Tag Archives: business operations

Yates HS pool construction passes halfway mark

It’s been several years since students at Yates High School had a swim team. But with the completion of the school’s new natatorium set for April, students are one step closer to making that team a reality once again. 

Construction on the school’s natatorium and four-lane practice pool is 55 percent complete. The building’s exterior walls – which feature large garage-style overhead coiling doors that allow fresh air inside and have fencing at each opening to maintain a secure perimeter — were built first to ensure interior pool construction would not be affected by wet weather.  

The pool’s concrete foundation was laid in January, and pool walls are now being constructed. The project is expected to wrap up later this semester. 

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Nutrition Services offers tips to help student athletes better fuel their bodies

When it comes to meeting the nutritional needs of HISD students, Nutrition Services’ work isn’t limited to the cafeteria. Their efforts go beyond the plate and all the way to the athletic field.  

Nutrition Services Dietitian Nan Cramer and Chef Trainer Brittany Jones recently visited Delmar Stadium to serve up samples of green power smoothies — a tasty blend of apple, banana, soy milk, kale, no-nut butter, and vanilla extract — and to educate coaches, players, and parents on the impact of proper nutrition on athletes.  

He eagerly sampled the smoothie and gave his approval. 

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FMO Code Compliance team focuses on keeping students, staff safe

In the course of just one day, Code Compliance team members receive a variety of calls — reports of broken elevators, overflowing trash receptacles, and even fire code violations.  

But for the eight-member team, it’s all in a day’s work. 

“It’s about life safety,” said Code Compliance Area Manager Anne Washington, who leads the team. “We’re behind the scenes, but our job is to make sure that we are in compliance with fire codes so that in an emergency, the staff and students can get out of the building safely.” 

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Transportation Services addressing issues with SafeStop app

Transportation Services is continuing to work with SafeStop to troubleshoot technical glitches resulting from incorrect application configurations.  

For parents viewing open routes in SafeStop, it may have appeared as though the bus was stationary at the bus terminal.   

To help address this and other issues, parents are encouraged to make sure they download all SafeStop software updates to ensure they have access to the latest data. 

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New Milby HS pool set to open in coming weeks

In a few short weeks, Milby High School students will be able to make a big splash as the school’s new natatorium and four-lane practice pool nears completion. 

The natatorium, which is 98 percent complete, features large garage-style overhead coiling doors that open to allow fresh air inside, with fencing at each opening to maintain a secure perimeter.  

Remaining work includes installation of the gas meter, fencing, timing system, access control, vestibule doors, emergency phone, roof edge, gutter, and downspouts. 

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New Bellaire HS tops out as construction moves forward

Construction at Bellaire High School marked a significant construction milestone this month, as the new building reached its topping out point.  

Topping out refers to the act of placing the last steel beam atop a structure’s highest point. Bellaire students, faculty, and alumni celebrated the occasion by signing a large white beam that was then placed above what will become the school’s natatorium. 

“Having the Class of 2020, our faculty, staff, alumni, and friends sign the beam was a wonderful gesture to ensure that all the elements that make a school community will forever be a part of this new building,” Bellaire Principal Michael McDonough said. 

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Mitchell ES construction 60 percent complete

The new Mitchell Elementary School is more than halfway complete, and the building will be ready for the school’s young leaders to move in this summer.  

The $23 million project is tracking at 60 percent completion with site work, paving, underground utilities, structural steel, and fireproofing complete. Exterior and interior wall systems, roofing, and mechanical, electrical and plumbing installation are ongoing.  

The building is enclosed and interior finishes, such as flooring and ceilings, are expected to begin this quarter, as well as insulation under the building.  

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Nutrition Services special events planner supports staff, students


Special Events Planner Nicole Bean supports staff and students through her role with Nutrition Services.

Special Events Planner Nicole Bean has always been an organizer at heart, and that’s how she approaches scheduling and planning events in HISD’s catering department Houston Eats. 

Bean is responsible for planning and overseeing events and creating the orders for them. Her attention to detail and ability to accommodate the needs of Houston Eats’ customers has proven to be an asset in her role.  

“If you have 30 schools that want something all at the same time, it’s physically hard to be at all those places,” Bean said. “We only have so many delivery vans, so we have to be really creative in how we schedule. We also offer pickups. We really do try to accommodate everybody.” 

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Braeburn ES construction 65 percent complete

Construction at the new Braeburn Elementary School is steadily progressing and the building will be ready for the Bobcats to move in this summer. 

The $30 million project is tracking at 65 percent completion with fireproofing complete and structural steel and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing installation to wrap this quarter. Roofing and interior framing are more than 75 percent complete and paving will be completed this month. 

The building is enclosed and interior finishes, such as flooring and ceilings, are expected to begin this quarter. 

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Nutrition Services celebrates Thanksgiving with healthier lunch

Parents flooded the Lantrip Elementary School cafeteria Thursday as they joined their children — clad in pilgrim hats, white bonnets, and colorful turkey headbands — for a nutritious Thanksgiving lunch.  

The annual celebration hosted by HISD’s Nutrition Services has attracted thousands of families to school cafeterias for more than 50 years. This year’s menu included roasted turkey with gravy, cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, a fresh fruit medley, and ice cream. 

“We get a ton of volunteers, but it takes everyone,” Lantrip Principal Magdalena Strickland said, noting that about half of the school’s 700 families participate in the Thanksgiving lunch each year. “When parents know you care for their kids, they’ll go above and beyond.” 

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