Tag Archives: Thompson ES

Learn about HISD’s African American namesake schools this Black History Month

HISD is celebrating Black History Month by exploring the many schools named for distinguished African Americans in the community. The district has more than 30 schools that recognize the contributions of African American leaders, ranging from renowned educators to legislators and community leaders.

The first week focused on HISD’s namesake high schools, alternative schools, and the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center. The second week focused on HISD’s middle and combination schools. This week, learn more about HISD’s namesake early childhood centers and elementary schools. 

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Erica Brame-Manuel named principal of Thompson Elementary School

Erica Brame-Manuel has been selected as the new principal of Thompson Elementary School. Brame-Manuel began her career 15 years ago at Bastian Elementary School in HISD before transitioning to KIPP Public Schools in 2006. Her leadership roles include lead teacher, department chair, dean of instruction, and dean of students. Brame-Manuel was instrumental in helping Foerster Elementary School and Lawson Middle School out of Improvement Required status in one school year as the campus’ reading specialist. Most recently, she was the driving force as the ELA teacher specialist at Lawson Middle School which yielded double-digit gains in reading and writing. She earned a bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Wiley College and a master’s from Jones International University.

Don’t miss the MLK Jr. Oratory Competition finals on Jan. 17

If you’ve never seen the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Oratory Competition sponsored by Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP in Houston, you’re in for a treat.

Every year since 1996, fourth- and fifth-graders from two dozen HISD schools have competed in this annual contest, which challenges students to write and present a short original speech on a subject related to the slain civil rights leader. The topic this year is, “If Dr. King were speaking at a March on Washington today, what would he say?”

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