Tag Archives: Jolanda Jones

Yates HS students enter the new Lion’s Den for the first day of school

[photoshelter-gallery g_id=”G0000jnPvn8InJp8″ g_name=”20180827-Yatesfirstday” width=”600″ f_fullscreen=”t” bgtrans=”t” pho_credit=”iptc” twoup=”f” f_bbar=”t” f_bbarbig=”f” fsvis=”f” f_show_caption=”t” crop=”f” f_enable_embed_btn=”t” f_htmllinks=”t” f_l=”t” f_send_to_friend_btn=”f” f_show_slidenum=”t” f_topbar=”f” f_show_watermark=”t” img_title=”casc” linkdest=”c” trans=”xfade” target=”_self” tbs=”5000″ f_link=”t” f_smooth=”f” f_mtrx=”t” f_ap=”t” f_up=”f” height=”400″ btype=”old” bcolor=”#CCCCCC” ]

Festive music and cheers filled the air of the new Yates High School as students danced their way into the new facility to kick off the 2018-2019 school year.

More than 20 alumni — donning crimson and gold — gathered at the school’s main entrance chanting the school song as the band and color guard performed for students and staff in celebration of the new facility.

“The building brings life to Yates and the community,” said Yates alumnus Marcus Brooks, who is also the father to a current Yates senior. “It’s something new and fresh for the kids.”

Continue reading →

HISD thanks Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority for Harvey efforts

[photoshelter-gallery g_id=”G00005aKc_NotnNk” g_name=”20180711-AKA-photo” width=”600″ f_fullscreen=”t” bgtrans=”t” pho_credit=”iptc” twoup=”f” f_bbar=”t” f_bbarbig=”f” fsvis=”f” f_show_caption=”t” crop=”f” f_enable_embed_btn=”t” f_htmllinks=”t” f_l=”t” f_send_to_friend_btn=”f” f_show_slidenum=”t” f_topbar=”f” f_show_watermark=”t” img_title=”casc” linkdest=”c” trans=”xfade” target=”_self” tbs=”5000″ f_link=”t” f_smooth=”f” f_mtrx=”t” f_ap=”t” f_up=”f” height=”400″ btype=”old” bcolor=”#CCCCCC” ]

This week, HISD joined with more than 20,000 members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated to publicly thank them for donating thousands of dollars to district students and staff in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.

Continue reading →

Yates HS Project Advisory Team tours new school

[photoshelter-gallery g_id=”G0000C_hQMhFWFLk” g_name=”20180322-YatesHS” width=”600″ f_fullscreen=”t” bgtrans=”t” pho_credit=”iptc” twoup=”f” f_bbar=”t” f_bbarbig=”f” fsvis=”f” f_show_caption=”t” crop=”f” f_enable_embed_btn=”t” f_htmllinks=”t” f_l=”t” f_send_to_friend_btn=”f” f_show_slidenum=”t” f_topbar=”f” f_show_watermark=”t” img_title=”casc” linkdest=”c” trans=”xfade” target=”_self” tbs=”5000″ f_link=”t” f_smooth=”f” f_mtrx=”t” f_ap=”t” f_up=”f” height=”400″ btype=”old” bcolor=”#CCCCCC” ]

Large science labs, the gymnasium, and views of the Houston skyline were just some of the highlights seen by Project Advisory Team members as they were led on a tour of the new Yates High School on Thursday.

As attendees made their way through the facility making stops in the auditorium, dining commons, and JROTC spaces, the group huddled up near the large windows of a second-floor extended learning area to take in a full view of the University of Houston’s TDECU Stadium.

Currently the construction project is 85 percent complete with interior finishes — flooring, painting and ceiling tile installation — underway. All sidewalks and driveways have been poured and science lab equipment has been installed. Furniture selections will be finalized in the coming weeks.

Continue reading →

Codwell ES celebrates 40th anniversary at grand opening ceremony

[photoshelter-gallery g_id=”G0000wy5CUmu3nMU” g_name=”20180221-Codwell-ES-Grand-Opening” width=”600″ f_fullscreen=”t” bgtrans=”t” pho_credit=”iptc” twoup=”f” f_bbar=”t” f_bbarbig=”f” fsvis=”f” f_show_caption=”t” crop=”f” f_enable_embed_btn=”t” f_htmllinks=”t” f_l=”t” f_send_to_friend_btn=”f” f_show_slidenum=”t” f_topbar=”f” f_show_watermark=”t” img_title=”casc” linkdest=”c” trans=”xfade” target=”_self” tbs=”5000″ f_link=”t” f_smooth=”f” f_mtrx=”t” f_ap=”t” f_up=”f” height=”400″ btype=”old” bcolor=”#CCCCCC” ]

Eleven Codwell Elementary School violinists decked out in Michael Jackson’s signature black fedoras assembled Wednesday on the steps of their new stage as they performed the classic hit “Billie Jean.”

The musical selection performed by the Codwell Violin Ensemble served to formally kick off the school’s Grand Opening and 40th Anniversary Celebration.

The day held special significance for community members, students, and faculty — not just because it marked the anniversary of the school’s inception, but also because it marked the completion of a major renovation and repurposing of the Tavenor Lane campus.

