HISD students see gains in state math, science, writing test scores

Seventy-six percent of Houston Independent School District fifth-graders passed the 2017 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness math test — a six-point boost over the previous year and a slightly higher gain than the state average.

Third-graders also saw a four-point bump on the state math test, bringing their average up to 71 percent, which is a four-point boost over last year and also a higher gain than the state.

The math passing rate for all students together in grades three through eight jumped by three percentage points, with almost every grade level seeing a boost. Only sixth grade remained flat. Continue reading →

New principals find support, guidance at New Leaders’ Institute   

A school principal’s job is never done. It’s like being the CEO of a corporation—they are ultimately responsible for everything, from envisioning the school’s strategic direction to making sure there are paper towels in the bathrooms.

New HISD principals are spending the next two weeks immersed in learning what their leadership roles entail at the New Leaders’ Institute being held at Texas Southern University. Nineteen administrators showed up bright and early Monday morning to get to know one another, their mentors, and members of the HISD Leadership Development team.

Chief Academic Officer Grenita Lathan welcomed them with words of advice based on her experience as a principal. “All of you have very challenging jobs, and the first thing you need to do is to build relationships with members of your staff,” she said. “Everyone in this room is here to support you and make sure you have a successful year.”  Continue reading →

Eric Tingle named new principal of Sugar Grove Academy

Eric Tingle has been selected as the new principal of Sugar Grove Academy. Tingle, formerly principal at Foster Elementary School, has been an educator for 11 years and has served in various roles – from teacher to principal. He began his career in Alief ISD as a fourth-grade teacher and math interventionist at Horn Elementary School. He also served as the assistant principal of Law Elementary School prior to becoming the principal of Foster Elementary School in 2013. Tingle earned his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Oklahoma. He earned his master’s degree in Educational Management and doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Houston-Clear Lake.

Victor Garcia named new principal of Port Houston Elementary

Victor Garcia (Houston Independent School District)Victor Garcia has been selected as the new principal at Port Houston Elementary School. Garcia is a proud product of HISD, having attended Wesley Elementary School, The Rice School, and Sam Houston MSTC. Garcia attended the University of Houston-Downtown for his undergraduate degree in Urban Education. After receiving his bachelor’s degree, he was hired as a full-time teacher at Ketelsen Elementary School, teaching fifth grade for two years and fourth grade for six years. He was also chosen for HISD’s University of St. Thomas Educational Leadership Cohort, and in 2016 he earned his master’s degree in Educational Leadership. His leadership experiences also include the position of instructional specialist and assistant principal at Benavidez Elementary.

Franklin Cahuasqui named new principal of Bonner Elementary

Franklin Cahuasqui poses for a photograph, January 13, 2016. (Dave Einsel/Houston ISD)Franklin Cahuasqui has been selected as the new principal of Bonner Elementary School. Cahuasqui has been an educator for 11 years and has served HISD as a fifth-grade bilingual teacher, assistant principal, and principal. He began his career at Seguin Elementary School before joining Hartman Middle School as a dean of students. Since 2014, he has served as the principal at Briscoe Elementary School. Cahuasqui earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Houston, master’s degree in educational leadership from Sam Houston State University, and is currently completing his doctoral studies at Texas A&M University.

Mayra Ramon named new principal of Crespo Elementary

Mayra Ramon poses for a photograph, January 13, 2016. (Dave Einsel/Houston ISD)Mayra Ramon has been selected as the new principal at Crespo Elementary School. Ramon previously was the principal at Sanchez Elementary School, where she dedicated the last eight years in a leadership role as assistant principal since 2009 and as principal in 2013, She has been a member of the HISD team since 2000. Under her leadership, Sanchez Elementary School has been named a two-time bronze and silver national award winner from the National Center of Urban School Transformation, earned a Houston Top Gold Ribbon from the Children at Risk Organization, and has consistently received Distinctions from the Texas Education Agency. Ramon graduated cum laude from the University of Texas–Pan American with a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Bilingual/Bicultural studies, earned a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from the University of Phoenix, and has completed courses toward a master’s in Counseling from Sam Houston State University.

Richard Smith named new principal of Edison Middle School

Richard Smith poses for a photograph, September 2, 2015. (Houston ISD/Dave Einsel)Richard Smith has been named principal at Edison Middle School. Smith formerly was the principal at Deady Middle School, where he dedicated the last four years in a leadership role as assistant principal and then principal. Under his leadership, Deady Middle School has moved from an Improvement Required campus to a campus that has Met Standard and received multiple distinctions from the state. Smith graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Math and Spanish Education and then went on to earn a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Supervision at the University of Houston. Smith is a proud HISD graduate of Sharpstown High School.

What high-schoolers should be doing during summer break  

School has been out for more than a month, so high school students may be looking toward the new school year and how they need to prepare – whether it’s for the next year of high school or the first year of college, university, or a technical program.

Here are some ideas to maximize the summer break:  Continue reading →

Jason Davila named new principal of Pugh Elementary

Jason Davila poses for a photograph, November 7, 2016. (Dave Einsel)Jason Davila has been appointed principal of Pugh Elementary School. Davila has  been with HISD since 2014, most recently as assistant principal at McReynolds Middle School. Davila was an elementary teacher in Fort Bend ISD and the charter school system before completing a year-long principal internship at Texas Serenity Academy. Davila has a bachelor’s degree in management studies from University of Houston and a master’s degree in educational administration from Lamar University. Davila recently completed the HISD Principal Candidate Development Opportunity.

Jane Ocanas named new principal of Marshall Elementary

Jane Ocanas poses for a photograph, September 2, 2015. (Houston ISD/Dave Einsel)Jane Ocanas has been named principal of Marshall Elementary School after serving as principal of Grissom Elementary for four years. Under her leadership, Grissom became a “Met Standard” campus, earning at least one distinction every year. Ocanas began her career in education as a bilingual teacher with HISD in 2004 and has also served as an instructional coordinator and assistant principal. A native Houstonian and a graduate of Sam Houston High School, Ocanas has a bachelor’s degree in general business from University of Houston-Downtown and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Lamar University.