On April 8, 2024, a solar eclipse was visible across the U.S., with parts of Texas lucky enough to experience a total eclipse of the sun by the moon. Houston landed just outside of the path of totality, giving students the opportunity to witness the moon’s 94% obfuscation of the sun using special kits provided by Space Center Houston and delivered by a real NASA astronaut.
Continue readingTag Archives: Westbury High School
New Westbury HS fine arts wing ‘ups the ante’ for magnet program
When Nathaniel Melvin began teaching art at Westbury High School, he was assigned a classroom with no sink. For someone who specializes in building large sculptures and technical art pieces, that was an issue.
He installed one, but even then, the classroom never quite functioned the way he needed it to. There wasn’t enough cabinetry to hold supplies.
Melvin now teaches in a “visual arts studio” specifically designed to meet his students’ needs. Ample power is available via ceiling cables at each art table. There is plenty of built-in storage space. Most importantly — there is not one, but three sinks.
Continue readingJerri Nixon named new principal of Westbury High School
Jerri Nixon has been selected as the new principal of Westbury High School. Nixon began her career at Hogg Middle School as a Language Arts teacher. She then served as the assistant principal at Black Middle School and Bellaire High School before becoming the principal of Herod Elementary. She has also supported HISD in the Human Resources Department. Most recently, Nixon served as an Assistant Principal at Westbury High School for the last 5 years. She earned her educational degree from Texas A&M University and obtained a master’s degree in educational leadership from University of Houston and in construction management from Texas A&M University.
Madison, Westbury high schools featured in Learning by Design magazine
Two schools built under the 2012 Bond Program have been recognized as outstanding projects by Learning by Design magazine.
Madison and Westbury high schools were included in the Fall 2019 edition of the magazine, which is a premier source for education design innovation and excellence. The magazine assembled a panel of six architects and education administrators to review projects from across the nation.
“It’s an honor to have Madison and Westbury high schools selected as outstanding projects by Learning by Design,” General Manager of Facilities Design Dan Bankhead said. “The two projects have provided students with modern learning spaces to support their academic efforts and we’re pleased that the work that went into these schools has been recognized by such a distinguished panel and notable publication.”
Continue readingWestbury HS celebrates grand opening for district’s first-ever Wraparound Transformation Center
HISD’s Westbury High School celebrated the grand opening of its new Wraparound Transformation Center on Monday, a first-of-its-kind, in-house community resource hub.
As the only WTC in the country, Westbury will offer high-risk students and their families comprehensive support services that may not have been accessible in their neighborhoods. These services address critical, non-academic issues that may impact students’ ability to learn by bringing together community partners and resources in one location and embedding them inside the school.
“We like to make sure we are doing everything and all that we can for our kids,” Westbury Principal Susan Monaghan said during the ceremony. “That’s what the Wraparound Transformation Center is all about – providing anything and everything our students need. No task, no problem is too large.”
Continue readingOrder HISD holiday cards featuring student artwork through Dec. 17
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Are holiday greeting cards still on your to-do list this season?
The Houston Independent School District is offering greeting card packages featuring the finalists and winners of this year’s student holiday greeting card competition, which feature creative artwork interpretations of winter landscapes, holiday traditions, and seasonal decorations.
The winners selected from each grade level – fifth-grader Valery Vazquez from Crespo Elementary School, seventh-grader Jocelyn Ajacum from Meyerland Performing and Visual Arts Middle School, and sophomore Allenique Matthews from Westbury High School – were among 31 finalists from elementary, middle and high schools. The winners were announced at a special ceremony this month at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center. All finalists’ designs are available for purchase through the district’s Printing Services department. Continue reading
New Westbury HS addition set to open spring 2018
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Construction on the new addition for Westbury High School is approaching 75 percent completion and on track to open in the second quarter of 2018.
The building is now fully enclosed with permanent power and HVAC systems up and running. Work will continue on exterior masonry and interior finishes into the first quarter.
“I love the new building,” Westbury Principal Susan Monaghan said. “Having the opportunity to walk through and see it room by room has us even more excited. We can’t wait to move in.”
As part of the Houston Independent School District’s 2012 Bond Program, Westbury is receiving a new two-story addition with 26 classrooms, flexible learning centers, two new gyms, and a multi-purpose dining commons area. Continue reading
New Westbury HS construction project moving along
The Westbury High School Huskies are seeing significant changes on their campus as construction on their two story addition is nearly halfway complete.
The $40 million dollar project, which is a part of HISD’s voter-approved 2012 Bond, calls for general renovations to the current building, as well as a new addition with 26 classrooms, flexible learning centers, two new gyms, and a dual purpose commons serving as both a dining area and space for students to gather.
“There is great progress being made as far as I can visibly see,” Westbury Principal Susan Monaghan said. “I think it’s going to be awesome for Westbury and the community.”
New Westbury HS video stresses vital role parents play in student success
It’s all about family at Westbury High School, and parents are a big part of the school’s extended family.
With 2,200 students, Principal Susan Monaghan counts on parents to help with whatever needs to be done.
“It’s important for parents to be part of what we do every day at Westbury,” she says in a new video. “That’s the only way we can become a top school.”
Westbury HS community gathers to break ground on new addition, renovation
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Westbury High School Principal Susan Monaghan flashed a smile as she grabbed a shovel adorned with a bright blue bow and dug it into the dirt at her feet.
Flanked by district, campus and bond project officials, Monaghan then lifted her shovel and turned it over, letting clumps of dirt fall to the ground in a ceremonial groundbreaking marking the start of construction at the campus.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of this history-making event at Westbury High School,” Monaghan said as she kicked off the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday.