The first-round application screening deadline for two new magnet schools, the Baylor College of Medicine Academy at Ryan and the Energy Institute High School, has been extended to May 23.
Houston ISD Police Commits to Participate in National Click It or Ticket Campaign
National Campaign to Boost Seat Belt Use
The Houston Independent School District Police Department is joining other state and local law enforcement officers and highway safety advocates across the country for the 2013 national Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement mobilization to crack down on motorists who are not belted. The campaign will run from May 20 to June 2.
“We are committed to ensure the safety of all our students and staff and that means enforcing seatbelt use,” said HISD Police Chief Jimmy Dotson.
Seat belt use saves thousands of lives across America each year. In 2011 alone, seat belts saved an estimated 11,949 lives nationwide. On the other hand, lack of seatbelt use led to a devastating number of deaths that same year. More than half of the 21,253 passenger vehicle occupants who were killed in motor vehicle crashes nationwide were not wearing seat belts.
“It only takes a couple of seconds to buckle up, and that alone can save someone’s life,” Dotson said. “We urge all of our students, staff, parents and community members to buckle up and help us advocate the importance of seatbelt safety.”
While this year’s Click It or Ticket enforcement mobilization runs from May 20 through June 2, motorists should remember that officers are out enforcing seat belt laws year-round.
For more on the national Click It or Ticket mobilization, please visit www.nhtsa.gov.
HISD to Recognize District’s Top Volunteers at VIPS Recognition and Awards Program
HISD Superintendent Terry Grier to deliver remarks
The Houston Independent School District is recognizing the efforts of thousands of volunteers and awarding the top volunteers of the year at the upcoming VIPS Recognition and Awards Program on May 22, 2013.
The Volunteers in Public Schools Program (VIPS) started in 1970 and to date, HISD has more than 30,000 volunteers district-wide who have dedicated countless hours to schools, programs and events across Houston.
During the VIPS Recognition and Awards Program, HISD will be giving numerous awards including the Jean Davis Meyer and Special Lifetime Achievement awards recognizing the most outstanding volunteers.
What: VIPS Recognition and Awards Program
Who: HISD Superintendent Terry Grier, HISD Board of Education President Anna Eastman, Trustees Rhonda Skillern Jones and Michael Lunceford and VIPS volunteers
When: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at 9a.m.
Where: Kingdom Builder’s Center, 6011 West Orem, Houston, 77085
More Than 350 “Bikes for Excellence” Awarded to HISD Students
Bikes donated by the Lester and Sue Smith Foundation, Martha Patricia Jaimes and the Thin Blue Line Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club
More than 350 Houston Independent School District students at Garden Oaks, Looscan, Garcia, and Coop elementary schools will receive bicycles, helmets, and bicycle locks as part of the “Bikes for Excellence” program. This program, founded in 2006 by Park Place Elementary teacher Martha Patricia Jaimes, rewards fifth-grade students who have excelled in academics, personal conduct, and attendance. The Thin Blue Line Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club and the Lester and Sue Smith Foundation help by donating bikes to the program.
During the final ceremony on Friday, May 17 nearly 100 students at Coop Elementary will receive their bikes.
What: 95 fifth-grade students will each receive a bicycle, a helmet, and a bicycle lock
Who: Coop Elementary students, staff and parents; Bikes for Excellence Founder Martha Patricia Jaimes; Sue and Lester Smith; and Thin Blue Line Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club
When: Friday, May 17 at 12:30 p.m.
Where: Coop Elementary School, 10130 Aldine-Westfield, 77093
Early College HS Seniors Give Back to Community
Click the photo to see more pictures from the Senior Summit
Students from Houston ISD’s early college campuses showcased a few of their senior service projects to their peers on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 during the annual Senior Summit.
Approximately 200 seniors from North Houston Early College, East Early College, Challenge Early College, Empowerment College Prep and the Houston Academy for International Studies watched as groups presented projects focusing on issues such as feeding the hungry, mentoring younger students, preventing bullying and promoting safe physical activity, among others. While the service projects are a requirement for graduation, college access coordinator for East Early College High School Lisa Green said many of her students laid groundwork for their projects to continue after they graduate.
HSPVA designated Exemplary School by Arts Schools Network
The High School for the Performing and Visual Arts has been designated a 2013-2015 Exemplary School by Arts Schools Network, the nation’s largest professional membership organization of specialized art schools.
The designation signifies that HSPVA has successfully completed a self-evaluation in the areas of strengths, areas for improvement, consistency with school-wide or program purpose, aspirations, and future challenges.
Bellaire, Westbury students win scholarships from Youth Business Institute
Several students from two Houston ISD schools were recently recognized for completing the Youth Business Institute, an 11-week professional development program.
Students from Bellaire and Westbury high schools were mentored by TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Home Goods associates to learn job and life skills, including budgeting, resume building, interview preparation and attire, merchandising, goal setting and career exploration through job shadow days.
District Program Locates, Evaluates, Identifies Students With Disabilities
Do you suspect your child has a disability or do you know a parent that suspects their child might have a disability? HISD’s Child Find locates, evaluates, and identifies students with disabilities from 3 to 21 years of age. Anyone can start the process: a parent, doctor, teacher, relative or friend.
“HISD has a responsibility to evaluate and serve students who may need special education and related services regardless of whether or not the student is enrolled in an HISD school,” said Child Study Manager Michael Webb. “If services are needed enrollment in HISD for children with disabilities can begin as early as age three.”
Revere MS Chosen For Middle School Matters Institute
Revere Middle School has been selected to participate in the Middle School Matters Institute, a program launched in February 2011 as part of the Bush Institute’s Education Reform Initiative in partnership with the University of Texas at Austin’s Meadows Center for Preventing Educational Risk.
“When we found out that we were selected, and that we were the only school in HISD that was selected, we were ecstatic,” Revere MS Principal Hafedh Azaiez said. “We look forward to sharing in the experience and gaining insights and support to continue to move Revere forward and to represent HISD positively.”
HISD Board Members Encourage Parents, Teachers and Principals to Return Survey by May 20
Who: The May 2013 edition of HISD Up Close hosted by HISD Board of Education President Anna Eastman features an interview with fellow trustee Manuel Rodriguez Jr. on the importance of the district’s customer satisfaction survey called Your Voice. All HISD parents, principals and teachers are encouraged to complete and return the survey by May 20. Students will fill out the questionnaire during the school day from May 20-31. The survey is the largest of its kind in the history of the district and is being conducted by an outside company to assure confidentiality.