Under HISD’s bond program, Jones High School will receive renovations to its existing facility and some site improvements.
The project is currently in the design phase, with construction expected to begin in the second quarter of 2016.
HISD reports no issues related to threat
The Houston Independent School District is operating as scheduled on Thursday after receiving a threat of violence late Wednesday similar to those received this week by school districts across the nation.
New Condit ES to open for 2016-2017 school year
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With the new school construction as a backdrop, this fall students, parents, staff, and neighbors added their signatures to a steel beam that was used in the building of the new Condit Elementary School.
The school is being built adjacent to the existing building while students continue to attend classes. The new $24.3 million facility for 750 students will feature a centralized learning commons area surrounded by a two-story cluster of classrooms, an open-concept design with plenty of natural light and flexible work spaces.
The school has a target opening of August 2016.
HISD announces partnership with Taipei Department of Education
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The Houston Independent School District joined Thursday with the Department of Education in Taipei to celebrate the formalization of an international partnership between the two organizations.
The Partnerships in Education agreement formally solidifies the friendship between the two entities, allowing the pair to become “sister” organizations. It includes opportunities for the sharing of educational information, coursework and teaching methods between HISD and educators in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, a world leader in information technologies. Continue reading
District operating as usual, classes in session one day after email threat
The Houston Independent School District was operating as usual Thursday morning after receiving a threat of violence the night before similar to those received this week by school districts across the nation including Los Angeles, New York and Miami.
HISD Police Chief Robert Mock reiterated at a press conference Thursday that the threat was not believed to be credible after it was apparent that it was being sent to multiple locations and not specific to HISD. “That’s a big red flag,” Mock said.
The email was sent around 8 p.m. Wednesday to HISD Superintendent Terry Grier among others in the district. HISD police began investigating and contacting other law enforcement agencies and school districts. The investigation into the origin of the email is continuing.
As a precautionary measure, law enforcement officers are patrolling throughout the district Thursday to ensure student safety. No issues have been reported, and Mock said classes were running normally.
HISD will continue to update parents, students and staff should new information become available. Text messages can also be received by texting “Yes” to 68453.
Below is the text of phone call made to parents and staff this morning:
This is the Houston Independent School District calling with an important update for parents and students. As you know, last night HISD was one of many school districts across the country to receive a threat of violence that police do not believe is credible. Please know that school is in session today, and no issues have been reported. Teaching and learning are continuing as usual. Though the threat is not believed to be credible, we are taking every precaution possible to ensure safety. Law enforcement officers conducted random sweeps of school district buildings last night. Area law enforcement agencies have been notified and additional officers from HISD police and law enforcement agencies throughout the greater Houston area are patrolling our district today. Please know we take situations such as this very seriously and investigate all threats, as the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We appreciate your continued patience and support and will provide you with additional information as it becomes available. Again, this was the Houston Independent School District calling with an important message for parents and students.
HISD receives threat of violence similar to school districts in New York, Los Angeles, Miami
Dec. 16, 2015 — The Houston Independent School District late Wednesday received a threat of violence similar to those received this week by school districts across the nation, including Los Angeles, New York and Miami.
At this time, we do not believe the threat is credible, but as a precautionary measure, law enforcement officers are in the process of conducting random sweeps of school district buildings to ensure student safety. Surrounding law enforcement agencies also have been notified and additional officers will be on patrol Thursday morning.
HISD asks parents and students to be vigilant Thursday morning and report any suspicious activity to police.
School will continue Thursday as scheduled. Should that change, we will notify you.
*10 a.m. update*
HISD Chief of Police will hold media briefing to address security measures in response to threat @10:30 a.m. today.
*10:30 a.m. update*
School is in session today, and no issues have been reported. Teaching and learning are continuing as usual. Though the threat is not believed to be credible, HISD is taking every precaution possible to ensure safety.
Gifted and talented program: What parents need to know
A recent policy revision means that HISD students will have more equitable access to the district’s gifted and talented (G/T) program. Under new board policy, once a child qualifies to receive gifted-and-talented services, they will continue to receive services unless a parent or guardian requests otherwise.
HISD students serve on Souper Bowl of Caring Local Youth Advisory Board
More than a dozen HISD students are serving as Local Youth Advisory Board (LYAB) members for this year’s Souper Bowl of Caring. Souper Bowl of Caring is a national youth-led movement that utilizes the energy of the Super Bowl to collect food items and donations for local charities that work to fight hunger.
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All cash and food donations collected between January 18 and February 7, 2016, are donated back to the local community. The vision is to turn the nation’s biggest weekend of football into the largest weekend of giving and serving.
Bastian ES students surprised by Houston Texans player during annual toy giveaway
A group of 25 students at Bastian Elementary School were surprised with a special delivery by Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph on Tuesday afternoon—just in time for the holidays.
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“I’m so glad to be here doing this for the holidays,” Joseph said. “On behalf of Academy and myself, we came to surprise [students] for this special occasion.”
Joseph, accompanied by team members from Academy Sports + Outdoors, gave students bikes on behalf of The Andre Johnson Foundation’s annual toy giveaway event. Students were chosen based on perfect attendance and outstanding grades.
“The community at Bastian Elementary is excited to once again team up with the Houston Texans and the Andre Johnson Foundation to do something special for students who have shown excellence throughout the school year,” said Bastian Principal Tonya Roberson.
Nutrition Services encourages culinary students to bake healthy recipes at home
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As a reward for cooking healthier at home, four Gregory Lincoln Education Center students received laptops for participating in a Nutrition Services department healthy recipe contest. Culinary arts students were challenged to bake the Nutrition Services’ sweet potato muffin recipe, which utilizes whole grain flour and real sweet potatoes.
Nutrition Services Education Dietitian Jennifer Lengyel and Gregory Lincoln’s Culinary Arts Teacher Kelly Karavias encouraged the students to integrate nutritious ingredients into a recipe that the whole family will enjoy. “Everybody likes a delicious, warm muffin,” Karavias said. “Parents like it, little kids like it.”