Marlen Peña has been named the new principal of Lewis Elementary School. Peña began her career as a second-grade teacher at Herrera Elementary School, worked as a health teacher at Eastwood Academy, and served as the magnet coordinator at Burbank Elementary School. Her most recent assignment was assistant principal at Benavidez Elementary.
Peña earned a bachelor’s degree from Texas State University and a master’s degree from the University of Houston-Clear Lake.
Last year, HISD’s Nutrition Services department launched a pilot program at a handful of campuses to increase the selection of fresh fruits and vegetables available to students in the cafeteria at lunch.
That program was so successful that the district has expanded it this year, and a total of 26 HISD schools now regularly offer a fresh fruit and vegetable bar. Continue reading
As one federal literacy grant to HISD is ending, the U.S. Department of Education has approved a new, expanded $749,982 grant that will fund “Project REALITY” family library activities at 10 HISD elementary schools and extend to others during the summer. The acronym stands for Reading Elevates All Learners Through Integrated Technology for Youth.
“It shows that the Department of Education has faith in what we’re doing,” said Liz Philippi, manager of HISD Library Services. Continue reading