Bus driver goes ‘the extra mile’ to boost student achievement

Vivian Ivory on her bus

Vivian Ivory on her bus

Vivian Ivory has been driving children to and from school for the past 23 years, but recently she began taking an extra step to support her students at Elmore Elementary School.

Knowing that the children would soon be receiving their progress reports, Ivory made a deal: for every “A” the students earned, they would receive a small prize, which she and the children would decide upon together. Many students selected small items such as colorful pencils or pens, but Ivory has even given out a calculator or two.

“I usually give them candy to reward them when they have a good week, but this time I wanted to try to inspire them,” explained Ivory. “The children had been feeling a little depressed, so I wanted to do something new to help them be more productive. With this particular group, I see a lot of elderly people when I pick them up and drop them off, so I know the majority are being raised by their grandparents. They need a little bit more support.”

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Attend superintendent search meeting Saturday to share your thoughts

The HISD Board of Education is searching for a new superintendent, and trustees have been gathering feedback all week from community members about the qualities and traits they would like to see in a new district leader.

Board members will host a community meeting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27, at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center (4400 W. 18th St., 77092), and all interested stakeholders are encouraged to attend.

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HISD proposes funding reconfiguration to ensure neediest students get resources amid budget cuts

District facing $107 million shortfall as it prepares to send millions of tax dollars back to the state

Facing a $107 million shortfall for the 2016-2017 school year, the Houston Independent School District is proposing a reconfiguration of district funding methods to ensure the neediest students still receive appropriate resources.

The budget cuts are a result of the state’s funding formula, which requires HISD to send millions of local tax dollars back to the state — a process that is known as recapture and affects districts designated as property-wealthy. Though nearly 80 percent of HISD students come from low-income families, the district is considered property-wealthy because of rising property values throughout the city. Continue reading →

Houston Texans Ambassadors advise football players to ‘hit the books’

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The Houston Texans Ambassadors are a group of former NFL players who represent the team throughout the year by visiting schools and speaking to high school football players, as they did at Worthing High School recently in honor of Black History Month. Jerry LeVias (Houston Oiler 1969-1970) and ND Kalu (Houston Texan 2006-2008) were joined by a surprise guest, current Texan defensive tackle Vince Wilfork. All three players talked about their experiences in the NFL.

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Grier honored at HISD ‘Celebration of Service’ for record of accomplishment

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The district hosted a celebration of service for outgoing Superintendent Terry Grier on Wednesday to mark his decision to step down on Feb. 29 after serving nearly seven years in HISD’s top job.

The event drew dozens of community supporters, elected officials, principals, and district staff to the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center, where Dr. Grier’s accomplishments were remembered and lauded.

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Transportation employees ‘move it and lose it’ to stay fit

HISD bus drivers who want to keep up their New Year’s resolution fitness goals now have another option to help them shed the pounds — thanks to the launch of three new fitness courses designed just for them.

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Young Women’s College Prep community hears update on plans for historic campus

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Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy, among HISD’s oldest school buildings, will undergo a $27.1 million renovation/addition that will expand learning spaces throughout the current building and add modern science and technology labs to enhance STEM curriculum.

Plans are in place to preserve much of the historic building, as well as the facade, and transform what now are three separate buildings into one cohesive structure.

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City of Houston honors NHECHS Principal Lundy-Jackson

NHECH Principal Angela Lundy-Jackson (striped skirt) is recognized by Houston City Councilwoman Karla Cisneros (left center) and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner (right center) on Feb. 23.

NHECH Principal Angela Lundy-Jackson (striped skirt) is recognized by Houston City Councilwoman Karla Cisneros (left center) and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner (right center) on Feb. 23.

Before Tuesday’s Houston City Council meeting got underway, current councilwoman and former HISD Board President Karla Cisneros had a special announcement.

She motioned for North Houston Early College High School Principal Angela Lundy-Jackson to come before the council to receive a special proclamation.

Cisneros introduced her to the council members as “one of the most amazing educators in our city,” and then, along with Mayor Sylvester Turner, proclaimed Feb. 23, 2016, Angela Lundy-Jackson Day in Houston.

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HISD recognized at Houston Hispanic Forum’s 30th annual Career and Education Day

Thousands of students from across the Houston area, including hundreds from HISD, attended the Houston Hispanic Forum’s massive College and Education Day on Feb. 13, 2016, at the Brown Convention Center.

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Two HISD educators surprised with 2016 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards

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Two HISD educators were surprised by H-E-B on Wednesday with news that they are finalists for the 2016 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards, one of the largest monetary programs for educators in Texas and the nation.

Bellaire High School teacher and international baccalaureate coordinator Ann Linsley was recognized as a teacher finalist, while North Houston Early College High School Principal Angela Lundy-Jackson was named a principal finalist for the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards.

The two are among eight educators from across Houston and 40 across the state who were selected as award finalists. They now will go on to compete at the state level, where they will have the chance to win additional cash prizes.

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