With all the big changes coming to high school this fall, HISD is working diligently to make sure parents and students have the latest information in the most easy-to-navigate means possible.
That’s why we’ve streamlined our “Plan Your Path: House Bill 5 and You” website that gives you critical facts and tells you where to go to learn even more details about things such as graduation plans, course and school selection, college readiness, and shares frequently asked questions.
The Rusk School will hold an open house on Friday and a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday to show off its new middle school wing, which will soon open to students.
The PK-8 school’s 21,000-square-foot wing will serve 250 students and features seven classrooms, two science labs and a computer lab. The open house will take place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday at the school (2805 Garrow), and the ribbon cutting is set from 9 to 11 a.m. on Monday.
The new facility was built with funds from HISD’s 2007 bond program. Located in the city’s East End, the school emphasizes college and career readiness and offers pre-AP courses and a STEM magnet program.
Maryam Al-Saidi
A Cunningham Elementary School fifth-grader’s skill with a pen has earned her one of the top prizes in a national handwriting contest for students with special needs.
Maryam Al-Saidi, who recently transferred from Cromwell Valley Elementary School in Towson, Maryland, placed first in the “manuscript” (or printing) category of the National Maxim Award, which is sponsored by Zaner-Bloser and only open to students with a cognitive delay, or an intellectual, physical, or developmental disability.
The Houston Minority Business Development Agency, a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce, recently nominated the HISD supplier diversity team for a Distinguished Supplier Diversity Award.
The Houston Independent School District Board of Education approved two key resolutions Thursday that will affect high school students across the district. A resolution to include a high school level Mexican-American history and culture elective in the state’s graduation plan passed unanimously. Board members also approved a resolution not to double-test middle school students who are taking Algebra I.
Worthing HS senior Erica Lee proudly displays her preliminary acceptance card from Alabama A&M University.
When Erica Lee arrived at the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s College Expo on March 13, she had no firm plans about where she planned to pursue higher education.
Now, the Worthing High School senior has at least one preliminary offer of acceptance, thanks to the care she took in preparing for the event.
North Forest High School will enhance and upgrade its athletics department’s strength and conditioning equipment thanks to a $12,700 grant from Muscle Milk.
The school submitted a statement, photos, and videos to let the 2013 Muscle Milk Recovery Grant Program know about their needs. The school said it had flooring that was cracked and corroded, preventing core training and sitting exercises, and cracked asphalt that made running challenging. Many of the machines and weights were rusted, and the weight benches had torn leather and holes. The school said it was lacking mirrors and cardiovascular and aerobic machines.
Houston ISD is the first school district in the state of Texas to participate in the Meatless Monday movement’s Lean & Green Day, according to Monday Campaigns, a nonprofit public health initiative. Since December, the district’s Food Services Department has made an effort to serve more vegetarian menu items for students on a regular basis.
“The average American consumes eight ounces of meat per day, which is 45 percent more than the USDA recommendation,” said HISD Food Services’ Nutrition Manager Amanda Oceguera. “By reducing consumption of meat you can reduce your risk of chronic preventable diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and cancer.”
Oceguera said HISD Food Services decided to join the movement as an added benefit to students and to accompany its efforts to continue to provide students with nutritious, well-balanced meals. Participation levels remain steady as students choose meat-free favorites and learn to enjoy new healthy options.
As student notifications hit inboxes and mailboxes, parents began to wonder what’s next. When a student is accepted to a school of his or her choice, parents must notify the school by April 11 in order to keep that spot for the 2014-2015 year. If a school agreement was included with the notification, parents must follow all the instructions and complete the acceptance process for the school of choice.
Sidney "Chip" Zullinger
HISD is mourning the loss of one of its key administrators today. Dr. Sidney “Chip” Zullinger, chief elementary school officer, died Tuesday night after suffering a heart attack Monday.
“We have lost a good friend, great person, and champion for all children,” said Superintendent Terry Grier, in making the announcement to staff.