Tag Archives: HISD

Lanier MS math teacher wins coveted Kinder Award

Rodrigus Graham, a sixth-grade math teacher at Lanier Middle School, was named the 2021 Kinder Award winner on Thursday, which included a cash prize of $25,000.

Graham received the award during a surprise ceremony in the school’s library. He was nominated by Assistant Principal Marcus Williams and originally thought he was heading a professional development session before being surprised with the award. WWE Hall of Famer and Houston native Booker T surprised Graham with a pre-recorded video announcing the Kinder Award honor.

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Shearn Elementary names Peta Douglas principal

Peta Douglas is the new principal of Shearn Elementary. Ms. Douglas joined Houston ISD in 2012 as a Teach for America Corps member. 

She has served as a bilingual teacher, teacher specialist, and most recently as an assistant principal at Emerson Elementary School. Prior to moving to Houston, she served as an ESL instructor and migrant advocate in Albemarle Public Schools in Virginia. Ms. Douglas holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Virginia and has completed coursework at Harvard University in the Principals’ Center for Professional Education. 

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 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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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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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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HISD Police Department comfort dog helps ease back-to-school jitters

First impressions are always hard, but Jamaica took the first day of school in stride.

The hypoallergenic Bernedoodle — a special breed that has Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle parents — welcomed Wesley Elementary School students back to school with her tail wagging and a paw-sitive attitude.

The pup recently joined HISD Police as the department’s first-ever comfort dog, working on campuses across the district to help combat stress and anxiety in students and build trust between police, students, and the community. 

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