HISD launches Dream Big campaign to register students for early education

A series of billboards can be seen around Houston, with one simple message: Dream Big.

The signage is part of the district’s Dream Big campaign, to promote registration in early education in HISD campuses starting in pre-K. Studies have shown that pre-kindergarten is an important foundation for children to develop literacy, language, and math skills faster than children not in similar programs. These effects persist well into elementary school. HISD hopes to get students registered in school for the 2021-2022 school year in early grades, from pre-K to second grade.

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Nurses of the Month honored at Sterling HS and Southmayd ES

As the sound of drums reverberated off the walls of the lobby at Sterling Aviation High School, Nurse Veronica Myers instantly knew this wasn’t going to be a typical morning.

As she was cheered on by that school’s cheerleading squad, Myers was surprised with the Secondary Nurse of the Month award for May. With more than 50 nominations from Sterling’s faculty and staff, Myers was a standout nominee for the recognition.

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Associate teachers at Madison HS, Ross ES recognized

Miguel Garcia thought he was in trouble.

As he heard his name over the all-school announcement at Madison High School on Thursday morning, followed by a “please come to the front office immediately,” Garcia assumed the worst.

But the real reason behind the announcement was that he was named the Achieve 180 Dedicated Associate Teacher of the Month for May.

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Lockhart ES teacher wins Red Apple Teacher of the Year

Never underestimate the influence of your third-grade teacher.

For Charlenette Jones, her third-grade teacher may just be responsible for the $10,000 worth of new furniture she’s about to receive.

Jones, a third-grade teacher herself at Lockhart Elementary School, was named Tuesday as the Ashley Home Store Red Apple Teacher of the Year. She was surprised on Tuesday morning on KHOU’s Great Day Houston. Along with the recognition, she will receive $10,000 to spend at Ashley Home Store.

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Community food distribution program ending, campus curbside pickup to continue through end of school year

With just three weeks left in the school year and public health conditions improving across the city, the Houston Independent School District is preparing to shut down its Neighborhood Supersite community food distribution program.

The two final distributions will be held this Wednesday, May 26, 2021 and next Wednesday, June 2, 2021. Both will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. at Barnett Stadium, 6800 Fairway Drive. No further Saturday distributions are scheduled.

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HISD parent leaders join FACE’s Parent Organization Spring Expo

The HISD Family and Community Engagement Department recently welcomed parent leaders from across the district to the Spring Parent Organization Expo.

Attendees gathered virtually on May 11 to learn about resources and tools to support their work with their respective parent organization groups, such as recruitment best practices, fundraising ideas, transition to a new school year, and more. In addition, the audience got to hear from guest speakers: Brenna Pilcher from the well-known Get Movin’ fundraising organization, Lisa Holbrook from Texas PTA, and Rolando Martinez, PTO treasurer for Cornelius Elementary School. The FACE department also presented valuable information for parent organizations to prepare for the summer months.  

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Lauren Mailhiot named new principal of Reagan K-8 Campus

Lauren Mailhiot

Lauren Mailhiot has been selected as the new principal for Reagan K-8.  Mailhiot most recently served as principal at DeAnda Elementary School.

She began her career in 2009 as a fifth-grade teacher at Neff Elementary School. Under her leadership, DeAnda was named an A-Rated Campus with all Distinctions, America’s Best Urban School 2020, and Ranked #1 Gold Ribbon School for Children At-Risk 2019. She was also selected as the South Area Office Principal of the Year in 2020.  She earned her Bachelor of Science  in Communications from the University of Michigan, and her Master of Education from the University of Houston.