HISD pays tribute to groundbreakers as part of Black History Month 

The Houston Independent School District is celebrating Black History Month by commemorating district alumni and staff who are considered groundbreakers and trailblazers.

The theme for this year’s celebration was created to align with the Association for the Study of African-American Life and History’s (ASALH) theme “Black Migrations.” While previous themes were inclusive of earlier centuries, this theme focuses specifically on the 20th century through today.

The district created a poster and series of table tent cards that will be placed in break rooms and Hattie Mae’s cafe that will feature African-Americans who are former HISD staff and/or students and have made contributions to art, literature, business, sports and pop culture. Continue reading →

HISD launches maritime education partnership with UHD, HCC and Port of Houston

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The Houston Independent School District, the University of Houston-Downtown, Houston Community College, and the Port of Houston Authority joined forces Thursday to announce a new education partnership that prepares students for maritime careers.

Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan, UHD President Juan Sanchez Munoz, Port of Houston Authority Chair Janiece Longoria and HCC Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration Janet Wormack each signed a Letter of Intent that outlines a seamless career pathway for students that begins in high school, extends to higher education institutions, and ultimately leads to potential maritime jobs at the Port of Houston.

“HISD is proud to partner with UHD, HCC and the Port of Houston Authority to offer our students greater opportunities and pathways for successful maritime careers,” Lathan said. “Great things are happening in Houston, and great things are happening for the students of HISD.” Continue reading →

Transportation announces new, more comprehensive route planning process  

With an eye toward the 2019-2020 school year, Transportation Services is restructuring its annual planning process, building in time to verify all routes and notify parents well ahead of the start of school.

The team will begin actively planning and scheduling next year’s routes in April — significantly earlier than in previous years — allowing the department to have a rough plan by the end of the school year. Bus drivers then will be tasked with doing real-time test runs in July to validate routes and their feasibility.

With the new schedule, the department will be able to conduct multiple route verifications and still notify parents several weeks before the first day of school, giving them plenty of time to review. Continue reading →

Nearly 70 HISD teachers to be recognized at HAABSE banquet 

The Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators (HAABSE) will recognize nearly 70 HISD teachers at their annual HAABSE Outstanding Teacher Awards and Recognition Ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 6 at Bayou City Event Center.

The banquet was created to recognize the incredible work of educators that impact the lives of minority students in the greater Houston area.

Teachers were nominated by their campus principal and/or counselor.

View below for a full list of the teachers that will be recognized:  Continue reading →

City of Houston program offers paid summer jobs to students

HISD students can gain real-world work experience through the City of Houston’s Hire Houston Youth (HHY) Initiative, which offers paid summer jobs and internships throughout the city.

The HHY initiative, which started in 2016, offers students ages 16 to 24 a minimum of $8 per hour for eight weeks of paid work at the City of Houston, and in Houston’s nonprofit and private sectors.

This summer, more than 10,000 job opportunities will be available with companies such as McDonald’s, United Airlines, the YMCA, and more. Most summer employment opportunities begin on June 11, 2019 and end August 1, 2019. Continue reading →

Wilcots named general manager for Transportation Services

Transportation Services Interim General Manager John Wilcots IV has been selected to permanently oversee the district’s transportation department.

A transportation industry veteran, Wilcots has served as interim general manager since September 2018. Since then, he has been credited with leading the department through focused efforts to improve student bus service by increasing route efficiency and addressing critical staffing needs.

His new position is effective Jan. 28.

“The experience and knowledge that John brings to the table has given him a steady hand at the helm of the Transportation Services department,” HISD Chief Operating Officer Brian Busby said. “I’m glad to have his leadership as we continue to improve departmental operations.” Continue reading →

Upcoming spring college fairs planned around the city 

This Spring, HISD students will be able to attend several college readiness fairs—both national and local—right here in Houston!

At each of these events, students will explore multiple colleges and degree programs, learn about industry certifications and technical careers, and apply for scholarships to fund their education.

Additional details about each of these upcoming opportunities can be found below, and students are encouraged to speak with their college and career readiness advisors for details. Select campuses may provide transportation. Continue reading →

Worthing HS celebrates new building with grand opening ceremony

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Clad in gold glitter leotards, Worthing High School’s Prancing Dolls danced to the rhythmic beat of the band as cheerleaders chanted, energizing the crowd of students, staff, and alumni gathered in their sleek two-story commons area.

The crowd gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the new school, rebuilt under the 2012 Bond Program.

“This moment, this celebration today, does indeed represent a fresh beginning for Worthing High School,” HISD Board of Education Trustee Wanda Adams said. “This building has the state-of-the-art resources that our young scholars need and deserve to realize their most ambitious dreams.” Continue reading →

Seven students named district winners of HLSR School Art Competition 

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The lobby of HISD’s Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center was transformed into a beautiful art gallery for the district’s first-ever Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) Art Reception on Thursday night, showcasing over 200 student works of art.

During the evening, seven student artists were honored as 2019 district winners for the HLSR School Art Competition. The winners, who range from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade, were awarded in the categories of Best of Show and Gold Medal.

“We are so proud of these creative students for their hard work and imagination,” said Chandel Bonner-Hancock, HISD Secondary Visual Arts Curriculum Specialist. “Tonight is an opportunity to not only celebrate our student artists, but the teachers who helped cultivate their talent.”  Continue reading →

Artwork at three HISD campuses unveiled for Gulfton Story Trail Mural Project

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Students, staff, and community members were on hand recently to celebrate the unveiling of mural paintings on three HISD campuses – Jane Long Academy, Sutton Elementary School, and Las Americas Newcomer School.

The three schools are part of the Gulfton Story Trail Mural Project, which features 12 artistic murals inspired by poems written by local students. The project showcases the area’s culture while attracting visitors to the southwest Houston neighborhood — one of the most immigrant-rich areas of the city.

HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan lauded the murals as a point of pride for the district’s students and families.

“They will serve as a reminder for many years to come that we embrace diversity in the Houston Independent School District,” Lathan said. Continue reading →