HISD is celebrating Black History Month by exploring the many schools named for distinguished African-Americans in our community. The district has more than 30 schools that recognized the contributions of African-American leaders ranging from renowned educators to legislators to community leaders. The first week’s story will focus on early childhood centers and elementary schools. Next week, the series will continue with middle schools, and the third week will be high schools, charter schools, and alternative schools. Continue reading
Almost half of HISD bond projects to be finished by summer 2017
Almost half of the schools being renovated or rebuilt as part of the Houston Independent School District’s 2012 Bond Program will be complete and open to students by the end of this summer.
The Bond Program team expects to have 40 percent of all bond projects wrapped up and opening their doors by the end of the second quarter, HISD Construction Services Officer Derrick Sanders told the Bond Oversight Committee on Tuesday during their regular quarterly meeting.
“Tremendous progress was made in the fourth quarter,” Sanders told the oversight committee. “This thing has taken shape. It’s real, and it’s way further along than what most people realize.”
Continue readingEnergy Institute HS students create art car for Super Bowl festivities
Energy Institute High School unveiled a student-created art car on Monday at Discovery Green that was created in partnership with Noble Energy for this year’s Art Car Parade.
The car was on display Monday night as part of the Super Bowl showcase. The goal was to create a car that revealed how oil and gas companies extend to our everyday lives beyond the gas pump. Continue reading
Katherine Keafer named new principal of Longfellow Elementary
Katherine Keafer has been selected to be the new principal of Longfellow Elementary School. Most recently, she was assistant principal at Shearn Elementary School.
Keafer began her career in 2010 as a Teach for America corps member teaching fifth-grade science at Shearn. She has also taught fifth-grade math and fourth-grade writing. Keafer has a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. She was a part of HISD’s leadership cohort through the University of St. Thomas, and in 2016 she earned her master’s degree in educational leadership.
Mayra Romero named new principal of Shearn Elementary
Mayra Romero has been selected as the new principal of Shearn Elementary School. Most recently, she served as assistant principal at Wainwright Elementary School. Romero began her career in 2010 as a kindergarten teacher at John F. Kennedy Elementary School. She also served as a HUB Teacher Development Specialist training teachers districtwide. Romero has a bachelor’s degree in political science from University of Texas Pan-American and a M.Ed. in educational leadership from the University of St. Thomas.
Jeffrey Whitaker named new principal of McGowen Elementary
Jeffrey Whitaker has been appointed new principal of McGowen Elementary School. Most recently, he served as assistant principal at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School for three years. Before that, Whitaker taught at Sutton and Burbank elementary schools, where he was lead teacher, department chair, and three–time winner of Teacher of the Year. Last spring, he successfully completed HISD’s Principal Candidate Development Opportunity program for aspiring leaders. Whitaker has a B.B.A. in finance from the University of Houston and a M.Ed. in educational administration from the University of St. Thomas. He grew up in the area surrounding McGowen and is excited to have the opportunity to serve as principal.
Luis Landa named new principal of Sutton Elementary
Luis Landa has been selected as the new principal of Sutton Elementary School. Most recently, he served as assistant principal at Austin High School and teacher specialist at Patrick Henry Middle School. Landa taught at McReynolds Middle School, where he was a lead teacher, department chair, and teacher of the year. For the last two years, he has served on the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Teacher Advisory Council, where he provided support on national education initiatives. Landa earned a B.S. in biology from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction from the University of St. Thomas. He is in the process of completing his Ed.D. in educational leadership from the University of Houston.
Special message from Superintendent Carranza on diversity at HISD
Houston ISD Superintendent Richard Carranza sent the following message today to parents, community members, and employees:
Dear Team HISD,
Houston ISD has always valued diversity. We do not discriminate. We have young newcomers who come to our schools every year. We do not turn them away. All of our students have a constitutional right to equal access to education regardless of any circumstance that is no fault of their own – whether they’re an immigrant or low-income.
We are a public school district. We serve a tremendous amount of English language learners and economically disadvantaged students who depend on us daily. Our schools are safe havens for all students. Places where they not only learn fundamentals but have the opportunity to learn a new language, a different culture, and explore career pathways. Ultimately, we are preparing students for a future in a world that is becoming more diverse every day. We want our students to leave not only academically enriched but with more positive attitudes toward other cultures.
Our schools will continue to be safe and positive learning environments that promote student learning and development versus discrimination and fear.
Sincerely,
Richard A. Carranza
HISD Superintendent
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FAQ: What you need to know about immigration, discrimination, and your rights at HISD
Texas A&M education students learning the ropes at HISD campuses
A cohort of Texas A&M College of Education students have been visiting HISD campuses since Tuesday, learning more about the district and getting hands-on experience working in classrooms.
A total of 250 students are spending an entire day learning the ropes at more than a dozen campuses, an experience that could lead them to careers in HISD. Continue reading
New Milby HS eyes summer opening
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Construction on the new Milby High School is now 85 percent complete and on track to open in time for summer school.
The three-story $69 million project, part of HISD’s 2012 bond program, is a combination of new construction and renovation that preserves the historical front façade while creating a modern learning environment to accommodate 2,000 students.