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.

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HISD 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.

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Judge upholds mask mandates in Texas schools

 A Travis County judge says the Houston Independent School District can continue mandating masks to protect students and staff from COVID-19.

The judge’s ruling extends a temporary restraining order banning Governor Greg Abbott from enforcing his prohibition on mask mandates in Texas schools.

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2021-2022 Parent University Sessions begin Sept. 21, 2021

The Houston Independent School District is holding its first Parent University events for the 2021-2022 academic school year on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021.

For now, Parent University sessions will be held virtually via ZOOM and will connect parents and students to HISD and community resources to help support successful academic outcomes as well as safe and healthy environments at home and in school.

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HISD Wraparound Services supports students, families

Wesley Elementary School Principal Thomas Cotter proudly showed Superintendent Millard House around the school’s Parent Center, where families in need can come to get uniforms, school supplies, food, and even computer access.

The center is supported by HISD Wraparound Services, which provides HISD students the non-academic supports—like access to mental and physical health professionals, food, and housing—necessary for them to be successful in school.

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HISD names chief operating officer

Wanda Paul, a veteran business operations officer and Houston native, has been named chief operating officer of the Houston Independent School District. Paul begins her new role on September 20.  

With a career spanning more than three decades, Ms. Paul brings a wealth of experience to HISD, including serving as chief operating officer for schools in Texas and Florida.  

Most recently, she spent four years as chief operating officer for The School District of Palm Beach County in Florida. In this role, she oversaw more than 1,700 employees, 187 schools, and a $63 million capital budget. She also implemented a program to better track energy use and reduce utility costs. Before going to Florida, Ms. Paul served four years as chief operating officer for the Dallas Independent School District.  

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New building, classrooms impress Bellaire HS students

The familiar hoots and hollers of classmates returning to campus on the first day of school were replaced by “oohs” and “aahs” as students entered the new Bellaire High School for the first time on Monday.

Eleventh-grader Carter Sasser said everyone gathered at school early to meet up with friends and get their first glimpse of the new building.

“This place is impressive, especially the new pool and gym and the new lockers,” Sasser said. “The stairs are commons areas we didn’t have in the old building.”

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Benbrook Elementary students eat breakfast with the superintendent on first day

Standing under a clear and sunny sky, excited students and their hopeful parents lined up to enter the bustling hallways of Benbrook Elementary School on Monday, the first day of the 2021-2022 school year.

“I can’t wait to see my classroom,” said one student to her classmate, both shouldering new backpacks as they waited in line to have their temperatures checked and sanitized their hands.

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