HISD parents and students wanting to attend one of HISD’s 115 magnet schools will now have the opportunity to apply online. While paper applications will still be accepted, HISD is holding a series of workshops and meetings over the next several months to familiarize parents with the new online option and outline the many school choices that HISD offers, including magnet programs, specialty schools such as career academies, early college high schools, and charter schools.
Board of Education Approves Motion to Fast-Track New Delmar-Tusa Fieldhouse
Existing facility to be demolished while design for new facility is underway
The HISD Board of Education unanimously approved during Thursday’s monthly meeting the motion to fast-track the construction of a new Delmar-Tusa Fieldhouse by demolishing the existing facility while design for the new facility is underway. The goal is to have the site ready for construction as soon as possible and complete the replacement facility by late 2016.
Schools Are Closed On Friday
All schools are closed Fri., Sept. 13, 2013 for the district’s fall holiday. Classes will resume at the normal time on Monday.
Administrative offices will be open during normal business hours on Friday.
To see what other days students have off this school year, take a look at our academic calendar.
Check Your Mailbox for a 2012 Bond Program Update
District residents will soon be receiving an update on the 2012 bond program in their mailboxes.
As the $1.89 billion building program gets underway, HISD administrators want to ensure that all stakeholders stay informed and have the opportunity to get involved.
Read the bond program update mailed to HISD households
“We are updating our website and social media channels frequently, but we understand that some people still like to get their information on paper,” said Tiffany Davila-Dunne, HISD’s chief communications officer. “We’ve made tremendous progress on the 2012 program, and we are moving forward quickly to create 21st century campuses for our students.”
Children First Academy charter school students invited to enroll in HISD
The Houston Independent School District is inviting students from the Children First Academy, a charter school closed this week by the Texas Education Agency, to enroll in HISD.
Sixty HISD Students Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists
Sixty seniors from six high schools throughout the Houston Independent School District have qualified as semifinalists in the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program. HISD had 56 semifinalists last year.
The students are among 16,000 from across the country to earn the semifinalist designation, allowing them the opportunity to continue in the academic competition and vie for more than 8,000 college scholarships worth roughly $35 million.
A Look at the Contenders for Top Prize in Urban Education
HISD seniors could receive over half a million dollars in college scholarships if HISD takes home the most coveted honor a public school system can win: The Broad Prize for Urban Education. This year’s Broad Prize winner will be announced on September 25, at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. HISD is competing against three other school districts: the Corona-Norco Unified School District in Riverside County, Calif.; Cumberland County Schools in North Carolina; and the San Diego Unified School District in Southern California. All four finalists, including HISD, are guaranteed $150,000 in scholarships for high school seniors who will graduate in 2014.
Beloved Teacher’s Illness Inspires Students to Give of Themselves, Literally
The High School for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice was a sea of orange on Mon., Sept. 9. Orange is the color associated with leukemia, and the school went all out to support a beloved teacher in need of blood. Two Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center mobile coaches hosted some 60 students, staff, alumni, and even parents who signed up to donate blood for criminal justice teacher Donald Chasteen.
Youth Watch
Urgent! Do you know of a HISD youth, ages 13 years to 21 years old, who is not in school and has not graduated from high school? This could be your son or daughter, your neighbor’s child or family member, or a friend of your child who is not in school. If so, please make a difference in this youth’s future by printing this flyer (English/Spanish) or calling 713-556-7017. Help a youth return to school today!
Students Can Earn Incentives for Bringing No-shows Back to School
HISD students have the opportunity to earn a $100 gift card if they successfully locate and refer a classmate who has dropped out or has not yet enrolled for the 2013-2014 school year. The incentive program lasts from now until September 26 and is part of comprehensive districtwide effort called Youth Watch, which is aimed at reducing the district’s dropout rate.