Two ethnic studies courses offered to HISD high school students

High school students in Houston Independent School District have the chance to enroll in two Ethnic Studies courses for the 2021-2022 school year. Students can choose from African American Studies or Mexican American Studies.

A 2016 study with Stanford University showed that such courses can improve performance with students at risk of dropping out. The researchers found that the courses increased students’ attendance by an average of 21 percent and increased their GPA by an average of 1.4 grade points.

In African American Studies (HISD Course #SST3714), students learn about the history and cultural contributions of African Americans, developing an understanding of the historical roots of African American culture, especially as it pertains to social, economic, and political interactions within the broader context of United States history.

In Mexican American Studies (HISD Course #SST3510), students explore history and culture from an interdisciplinary perspective. The course emphasizes events in the 20th and 21st centuries, but students will also engage with events prior to the 20th century.

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Kolter ES celebrates virtual grand opening, 60th anniversary

Lined up on the hardcourt, Kolter Elementary School students eagerly awaited their turn to grab fun signs and silly glasses and squeeze between columns of red, white, and blue balloons for the perfect photo op.

On the far end of the court, the students — all clad in blue t-shirts emblazoned with a large “60” — chased each other around and danced to music booming through nearby speakers.

The spirited atmosphere was part of celebration day, which included a watch party for the virtual grand opening and 60thanniversary of the newly built school.

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Children’s Museum Houston honoring HISD teachers with early childhood awards

Twelve Houston Independent School District teachers are being honored by Children’s Museum Houston for being outstanding educators.

The museum’s annual Marian and Speros Martel Early Childhood Educator Award is for pre-K through third-grade teachers who exemplify excellence in the classroom.

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HISD Board approves $12 million reimbursement, STAAR test changes at meeting

More than $12 million in expenses related to COVID-19 will be reimbursed to the Houston Independent School District.

At its regular meeting this week, the HISD Board of Trustees approved the reimbursement funds through the CARES Act. The funds will reimburse numerous costs including technology, supplies, and distance learning materials required during the pandemic.

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HISD Athletic Director named Region V Athletic Director of the Year

Andre Walker poses for a photograph at Delmar Stadium, September 24, 2015.

He may be the Director of Athletics, but ask Andre’ Walker what he thinks makes HISD special and he will tell you the answer is simple.

“It’s what we do for our community, especially right now. It’s the food distributions, the vaccine clinics, the testing,” Walker said. “This district is the heart of this city.”

He credits those extra steps as the reason why the Texas High School Athletic Directors Association named him the Region V Athletic Director of the Year.

“They see the value in what we do in this district,” he said.

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HISD celebrating Women’s History Month

March is Women’s History Month. All across Houston Independent School District, we are honoring women’s contributions to American history and raising awareness to promote equality in the classroom through education.

Last year marked the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th amendment granting women the right to vote. Due to the pandemic and safety protocols, many planned celebrations did not take place.

So the National Women’s History Alliance is extending the celebration through 2021 with the theme “Valiant Women of the Vote: Refusing to be Silenced.”

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City of Houston program offers paid summer jobs to students

This summer, students from HISD can spend their summer break getting real-world work experience as part of the City of Houston’s Hire Houston Youth (HHY) Initiative. The program offers students paid summer jobs and internships throughout Houston.

Now in its sixth year, the HHY initiative offers high school and college students (ages 16 to 24) the opportunity to work for the City of Houston. Each job lasts for seven weeks, June 14 through August 5, and pays $10 an hour.

More than 450 jobs are available. Opportunities are available in all city departments, ranging from the Houston Health Department to Parks and Recreation to the mayor’s office.

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Lamar HS, Barbara Jordan Career Center named 2021 Landmark Award finalists

Lamar High School and Barbara Jordan Career Center have both been named education finalists in Houston Business Journal 2021 Landmark Awards.

The annual awards program recognizes outstanding real estate projects that make a significant impact on the Houston landscape and help sculpt the look, feel, and image of the city.

Both schools were built under the 2012 Bond Program. 

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Teacher at The Rice School named Teacher of the Month for March

If you ask Shalisha Kemp why she loves teaching, she’ll tell you it’s because of her “Peter Pan mindset.”

“You have to think like a child to reach out to children, to be able to guide them, to lead them to greater success in adulthood,” Kemp said.

Whatever it may be that sets her apart, it is certainly working.

The second-grade teacher at The Rice School was named HISD’s Teacher of the Month for March, with a surprise parade at her school.

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