HISD adding 21 campuses to dual language program in 2015–2016

HISD is expanding its successful dual language program to 21 more campuses in 2015–2016, launching thousands of additional pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students on the road to learning a second language. Currently, 31 HISD schools offer a Spanish dual language program.

Starting in August, kindergarten students — and pre-kindergarten students, at some schools — will be learning in both English and Spanish. One grade will be added to the program each year until it reaches school-wide.

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Mother inspired by teacher son’s experiences to join Read Houston Read

Read Houston Read volunteer Susan Imre with her son John Lohmann, a social studies teacher at Wheatley High School.

Read Houston Read volunteer Susan Imre with her son John Lohmann, a social studies teacher at Wheatley High School.

The people who volunteer as Read Houston Read mentors do so for a variety of reasons. Some do it because they simply love teaching. Some do it because they have wonderful memories of enjoying books as young people and want to give that experience to other children. For Susan Imre, the reason is a bit more personal. Her adult son is a teacher at Wheatley High School, and she was inspired by the challenges he faces each day with students who struggle in the classroom. Continue reading →

HISD school board to consider plan to reduce classroom overcrowding

The Houston Independent School District is working to readjust attendance boundaries at almost two dozen schools in an effort to reduce classroom overcrowding.

The move is in response to a directive from the Texas Education Agency, which requires kindergarten through fourth-grade classes to have no more than 22 students per classroom. Classes that exceed that number must request a state waiver.

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UPS representatives encourage Sterling Futures students to pursue logistics and global supply

Students in the Futures Academy of Logistics and Global Supply at Sterling High School learned first-hand about the field from representatives of the world’s largest shipping and logistics company, United Parcel Service (UPS).

Arthur Wilson, UPS South Texas division manager, and Trey Wyre, Katy branch manager, told the students about their educational and career paths on Jan. 16. They also offered insights into the company and the careers it offers in a field that’s expected to grow by 22 percent in the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Median salary in the field is more than $80,000.

Sterling Futures Academy students can earn an associate’s of applied science degree along with their high school diploma and industry certifications, and are exposed to information and opportunities in the logistics and global supply workforce as part of their education.

Both UPS representatives told Futures educators that they would be interested in helping to mentor Sterling students.

Students to get a jumpstart on entering the oil and natural gas industry

Beginning this semester, at least 1,000 high school students from 12 HISD schools will have access to cutting-edge oil and natural gas curriculum and resources to earn a basic petroleum industry certification during high school. The certification is typically required for entry-level positions in the oilfield. The OPEN Petroleum Education Network will offer students in the program at least four online courses in petroleum, oil well drilling, well control, and rig pass. Students who successfully complete the introduction to well control course and the rig pass curriculum will be eligible to receive a certificate from the International Association of Drilling Contractors.

“By educating early on about these opportunities and by providing foundational skills, the program will give HISD students a jump-start on well-paying jobs before they even graduate from high school,” said HISD Career Readiness Assistant Superintendent Michael Webster.

Participating high schools include: Chavez, Energy Institute, Furr, Kashmere, Lamar, Mickey Leland College Preparatory for Young Men, Milby, Reagan, Waltrip, Westside, Wheatley, Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy.

Apply to BOA Student Leadership Program by Feb. 2

Bank of America is looking for tomorrow’s community leaders today.

High-school juniors and seniors who are passionate about making a difference in the community may be selected to participate in a paid summer internship with a designated local nonprofit organization, where they can experience first-hand how they can help shape their communities-now and in the future.

To enhance their leadership experience, awardees also participate in a week-long, all-expense-paid Student Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. provided by Bank of America. The nonprofit internship and Student Leadership Summit expose students to leadership aspects in civic, nonprofit, and business arenas.

Visit the Bank of America website to apply. The deadline for applications is Monday, Feb. 2, 2015.

Teachers using HUB to maximize instructional time

Social studies teacher Laura Baumgart had never used an online teaching and learning platform in her daily instruction before coming to work at HISD this school year. Now, the Austin High School educator is actively using the PowerUp:HUB, HISD’s digital platform, in her everyday instruction. Continue reading →

HISD principals accepted to REEP Business Fellowship for School Leaders Program

The Rice University Education Entrepreneurship Program (REEP) would like to congratulate the following Houston ISD principals on their acceptance to the REEP Business Fellowship for School Leaders Program: John Baker, ChaoLin Chang, Mary Ellen Fernandez, Steven Gourrier, Melissa Jacobs, Eden Hines-Jones, Armando Lujan, Jyoti Malhan, Lindsey Pollock, Steven Shetzer, and Abigail Taylor. This acceptance recognizes their academic and professional achievements, along with their potential for outstanding personal and career development. We are thrilled to welcome them to the Rice/REEP community as members of the seventh Cohort.

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Longfellow students collect nearly 2 tons of food, supplies for the needy

(Houston Independent School District)
Longfellow Elementary students recently worked with the community and conducted a holiday food and supplies drive. The hugely successful, month-long campaign was held from mid-November to mid-December and was designed to raise students’ awareness of hunger and poverty in our country.  Continue reading →