Continue reading →

Final phase of renovations underway at YWCPA

[photoshelter-gallery g_id=”G0000.R3x4dvA76s” g_name=”20180131-YWCPA” width=”600″ f_fullscreen=”t” bgtrans=”t” pho_credit=”iptc” twoup=”f” f_bbar=”t” f_bbarbig=”f” fsvis=”f” f_show_caption=”t” crop=”f” f_enable_embed_btn=”t” f_htmllinks=”t” f_l=”t” f_send_to_friend_btn=”f” f_show_slidenum=”t” f_topbar=”f” f_show_watermark=”t” img_title=”casc” linkdest=”c” trans=”xfade” target=”_self” tbs=”5000″ f_link=”t” f_smooth=”f” f_mtrx=”t” f_ap=”t” f_up=”f” height=”400″ btype=”old” bcolor=”#CCCCCC” ]

Construction at Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy is now 85 percent complete, with first- and second-floor renovations finished and work on third-floor classrooms well underway.

Demolition on the third floor is nearing completion. Ductwork and plumbing have been installed and light fixture replacement and roof installation are in process. In addition, auditorium renovations, including installation of new lighting, ceiling, carpeting, and HVAC system are all underway.

“The space is phenomenal,” YWCPA Principal Dr. April Williams said. “It’s a nice feeling to know that construction will be completed this summer.”

Continue reading →

YWCPA construction surpasses midway point

[photoshelter-gallery g_id=”G0000dgnDUuXBXSM” g_name=”20171005-YWCPA” width=”600″ f_fullscreen=”t” bgtrans=”t” pho_credit=”iptc” twoup=”f” f_bbar=”t” f_bbarbig=”f” fsvis=”f” f_show_caption=”t” crop=”f” f_enable_embed_btn=”t” f_htmllinks=”t” f_l=”t” f_send_to_friend_btn=”f” f_show_slidenum=”t” f_topbar=”f” f_show_watermark=”t” img_title=”casc” linkdest=”c” trans=”xfade” target=”_self” tbs=”5000″ f_link=”t” f_smooth=”f” f_mtrx=”t” f_ap=”t” f_up=”f” height=”400″ btype=”old” bcolor=”#CCCCCC” ]

When Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy students returned for the 2017-2018 school year, they came back to a new building addition complete with gym, locker rooms, and science and career technology labs.

The work is part of a $31.1 million project, which calls for general renovations to the campus, as well as a partial replacement of the building. Once complete, the school — part of HISD’s voter-approved 2012 Bond Program — will accommodate between 900 and 1,000 students.

“The renovations and new addition are wonderful,” said Interim Principal Tiffany Bob, who also serves as high school dean. “I can’t wait until the other phases are done. I’m looking forward to the final product.”

Continue reading →

Condit ES selected as finalist for Texas school architecture competition

Designs for three additional bond schools honored with ‘Stars of Distinction’

[photoshelter-gallery g_id=”G0000I.w7bs6wsI0″ g_name=”TASA-TASB-School-Contest” width=”600″ f_fullscreen=”t” bgtrans=”t” pho_credit=”iptc” twoup=”f” f_bbar=”t” f_bbarbig=”f” fsvis=”f” f_show_caption=”t” crop=”f” f_enable_embed_btn=”t” f_htmllinks=”t” f_l=”t” f_send_to_friend_btn=”f” f_show_slidenum=”t” f_topbar=”f” f_show_watermark=”t” img_title=”casc” linkdest=”c” trans=”xfade” target=”_self” tbs=”5000″ f_link=”t” f_smooth=”f” f_mtrx=”t” f_ap=”t” f_up=”f” height=”400″ btype=”old” bcolor=”#CCCCCC” ]

Constructed as part of HISD’s 2012 Bond Program, Condit Elementary School has been selected as one of five finalists vying for the highest honor offered by the 2017-18 Exhibit of School Architecture Competition.

Three additional bond campuses — Atherton Elementary School, Mandarin Immersion Magnet School, and Sterling Aviation High School — received Stars of Distinction.

The annual school architecture competition showcases new and renovated Texas schools and recognizes excellence in their planning and design. It is sponsored by the Texas Association of School Administrators and the Texas Association of School Boards.

Continue reading →

Codwell ES students mark first day of school year with newly renovated building

[photoshelter-gallery g_id=”G0000bs0XaK7mY.o” g_name=”Codwell-ES-First-Day” width=”600″ f_fullscreen=”t” bgtrans=”t” pho_credit=”iptc” twoup=”f” f_bbar=”t” f_bbarbig=”f” fsvis=”f” f_show_caption=”t” crop=”f” f_enable_embed_btn=”t” f_htmllinks=”t” f_l=”t” f_send_to_friend_btn=”f” f_show_slidenum=”t” f_topbar=”f” f_show_watermark=”t” img_title=”casc” linkdest=”c” trans=”xfade” target=”_self” tbs=”5000″ f_link=”t” f_smooth=”f” f_mtrx=”t” f_ap=”t” f_up=”f” height=”400″ btype=”old” bcolor=”#CCCCCC” ]

Codwell Elementary School staff were all smiles on Monday as they welcomed students back to their newly renovated Tavenor Lane campus.

The day held special significance for many parents and students — not just because it marked the first day of the 2017-2018 school year, but because it marked the first time they were able to go back into the building since having to relocate to a temporary campus three years ago.

“This is like a dream come true,” Codwell Principal Kristy Love said while greeting her students with hugs as they trickled into the main entrance of the school. “Our 21st century building with modern technology will rival any suburban school.”

Continue reading →

Meet HISD’s newest trustees in this month’s edition of ‘Up Close’

In this edition of “Up Close,” HISD Board of Education President Rhonda Skillern-Jones visits with recently elected District IV Trustee Jolanda Jones and District VIII Trustee Diana Dávila.

Jones landed a seat on the board for the first time in November, beating out three opponents to win the District IV spot being vacated by departing trustee Paula Harris, who did not seek re-election. Jones says she is looking forward to focusing on the new superintendent search. She is also planning to advocate for the preservation of existing schools, and to work on resource equity.

Continue reading →