Orlando Reyna has been selected as the new principal of Sugar Grove Academy Middle School. Reyna is a veteran HISD educator who began his career as a Physics and Chemistry teacher before becoming an instructional coordinator and assistant principal in HISD. Reyna previously served as principal of Deady Middle School, where he lead turnaround efforts in moving the school from Improvement Required to a Met Standard rating, with distinctions. He most recently served as principal of Madison High School. Reyna earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from Prairie View A&M University.
HISD Board of Education moves forward with performance review
The Houston Independent School District Board of Education on Thursday voted in favor of requesting a performance review to be conducted by the Texas Legislative Budget Board (LBB).
After considering public input since the May regular board meeting, trustees voted six to three to request a performance review from the LBB and concurrently withdraw their previous approval to procure an external performance audit. The LBB will begin working on the performance review this fall. Its findings will be used by the board in time to make informed decisions during the next budget cycle.
The Board also voted by a five-vote majority against the proposed 2018-19 school year budget. State law requires the budget be approved by June 30. Continue reading
HISD Construction Services rep follows in father’s footsteps
If you ask Zach Hoskins about his father, he’ll tell you that he has been nothing short of an inspiration and the motivating factor that lead him to work for the Houston Independent School District.
Since he was a child, Zach Hoskins has watched in awe as his dad — HISD Maintenance and Operations General Manager Al Hoskins — climbed the ladder of success, working his way up from a roofer assistant to senior management. Continue reading
HISD’s Special Education Parent Advisory Committee holds first meeting
HISD’s Office of Special Education Services (OSES) held its inaugural Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC) on Wednesday afternoon at the Hattie Mae White Educational Service Center.
Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan
The purpose of the committee is aligned to the Office of Special Education Services Framework, including parent advocacy and voice; instruction and support; compliance and monitoring; and professional development. The committee promotes active engagement with parents as partners of OSES with regard to the services provided to students with disabilities.
Assistant Superintendent for the Office of Special Education Services Shannon Verrett said partnering with the parents and community offers the best support for students and campuses. Continue reading
Eastwood Academy library addition nearing completion
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Eastwood Academy is set to open a new two-story library wing this August as crews put the finishing touches on the second and final phase of the school’s expansion and renovation project.
Installation of exterior masonry and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems have been completed, and window installation is set to wrap up this week. Crews are in the process of hanging sheetrock inside the addition, which will be followed by internal inspections and installation of internal fixtures and finishes. Continue reading
Nutrition Services provides good food with everlasting knowledge at ‘Camp Lit’
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Equipped with planters, soil, and seeds, HISD’s Nutrition Services workers had all hands-on deck as they taught nearly 9,000 elementary and middle school students various ways to dig into good nutrition.
The day’s festivities were a part of Camp Lit, a two-day festival designed to promote literacy throughout the district. Gathered in the parking lot of Delmar Fieldhouse, students participated in outdoor tailgate-themed literacy games hosted by various district departments, sponsors, and partners. Continue reading
Milby HS team takes second place in national Cooking up Change competition
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What do you get when you combine chicken, zucchini, pinto beans, bananas, and yogurt?
You get the menu that snagged second place in the national Cooking up Change contest held this week at the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C.
The Broadway Buffs of Milby High School — made up of students Roberto Blas, Jordyn Moore, and Esteven Mata — beat out four teams from Boston, Chicago, Dallas, and Troy, Ala., to bring home the second-place trophy. The team from Orange County took top honors. Continue reading
Registration is open for pre-K students
HISD offers high-quality instruction to help young learners reach their full potential
Give your child a head start by enrolling them in prekindergarten now.
Pre-K is just as necessary for academic success as kindergarten or first grade, research shows. Not only will your child be more successful in school, but they will be more likely to graduate high school, attend college, and earn higher wages as an adult.
While all children benefit from pre-K, disadvantaged and low-income students often make the most gains. Children who are dual-language learners develop English-language proficiency and other valuable skills. Research shows that children who have enrolled in pre-K gain an advantage over their peers in the classroom.
HISD offers both free and tuition-based pre-K at many schools, as well as early childhood centers. All pre-K students in the district receive breakfast and lunch during a full day of instruction from certified teachers.
HISD expands free, full-day pre-K program at Woodson PK-5
To be eligible for free enrollment (non-tuition-based pre-K), your child must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2018, and live within the boundaries of HISD. Additional requirements can be found here, as well as the district’s policy on 3-year-olds. Continue reading
HISD Board of Education to consider proposed 2018-2019 budget
Proposed budget includes $19.2 million for special education, dyslexia programs, Achieve 180 and a planned performance audit
June 12, 2018 – The Houston Independent School District Board of Education will meet Thursday to consider adopting the proposed 2018-2019 budget.
The proposed budget includes $16.7 million in increases for special education, dyslexia programs and Achieve 180, the program introduced this school year to support underserved and underperforming schools, which will continue in place next school year. The proposal also includes $2.5 million for a forthcoming performance audit. Continue reading
Construction on new Wharton DLA now 75 percent complete
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Construction on the new Wharton Dual Language Academy is making continued progress as the project is now 75 percent complete.
Crews have finished the installation of roofing, exterior brickwork, windows, HVAC systems, and kitchen equipment. Interior walls are nearly complete, and metal paneling for exterior walls is underway.
In addition, permanent power — a significant milestone in the project — was connected in early May.