North Forest HS holds grand opening celebration

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With a stunning view of the forest as a backdrop, North Forest High School stakeholders celebrated the grand opening of the first new high school to be built in the area in almost five decades.

More than 200 community members, students, and staff gathered Friday in the school’s dramatic two-story dining commons for the event, which featured student speakers, performances by the NFHS choir, and remarks by HISD Board of Education President Rhonda Skillern-Jones and Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan. Continue reading →

Sharpstown HS celebrates grand opening of new school

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Decked out with yellow and green balloons and yellow flowers, Sharpstown High School’s two-story atrium and open-air dining commons became the focal point of the school’s grand opening ceremony on Thursday.

Scores of students, parents, staff, and community members gathered in the new space to celebrate the completion of construction on the new school, which opened to students in January after being rebuilt as part of the 2012 Bond Program.

“It’s an ideal educational environment for our students and will inspire them, encourage their creativity, and challenge their imaginations,” HISD Board of Education Trustee Holly Flynn-Vilaseca said, looking around the room as she spoke to the crowd gathered for the celebration.

Continue reading →

HISD names EMERGE founder Rick Cruz chief of strategy and innovation

Rick Cruz, the founder of the successful EMERGE program and HISD’s officer of college and career readiness, has been named as HISD’s new chief of strategy and innovation.

“In his 10 years at HISD, Dr. Cruz has proven his commitment to helping students from underserved communities succeed through his work with the EMERGE program and college and career readiness,” said HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan. “He is the right person to lead our strategic and innovative thinking about supporting our underserved communities.”

Cruz left a career at Baker Botts in 2008 to join HISD as a bilingual fifth-grade teacher at Moreno Elementary School, where he was twice named Teacher of the Year. He joined HISD’s central leadership team in 2013 as an assistant superintendent over expansion of the EMERGE program, which he founded in 2010, and he also served as officer and chief officer of major projects before his current role as officer of college and career readiness. In all of these roles, Dr. Cruz has implemented districtwide initiatives focused on ensuring that all students graduate college and career ready. Continue reading →

HISD launches Summer Student Leadership Program for high school students and district alumni

HISD is currently accepting applications for its 2018 Summer Student Leadership Program, a six-week paid summer internship and leadership development program for HISD high school students and alumni currently enrolled in college.

In line with HISD’s mission to provide students with the tools to reach their full potential, the program addresses the need to expose students to fulfilling careers and skills employers demand in a rapidly-changing world. Participants will gain valuable employment experience and have the opportunity to test-drive career pathways before choosing a college major or entering the workforce. Continue reading →

Cornelius ES teacher wins Teacher of the Month for May 

The Sterling McCall VIP Services Teacher of the Month program ended with a special surprise when Interim Superintendent Dr. Grenita Lathan awarded May’s winner, Julisa Lucio at Cornelius Elementary on Tuesday.

Known across the district for her teaching style, the fifth-grade teacher takes into account the learning needs specific to each of her students when planning and executing lessons. Lucio’s ability to draw students into the lessons and bring literature to life has led to her popularity across the district.

“Everything that she pours into the classroom encompasses love and authenticity,” said Principal Angel Wilson.   Continue reading →

Project Chrysalis MS named Title I National Distinguished School

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School is one of 63 nationwide to receive designation

Project Chrysalis Middle School has been recognized as a National Title I Distinguished School, an award that honors schools for their positive educational advances. The school is one of two in the state of Texas and one of only 63 nationwide to receive the designation.

The Project Chrysalis was selected by the Texas Education Agency to represent Texas as one of the highest-rated Title I Distinguished Schools based on its success in closing the achievement gap between student groups. Located near the city’s East End, the school serves nearly 300 students. Continue reading →

Sam Houston MSTC construction ‘tops out’ as project passes halfway mark

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Work on the new Sam Houston Math, Science, and Technology Center came to a temporary halt on Friday as the project team celebrated the building’s “topping out” after reaching the highest point in construction.

Nearly 200 contractors and sub-contractors gathered in the school’s main gymnasium, which is still under construction, where they enjoyed a barbecue lunch, door prizes, and entertainment from Houston MSTC Mariachis. Continue reading →

Chavez HS cafeteria hero uses good food and the Golden Rule to make a difference

Marylyn Williams wants students who visit the cafeteria at Chavez High School to experience more than just food. She wants them to feel welcomed and at home.

As the campus cafe manager, Williams believes she is responsible not only for serving appetizing meals but also for creating an environment that influences students for the better. Each day, she said, she makes it a point to greet every student with a smile, show them respect, and offer a listening ear.

“Treat others as you would like them to treat you,” Williams said. “If you say good morning and thank you to the students, they will eventually say those same things back to you.” Continue reading →

Allstate Foundation donates $400,000 to replace books lost during Harvey 

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The Allstate Foundation has donated $400,000 to four HISD elementary schools severely affected by Hurricane Harvey.

Braeburn, Hilliard, Mitchell, and Scarborough elementary schools will use the funds to replace their libraries, which were lost during the storm. This means 27,000 new books for these HISD schools.

On April 27, 2018, Allstate officials, agency owners, and volunteers from 18 agencies in the Houston area gathered at Scarborough Elementary Relocation Campus (former Terrell Middle) for the check presentation.

Roberto DeLeon, senior manager of Allstate corporate relations, and Kristen Freis, division manager, were at Scarborough to oversee the event, which also included a book delivery, library tour, and Lunch and Learn reading activity.   Continue reading →

HISD salutes National Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 

The theme of this year’s May-long celebration of Asian Pacific Americans is honoring Asian Americans in time of war. This year’s HISD poster features three JROTC teachers: Lamar High School grads Major (Retired) Kenneth Zapanta and Command Sgt. Major (Retired) Hai Dang, as well as Westside High School grad Major Gilbert Gozalo.

Zapanta served two terms of duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom, one term in Operation New Dawn-Iraq, and Operation Inherent Resolve-Kuwait. Gozalo served in Afghanistan’s Operation Enduring Freedom, and Dang served two terms in Operation Iraqi Freedom and one term in Kosovo Forces. HISD’s JROTC program was established in 1926, and currently there are 20 Army, four Navy, and one Air Force JROTC programs for the school year 2017-2018.  Continue reading →