New initiatives to address bus service challenges expected Tuesday

Bus riders across the district could see changes to their scheduled pick-up and drop-off times as part of an ongoing review designed to ensure all students have access to safe and reliable transportation.

In addition to scheduling changes, the Transportation Services department also is expanding the magnet hub program with the addition of two new hub locations, continuing to assign students to routes, and ramping up bus driver recruitment efforts to prevent driver shortages.

“Transportation to and from school is one of the building blocks for academic success,” HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan said. “It’s imperative that we provide safe, reliable and timely service to our students. We will continue making changes until we can ensure we are meeting that goal.” Continue reading →

KHOU anchor Sherry Williams named HISD press secretary

Sherry Williams has been selected as press secretary for the Houston Independent School District.

Williams, an Emmy-winning journalist whose career spans three decades, joins HISD from Houston’s KHOU 11 news team, where she anchors the Saturday morning news from 7 to 9 a.m. She previously anchored the 9 p.m. news at CW 39 and reported for Fox 26 Houston. She also has worked in broadcast markets in Dallas, Detroit, and Bryan-College Station.

Williams grew up in Houston’s Third Ward near the Texas Southern University campus and attended HISD’s Turner Elementary School, Lanier Middle School and Lamar High School. Continue reading →

Askew ES opens new building for 2018-19 school year

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Askew Elementary School’s All-Stars walked hand-in-hand into a bright and colorful new 2012 Bond building for the start of the 2018-2019 school year.

Almost 1,000 students and parents walked down the school’s hallways awestruck as they toured their new facility for the first time on Monday.

“Welcome, welcome, welcome Askew All-Stars,” a voice said over the school intercom. “We are so excited to start this wonderful new school year. We hope you love and enjoy this new building just as much as we do.” Continue reading →

New wing, renovated classrooms greet Wilson Montessori students for new school year

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Nestled in the heart of Montrose, the Wilson Montessori campus was filled with excitement on Monday as students entered the doors of the newly renovated building for the first day of school.

Final construction work wrapped on the project this summer, with Monday marking Monday the first time that both the new wing and existing classroom renovations were complete and open to students.

“We are truly excited about this new school year in this new space,” Wilson Montessori Principal Shameika Sykes-Salvador said. “Teachers are excited about being in their own spaces and being able to unpack and make it home.”

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Lawson MS students step into their new learning space for first day

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Clad in super hero capes and masks, enthusiastic teachers and staff gathered in the foyer of the new Lawson Middle School to welcome students for the first day of the 2018-2019 school year.

Lawson Principal Kasey Bailey said the costumes were a reminder to students and parents of their power to move the campus forward and conquer obstacles that stand before them.

“It’s a new era of academic achievement” Bailey said. “Lawson’s academic status is now ‘Growth Distinction.’ We are no longer ‘Improvement Required.’ That alone has given us the additional boost of excitement preparing us for this new academic achievement.”

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Designs for Westbury HS fine arts wing take shape

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As work on the initial scope of Westbury High School’s bond construction is wrapping up, Project Advisory Team members met recently for the first look at design plans for another new addition.

The new $6.2 million fine arts wing, which is funded through surplus 2012 Bond Program funds, will be built on the north side of the campus on the site of the school’s old gymnasium and dining hall, which are in the process of being demolished.

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Pilgrim Academy welcomes students back to new building

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A sea of students dressed in red rushed into Pilgrim Academy’s newly renovated building on Monday to begin the first day of the 2018-2019 school year.

Pilgrim’s $8 million construction project, which is a part of the voter-approved 2012 Bond Program, features an expansion and building renovation that incorporates architectural aspects of both the past and future.

Pilgrim Principal Diana Castillo said school staff worked for more than two weeks to make sure that everything was ready to go for the first day of school.

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Eastwood Academy students enjoy first day in new addition

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Students at Eastwood Academy looked right at home in the recently completed two-story library wing on Monday, as they gathered for the start of the 2018-2019 school year.

“It’s pretty cool. It’s calm and chill. It makes me happy,” senior Josue Cruz said. “I’ll come here more often to study. It’s nice how things have changed.”

The school’s new addition – which is the final phase of the school’s 2012 Bond Program construction – features a two-story library expansion, additional teaching spaces, small and large group gathering areas, a community meeting room, and an enclosed walkway that connects to the main entrance. Continue reading →

Washington HS starts school year in new building

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At Washington High School, the first day of school wasn’t just about starting a new school year. It was a true celebration.

The start of the 2018-2019 school year not only marks the opening of the new campus, but also the school’s 125th anniversary. It was originally built in 1893 as the city’s first African-American high school.
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Students embark on first day at new High School for Law and Justice

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Excitement filled the air at the new High School for Law and Justice as students gathered in the central dining commons to pick up class schedules and connect with friends on Monday — the first day of the 2018-2019 school year.

“When I first walked into the building, all I could say was, ‘Wow!’” HSLJ senior Cecilia Marenco said. “The grand staircase is breathtaking, and the design is modern and innovative.”

Part of the 2012 Bond Program, the $40 million campus features a realistic courtroom, crime-scene investigations lab, emergency communications center, law library, and flexible dining commons space with a three-stories-high sky bridge and a dramatic grand staircase. Continue reading →