Washington Post ranks 35 HISD high schools among nation’s most challenging

8 HISD high schools among top 100 in U.S., while 23 are among top 100 in Texas

The Washington Post’s 2017 list of America’s Most Challenging High Schools features 35 Houston ISD schools, led by Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy for Young Men in the No. 2 slot.

This year’s list recognizes the top 12 percent of campuses across the nation. HISD schools also accounted for 23 of the top 100 schools in Texas. The rankings are based on the number of seniors taking college-level Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and Cambridge tests.

This year, HISD’s highest-rated high school is Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy for Young Men, an all-male college preparatory academy for grades 6-12. Students who attend Leland College Prep are offered a rigorous pre-Advanced Placement and Advanced Placement academic program and a complement of STEM elective offerings.

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Superintendent’s message for Teacher Appreciation Day

Today is National Teacher Day, and HISD Superintendent Richard Carranza asks that the community join him in thanking teachers for the amazing work they do every day. Watch this video message from the superintendent, and tell the teachers in your life how much they are appreciated today and all year long.

10 HISD schools to host officials from European Consulates across Houston

Representatives will visit with students in AP social studies classes as part of Europe Day

As part of Europe Day on Tuesday, May 9, the Houston Independent School District is inviting representatives from European Consulates in Houston to visit 10 schools across the district. The representatives will be visiting with juniors and seniors in AP social studies classes to share insights about the European Union, discuss the EU’s engagement with the United States, and to highlight the possibilities of diplomacy as a career trajectory.

Learn more at HoustonISD.org/EuropeDay2017 Continue reading →

2 instructional coaches to receive inaugural Ann Sledge Instructional Coach Excellence Awards

Two HISD instructional coaches received a big surprise in their classrooms on Friday as HISD administrators dropped by to announce that they were the inaugural winners of a new award this year: The Ann Sledge Instructional Coach Excellence Award.

The late Ann Sledge, a lifelong educator who dedicated more than 30 years to HISD, created a successful model of exemplary coaching. In honor of Sledge, one campus-level and one districtwide instructional coach were selected to be recognized for their outstanding contributions to building instructional capacity and positively impacting student achievement.   Continue reading →

May 10 is National School Nurse Day 

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Celebrate the positive impact nurses have on school communities

National School Nurse Day on May 10 celebrates the vital role school nurses play in the health and well-being of students. They promote a healthy learning environment, connect families to health resources, and educate communities about immunizations, nutrition, health screenings, and disease prevention.

Schools and the community are encouraged to thank their nurses in person and on social media using #SND2017 and #HISD.  Continue reading →

Vote in second round of ‘Fan Favorite’ Teacher of the Year

Two winners to be announced at May 19 Educators of the Year banquet

Over the past week, HISD staff, students, and alumni voted more than 105,000 times for their “Fan Favorite” Teacher of the Year. Voters could choose from any of the campus-based Teacher of the Year nominees. The votes are now tallied, and the top four elementary and secondary teachers are moving on to round two. The finalists are: Continue reading →

HISD voters approve Proposition 1 to make Recapture payment to state

Unofficial vote totals show 84% of voters approve Proposition 1

HISD leaders will continue to work with the Texas Legislature on a long-term solution to school finance after voters on Saturday authorized the district to pay its Recapture obligation by writing a check to the state using local property tax dollars.

Under state law, HISD is considered property-wealthy, meaning the district exceeds a wealth per student set by the Texas Legislature and is required to send a portion of local property tax dollars to the state – a process called Recapture. It is part of the state’s school finance system commonly known as the “Robin Hood” plan. Continue reading →

Wharton Dual Language Academy breaks ground on new facility

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Nestled in the middle of a dirt construction site, current and former Wharton Dual Language Academy students donning brightly colored dresses, sombreros, and mariachi suits danced in celebration of the school’s groundbreaking.

The students — part of MECA Ballet Folkorico — joined scores of Wharton parents, students and staff, all of whom gathered Friday to celebrate the start of construction on the renovation and addition project for their new school. Continue reading →

Thank a teacher during Teacher Appreciation Week

HISD is celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week May 7-12 and encourages students, parents, and the community to “Thank a Teacher” in person or on social media using #ThankATeacher and #HISD.

This year’s theme is “Teachers Deliver,” reflecting the lessons, inspiration, and encouragement teachers bring into the classroom every day.

While many schools celebrated during the week of May 1-5, the National PTA and the National Education Association honor teachers during the week of May 7-12 and on National Teacher Day, May 9.

Join the celebration by sharing photos, kind words, or a gift with teachers present and past to honor all they do to prepare students for success.