduled for March, and HISD needs volunteers for the upcoming event.

Field Days give students with intellectual and developmental disabilities a chance to showcase their athletic skills by taking part in fun athletic contests. The friendly competition includes basketball, tennis, soccer, and track and field for all ages, as well as flag football for high-schoolers.

Middle-school students will have their events on March 6, while high school students will participate on March 7. Then elementary students get their Special Olympics Field Day on March 5.

Continue reading →