Tier II leaders attend New Leader Institute ahead of school year

For Ashly Evans Vining, the fall season means she gets to return to the two places she loves the most: the classroom and the stage.

The trained opera singer —who has been performing professionally for 15 years— is ready to see students back in the classroom and also recently received her schedule for the new season with Houston Grand Opera.

She is also embarking on a new journey this year in her educational career. The former choir director and Section 504 coordinator was recently chosen to serve as the assistant principal at Pin Oak Middle School. This week, she attended the New Leaders Institute with other new Tier II leaders from across the district, including other assistant principals, deans, instructional specialists, and teacher specialists.

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Lamar HS internships produce ongoing dividends

As the school year wrapped up in June, rising Lamar High School senior Ariana Valdez pondered her future.

The 17-year-old had been tapped in the spring for a financial internship sponsored by the Smart Financial Credit Union branch on the Lamar campus. As she embraced the program, her perspective shifted.

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HISD Teacher Job Fair - Saturday July 24

HISD hosting teacher job fair on July 24

The Houston Independent School District is hosting a teacher job fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 24, 2021, at the Delmar Fieldhouse, 2020 Mangum Road, 77092. Check in time is 8:30 a.m.

Candidates will have the opportunity to meet principals and other leaders and take part in on-the-spot interviews.

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HISD preparing for safe return to in-person learning for all students

HISD will offer in-person learning five days a week for all students this coming school year, and preparations for a safe and healthy return to the classroom are already underway.

In-person learning is critical for both student growth and success as well as addressing pandemic-related learning losses. To ensure safe in-person experiences, HISD is continuing to work in partnership with health and education officials.

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Johnatan Guzman named new principal of Jefferson Elementary

Johnatan Guzman is the new principal for Jefferson Elementary School. Guzman is a proud product of HISD schools and has been an educator for 14 years starting as a teacher assistant before becoming a teacher then a teacher specialist. He is currently the Assistant Principal at Milby High School.  His recognitions include being named “Teacher of the Year” in 2013 and 2014.  He was also selected to participate in the distinguished HISD MBAE Cohort #2 and Career Pathways leadership program.

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Gaylon Davenport named new principal of Roosevelt Elementary

Gaylon Davenport

Gaylon Davenport is the new principal for Roosevelt Elementary School. Dr. Davenport is a proud product of HISD, including having attended Roosevelt as a child. He has served as a teacher, instructional coach, and interventionist. He is currently the Dean of Instruction at Foerster Elementary School. His recognitions include being named “Teacher of the Year” in 2015 as well as being selected to participate in the distinguished Leadership Advisory Committee. 

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Rim Mohamed named new principal of Dogan Elementary

Rim Mohamed has been selected as the new principal of Dogan Elementary School. As a 15-year educator she has served in many roles and is currently the Assistant Principal at Seguin Elementary. As part of the leadership team at Seguin, she established an extensive community partnership with Brighter Bites to assist with community needs.

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New principals prepare for 2021-2022 school year

The first day of school is a common source of jitters and anxiousness. Students fidget with new backpacks, parents adjust to new schedules, teachers prepare to meet a new crop of students.

But for some members of Team HISD, August 23 this year will be more than just the normal first day of school. It will be their first day as school principals.

The 35 new principals in Houston Independent School District gathered at the HISD Education Learning Center for the New Leaders Institute this week, to brainstorm, network, gather resources, and get inspired for a new year.

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Student leadership program hosts luncheon for interns

When the alarm goes off at 6 a.m., Joshua Martínez gets a quick bite of breakfast and heads onto the freeway to arrive on time at the Hattie Mae White building for his first office job.

Joshua is one of 20 interns working in HISD’s Central Office this summer for six weeks. He is assigned to the Communications department, reporting on new superintendent Millard House II and his campus visits.

“I have held service jobs before, so I know the importance of making good first impressions,” said the 18-year-old who graduated from Heights High School with acceptance to The University of Texas at El Paso in the fall.

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HISD Gifted and Talented hosting inaugural family symposium

Download event flyer here

The HISD Gifted and Talented (G/T) Department is proud to announce its inaugural family symposium, “Opening the GATES to Gifted Learning.” The free virtual symposium is scheduled for August 3-6, 2021 via Microsoft Teams.

Register for the G/T Family Symposium by July 30, 2021. Parents will have access to 40 virtual sessions presented by HISD, nationally recognized experts and featured speakers, including: 

  • Dr. Donna Y. Ford – Distinguished Professor, The Ohio State University 
  • Dr. Paul Sedillo – Associate Professor, New Mexico Highlands University 
  • Colin Seale – CEO/Founder, thinkLaw 

Session topics include, but are not limited to a focus on G/T and: 

  • Resilience, 
  • Fine Arts, 
  • Special Education Services, 
  • Dyslexia, 
  • Executive Functioning, 
  • School Choice, 
  • Equity, and 
  • Linguistic Accommodations. 

Log in for the full schedule of virtual events.