Event will feature student chefs, free health services and fun family activities
In an effort to encourage healthy, active lifestyles, the Houston Independent School District’s Food Services Department is hosting its inaugural Community Health and Wellness Festival on September 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at North Forest High School, 10725 Mesa Drive. The event is free and open to the public.
Six parent orientation sessions scheduled to familiarize parents with school choice options and new online system
The Houston Independent School Districts is launching a new online application system for parents and students wanting to attend any of the district’s 115 magnet programs. While paper applications will still be accepted, HISD is hosting a series of orientation sessions to familiarize parents with the new online option and outline the multitude of school choices available. The first session will be on Tuesday, September 17 at 6 p.m. at Burbank Middle School, 315 Berry.
Existing facility to be demolished while design for new facility is underway
The HISD Board of Education unanimously approved during Thursday’s monthly meeting the motion to fast-track the construction of a new Delmar-Tusa Fieldhouse by demolishing the existing facility while design for the new facility is underway. The goal is to have the site ready for construction as soon as possible and complete the replacement facility by late 2016.
The Houston Independent School District is inviting students from the Children First Academy, a charter school closed this week by the Texas Education Agency, to enroll in HISD.
Sixty seniors from six high schools throughout the Houston Independent School District have qualified as semifinalists in the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program. HISD had 56 semifinalists last year.
The students are among 16,000 from across the country to earn the semifinalist designation, allowing them the opportunity to continue in the academic competition and vie for more than 8,000 college scholarships worth roughly $35 million.
24 high schools participating across Houston
What: HISD’s Department of Dropout Prevention will lead visits to the homes of hundreds of students who did not return to school for this fall semester during the 10th annual Grads Within Reach walk. The purpose of this walk is to let the students know about the programs HISD offers to help them graduate such as the Grad Labs online credit recovery program and the Twilight High Schools around the city which offer flexible night and weekend hours. The volunteers will set out from 24 high schools across the city to knock on the doors of students’ homes to personally encourage them to return to school.
Media are invited to Sam Houston Math, Science & Technology Center for video of the walk and interviews with administrators and volunteers.
Who: HISD Department of Dropout Prevention, principals and volunteers
When: Saturday, Sept. 7 at 8:00 a.m.
Where: Sam Houston MSTC, 9400 Irvington
Grant to benefit more than 60 first grade classrooms libraries
The Houston Independent School District has received a significant donation from Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) to fund the THINK Literacy program at the Apollo 20 elementary schools in support of the district’s efforts to increase achievement in literacy. The grant will provide books for more than 60 first-grade classroom libraries at the 11 campuses on September 4.
HISD Food Services will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday
After giving the cafeteria dining area and kitchen a complete makeover, students at North Forest High School will get to enjoy four new build-your-own dining stations and celebrate their cafeteria’s new look during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, August 30at 10 a.m. at 10725 Mesa Drive.
“The new build-your-own dining stations increase our variety of offerings to students and encourage them to be creative while eating healthy versions of their favorite meals,” HISD Food Services Senior Administrator Brian Giles said. “Each station offers fresh vegetables, lean and low-fat proteins and whole grain bread options.”
Earlier this summer, North Forest High School students participated in focus groups and provided feedback on the type of school lunch experience they would like to have. Their feedback helped HISD Food Services develop lunch experiences to meet their campus’ needs.
North Forest High School students can now order their lunch from the following dining brands:
“The revamped cafeteria allows students to enjoy their favorite foods created their own way, while refueling physically and emotionally to meet the challenges of the day,” said North Forest Principal Pamela Farinas. “I am pleased with the work of HISD Food Services to improve the kitchen conditions, eating environment and food for the students at North Forest High School.”
Eighty-seven new dining brand stations have been implemented in high schools throughout the district since last fall, providing flavor and variety to more than 30,000 students.
Ceremony will mark new building constructed under 2007 bond program
What: Lockhart Elementary will dedicate its new 750-student school, built under the 2007 bond program. Events will include student performances, special guest speakers and classroom tours of the new facility.
Who: HISD Board of Education Trustee Paula Harris, Lockhart Principal Felicia Adams, and Rev. William Lawson of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church
When: Thursday, Aug. 22, 2013 at 9 a.m.
Where: Lockhart Elementary School, 3200 Rosedale St., Houston, Texas 77004
Eleven high schools to participate in pilot stage of program
The Houston Independent School District will kick off its pilot stage of the PowerUp program, a districtwide initiative to transform how teachers teach and students learn through technology, by delivering laptops to teachers at 11 campuses across Houston. A press conference will be held on Tuesday, August 13 at 10 a.m. at Austin High School, 1700 Humble.