Share your innovative projects with us on Digital Learning Day Feb. 17

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Digital Learning Day is Wednesday, Feb. 17, and HISD is inviting all of its teachers to share all of the innovative instructional practices taking place in their classrooms on social media using the hashtag #HISDdigital.

Digital Learning Day was created by the Alliance for Excellent Education, a national policy and advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring that all students, particularly those who are traditionally underserved, graduate from high school prepared for success in college, work, and citizenship.

In honor of Digital Learning Day, HISD is observing the entire month of February as Digital Learning Month for all K–12 campuses. Earlier this month, more than 30 HISD schools were represented at the second annual Digital Learning Expo, which was held Feb. 11 at the district’s Hattie Mae White Educational Resource Center. Students from all grades proudly demonstrated a wide range of digital projects, including musical bananas, large and small robots, book trailers created with Animoto, and mobile apps created with coding. The event was held just prior to the regular monthly Board of Education meeting to show trustees, district employees, and community partners how HISD students are using technology to transform teaching and learning.

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College Readiness recommends tool that can help students master School Day SAT

HISD’s College Readiness department wants every 11th-grade student to know that practicing and doing well on the School Day SAT could pay off in extra incentives, including scholarships and materials for college.

The department launched the School Day Incentive program for the Class of 2017 on Wednesday, kicking off the countdown to the School Day SAT on April 12. The purpose of the program is to increase student participation and scores for the School Day SAT, thereby increasing student access to higher education and money for college.

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Four more campuses recognized as ‘model’ Family Friendly Schools

DeAnda ES parents (pictured) were able to purchase books at discounted prices from local retailers after obtaining library cards from the Houston Public Library, thanks to a special arrangement made by Principal Erwin Garcia Velazquez.

DeAnda ES parents (pictured) were able to purchase books at discounted prices from local retailers after obtaining library cards from the Houston Public Library, thanks to a special arrangement made by Principal Erwin Garcia Velazquez.

Last month, HISD began honoring district campuses for their successful implementation of the Family Friendly Schools program.

Now, four more campuses have been recognized by the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Department for their efforts to make parents feel welcome and valued at their children’s schools.

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Budding cinematographers, animators needed for new safety campaign

HISD’s Education Technology Department is looking for aspiring cinematographers and animators of all ages to help educate their peers about the importance of staying safe online.

The Digital Privacy, Safety & Security Moments Video Campaign challenges students to create 60 to 90-second public service announcements (PSA) that focus on particular issues, such as how to avoid “phishing” scams, when it’s okay to use free Wi-Fi, and what not to share on social media.

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Slideshow quiz tests knowledge of distinguished African-American HISD alumni

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How well do you know your distinguished alumni from HISD? Take our quiz and find out!

In honor of Black History Month this year, the district’s Communications team has put together a question-and-answer-style slideshow that highlights 24 different African-American graduates, along with the years they earned their high-school diplomas.

Among those featured are professional athletes, artists, elected officials, and more.

Black History Month runs from Feb. 1 through Feb. 29.

HISD Board of Education votes to begin process of renaming three more schools

The Houston Independent School District Board of Education on Thursday approved three resolutions that would begin the process of renaming three additional schools so they better represent the district’s values and diversity.

The renaming resolutions affect Albert Sidney Johnston and Sidney Lanier middle schools, and Jefferson Davis High School. Continue reading →

HISD Board of Education to consider resolution beginning process of renaming three more schools

The Houston Independent School District Board of Education on Thursday is expected to consider a resolution that would begin the process of renaming three additional schools so they better represent the district’s values and diversity.

The resolution would affect Albert Sidney Johnston and Sidney Lanier middle schools, and Jefferson Davis High School. Continue reading →

Tour gives Waltrip HS community a look at bond renovations

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Seeing was believing Tuesday night at Waltrip High School when those who turned out for a community meeting got a sneak preview of what’s to come with the ongoing renovation and construction project.

“You don’t mind coming in here for a meeting,” said Michael Arcos, whose son Aaron is a junior at the school. “It’s good to see this auditorium upgraded.”

New seats, cleaning of acoustical panels, stage floor replacement and new improved lighting in the auditorium are just some of the upgrades at the school, which is being partially replaced and renovated under the bond program.

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City issues proclamation in honor of Yates HS’s 90th anniversary

20160209_133200On Feb. 8, 1926, Jack Yates High School opened its doors as the second campus for children of color in the city of Houston. Ninety years later, Mayor Sylvester Turner issued a proclamation announcing Feb. 9, 2016, as “Jack Yates Senior High School Day.”

Since its opening, the school has been a launching pad for world-renowned artists, athletes, politicians, and other figures. The school was named after a formerly enslaved reverend, who became an influential leader in Houston’s Fourth Ward.

99-year-old Maxine Williams, Yates alumna

99-year-old Maxine Williams, Yates alumna

“A lot of good things came out of Yates,” said Carolyn Simples, president of the Fabulous Fifties Yates alumni group, whose crimson and gold attire brought a celebratory mood at City Hall. “And [they] are still coming out of Yates.”

One such product, 99-year-old alumna Maxine Williams, was present for the event. So, too, were 50 current Yates government students, hoping to witness the ceremony. They had the opportunity — through Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and the help of Yates alumni and city attorney Arva Howard — to see the proclamation process from beginning to end.

“To get our kids involved and understand how government works, and get them involved in the process…for me, personally, it’s kind of a highlight of the year,” said Yates Principal Kenneth Davis. “Having a historically black school that receives a proclamation — this is something they’ll always have and remember in the future. It’s part of their history as well.”

To see a sampling of Yates’ distinguished alumni, please visit the district’s Alumni channel.

Payoff for social worker’s career in education: watching students heal

In this week’s “I Am HISD,” which features district students, graduates, employees, and other team members, Sugar Grove Academy social worker Elba Ruibal talks about why she began working in public schools, what compelled her to move from a high school to a middle school setting, and one of the biggest challenges of serving refugee students.

Let’s start with a little background. How long have you been a social worker, and when did you first join Team HISD?

Elba Ruibal

Elba Ruibal

I’ve been in social work for about 25 years. I started out working with domestic violence victims at the Houston Area Women’s Shelter and was there for two and a half years. I also worked at the Women and Children’s Hospital in San Antonio, in the children’s emergency room. I came to HISD five years ago, and was at Westbury High School for four of those. This is my first year at Sugar Grove.

What made you decide to move into public education?

When I had my own child, I wanted to be with him in the summers. But I also dealt a lot with victims of domestic violence at the hospital, and I had to report abuse to Children’s Protective Services. Once those children left the ER, I never knew what happened to them, and thoughts of their welfare lingered. But in a school setting, I get to see those children every day and know that they’re alive. I get to follow up, make sure they’re safe, and in the best cases, watch them heal.

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