HISD college-readiness programs attract NYC educators

Representatives of New York City’s Department of Education have been visiting HISD this week to learn more about how the district prepares students for success in college and career. Dusty Miller, La Shawn Robinson, and Ainsley C. Rudolfo attended HISD’s State of the Schools event, as well as visited Chavez and Sterling high schools and Eastwood Academy.

After hearing about EMERGE through the Council of the Great City Schools, they wanted to see it in action. EMERGE prepares talented students from underserved communities to successfully attend and graduate from Ivy League and other top-tier colleges.

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North Houston Early College HS community hears update on plans for new school

North Houston Early College High School is ready to leave behind its portables for a three-story building with a university feel.

“We need a school because we really don’t have one,” said Principal Angela Lundy-Jackson during a community meeting Tuesday night at the school. The school uses portables for its classrooms, cafeterias and administrative offices. “So we’re excited to see this project come to fruition. Moving these kids into the future is very much needed.”

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HISD superintendent announces expansion of dual language programs, new diversity initiative during 2014 State of the Schools address

District will continue focus on literacy and student achievement

During HISD Superintendent Dr. Terry Grier’s address at the 2014 State of the Schools event, he reminded the sold-out crowd of the district’s successes, tough decisions and the work being done to transform schools into 21st-Century learning environments. He also announced several new initiatives, including the expansion of dual-language programs and a new diversity initiative, and unveiled a program that will address issues related to high student mobility rates.

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Grady MS community gets progress update for new building addition under 2012 bond

Temporary buildings used for classroom instruction at Grady Middle School could be gone as early as the summer in preparation for a two-story building addition that will connect to the campus’ existing facility.

“Temporary buildings are great, but the whole point is that they’re temporary,” said Principal Gretchen Kasper-Hoffman during a community meeting Monday night at the school. “We have to do what’s best for our students now and for our future students to ensure we have a sustainable building that will be here for years to come.”

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Boot-scootin’, chili cook-offs, and livestock shows part of HISD’s celebration of Go Texan Day

It’s a time-honored tradition for HISD students to kick off the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) by observing Go Texan Day on Friday, Feb. 28. In addition to wearing western attire, HISD schools are building pride in their Texas heritage with a variety of educational programs and events. HLSR is an ongoing source of scholarships for college-bound students, and HISD seniors have received millions of dollars over the past half-century.

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Minority-owned business manages bond labor-compliance program

Editor’s note: This profile is part of an occasional series on minority or women-owned companies that do business with HISD. The district’s minimum M/WBE goal levels are 20 percent for all levels of purchasing and construction, and 25 percent for professional services. In the 2007 bond program, that commitment reached nearly 34 percent. In the 2012 program, the contracts awarded to date reflect a nearly 51 percent M/WBE commitment.

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HISD Superintendent Terry Grier to deliver 2014 State of the Schools address

Focus is expansion of technology and connecting with parents, community to boost student success

HISD Superintendent Terry Grier will highlight the outstanding work of the district’s principals, teachers, and community partners on Wednesday, Feb. 26, when he delivers the annual HISD State of the Schools address. The event’s theme, Build. Bridge. Believe., brings to life the district’s work over the past year.

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Chavez High School to host College Camp Houston series

If preparing for college has you feeling overwhelmed, this weekend’s College Camp Houston may help you navigate through all of the decisions. Preparing for college, paying for tuition and researching financial aid are a few of the topics that will be covered at Chavez High School from 9 a.m.-3:15 p.m. on Saturday, March 1.

The day-long, free event is in partnership with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and Wells Fargo, and will feature mentoring sessions for participants, advice on how to research financial aid, guidance on how to apply for scholarships, and a variety of opportunities middle and high school students and their parents to get their questions answered by experts.

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HISD celebrates the Year of the Horse

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Schools across Houston ISD gathered Saturday to celebrate the Year of the Horse.

The Confucius Institute hosted the program at Sharpstown International School and featured cultural performances, art, and educational activities from eight HISD schools.

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HISD’s global HS nominated for U.S. Blue Ribbon Schools honor

Houston Academy for International Studies offers diploma, associate’s degree

A unique, globally focused Houston ISD early college high school has been nominated for the 2014 Blue Ribbon Schools honor from the U.S. Department of Education.

The Houston Academy for International Studies made the list of 25 exemplary, high performing Texas schools announced Friday by the Texas Education Agency. HAIS will now go through a rigorous application and review process to be considered for final Blue Ribbon recognition, which will be announced in September. Chosen schools are honored at a conference in Washington, D.C.

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