Tag Archives: YWCPA

HISD alum and health pioneer memorialized in Earth Day tree planting

HISD’s Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy community will be planting 20 trees in one hour on Saturday, April 22, in honor of the late Dr. Polly Sparks Turner. The Earth Day initiative is in partnership with the Astros Foundation and Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

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HISD & TxDOT team up with mobile app to make driving near schools safer

HISD’s Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy is partnering with Houston ConnectSmart to help the Texas Department of Transportation end the streak of daily deaths on Texas roadways.

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At YWCPA, a red-carpet celebration of 100% senior college acceptances

It was a day of celebration as students at Houston Independent School District’s Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy held a red-carpet celebration in honor of 100% senior college acceptances on Thursday.  

During a special school-wide assembly, YWCPA students walked a red carpet to announce the institutions of higher learning where they will continue their academic careers. Some have been accepted to the nation’s most prestigious universities, including Bryn Mawr College, the University of Virginia, Berea College and Texas A&M University. 

“We are so excited and proud of you all,” YWCPA Principal April Williams said to a cheering crowd of students, parents and staff. “Always come back to visit us and help us to build upon that strong YWCPA spirit.” 

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YWCPA celebrates grand opening of new building addition, renovations

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Chants of “maroon-white, maroon-white, fight-fight,” echoed throughout the atrium of the Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy as cheerleaders joined with members of the choir to kick off the school’s Grand Opening celebration on Thursday.

The event paid tribute not just to the completion of major renovations on the campus, but also to the school’s Student Creed, which focuses on pushing boundaries to achieve educational excellence, and the importance of sisterhood.

“This whole area — the atrium — is my favorite,” YWPCA senior Kaylyn Steward said, gesturing to the room in which the ceremony was held. “This whole project is just a reminder of why I am in this journey. The renovations really just bring it all home for me and let me know that I really am here for a reason. I am destined for greatness.” Continue reading

YWCPA welcomes students to newly renovated campus for first day of school

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Excitement could be seen on the faces of many students at Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy as they walked the halls of their newly renovated facility for the first day of the 2018-2019 school year.

The school’s multi-phased construction project wrapped earlier this summer with completion of the final work to third-floor classrooms and learning commons areas.

“It’s definitely exciting,” YWCPA Principal April Williams said, mentioning the completion of the school’s final renovations. “It really sells our school well and the girls deserve it.”

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YWCPA to showcase completed construction for 2018-19 school year

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Construction on the newly renovated Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy is nearly 100 percent complete as the final phase of the project wraps up in preparation for the start of the 2018-2019 school year.

When they return this August, students will be greeted by renovated third-floor classrooms, new extended learning areas, and updated restrooms, all of which will be complete in a matter of days.

“My students, staff, and I are beyond thrilled about the renovations,” YWCPA Principal April Williams said. “This updated, modern facility — which still has its character and charm from the past — will indeed change the way we teach and change the way our girls learn.”

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April Williams named new principal of Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy

April Williams has been named principal of Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy. Most recently, she served as principal of the two-time National Blue Ribbon School Oak Forest Elementary. Dr. Williams began her 15-year career with HISD as a fifth-grade teacher at Law Elementary School and served as a classroom teacher at Peck Elementary and Ryan Middle School. While at Peck and Ryan, she was named Classroom Teacher of the Year and English as a Second Language Teacher of the Year. Dr. Williams has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Houston and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Lamar University. She holds a doctorate of education in professional leadership from the University of Houston.

YWCPA construction surpasses midway point

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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.”

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YWCPA construction on the fast track

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Construction is advancing at the Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy with work on the renovations and new addition for the all-girl STEM school nearly halfway complete.

Work is progressing nicely — steel erection is complete, the metal decking has been covered with concrete, and the brick installation will begin in the next couple of weeks.

YWCPA Principal Delesa O’Dell-Thomas said she is ecstatic to see progress being made, and noted she was especially excited to see the new paint colors and select new furniture for the school.

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Five HISD schools recognized for their efforts to fight hunger

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Five different HISD schools were recently named “Champions off the Field” by the Souper Bowl of Caring for their efforts to fight hunger.

This annual food drive and fundraiser, which ran from Jan. 20 – Feb. 7, generated more than $9.9 million in donations nationally this year, a portion of which came from the 33 HISD schools that participated.

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