New principals gain insights at district’s annual New Leadership Institute

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While students and teachers soak in the remaining days of summer, HISD welcomed principals at the district’s annual New Leadership Institute (NLI) during the month of July.

The 10-day intensive training for newly appointed principals was created to bridge the knowledge gap for the administrators as they prepare to take on the role of campus leader.

“It’s important for our principals to utilize NLI as a way to fill their toolbox with strategies and resources that will help them succeed in their first year as a principal,” Leadership Development Senior Manager Tanya Yeromenko said. Continue reading →

HISD to offer free flu shots to all students for 2018-2019 school year

The Houston Independent School District is partnering with Healthy Schools to offer free flu vaccines to students during the 2018-2019 school year.

A team of nurses and other staff from Healthy Schools will rotate to each campus for half-day clinics beginning in October through December.

Parents will be able to consent electronically or through a print copy. All parent consent forms and translations will be provided to campuses, and parents can either complete the form and submit to the campus prior to clinics or have their child bring the completed form on the day of clinic. Continue reading →

Alesander Olaizola named new principal of Tijerina Elementary School

Alesander Olaizola has been selected as the new principal of Tijerina Elementary School. Olaizola began his career in HISD in 2005 as a fifth-grade teacher at Burnet Elementary School, where he also served as a Campus Educational Technologist and Instructional Specialist. In 2014, he joined the leadership of Scarborough Elementary School as an Assistant Principal. Olaizola earned his bachelor’s degree in Geography and History and master’s degree in Art History from the Universidad de Oviedo, Spain. He earned his Master in Business Educational Administration (MBEA) from University of St. Thomas.

LaTreia Woodard named new principal of Foerster Elementary School

Dr. LaTreia Woodard is the principal of Foerster Elementary School. Dr. Woodard began her career in education in the 2003-2004 school year as an intervention teacher in Cypress Fairbanks ISD. Woodard has taught a variety of grade levels from Kindergarten through seventh grade in Fort Bend ISD and Houston ISD. She continued to develop her leadership skills through service as a Team Leader, Data Specialist, Instructional Specialist, and Dean of Instruction before becoming an IAT Manager in the Interventions office. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from Stephen F. Austin State University, Master of Education Degree from Concordia University Texas, and her doctorate degree from Texas Southern University.

New ‘Legislative Center’ encourages community engagement in lawmaking process

HISD has launched a new online hub for all legislative information to educate the community and encourage participation in the lawmaking process. The Legislative Center is a unique tool designed to expand the community’s access to state lawmakers and facilitate communication between Houstonians and key decisionmakers in Austin.

Continue reading →

Bond Oversight Committee updated on school construction; 13 campuses set to open

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The 2018-2019 school year is shaping up to be a busy one for the Houston Independent School District, with 13 new campuses opening next month and five more slated to open in January.

The Bond Oversight Committee learned about the progress of the projects during their quarterly meeting on Tuesday.

To date, the district has opened 27 bond and non-bond projects and expects the current portfolio of building programs to surpass 80 percent completion by the end of 2018. Continue reading →

Magnet school hub program to allow direct commutes to campuses

Students who attend magnet programs in the Houston Independent School District will ride bus routes specifically dedicated to servicing their schools in the upcoming school year.

Beginning on the first day of school, Aug. 27, 2018, HISD Transportation Services will implement the magnet school hub program for bus riders in the magnet program.

Students will ride buses that will transport them directly to their respective schools. In previous years, students attending magnet schools rode buses with routes that serviced a number of schools, resulting in a longer commute time. Continue reading →

HISD billboards promote unique programs

HISD has launched another series of billboards across the city to continue raising awareness on the district’s educational initiatives and services that support the whole child.

In February, HISD revealed a new logo and tagline in a series of billboards and movie theaters around the city. The second series of billboards to recently launch highlights prekindergarten and career and technical education programs.

The billboards will run until Aug. 15. For more information about HISD’s latest education initiatives, visit www.houstonisd.org/enroll.

Located at 59 North & Polk

Located at 59 North & Laura Koppe

Located at 1-45 South & Loop 610

Located at 59 South & Hillcroft

HISD to host Back to School Extravaganza

HISD’s Homeless Education Office will host a Back to School Extravaganza on Friday, Aug. 17 to help students get ready for the 2018-2019 school year.

The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Delmar Stadium (2020 Mangum Road 77092).

Free assistance will be available for Medicaid applications, Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) renewal and recertification, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Health screenings also will be available. Continue reading →

Thomas MS prepares for new students with building facelift

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Thomas Middle School is getting a facelift this summer thanks to the help of the Houston Independent School District Facilities Services team.

The school is being updated to accommodate incoming middle school students from Woodson, which is transitioning this summer from a prekindergarten through eighth-grade campus to a prekindergarten through fifth-grade academy.

“I am excited for the students,” newly appointed Principal Vernitra Shivers said, noting that she was excited to see the dated campus get an update. “We will be growing in numbers over the summer, so this is needed.”