Chávez HS grad ‘paying it forward’ with EMERGE Class of 2014

As a member of HISD’s inaugural EMERGE class in 2012, Chavez HS alumna and Tufts University sophomore Phuong Ta (far left, front row) helped coordinate the top-tier university tours for this year’s EMERGE students.

When I graduated from Chávez High School two years ago, I was the “first” in many ways—the first one in my immediate family to go to a four-year college (as my family had only moved to the United States two years before that), one of the first students from Chávez to attend a private institution outside of Texas, and one of the first students to graduate from the pilot cohort of the EMERGE program. Along with the immense sense of pride and joy I felt upon my acceptance to Tufts University, I was also under the stressful realization that it was my responsibility to be successful, not just for my family and myself, but also for my community.

Being a first-generation college student was far more challenging than I prepared myself for. Continue reading →

Whidby ES baton-twirlers headed to state finals after first-place finish in Corpus

Baton-twirling’s heyday may be about 60 years behind it, but a group of 14 girls from HISD’s Whidby Elementary School is bringing back that lost art with an amazing run for the national title next month.

The Whidby team, which just ended its very first year under the guidance of teacher Crystal Evans, is already headed to the state finals in Dallas at the end of June, after earning the first-place prize and the highest possible ranking (a “one”) at a regional competition of the National Baton Twirling Association in Corpus Christi. Continue reading →

School tours give principals a look inside successful Guided Reading programs

Figuring out how to do something for the first time can be tricky, but having an expert on hand to show you the ropes can make it a lot easier. That’s why HISD has asked the principals of eight elementary schools with effective Guided Reading programs in place to offer tours to other campus leaders.

Guided Reading is a critical piece of the district’s Literacy By 3 initiative, which aims to have all elementary students reading at or above grade level by the end of grade 3. A big part of its successful implementation will depend upon the creation of both individual classroom libraries and a central storage area for Guided Reading materials that all teachers can use as a resource. Continue reading →

Reagan HS grad’s perfect attendance achievement a miracle twice over

Kody Ford

For recent Reagan High School graduate Kody Ford to even be alive today is nothing short of a miracle.

The Class of 2014 member not only confounded doctors by proving virtually every grim prognosis about him wrong as a baby, he also managed to graduate last month with a perfect 12-year attendance record—less than nine weeks after being ejected through the sunroof of his own car during a collision with a drunk driver.
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HISD recognized for going ‘Above and Beyond’ for military personnel

Board of EducationThe Houston Independent School District recently was honored for its outstanding service and dedication in supporting military personnel working for the district.

The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve organization (ESGR), a U.S. Department of Defense office, presented the district with its “Above and Beyond Award” at the June 12 regular Board meeting.

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HISD administration communicates final magnet funding proposal

New formula is designed to improve equity across programs

Next week, the HISD Board of Education will vote on a district-wide magnet funding formula that is designed to improve equity across programs and increase transparency in the magnet and specialty program funding process. These changes will be presented to the HISD Board of Education for their consideration on June 19 during a special budget meeting.

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Small firms network with contractors involved in HISD bond program

Architectural and engineering firms who are designing HISD’s newest facilities showcased their projects Wednesday at a meet-and-greet at Carnegie Vanguard High School. The event was held to encourage local small firms to take part in design work for schools being built under the district’s 2012 bond program.

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Browning, Pugh students get an extra dose of literacy through Deloitte’s IMPACT Day

Two HISD elementary schools got “taken over” by tax, audit, advisory, and consulting professionals from a firm in downtown Houston on June 6, when representatives from Deloitte traded their suits and briefcases for T-shirts, sensible shoes, and a custom curriculum dedicated to literacy.

Deloitte employees came to Pugh and Browning elementary schools that day as a part of the company’s 15th annual IMPACT Day of community service, which usually benefits other HISD campuses with whom Deloitte has on-going partnerships.
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