Washington HS students and staff sign beam for new building 

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Students and staff at Booker T. Washington High School had the opportunity on Friday to add their signatures to a steel beam being used in the construction of their new school, which is part of HISD’s 2012 bond program.

“It’s great to see the steel beams and columns going up,” said Washington Principal Carlos Phillips. “We’re happy about the progress and can’t wait to move-in next year.”

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Coming soon to a movie theater near you 

Teachers featured in advertisement for district

If you head to the movies over Spring Break, you may see some familiar faces on the big screen.

Several HISD teachers are featured in a video advertisement to recruit teachers to the district. The 30-second spot, called “Teach in the City,” is aimed at enticing current teachers who live in Houston and the surrounding suburbs to come teach at HISD. You can watch the video below.

“Teach in the City” features a half dozen HISD teachers, including Morgan Greco, a second-year teacher at Herod Elementary School.

“I am thrilled to be part of this effort to recruit both new and veteran teachers,” Greco said. “I love working for HISD.”

Baylor College of Medicine Academy at Ryan named National Magnet School of Excellence

Baylor College of Medicine Academy at Ryan has been named a National Magnet School of Excellence by Magnet Schools of America, the national association for magnet and theme-based schools.

“We are very excited to receive the Magnet School of Excellence Award,” said the school’s principal, Dr. Jyoti Malhan. “Every day, I see our faculty, staff and Baylor College of Medicine collaborators going above and beyond for our students, stepping in for coworkers, and making sure that our campus operation is seamless, and instruction is uninterrupted. I am fortunate to work with Team Awesome.”

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HISD board to receive overview of financial impact of recapture and detachment of commercial property on district

The Houston Independent School District Office of Budgeting and Financial Planning will make a presentation on the financial impact of recapture and detachment of commercial property on the district to the HISD Board of Education during the board’s monthly meeting on Thursday.

Last month, the board voted to call a May 6 election to ask voters if the district should pay its recapture obligation to the State of Texas by sending lower recapture payments to the state or through detachment of commercial property in July.

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Have fun while learning over Spring Break

It’s already Spring Break time, so if you are looking for some great ideas for things to do with your children during the week of March 13–17, we have some suggestions. In a city the size of Houston, there are countless activities that are fun, educational, and affordable.

Here are some events that might be of interest:

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, is free on Thursdays and open late that day, too – until 9 p.m. During Spring Break at the Museum, you can bring your child to the Spring Break studio between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., where they can make art from a difference medium every day. Free with general admission.

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Parker ES named National Magnet School of Distinction  

Parker Elementary has been named a National Magnet School of Distinction by Magnet Schools of America, the national association for magnet and theme-based schools.

“Parker has always been an outstanding school and it is a true honor to be recognized by Magnet Schools of America” said Principal Lori Frodine. “The stakeholders truly deserve this recognition, because it is through their collaboration that makes Parker such a special place.”

To receive a national merit award, members of Magnet Schools of America must submit a detailed application that is scored by a panel of educators. These schools are judged and scored on their demonstrated ability to raise student academic achievement, promote racial and socioeconomic diversity, provide integrated curricula and instruction, and create strong family and community partnerships that enhance the school’s magnet theme.

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Patterson ES students learn from Houston Symphony musicians 

Patterson Dual Language Literature Magnet school second-graders recently interacted and learned from “Community Embedded Musicians” with the Houston Symphony.

The CEMs visited the students during their ancillary time and helped them forge new connections between music and the art of storytelling and drama both before and after an in-school concert and a field trip to Jones Hall to see the whole symphony.  Continue reading →

HISD to be closed March 13–17 for Spring Break

All HISD campuses and offices will be closed for Spring Break from Monday, March 13, through Friday, March 17, 2017.

Schools and offices will reopen for normal business on Monday, March 20, 2017.

Employees should consult the duty schedules posted here.

The HISD Police Department will be patrolling district facilities all during the holiday break. Emergencies may be reported by calling 713-892-7777.

Asian Advisory Committee to host Asian Pacific American Heritage Celebration

HISD will observe the start of Asian-Pacific Heritage Month on Thursday, May 4, with an Asian Pacific American Heritage Celebration at Kim Son restaurant downtown (2001 Jefferson Street).

As a part of that celebration, members of the district’s Asian Advisory Committee will recognize three outstanding teachers for their contributions to Asian students and to HISD as a whole. Teachers will be selected from the elementary, middle, and high school level and will receive a $500 cash prize each.  Continue reading →