New transportation software helping phase out manual bus inspections

Roughly 90 percent of HISD bus drivers are now completing their required twice-daily bus inspections electronically with Zonar, a fleet management and tracking system implemented by Transportation Services earlier this school year.

The success rate was determined as a result of one-on-one inspections conducted this week by the transportation leadership team at all four bus terminals. The spot checks were completed on-site each morning prior to the start of morning bus routes. Additional random checks will continue.

“We now have the ability to electronically collect fleet data, which is automatically accessible to our fleet maintenance department,” Transportation Services Interim General Manager John Wilcots IV said. “It’s made our manual inspection process obsolete.” Continue reading →

Two HISD schools nominated for national Blue Ribbon Schools award

Two Houston Independent School District campuses have been nominated for the prestigious 2019 Blue Ribbon Schools designation.

The HISD schools are Field Elementary School and Project Chrysalis Middle School, which is a two-time nominee. The two HISD schools are the only ones in the greater Houston area to receive nominations. A total of 26 Texas schools have been nominated by the Texas Education Agency.

“I applaud the dedication and work ethic of the students, parents, teachers, staff, and principals for earning such prominent recognition,” Interim Superintendent Dr. Grenita Lathan said. “As the district leader, I want to ensure that every child receives the support they need to reach their full potential and we are able to create high-performing campuses across HISD.” Continue reading →

Board of Education to consider authorizing application for disaster assistance

The HISD Board of Education on Thursday will consider the district’s initial application to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for disaster assistance as a result of Hurricane Harvey.

The board’s regular monthly meeting begins at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17 in the Manuel Rodríguez Jr. Board Auditorium of the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center, 4400 W. 18th St., 77092. Click here to view the full agenda.

Per the Texas Education Code, unreimbursed disaster remediation costs that a school district incurs responding to a disaster allows the district to request a reduction in recapture payments. Continue reading →

Top-performing fourth-grade teacher is January’s Teacher of the Month  

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Fourth-grade teacher Alvaro Camaripano couldn’t help but have tears flowing down his face when he was surprised by Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan on Tuesday as the Sterling McCall VIP Services Teacher of the Month for January.

A 17-year veteran teacher at Barrick Elementary School, Camaripano was recognized for his track record of high math performance scores that have also gotten him distinguished as one of the top 5 percent math teachers in the district.

“Mr. Camaripano is well-deserving in receiving this honor,” said Principal Yolanda Garrido. “He is a humble, loving, and dedicated teacher that works hard daily to ensure all students achieve academic success.” Continue reading →

How two district specialists are helping transform Achieve 180 campuses 

As part of the Achieve 180 program, it takes an all-hands-on deck approach from the district to ensure a campus yields positive results. Whether it’s members from Special Education or Interventions, support is needed from nearly all district-level departments for a school to experience a complete turnaround.

Two roles in particular—Teacher Development Specialists (TDS) and Data Driven Instructional Specialists (DDIS) play a significant role in helping transform student achievement outcomes within the classroom at Achieve 180 campuses.

“it’s important that we have both a TDS and DDIS at each of our Achieve 180 campuses as they build capacity inside and outside the classroom with teachers and campus administrators,” Assistant Superintendent Felicia Adams said.   Continue reading →

HISD to hold first Parent University of spring semester 

HISD will host its third Parent University workshop from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 24 at six locations  throughout the district: Forest Brook Middle School, and Jones, Lamar, Sharpstown, Waltrip and Wheatley high schools.

The theme for the session will be “Supporting Your Child’s Academic Success.” The workshop will begin with a dinner and resource fair and will include information on district programs, parent engagement, community resources, and how parents can become active partners in the successful education of their children.

This district-wide initiative was launched last September with a mission of connecting HISD parents and children to resources that support successful academic careers, as well as safe and healthy environments at home and at school.   Continue reading →

HISD students to perform speeches at annual Martin Luther King Jr. Oratory Competition

Twelve HISD students will continue the tradition of honoring the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. when they compete Friday in the final round of the Gardere MLK Jr. Oratory Competition.

For more than 20 years, fourth- and fifth-graders from two dozen HISD schools have competed in the annual contest, which challenges students to write and present a short original speech on a subject related to the slain civil rights leader. The topic this year is, “What would Dr. King say to the children of today’s world?”  Continue reading →

Milby HS to receive highest honor in school architecture competition

Construction at Milby High School, June 21, 2017. (Dave Einsel/Houston ISD)

Milby High School is one of two schools selected to receive the prestigious 2018-2019 Caudill Award, the highest honor presented in the statewide Exhibit of School Architecture.

The annual competition showcases new and renovated Texas schools and recognizes excellence in their planning and design. It is sponsored by the Texas Association of School Administrators and the Texas Association of School Boards.
Continue reading →

Transportation Services continuing focus on streamlining operations, reducing late arrivals

HISD Transportation Services kicked off the new year with 41 fewer bus routes — an intentional reduction designed to streamline operations and increase efficiency.

Transportation officials report that operations are running smoothly following the reduction and note they have seen an average of 20 or fewer buses — less than 3 percent of the district’s 860 routes — arriving late to school each morning during the first week of the spring semester. The numbers are tracked manually.

“We’re continuing to look for ways in which we can do better. I believe that we can always improve,” Interim General Manager John Wilcots IV said. “But we’re off to a good start.” Continue reading →