HISD seeks public comments ahead of ESSA Consolidated Federal Grant Application

Houston Independent School District is preparing to submit the 2023-2024 ESSA Consolidated Federal Grant Application—the nation’s education law and commitment to equal opportunity for all students—on June 23, 2023.

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Section 8306(a)(7) and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Program-Specific Provisions and Assurances require HISD to receive public comment before the application is submitted to the Texas Education Agency.

The public comment period is from May 16, 2023, to June 7, 2023.

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Million-dollar grant provides no-cost pathway for aspiring educators through local institutions

Amid a growing national teacher shortage and declining educator preparation program enrollment, Houston Independent School District is creating pathways for aspiring educators to become teachers for free and get paid to do so. Through a new Grow Your Own grant program, participants will be able to earn their bachelor’s degree and Texas teaching license while being paid as a full-time teaching assistant in HISD.

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HISD seniors earn degrees before their diplomas through Texas Early College Program

On Thursday, May 11, Houston Community College (HCC) held commencement ceremonies for the class of 2023. Graduating students walked the stage at NRG Arena to flip their tassels and receive their well-earned associate degrees or trade certifications to the cheers of proud friends and family.

There were a few HCC graduates whose educational journey differed from their matriculating peers. These graduates are students at HISD’s Early College High School (ECHS) campuses who were able to earn their degrees and certifications before their high school diplomas.

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HISD observes Jewish American Heritage Month

Since 2006, the month of May has been nationally recognized as Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), a time to acknowledge and honor the generations of Jewish Americans and their part of the diverse tapestry of American history.

“Jewish American” is far from a catch-all identifier, as the Jewish American experience varies from community to community, family to family, and individual to individual. JAHM is significant in its intent to educate gentiles about Jewish culture and tradition and to celebrate Jewish Americans and their impact on American life.

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HISD PD: Social media threats of violence carry serious consequences

In the age of the internet, many assume that their comings and goings on social media and elsewhere in digital spaces are anonymous. An anonymous person can sometimes feel comfortable to say and do things online that they would not do in person. With this comfort on the rise, so too has there been a rise in anonymous threats to schools and public spaces on social media.

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HISD and City of Houston award winners of the inaugural Truck Artwork Competition

In January, HISD announced a contest in partnership with the City of Houston to encourage the district’s young Michelangelos to learn more about recycling through art. Participants, grades K-12, were asked to create a work of art that reflected the contest’s theme, “I Recycle for Houston.” The winning pieces would be displayed on the side of City of Houston Solid Waste Management collection trucks.

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HISD hosts a day of learning and empowerment with second annual LGBTQ+ Pride Summit

On Saturday, May 6, HISD held its second annual Pride Summit, a virtual event for LGBTQ+ students, parents and guardians, and allies to learn and connect in a supportive and safe environment.

Attendees signed up for participation in either middle school, high school, or parent sessions—with each session providing specially-curated resources.

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