As a district of choice, HISD offers rich and specialized programs to all of its students. One of those programs is the Houston Innovative Learning Zone (HILZ), in which students at six campuses can earn associate’s degrees and career training in technical fields.
Recently, students at Jane Long had the opportunity to tour a pharmacy tech lab at Houston Community College. The tour exposed them to what a pharmacy technician does on a daily basis, which is a valuable tool in their decision to pursue the career. Pharmacy technicians typically earn more than $50 per hour in this area, and there is a projected 23% increase in employment growth through 2018. Jane Long Principal Marcy Baez says the program inspires her students to become intensely involved — coming to school on weekends and staying late.
What You Should Be Asking Your Child’s Teacher Right Now
When we talk about partners in our children’s education, we often think about a school’s teachers and support staff, and other powerful influencers in our communities. But the most powerful partner in a child’s education is often a parent or caregiver – and even though we may not always realize it, a parent’s involvement can be the difference between success and failure.
To be a great partner, you don’t have to know the content your child is studying or the problem-solving processes their teachers are teaching. You just need to get involved – even if you don’t have a lot of time, every little bit helps.
A Proud Moment for the Future of HISD
Tuesday night was one of the proudest moments of my career at HISD. As I gathered at Hattie Mae White with district staff and community members, early voting returns told the story: Voters had overwhelmingly approved the district’s $1.89 billion schools bond. It’s a decision that will change the trajectory of the district for hundreds, and eventually millions, of HISD students.
But that sense of pride was only magnified as I stood in front of our schools’ principals this morning and could put faces to all of the hard work, leadership, and commitment over the last several months. The success of this bond at the polls is a huge testament to the work of Team HISD. The team never falters where our kids are concerned, and I know this bond would not have passed without them.
Now’s the Time to Explore Your Child’s Options
The Houston Independent School District is proud to be a district of choice. That means parents can send their children to any school they wish, provided the campus has space available and all enrollment requirements are met.
But making good decisions starts with having good information—and that’s why we are holding our Magnet Open House this Saturday. I strongly encourage any parent who is still undecided about where to send their child to attend this important event. Representatives from all 113 magnet programs will be on hand to answer questions and explain what their schools have to offer.
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, take a tour of the campuses you’re most interested in during Magnet Awareness Week. Every afternoon, Nov. 5–9, magnet schools will be opening their doors to the public, so that parents can get a first-hand look at the classrooms their children might be sitting in next fall and meet some of their children’s potential teachers.
HISD is committed to providing parents with the information they need to make the right decisions for their families, but ultimately, the choice is still theirs to make. Please take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about the many amazing programs we have to offer. HISD wants to be YOUR district of choice.
Bond is the last item on the ballot
This is one of the most important elections in recent history. The votes cast will have a profound impact on the future of this city. The Houston Schools Bond, the very last item on the ballot, would modernize outdated high school buildings and build new schools to meet the needs of students across this city. People have turned out in record numbers during the early voting period, which ends today. I want to thank all of you who have taken the time to vote, and I want to urge those of you who have not yet been to the polls to do so on Election Day.
Houston ISD Seniors to Receive $150,000 in Broad Foundation Scholarships
Superintendent Terry Grier sent the following message to Team HISD after the 2012 Broad Prize for Urban Education was awarded to Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
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Using Creativity to Get Out the Vote
This year’s Election has given educators across the district a great starting point for teaching about civics, democracy and the electoral process.
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With early voting kicking off on Monday (Oct. 22), I urge every registered voter to go to the polls as soon as possible. Not only are we electing the president of our country, but Houston schools bond will be at the end of the ballot. It’s important that every member of our community has the chance to have their voice heard, from the top of the ballot to the very bottom.
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From One Texas Institution to Another
It’s always nice to be recognized when you’re working hard in the pursuit of a worthy goal. And that’s why I would like to extend my thanks once again to Blue Bell Creameries.
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