HISD had 10 schools–three in the top 10–make U.S. News & World Report’s Best High Schools in Texas rankings.
Continue readingArt gallery opening to showcase work of HISD students, sisters
Two HISD students and sisters, Energy High School’s Sophie Morita and Mandarin Immersion Magnet School Middle School’s Emma Morita, will have their artwork showcased from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 11 at Artbinsters’ grand opening.
Continue readingSchool Support Officer announcement: Middle School, High School offices
School Support Officer Announcement: Middle Schools Office
Benjamin Hernandez is a new School Support Officer for the Middle Schools Office. He began his career in HISD in 1997 as a PE teacher at Bonner Elementary School.
Continue readingLanier MS math teacher wins coveted Kinder Award
Rodrigus Graham, a sixth-grade math teacher at Lanier Middle School, was named the 2021 Kinder Award winner on Thursday, which included a cash prize of $25,000.
Graham received the award during a surprise ceremony in the school’s library. He was nominated by Assistant Principal Marcus Williams and originally thought he was heading a professional development session before being surprised with the award. WWE Hall of Famer and Houston native Booker T surprised Graham with a pre-recorded video announcing the Kinder Award honor.
Shearn Elementary names Peta Douglas principal
Peta Douglas is the new principal of Shearn Elementary. Ms. Douglas joined Houston ISD in 2012 as a Teach for America Corps member.
She has served as a bilingual teacher, teacher specialist, and most recently as an assistant principal at Emerson Elementary School. Prior to moving to Houston, she served as an ESL instructor and migrant advocate in Albemarle Public Schools in Virginia. Ms. Douglas holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Virginia and has completed coursework at Harvard University in the Principals’ Center for Professional Education.
HISD streamlining bus routes to improve service amidst nationwide driver shortage
Transportation Services is in the process of confirming ridership amongst eligible students and deleting unused stops as the department works to improve service amidst a driver shortage impacting school districts across the country.
To ensure all students have transportation to and from school in the meantime, some drivers are running consolidated or back-to-back routes. While this ensures bus service, it can cause extended delays.
Capital Planning Steering Committee extends application deadline to Oct.15
The Houston Independent School District is seeking volunteers to serve on the 2021-2022 Capital Planning Steering Committee as it looks to address almost $5 million in deferred maintenance needs.
The steering committee — an independent citizens committee made up of community members — will be tasked with providing strategic direction, feedback, and guidance to the district as it prepares to address needs identified in the 2021 facilities assessment.
The committee will have up to 25 members representing all nine Board of Education trustee districts. Appointments will last for one year — or the duration of the 2021-2022 Capital Planning Steering Process.
“The Capital Planning Steering Committee will play a critical, strategic role in moving this district forward,” HISD Superintendent Millard House II said. “Their charge will be to develop recommendations that provide all students with equitable access to modern, innovative, and safe learning spaces.”
To apply, candidates must complete and submit the Capital Planning Steering Committee Application by close of business on Friday, Oct. 15. Special preference will be given to:
- Candidates with expertise in building design, engineering, construction, construction project management, safety and security, and finance
- Candidates who are active representative business or community organizations in the district
- Parents/guardians who have children enrolled in the district and are active in a parent-teacher organization
A panel of senior district administrator will review applications and make recommendations to the superintendent, who will make final appointments. Committee appointments will be announced on Monday, Oct. 25.
Members will meet monthly — and more often, if needed — from November through April. Meetings are tentatively scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month.
Review the 2021-2022 Capital Planning Steering Committee Guidelines for more information about committee requirements, membership eligibility, and the application process.
A rematch 100 years in the making: Heights HS takes on Cleburne
It was over 100 years ago when a historic UIL sanctioned varsity high school football game between Heights High School and Cleburne ended in a draw, which led to the Bulldogs and Yellow Jackets being crowned co-state champions in a game that is still being talked about by Texas football fanatics.
Continue readingHISD to be closed Sept. 6 for Labor Day
All HISD campuses and offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 6 for the Labor Day holiday.
Schools and offices will reopen for normal business on Tuesday, Sept. 7.
The HISD Police Department will be patrolling district facilities. Emergencies may be reported by calling 713-892-7777.
HISD Superintendent to host town halls to seek community feedback
In a series of community town hall meetings, Superintendent Millard House II will be seeking feedback from parents, employees, and other community members about the future of Houston Independent School District.
The town hall-style meetings will be hosted around the district by the nine Board of Education trustees, with additional meetings for parents of Special Education students and PTO members by invitation only, as well as a virtual meeting. The goal of these meetings is rooted in Superintendent House’s 90 Day Plan, where he stated a need to listen to the community about issues surrounding the district.
