Summer Meal Program kicking off at more than 200 schools

No paperwork, registration or proof of income needed to participate

The Houston Independent School District will kick off its Summer Meal Program on June 4 at more than 200 schools. Children ages 1 to 18 can enjoy a healthy breakfast and lunch at no cost through July 3. The beginning of the program will be celebrated with kick-off parties at two participating elementary schools.

The “Summer Food, Summer Fun” kick-off parties will include giveaways, music, HISD Food Services’ My Plate Relay game, and a visit from Ace the Healthy Fox, Food Services’ nutrition mascot.

Events are scheduled for next week:

Wednesday, June 4, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Herrera Elementary School
525 Bennington, Houston, TX 77022

Thursday, June 5, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Gallegos Elementary School
7415 Harrisburg, Houston, TX 77011

Children do not need to be enrolled in summer school to participate in the program, and no paperwork, registration or proof of income are required. Adults may participate by purchasing breakfast for $2 and lunch for $3.25.

All meals served are nutritionally balanced to ensure children receive the vitamins, minerals, and calories needed to maintain a balanced diet. Last summer, HISD Food Services served over one million free meals to Houston-area children.

To find a summer meal location near you, please visit: www.houstonisd.org/summermeals.

Questions about the summer meal program may be directed to the HISD Food Services Department at 713-491-5944. For information on where to find free meals after July 3, contact the City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department at 713-676-6832 or dial 2-1-1.

New partnership shines spotlight on Linked Learning’s potential

When most people think about employment opportunities available at large grocery or clothing chains, they probably envision minimum-wage jobs such as cashiers, sackers, stockers, or parking lot attendants who collect abandoned shopping carts.

But a new partnership between HISD’s Career and Technical Education department, the University of Houston Downtown (UH-D), and various big-box stores is looking to change that misconception, and in the process, create a steady stream of high-school students poised for high-paying careers in retail management.

“This type of partnership does exactly what we want,” said Michael Webster, HISD’s assistant superintendent of career readiness. “It’s giving kids access to real-life situations. The idea is that within two to four years of graduation, they will be in a managerial role, and a typical manager at one of these stores makes $125- to $150,000 a year.”

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Briscoe ES travels the world of food at International Fruit and Vegetable Festival

Students at Briscoe Elementary were given the opportunity to travel through the world of fruits and vegetables at the International Fruit and Vegetable Festival held at their school.

HISD Food Services Nutrition Team and Recipe for Success Foundation hosted the May 23 event, allowing fourth- and fifth-grade students to taste, touch and smell a variety of colorful, exotic produce from all over the world.

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The Rice School marks Memorial Day with human flag

Students at The Rice School took time out on Memorial Day to honor the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our security and freedom.

The students watched a video reflection about our military and then joined together to make a human flag. They said the Pledge of Allegiance and sang the national anthem.

Students also wrote letters of tribute to send to families of veterans.

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FotoFest program helps students improve literacy skills

Students at eight Houston ISD schools have been improving their literacy skills through a program created by FotoFest, and you have a chance to check out their work.

Literacy Through Photography utilizes photography as a tool to develop basic learning skills, particularly writing and critical thinking, for students in grades 3-12. It includes a curriculum aligned to state standards, professional development for teachers, and artist-educator residency programs for students in both in-school and after-school environments.

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Students’ achievements celebrated on Academic Signing Day

Hundreds of Houston ISD seniors got together on Friday, May 23, to celebrate their acceptance to two- and four-year colleges and universities.

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School at St. George Place is HISD’s newest IB school

The School at St. George Place has received official authorization to operate as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. This authorization brings the district total to 14 IB campuses.

“The last few years have been an incredible journey and it wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing students and staff at the School at St. George Place,” said Adam Stephens, the school’s former principal and the district’s current assistant superintendent for Linked Learning. “The IB Primary Years Programme has already proven to a great addition to the campus and I cannot wait to see what happens over the next few years as the students move through the IB Middle Years Programme at Grady and the Diploma Programme at Lamar.”

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Houston ISD schools, offices to be open on Memorial Day

All Houston ISD schools and offices will be open on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26. It is a designated inclement weather make-up day.

If a parent chooses to not to send his or her child to school, HISD will follow the current policies in determining whether that student’s absence is excused or unexcused. You can find more information on the district’s attendance policies here and here.

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HISD students awarded nearly $2M worth of HLSR scholarships

(JACKRIGBY HudsonOH)

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo awarded more than $7 million worth of scholarships to 394 students in 77 school districts. More than 100 Houston ISD students received scholarships worth $18,000 each.

More than 100 students from the Houston Independent School District were awarded a total of $1,836,000 worth of scholarships from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on Wednesday.

Fifty-eight students were awarded “metropolitan” scholarships, each worth $18,000 over four years. Students had to be in the top 25 percent of their class, score 1350 on the SAT, or score 19 on the ACT to qualify.

Forty-four students were awarded “opportunity” scholarships, each worth $18,000 over four years. Students had to be in the top 50 percent of their class, score 1300 on the SAT, or score 18 on the ACT to qualify.

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