HISD Team Lead for Supplier Diversity Bernard Willingham urged small businesses to know their products and services well before applying for business contracts with the district.
Light It Up Blue to raise autism awareness on April 2
April is Autism Awareness Month, and in recognition of World Autism Awareness Day, communities across the globe are being asked to “Light It Up Blue” on April 2.
Only about 1,375 students have been identified with autism spectrum disorders in HISD (a figure that represents less than one percent of the district’s entire student population), but Jermisha Hardeman, who teaches students with autism at Yates High School, says that it’s still important to increase awareness on this subject.
“With my students, you can’t just look at them and tell they’re autistic,” she said. “But it’s important to recognize them and to learn how to interact with them, because autism is on the rise. The numbers have increased. It’s estimated now that one in every 68 people falls somewhere on the autism spectrum.”
State of Texas adds another technology tool for use during STAAR — for next year
For the first time, an electronic calculator application has been authorized for use by students during a Texas state assessment. Eighth-graders across the state can use either a graphing calculator or a graphing calculator application available on an electronic tablet on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) grade 8 mathematics test. Texas Education Agency (TEA) Commissioner of Education Michael Williams informed superintendents across the state recently that the new policy will go into effect on a pilot basis for the 2014-2015 school year. For the pilot year, the TEA will still prohibit the use of smart phones.
HISD maritime students get real-world tools ($50K each) for in-demand jobs ($70K-120K a year)
More than 460 students in the four-year maritime programs at Stephen F. Austin and Jack Yates high schools are getting a sneak peek at two state-of-the-art crane and forklift simulators that students will be able to use for training starting next school year.
The two $50,000 simulators were installed last week at Austin High School, and students in grades 9-12 will experience real-life scenarios that become more challenging as they move to the next grade.
SECHS students mobilize to build awareness around wellness
After learning about the health risks associated with “food deserts” recently, service-minded students at South Early College High School (SECHS) organized a health fair for their South Park community recently to help build awareness around the issue.
A core group of eight student leaders (pictured in purple shirts) organized the service-learning project, which boasted more than 70 volunteers and almost 20 vendors.
Berry Elementary School reaches LEED Silver status
Berry Elementary School reaches LEED Silver status�
Campus is seventh in HISD to reach Silver level of certification for green schools
The U.S. Green Building Council has awarded Berry Elementary School the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver designation, making it Houston ISD’s seventh school to receive that level of certification.
The newly designed environmental studies magnet school, a $15.7 million project built with funds from HISD’s 2007 bond program, has multiple environmental enhancements designed to save energy. The two-story, 86,000-square-foot building features large cisterns that collect rainwater for irrigation, a three-sided courtyard that includes outdoor learning areas and wildflower garden areas for additional science projects, enhanced science laboratories, and large windows in each classroom. Continue reading
Food Services introduces new menu items for April
A new breakfast item is rolling out to HISD students this month. Students will now be able to enjoy a whole grain cinnamon kolache produced in the HISD bakery. Students from all grade levels will have the opportunity to taste it in April.
Have a question about magnet notifications? We have answers here
More than 50,000 applicants were notified Friday of the status of their magnet and vanguard school applications for the 2014-2015 school year. The Office of School Choice offered a hotline to answer questions from 5-7 p.m. and will continue to take calls 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday or to respond via email at magnetonlineapplicationhelp@houstonisd.org.
There’s a chance, though, that your question is the same as others we’ve been receiving. Here’s a list of the most Frequently Asked Questions:
Design for new HSPVA becomes ‘more exciting and a little more real’
Architects presented design renderings and 3D images of the new High School for Performing and Visual Arts Thursday at a community meeting that provided a more detailed site plan of the five-story facility.
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HISD students get ‘STAAR-y’-eyed in advance of state assessment
Students at schools all across Houston are getting jazzed up in advance of the STAAR exams that begin next week, with activities ranging from tutorials to pep rallies.
Pupils at HISD’s Chávez High School, for instance, got to participate in a relay race and fling cream pies at their principal and teachers during an event held on March 27.
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Garcia Elementary teachers and staff got their students excited by hosting a pep rally. There were performances and a surprise flash mob! Click here to see a video from the event.
Here is a breakdown of the testing schedule: