HISD extends application deadline for Student Teacher Corps to Jan. 12

In response to the unique challenges presented by COVID-19, HISD is partnering with iEducate to hire up to 500 college readiness mentors as tutors through a new initiative called Student Teacher Corps.

All HISD students and alumni ages 15 through college are invited to apply for this paid opportunity. The purpose of this program is to address gaps in learning widened by the pandemic at 50-plus elementary schools in need, all while helping students interested in the field of education gain valuable hands-on teaching experience.

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Second-year teacher encourages prospective educators to come to HISD

Last year on the final day of school in Maria Reveles-Gonzalez’s third-grade class at Pilgrim Academy, she posted a sign that read “last day of school.” Students wrote on it what they learned that year, as well as their favorite subject. While most wrote that they enjoyed learning multiplication, one student answered, “to be confident in who she was.” That moment helped the then-first-year teacher confirm that this was where she wanted to be—at HISD.

“It was so beautiful to see that is what she took away from being in my class for one year,” Reveles-Gonzalez said.

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Kinder HSPVA Library Desk Concert showcases ‘creative outlet’ that rocks

For many, the dream of being a professional musician starts young, but it isn’t always about being a big star but having a passion for the arts. The sonic passion of some of HISD’s most-talented students is on display at an unlikely venue for music performances—the library.

In 2016, jazz students at Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts wanted a setting that would be fitting to express their creative outlet, and it ended up being their library. What would soon follow was another version of what HSPVA calls “Happenings,” which were live music events generally held in the commons. Subsequently, the idea evolved into the “Library Desk Concert” (LDC). Since then, the LDC has been a hit. 

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Houston MSTC students enjoy Nutrition Services Tailgate lunch event

As autumn temperatures kept the courtyard cool throughout the late morning, nearly 2,500 Houston MSTC High School students headed outdoors for an early homecoming celebration with lunch hosted by HISD Nutrition Services chefs and staff.

The outdoor fare was part of a new Tailgate/School Pop Up program that encourages students to enjoy the good food provided daily by Nutrition Services campus kitchens.

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Capital Planning Steering Committee to begin work in November

HISD has named 25 parents and community members to serve on the 2021-2022 Capital Planning Steering Committee — an independent citizen’s committee that’s expected to begin meeting in November.

The committee is charged with providing strategic direction, feedback, and guidance to the district as it prepares to address capital needs identified in the 2021 facilities assessment.

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HISD, United Airlines announce multi-year partnership for aspiring aviators

HISD and United Airlines announced a multi-year mentoring and career development program for aspiring aviators and aircraft enthusiasts on Friday. This includes a financial commitment of $300,000 through HISD Foundation towards Sterling Aviation Early College High School’s aviation program.

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Holland MS announces Ward as new principal

Keri Ward is the new principal for Holland Middle School. Ward served as a teacher, department chair, counselor, assistant principal in elementary and middle school, and for the last 3-years as principal of Raul Martinez Elementary. 

Ward has over 13 years of educational experience in HISD. One of the many accolades she is proud of is the academic growth shown by her students during a pandemic year. This great accomplishment is due to a positive campus culture, high expectations for every student, implementation of a schoolwide intervention system, as well as the systems set in place to monitor data and accommodations. Ward promotes teamwork and collaboration amongst all stakeholders. Ward earned her bachelor’s degree in Education and a master’s degree in Counseling from the University of Houston – Clear Lake.

Bullying Prevention Week is Oct. 25-29

As part of National Bullying Prevention Month, HISD is recognizing the week of Oct. 25-29 as Bullying Prevention Week to bring attention to a growing epidemic of bullying and social isolation. The district’s Social and Emotional Learning department (SEL) is working to encourage students and parents to join in the campaign to stop bullying.

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