Literacy By 3 gets a boost at Neff with donation of 4,500 books

HISD’s Literacy By 3 movement got a big boost on Oct. 31, when four organizations joined forces to help students at Neff Early Learning Center start or build a home library.

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The Greater Houston First Book Volunteer Board (GHFB), partnering with Disney, First Book National, and the Rotary Club of Sharpstown, distributed 4,500 books to Neff students that day, with each student receiving seven books to take home. Continue reading

HISD enrollment reaches 215K, highest level in four decades

The first of four official state counts of enrollment in Houston ISD showed Friday that membership now surpasses 215,000 students — the highest figure since 1973.

The district’s membership tally on the 51st day of school was 215,225, up from 211,406 over the same day in 2013, 3,819 students more. It is the figure that will go into state records as HISD’s fall Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) count.

“The steady upswing in student performance, our great neighborhood schools, and HISD’s reputation for a school option for every interest and goal are undoubtedly helping to draw families to our schools,” said Superintendent Terry Grier. Continue reading

Newly designed website and catalog to help with school choice process

HISD magnet applications are now being accepted for the 2015-2016 school year, but selecting a school among so many choices may sometimes seem overwhelming.  In an effort to help parents and students navigate the process and make an informed choice, HISD has redesigned its school choice website and has created a helpful catalog.  Continue reading

Magnet applications now being accepted for 2015-2016 school year

The HISD magnet application process is now open for the 2015-2016 school year. Parents and students interested in applying for one of HISD’s 115 magnet programs for next school year can do so online by clicking here.  Applications must be submitted no later than Dec. 19, 2014, in order to be guaranteed consideration in the first round. Continue reading

Take a school tour during magnet awareness week November 3-7

During the week of Nov.  3, parents can take a closer look at the schools they are considering for their children as part of HISD’s annual Magnet Awareness Week. Tours will be offered at magnet schools each day this week at 1 p.m. so that families may visit the school’s campus, observe classrooms, and gain firsthand knowledge of the curriculum and programs.

Magnet Awareness Week is also a great time for parents to follow up on any questions they may have about the school and the magnet program. Be sure to check out this year’s school choice brochure for details on various magnet school programs, helpful suggestions on what to consider when evaluating various campuses, a list of questions to ask representatives of prospective schools, and a timeline of important dates in the magnet process. The brochure is available in Spanish by clicking hereContinue reading

HISD statement related to incident near James Madison High School

HISD Police, with help from the Houston Police Department, are investigating an incident that occurred near the James Madison High School campus. At approximately 1 p.m., a student was stabbed during an altercation that took place near campus. The student then returned to campus for help, and staff immediately notified authorities. The student since has been transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Please know we take these situations very seriously, as the safety of our students is always our top priority. HISD notified parents of the incident, and classes continued as normal. All after-school activities have been canceled as a precautionary measure. A gradual student dismissal began at 3:45 p.m.

HISD team recognized for success with supplier diversity program

HISD' s Supplier Diversity team recently was honored for its M/WBE program.

HISD’ s Supplier Diversity team recently was honored for its M/WBE program.

The Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum (GHBPF) presented Alexis Licata, HISD’s General Manager of Business Assistance, with the Distinguished Supplier Diversity Award at this year’s Minority Enterprise Development Week (MED Week) awards ceremony on Oct. 21.

The award is presented annually to an organization or individual whose business practices have had a significant impact on the growth and development of minority-owned firms.

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Last year’s Fishman Prize finalist offers advice to this year’s applicants

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Dávila ES teacher Marie Krueger-Miller, who was named a finalist for the 2013 Fishman Prize, is encouraging other educators to apply for the award this year. Photo courtesy TNTP.

Last year, Dávila Elementary School’s own Marie Krueger-Miller was named one of nine finalists for The New Teacher Project’s (TNTP) Fishman Prize for Superlative Classroom Practice. This year, the fourth-grade English as a Second Language teacher is planning to apply for the award again — and she is offering advice to other educators who might be considering doing the same.

“Think about what truly makes you unique,” said Krueger-Miller. “There are so many phenomenal educators. How are you different? How do you add to your kids’ lives and the field as a whole?” Continue reading

Video details how designs are coming along for a new HSLECJ

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A new video released by HISD gives an inside look into the design process for the new High School for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice. As part of the district’s 2012 bond program, $40 million has been budgeted to build a new 21st century facility for the school.

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