Endurance runners use encounter with living legend to inspire themselves and others

Endurance runners and HISD employees Alyssa Howell (right) and her husband, John Smith, pose with Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon, at a pre-race dinner in Syracuse, New York, on Oct. 18. Switzer is holding the bib number she wore during the 1967 Boston Marathon, in which she broke the previously all-male tradition.

Ever wonder what it’s like to meet one of your personal heroes? If so, just ask HISD Teacher Development Specialist Alyssa Howell or her husband, John Smith, who teaches at Sutton Elementary School.

The night before competing in the Empire State half-marathon in upstate New York on Oct. 19, Howell and Smith got to meet and have dinner with Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to officially run in the prestigious Boston Marathon. Switzer entered the previously all-male race back in 1967 and completed it despite being physically assaulted by the race manager around mile six. Continue reading →

Burbank MS brings popular children’s author to campus for Family Literacy Night

This year, Family Literacy Night at Burbank Middle School was very special. Throughout September and October, students, staff, and community members all read Christopher Healy’s “The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom.” Then they got together on Family Literacy Night to discuss the book and had a rare opportunity to take the discussion directly to Healy, who was the night’s special guest.

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“I feel really privileged to be a part of this event,” Healy said. “From the point of view of an author, it’s unbelievable. It’s amazing that all of these kids and teachers read my book. It’s not that they’ve all just read it, but that it’s become a point of discussion in the school. People have been telling me that students are talking about it in the hallways, and teachers are discussing the characters and plotlines outside of class. That’s an amazing feeling for me — the idea of a whole school rallying around one book and the way it supports literacy.” Continue reading →

Meet the HISD Police Department’s first female Asian officer

Houston ISD police officer Minhnguyet "Nicky" Tran poses for a photograph at Chavez High School, October 24, 2014. (Dave Einsel / Houston ISD)

Officer Nicky Tran

It’s been several months since Minhnguyet “Nicky” Tran was sworn in as a police officer for the Houston Independent School District Police Department. Currently working at Chavez High School, the University of Houston graduate made history by becoming HISD PD’s first female Asian police officer. Tran says she remains committed to community policing and in keeping students and district employees safe on a daily basis. She talks about who inspired her to join HISD PD, and some of her experiences since joining the only accredited public school district police department in the nation.

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Notice of destruction of Special Education records

Special Education records which have been collected by the Houston Independent School District (HISD) related to the identification, evaluation, educational placement, or the provision of Special Education in the district must be maintained under state and federal laws for a period of five years after Special Education services have ended for the student. Special Education services end when the student is no longer eligible for services, graduates, completes his or her educational program at age 22, or moves from the district. Continue reading →

Fonville MS robotics team wins tournament its first time out

The fledgling robotics team at Fonville Middle School might be relatively new, but that doesn’t mean its members don’t know a thing or two about how to win a competition.

The Fonville team outperformed several high school teams recently to claim top honors at HISD’s VEX West competition. The students shared the title of “tournament champions” with their allies from Lamar High School, and also received the “Cooperate Award” for demonstrating extraordinary teamwork under pressure. Continue reading →

FRAC grant to bring First Class Breakfast to more high school students

Students at eight HISD high schools will now receive their first meal of the day right in their classrooms, thanks to a $64,000 grant from the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), funded by Kellogg’s corporate citizenship fund.

The money will be used to purchase equipment, food, labor, and marketing materials to implement the First Class Breakfast program at Kashmere, Lee, Madison, Milby, Sam Houston, Sterling, Washington, and Wheatley high schools. Continue reading →

HISD educators talk STEM with science, technology, engineering, math leaders

Science, technology, math, and engineering leaders with global companies and research universities shared forward-thinking STEM practices with HISD to help the district establish advanced standards for its STEM programs.

What makes STEM “STEM,” and how can HISD ensure students who graduate are truly prepared for a post-secondary education and career in STEM? These are a few of the questions HISD educators and cabinet leaders were asked to think about during a STEM Standards Stakeholder Meeting on Monday. Continue reading →

HISD School Choice Open House to showcase 100-plus district offerings

The Houston Independent School District is hosting a School Choice Open House Saturday, Nov. 1 at Northwest Mall (9500 Hempstead Hwy., 77092) to highlight educational options for the 2015-2016 school year. The annual event will take place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., and representatives from many of the district’s campuses will be on hand to answer questions and offer information about their programs.

Magnet applications for the 2015-2016 school year open online on Saturday, Nov. 1. Parents must submit those applications before Friday, Dec. 19, for guaranteed first-round consideration.     Continue reading →

DeBakey HS community hears final design, construction plans

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Students and staff at DeBakey High School for Health Professions will soon have a new facility in the heart of the Texas Medical Center that will allow easier access to some of the best facilities in the world.

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