Tag Archives: HISD

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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Wharton Dual Language Academy offers ‘vast opportunities’ for HISD students

As Superintendent Millard House arrived at Wharton Dual Language Academy, he walked toward two young students tasked with welcoming the chief educator and holding open glass double doors leading to the main hallway.

Clad in masks and blue school shirts, the second graders peered quizzically at their special visitor.

“Are you guys doing OK?” House asked, as he approached the pair and asked about their names and grades. “You know, it makes my day when I get to see you all.”

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Westside HS honors David Castro with ‘Random Acts Of Kindness’

On Tuesday, the Westside Wolf Band, Westside High School, the Houston Independent School District community, Superintendent Millard House, and family members gathered around a tree to celebrate the life of David Castro. The tree represented more than just life, but optimism on the second day of school, as Paul Castro, David’s father, started the #RAKDavid (Random Act of Kindness) movement.

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A look at ‘Ready, Set, Go’ protocols with Memorial ES safety tour

HISD Superintendent Millard House, along with district officials, got to see the “Ready, Set, Go” safety initiative in action Monday at Memorial Elementary School.

The “Ready, Set, Go” plan provides students, families, staff, and the community a safe environment for in-person learning with protocols that include required masks in all HISD buildings, constant sanitization of surfaces, COVID-19 vaccination sites, testing, and physical distancing.

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Student Assistance lends a hand at Back To School Extravaganza

Houston Independent School District Student Assistance held a “Back To School Extravaganza” drive-thru event Friday at Bethel’s Empowerment Center.

The event featured a drive-up that included free vaccinations (including for Covid-19), backpacks, supplies, fresh produce, local vendors, giveaways, Medicaid and CHIP renewal applications, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applications, and HISD Community Partnerships.

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HISD board approves vaccination stipend, added COVID leave

The Houston Independent School District Board Of Education approved a stipend program that gives employees a one-time $500 stipend for those who show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. On Thursday, the board also approved additional Covid-19 leave time if needed for isolation.

Once approved by TEA, to get the stipend, employees must submit their proof of vaccination to Health and Medical Services by Nov. 19, 2021. Additional guidelines will be shared with employees soon.

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