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 here. Continue 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.
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.
Last year’s Fishman Prize finalist offers advice to this year’s applicants
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.
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
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.
20 HISD football teams play this weekend
Twenty HISD high school football teams are in action this weekend! After you trick-or-treat on Friday, head out to a stadium to cheer on your favorite team! After you get home from one (or two) games on Saturday, don’t forget to turn your clock back an hour before you head to bed — you get an extra hour of sleep because Daylight Saving Time is ending! Continue reading