‘Get that degree,’ HISD’s college-bound athletes are reminded

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The emphasis was on the “student” part of student-athlete Wednesday afternoon as more than 75 Houston ISD’s seniors signed symbolic certificates to continue their educations and athletic careers at a National Signing Day ceremony.

The male and female athletes gathered with their coaches, principals, and parents on Feb. 5 to celebrate their achievements, and to hear sage advice about their futures at the Region IV Education Service Center in northwest Houston.

HISD’s legendary former Athletic Director Joe Tusa reminded athletes that their abilities had earned them a rare opportunity, and that they should make the most of it. “So many of you – including myself – would not have been able to go college, except for these scholarships,” Tusa said. “Get that degree. Keep your studies up. If you get that degree, it is with you the rest of your life.”

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Berry ES wins ‘Development of Distinction’ award from Urban Land Institute

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Berry Elementary School’s eco-friendly and inviting building design received a real estate development award Tuesday from the Houston District Council of the Urban Land Institute.

The school won a 2014 Development of Distinction Award, which recognizes Houston area building projects that exemplify best practices in design, construction, economic viability and community health. The school was one of two finalists for the award in the nonprofit category. Continue reading →

HISD launching customized HB 5 information blitz for families, educators

With most details of the state’s new reform of public education – known as House Bill 5 – settled only last week, HISD is ready with a multimedia toolbox to assist students, families, and support staff in making the most of the guidelines that will require students to choose academic and career paths that will prepare them for success beyond high school.

The district launched its “Plan Your Path” informational website, houstonisd.org/PlanYourPath, on Feb. 5. It offers:

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HISD student athletes to take part in National Signing Day event

More than 75 of Houston ISD’s top scholar athletes will formally commit to continue their studies and sports careers at colleges and universities throughout the U.S. Wednesday at a ceremony to be held in conjunction with National Signing Day.

The event, which will include both female and male athletes and their coaches and parents, will take place at 1 p.m. at the Region IV Educational Service Center, 7145 W. Tidwell Road in northwest Houston. Athletes will sign symbolic certificates of intent. Joe Tusa, HISD’s retired director of athletics and a legend in the district, will be the featured speaker. Two years ago, the Delmar Athletic Complex was re-named in his honor.

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Creatures from the deep: Workshop teaches underwater robotics

Nearly a dozen students spent part of their weekend at an underwater robotics workshop at Waltrip High School. Three teams of students from Waltrip, Washington, and the Energy Institute high schools built underwater robots essentially from scratch.

The students had to strip wire, solder, make electrical connections, read a mechanical schematic, measure and cut pipe, drill holes, make physical connections, while going from a drawing to a 3D structure, and create a variety of larger assemblies from individual parts.

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‘Kids with Character’ mentoring program rolls out to 20 schools

Twenty students at Sherman Elementary School received their certificates and sticker badges Monday as they were recognized during a special lunch for being a “Kid with Character.”

Fourth-grader Alicia Sierra was recognized for her outstanding behavior. “I feel good and want to encourage my other friends so they can sit on stage with me,” she said. Continue reading →

UIL realignment pits some HISD 4A football against out-of-district teams

The University Interscholastic League announced its realignment for 2014-2016 on Monday, and some Houston ISD football teams will now play schools outside the district.

“It’s a new twist for us,” HISD Athletics Director Marmion Dambrino said. “It’s going to be interesting. We’re excited about it. The teams we’re going to be playing are very competitive.”

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HISD Teachers and Campus Staff Earn $18.2 Million Based on Students’ Academic Progress and Achievement

Superintendent Terry Grier recognizes teachers and staff

Students across the Houston Independent School District achieved significant success in the classroom during the 2012–2013 school year, and the educators most responsible for the gains recently earned financial awards.

Earlier this month, HISD awarded a total of $18.2 million to 5,180 campus-based teachers and staff under the ASPIRE Award Program. ASPIRE award payouts for teachers in core subjects, such as math, science, social studies, and language arts, are based on their students’ academic gains compared to their peers.

“Our teachers embody our core belief in the ability of every child to succeed in the classroom, under the guidance of effective teachers,” HISD Superintendent Terry Grier said. “Every day, campus leaders, peers, parents, families and students thank their teachers for their hard work. This is another way HISD leadership can recognize the highest levels of effective teaching.”

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HIPPY empowers parents to be their children’s first teacher

HISD parent Victoria Bryant had never even heard of the district’s Home Instruction Program for Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) until she tried to enroll her three-year-old daughter at the TSU Charter Lab school recently—but today, she is one of its biggest fans.

“My daughter’s learning a lot of the things that I take for granted, but forget someone actually had to teach me, such as knowing the difference between ‘over’ and ‘under,’” she said. “It’s really broadened her vocabulary.”

Bryant was referred to HIPPY by a TSU Charter staff member after learning that the school was full and could not accept additional students. “She told me there was a program for parents to be their children’s first teachers,” said Bryant, “and while I was trying (to teach my daughter) at home, I really didn’t know what to do, so this came along at the right time. It was perfect. And it’s cool, because it gives me all of the tools that I need.”

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