Change awaits Kashmere HS as renovation work passes halfway mark

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Construction crews have completed two-thirds of the renovation work slated for Kashmere High School, and the final third is expected to be complete by the end of the summer.

Integral parts are coming together quickly. Both the auditorium entrance and drywall are finished, the roofing is in progress, the new HVAC system is being installed, and the pouring of the driveway is almost complete.

“Our students and staff continue to work and learn as construction moves forward,” Kashmere Principal Nancy Blackwell said excitedly. “The changes are amazing.”

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Local business owners learn how to turn contacts to contracts

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Founder of Superb Speakers and Consultants Joyce Scott spoke to a large crowd of small business owners on how life experiences taught her how to not only obtain clients, but how to keep them.

“People do business with people they like,” said Scott. “You build relationships making clients look good.”

Scott stressed that in order to be successful and gain big contracts, business owners must build a winning team by seeking out people who excel in areas they are lacking.

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HISD names new officer of Nutrition Services

Betti Wiggins

The Houston Independent School District has selected Betti J. Wiggins as the district’s new officer of Nutrition Services.

Wiggins currently serves as the executive director of the office of school nutrition with the Detroit Public Schools Community District, where she is responsible for school-based meal operations in 141 schools for all USDA child nutrition programs. Under her leadership, she helped establish the Detroit School Garden Collaborative, which currently supports more than 80 school-based gardens and a two-acre school farm.

“We are excited to welcome Ms. Wiggins to Houston ISD to lead our school nutrition program,” said HISD Superintendent Richard Carranza. “She has tremendous experience in school nutrition and will help us improve our program for both students and staff as we invest in new equipment, training and menus.”  Continue reading →

Homeless Education Office to provide 1,000-plus dresses, formal attire to students in need during Project Prom

The Houston Independent School District Homeless Education Office will provide free dresses, tuxedos, shoes, and accessories to hundreds of homeless and at-risk high school seniors planning to go to prom.

The second annual Project Prom event will be held on Saturday, April 8, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Third Ward Multi-Service Center (3611 Ennis St., Houston 77004). Students will be able to select formal attire from a wide selection that includes more than 1,000 dresses, 1,500 men’s blazers, and 1,500 men’s pants.   Continue reading →

Attend a May 17 special education parent forum

There is one more opportunity to attend a special education forum, where parents can ask questions and provide feedback as part of a broader effort to reform special education services in the district:

Wednesday, May 17, 2017
6 to 7:30 p.m.
HISD South Field Office
4040 W. Fuqua St., Houston 77045

*(Spanish interpretations available)

Parents will be able to ask questions during the meeting, talk one-on-one with district leadership, submit questions electronically at computer stations on site, email questions in advance to SpecialEducation@HoustonISD.org, or submit questions through an online form at HoustonISD.org/SpecialEducation. Parents can also ask their child’s school for a special education comment card, fill it out, and return it to the school’s front office.

Hundreds of parents attended the first two meetings, hosted by the HISD Office of Special Education Services, which supports students with disabilities in gaining college and career readiness and independent-living skills through active engagement in grade-level curriculum.

“We are going to make sure we provide the services that children in our district need, and we are not going to be just about compliance,” HISD Chief Academic Officer Grenita Lathan told attendees. Continue reading →

Student-created art cars ready to ride in legendary Houston parade 

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It’s the 30th anniversary of the popular Art Car Parade, and as usual, many HISD students will be riding in art cars they have been working on for weeks, if not months.

Nearly 250 cars, bikes, skaters, and motorized creations will roll through downtown Houston beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 8. Generally, the parade lasts about two hours. For those who want to get jump on the parade, join the “Starting Line Party” presented by Arts Brookfield at 11 a.m. at the corner of Smith and Pease streets. For the parade route and complete details, see Houston Art Car Parade.

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HISD Police Department hosting third annual art contest

Grab your markers, crayons, and No. 2 pencils, because registration is now open for the HISD Police Department’s third annual art contest in honor of Police Appreciation Week.

Aspiring artists in the fifth grade are free to use any type of material to showcase their inner Picasso in this year’s contest. Artwork can be submitted by individual HISD students or on behalf of an entire HISD classroom.

Designed to recognize Police Appreciation Week, which kicks off on May 15, the contest aims to help students visualize the work performed by police officers and, perhaps, go on to choose a career in law enforcement.

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HISD announces upcoming bond sales

Houston Independent School District (“the District”) is currently planning to access the capital markets in April/May 2017. The District anticipates selling the following transactions via negotiated sale. The final size and structure of the transactions have not yet been determined and is subject to change. While it is the District’s expectation to move forward with these transactions, it reserves the right to change or modify its plans as it deems appropriate. Continue reading →

Lawson MS hosts beam signing celebration

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Huge smiles could be seen throughout the Lawson Middle School courtyard as students headed outside to scribble their signatures on what will be the final beam to be erected as part of their new school.

The southwest Houston middle school is among 40 schools being renovated or rebuilt as part of the 2012 Bond program. The signed beam will be the last piece of steel installed, as the $59 million project is nearly one-third of the way complete.

“We are overjoyed at the feeling of knowing that the school is on the mark to be completed by the end of the school year,” said Lawson Principal Tynette Guinn. “The kids are excited to be a part of history.”

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‘When I Grow Up’ career expo to be held April 22 

For the fifth year, local companies will help students of all ages explore their options in high-demand, high-growth industries at the “When I Grow Up Expo” on Saturday, April 22, 2017.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center (4400 W. 18th Street, 77092). Continue reading →