Tag Archives: Executive Youth Council

Up Close: See the latest videos from HISD Board President Rhonda Skillern-Jones

In the newest edition of Up Close, President Rhonda Skillern-Jones looks at HISD’s preschool program, how digital transformation is improving student learning, and the Pro Unitas Youth Council’s volunteer work at Kashmere High School.

Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY)

In this video about the HIPPY program, Skillern-Jones talks with members of HISD’s Family and Community Engagement department about how parents can help prepare their young children for the rigors of learning before they start school. Parents are provided simple educational activities that they can do with their children ages 3-5 at home. Members of the HIPPY work with parents in their home at no charge.

“We want to build the capacity of our parents as partners,” said Jorge Arrendondo, assistant superintendent of Family and Community Engagement. “We want to empower them to be their child’s first teacher at home.”

The benefit for children is a boost to their confidence, which affects their attitude and enhances their learning. Statistics confirm that students who have gone through the HIPPY program outperform their peers. More than 600 HISD families are receiving free lessons in their homes. To learn more, call 713-967-5298.

Digital Transformation in HISD

Skillern-Jones talks with HISD Secondary Director of Instructional Technology Angela Borzon, Westside High School Principal Peggi Stewart, and Sam Houston High School chemistry teacher Nichole DuPaul about HISD’s digital transformation in this video and how the growing variety of digital resources is increasing student achievement.

Pro Unitas Youth Council

In this video, Skillern-Jones visits with members of the Pro Unitas Youth Council, which serves the Kashmere High School neighborhood. The young people serving on the organization’s Executive Youth Council discuss the importance of living a life of service.

HISD Up Close and the HISD Board of Education meetings are broadcast on HCC TV and HoustonTV.