Notice of Destruction of Special Education Records

Special Education records which have been collected by the Houston Independent School District (HISD) related to the identification, evaluation, educational placement, or the provision of Special Education in the district, must be maintained under state and federal laws for a period of five years after Special Education services have ended for the student. Special Education services end when the student is no longer eligible for services, graduates, completes his or her educational program at age 22, or moves from the district.

This notification is to inform parents/guardians and former students of HISD’s intent to destroy the Special Education records of students who are no longer receiving Special Education services as of the end of the 2015-2016 school year.  These records will be destroyed in accordance with state law unless the parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student notifies the school district otherwise.

After five years, the records are no longer useful to the district, but they may be useful to the parent/guardian or former student in applying for Social Security benefits, rehabilitation services, college entrance, etc.  The parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student may request the records in writing or in person at the following address:

Houston ISD Records & Information Management Department
4400 W. 18th Street Building B
Houston, Texas 77092
Phone: 713-556-6055
Fax: 713-556-7010
Email: recordsmanagement@houstonisd.org

Requests for records must be received prior to December 17, 2021.

Volunteer to change a child’s life through reading

Looking for a way to help HISD’s students? The district is resuming its popular “Read Houston Read” and “Real Men Read” programs this year. HISD recognizes the need to provide ongoing literacy support to students and is once again asking the community for volunteers to read to children.

Read Houston Read volunteers will work with the same student one hour each week for an entire year, either in person or virtually on the Microsoft TEAMS platform.

Houston Real Men Read is a mentoring program in which men volunteer at least one hour a month to read to students in third grade.

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U.S. Coast Guard commandant supports CTE Maritime Program students with new partnership

Colorful replicas of maritime flags and bright green balloons adorned the aisles of the Austin High School auditorium to welcome U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Karl Schultz, special guests, and more than 300 Maritime program students.

“The maritime pathway is pretty cool,” senior Diana Anaya said. “It’s more than just boats and going to the beach. We learn about transportation, safety, and supply logistics.”

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HISD receives high ranks from Children at Risk for being pandemic resilient

HISD is home to some of Houston’s most pandemic resilient schools according to Children at Risk’s annual list of best public schools.

The research and advocacy organization evaluated 1,347 schools in the Houston area to identify those that were most resilient during the pandemic. This year’s rankings focused on analysis comparing academic performance during the 2020-21 school year with the 2018-19 school year to identify the impact of the pandemic on children in Houston.

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HISD schools to host COVID-19 vaccinations for students ages 5 and up

HISD is partnering with various organizations across the city, including the Houston Health Department, to offer COVID-19 vaccine opportunities in school communities. COVID-19 vaccinations for 5 years old and up will be available in several HISD schools beginning Friday, Nov. 12.

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R. Martinez Elementary School names Coleman-Hernandez new principal

April Coleman-Hernandez has been selected as the new principal of Raul C. Martinez Elementary. Coleman-Hernandez began her teaching career in 1997 at Sharpstown High School. She continued serving the children of HISD as dean of students at Revere MS and Fonville Middle School, and dean of instruction at North Forest High School.

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Rockets, military a winning combo at Oates ES Hoops For Troops

For Houston Rockets newcomer Armoni Brooks, planting seeds and giving back to the Houston community is part of his roots. The Waco-born former University of Houston Cougar was joined by teammates Kenyon Martin Jr., Joshua Christopher, Rockets staff, mascot Clutch, and members of the military on Tuesday for the Hoops For Troops event at Oates Elementary School. The event was a beautification project that saw the military and Rockets organization roll up their sleeves and work on the Oates grounds by painting the basketball court, pulling weeds, replacing benches, power-washing the walls, and adding new flower beds.

“Just being able to give back to the community is a big part of what we wanted to do when we chose this profession,” Brooks said. “Being able to do it in the local community means a lot, and I’m sure it really means a lot to the kids and the families and everyone that is involved.”

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Free, high-speed internet available to eligible HISD families

Deadline for families to register extended to Dec. 19

Access to reliable internet is an essential part of a student’s educational journey.

In another step to close the digital divide, the district is inviting households to apply for high-speed broadband internet through a partnership with the Texas Education Agency Connect Texas (TEACT) program.

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Dedicated Capital Planning Steering Committee focuses on future

A buzz of enthusiastic energy swept into the boardroom at Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center Tuesday evening.

More than 20 members of the Capital Planning Steering Committee, including HISD staff, kicked off their inaugural meeting.

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