HISD’s Bond Oversight Committee got a detailed look Tuesday at progress being made under the 2012 bond program to develop innovative 21st century learning environments.
“We fully intend to push the envelope much further than it’s been pushed,” said HISD’s General Manager of Facilities Planning Sue Robertson. She told the nine-member committee that the hallmarks of 21st century schools include flexible spaces that encourage collaboration and hands-on learning.
As the architects working under the district 2012 bond program start designing new schools, their goal will be to create 21st century, sustainable schools.
What that means precisely was the focus of discussion Monday at a half-day ‘Sustaining Momentum’ workshop, which laid out the goals and expectations of the district as it moves forward with the $1.89 billion bond program, which will build or replace 40 schools across the city.
Westside High School students will now have an opportunity to jump start their careers in the health sciences arena and get a head start on their college course-load with the new Futures Academy of Heath Science Careers. This program, in partnership with the Houston Community College and the University of Texas MD Anderson School of Health Professions, will provide Westside students career training in high-demand, technical fields and the opportunity to earn an associate’s degree the summer after receiving their diploma.
“It’s an amazing opportunity! This will help me finish my medical degree a lot faster once I graduate from high school,” said Raquel Sapon, a sophomore at Westside, who aspires to be a doctor. “Plus, the fact that I can work towards an associate’s degree will save my parents a lot of money.”
On Saturday, July 27, Helms Elementary and Camp Innovation teamed up to host the Greater Heights Science Extravaganza. Under the leadership of Dr. Reynaldo Guerra, a Houston engineer and community advocate, more than 60 children enjoyed a day of fun free activities aimed at generating student excitement about working in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
A teacher performs an experiment at the BCM summer institute
As a team of presenters from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) explained the agency’s presence on the International Space Station and described potential future trips to Mars, it quickly became clear that their talk wasn’t solely about reaching past the Earth’s atmosphere and beyond, but was also about setting the foundation here at home to continue their work.
Approximately 250 teachers listened to a speech given by NASA’s Crew and Thermal Systems Division as part of their studies this month at the Baylor College of Medicine Summer Science Institute (SSI). The group is comprised of HISD science teachers in grades 1 through 8.
See how the district is planning and designing 21st century learning spaces that prepare students for college and careers. It’s an effort that involves parents, students and community leaders.
The Houston Independent School District will be hosting a craft and transportation job fair on Sat., Aug. 3, 2013.
The fair will take place at the Barnett Field House (6800 Fairway, 77087) from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Hundreds of teachers—some brand-new and some just new to the Houston Independent School District (HISD)—gathered at the Kingdom Builders’ Center on July 29 for the start of the district’s four-day New Teacher Academy.
The event is designed to provide HISD’s newest instructors with an overview of the district, its expectations for their performance, and the many tools available to assist them, both in the classroom and out of it.
Elvis Eaglin, senior manager in Procurement, oversees the transfer of RFQs in January.
HISD’s 2012 bond program garnered unprecedented attention from architectural and engineering firms when the district asked for qualifications last December to design 40 schools slated for renovation or construction.
A total of 85 firms responded by the Jan. 15, 2013 deadline, giving the district a diverse pool of choices as it began selecting firms for the first 24 schools, plus renovations for middle school restrooms and athletic facilities.
Jean Hines Caldwell
Jean Hines Caldwell, a longtime Houston ISD teacher and counselor, passed away Sunday at the age of 83.
Caldwell began her career at HISD as an audiologist and spent 38 years as a teacher and guidance counselor at Wheatley High School. In 2005, HISD named an elementary school in her honor. Jean Hines Elementary School is located at 5015 W. Orem Dr. in southwest Houston.