Tag Archives: Sam Houston High School

Workers install tilt-walls and steel beams at Sam Houston MSTC

Construction on the new Sam Houston Math, Science, and Technology Center is well underway and moving forward as scheduled with no significant impact to the timeline resulting from Hurricane Harvey.

Since breaking ground last spring, workers have completed underground mechanical, electrical and plumbing installation, along with most of the foundation work. Tilt walls are currently being raised, and are more than halfway complete.

“The project has been running very smooth so far,” said Skanska Project Manager Scott Conley, who oversees the Houston MSTC construction for the Houston Independent School District. “We’re on track with the schedule and pleased with the progress.” Continue reading

Up Close: See the latest videos from HISD Board President Rhonda Skillern-Jones

In the newest edition of Up Close, President Rhonda Skillern-Jones looks at HISD’s preschool program, how digital transformation is improving student learning, and the Pro Unitas Youth Council’s volunteer work at Kashmere High School.

Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY)

In this video about the HIPPY program, Skillern-Jones talks with members of HISD’s Family and Community Engagement department about how parents can help prepare their young children for the rigors of learning before they start school. Parents are provided simple educational activities that they can do with their children ages 3-5 at home. Members of the HIPPY work with parents in their home at no charge.

“We want to build the capacity of our parents as partners,” said Jorge Arrendondo, assistant superintendent of Family and Community Engagement. “We want to empower them to be their child’s first teacher at home.”

The benefit for children is a boost to their confidence, which affects their attitude and enhances their learning. Statistics confirm that students who have gone through the HIPPY program outperform their peers. More than 600 HISD families are receiving free lessons in their homes. To learn more, call 713-967-5298.

Digital Transformation in HISD

Skillern-Jones talks with HISD Secondary Director of Instructional Technology Angela Borzon, Westside High School Principal Peggi Stewart, and Sam Houston High School chemistry teacher Nichole DuPaul about HISD’s digital transformation in this video and how the growing variety of digital resources is increasing student achievement.

Pro Unitas Youth Council

In this video, Skillern-Jones visits with members of the Pro Unitas Youth Council, which serves the Kashmere High School neighborhood. The young people serving on the organization’s Executive Youth Council discuss the importance of living a life of service.

HISD Up Close and the HISD Board of Education meetings are broadcast on HCC TV and HoustonTV.

Dozens of Migrant Families Attend Summer Camp With Their Children

About 40 families from across the district participated in the first-ever Families with Confidence summer camp for migrant parents and students in HISD.

The four-week camp, held at Sam Houston Math, Science & Technology Center, is designed to help families improve communication at home, increase parental involvement at school and create a college-bound culture from a young age.

“The goal is for them to become better parents, so we try to educate the family as a whole,” said Maria Treviño, HISD Parent Engagement specialist.  “A better relationship between the student and the parent results in a better student at school.”

Continue reading