Milby HS educator riding in style after being named Teacher of the Month

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Milby High School English teacher Jill Hobbs was beyond surprised when HISD Superintendent Richard Carranza and Sterling McCall VIP Services stopped by her classroom on Dec. 5 to proclaim her the HISD Teacher of the month. In fact, the Achieve 180 teacher and 20-year veteran was at a total loss for words when she learned that she would get to drive a 2017 Lexus ES 350 for a month, courtesy of Sterling McCall Lexus.

“I’m in complete shock, and have never had the opportunity to drive in luxury,” Hobbs said. “It is truly an honor to be awarded this month, and I can’t wait to enjoy the vehicle during my commute to campus and grad school.”   Continue reading →

Instruction at Mading ES gets a practice run to ensure quality lessons

Before delivering a lesson to his students at Mading Elementary School, fifth-grade teacher Marques Guillory often first presents his lesson to a group of teachers on his campus. The practice, called “at bats,” gives Guillory a chance to have a few swings at instruction before presenting in front of his students.

“It’s kind of like a pre-game or pre-lesson, and you get feedback from your colleagues,” Guillory said.

 

Mading, which is part of the district’s Achieve 180 initiative, is using the at-bats strategy to ensure every teacher delivers effective and quality instruction to students the first time. Mading Principal Nicole Haskins explained the at-bats strategy and other instructional techniques her campus is using to HISD Board of Education members during a presentation on Dec. 5. Continue reading →

HISD celebrating Inclusive Schools Week 

HISD is celebrating Inclusive Schools Week through Dec. 8 in partnership with the Inclusive Schools Network.

This year’s theme focuses on standing up for inclusion, and the district is encouraging all schools to share photos of their inclusive schools week activities on Twitter using the hashtag #HISD2017ISW.

In particular, HISD is recognizing seven schools for their inclusivity efforts: Dogan, Lyons, Peck, and Patterson elementary schools; Tanglewood Middle School; and Lamar and Washington high schools. They will be honored at the Board of Education Meeting at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 14.

This year, the Inclusive Schools Week’s theme is “Stand Up, Sit Tall for Inclusion.” Schools, parents, and community members can take part in the celebration by downloading lesson plans, activities, and resources here.   Continue reading →

Project aDOORe exhibit on display at Hattie Mae White

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An exhibit of student art from 26 campuses across HISD that features doors from storm-damaged homes transformed into works of art is on display at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center.

The fine arts initiative — known as Project aDOORe Houston — aims to strengthen school communities that were most impacted by Hurricane Harvey by providing students with a means to heal through the creation of art. The exhibit will continue through Dec. 15.   Continue reading →

TEA approves HISD’s revised turnaround plan for Kashmere HS

The Texas Education Agency has notified the Houston Independent School District that it has approved the modified turnaround plan for Kashmere High School.

In a letter addressed to Superintendent Richard Carranza and HISD Board President Wanda Adams, Commissioner of Education Mike Morath announced TEA finds that the modified campus turnaround plan submitted on Nov. 17, 2017 “meets all necessary requirements and addresses the deficiencies identified in the original turnaround plan” and approved the plan to be implemented for the remainder of the 2017-2018 school year.

“We are glad and thankful the TEA has accepted our plan,” HISD Board of Education President Wanda Adams said.  “We know there’s a lot of hard work ahead, but our students, staff, administrators and the entire Kashmere community are ready.  As an alum, it is personal for me to see Kashmere succeed. Today’s letter signifies Kashmere is continuing to move in the right direction. I’m so proud of the principal for her commitment.” Continue reading →

Energy Institute HS nears 90 percent completion

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Construction on the new Energy Institute High School soon will reach 90 percent completion, with the building being furnished and outfitted with technology in the spring and teachers and staff moving in next summer.

Crews are currently working on interior finishes such as painting, ceiling panel installation, and sealing and polishing of concrete floors. Installation of carpet in limited areas and outdoor canopies will wrap up this quarter, as will final mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and safety inspections.

“Our new Energy building has been a labor of love for all of us who have contributed to its innovative design,” said Energy Institute Principal Lori Lambropoulos. “The high-tech facility will positively inspire our inventive students and staff to reach for the stars.” Continue reading →

HISD recruiting teachers at hiring events in Florida

A team from the Houston Independent School District will travel to Florida this month to recruit and interview teachers for positions in critical shortage areas.

The district is looking for elementary bilingual education teachers who are fluent in both English and Spanish, as well as secondary math, science, and English/Language Arts teachers. Also needed are special education teachers with experience in autism education and deaf education at all levels.

Interviews/Job Fairs will be held in both Orlando and Miami. Candidates must pre-register and bring their teaching certificates, college transcripts, and/or a copy of their bachelor’s degree. Continue reading →

Cecilia Gonzales named new principal of Northside High School

Cecilia Gonzales has been named principal of Northside High School. Gonzales is a product of HISD’s Austin High School, and she began her career in HISD as an elementary bilingual teacher at Pugh Elementary School. During her 27-year tenure with the district, she has served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal. Under her leadership at her most recent campus, Lyons Elementary, the school received two National Blue Ribbon awards. In addition, Gonzales was named last year’s HISD Principal of the Year. She is seeking her doctoral degree at TSU.

Robert Michaels-Johnson named new principal of Hamilton Middle School

Robert Michaels-Johnson has been named principal of Hamilton Middle School. He began his career in public education as a theater and American History teacher at Eli Whitney Middle School in the Tulsa Public Schools district. Following a brief tenure at a small classical school teaching theater and history, he moved to Houston and began teaching social studies at what is now HISD’s Heights High School. After serving in several teacher leader roles, he became an instructional coordinator and then was named the dean of instruction. He served as dean until being named principal at Hamilton. Michaels-Johnson is pursuing his doctorate in Educational Leadership at Sam Houston State University.

Get involved in Computer Science Education Week at HISD 

Design an iPhone game. Track Santa’s movements. Animate text. Those are just a few of the ways students can participate in Computer Science Education Week this Dec. 4-10, and this year HISD employees are also encouraged to get in on the fun.

The Advanced Academics Department has created “15 Days of Code,” made up of interactive calendars that allow students to engage in a new coding experience every day.

The activities on these three calendars for elementary, middle, and high school include lessons such as designing a web pages with HTML, creating a virtual pet, developing interactive art, and even teaching a robot to make crepes. Continue reading →