March Newsletter
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HISD Families,
Welcome to our first Family and Community Engagement (FACE) newsletter. It is my privilege to lead HISD's FACE, and I cannot wait to introduce you to our team, who is here to serve and support HISD students and families to achieve excellence both in and out of the classroom. From providing access to HISD’s resources, helping you navigate your student’s educational journey, to connecting with our community - we are here for you!
Our team helps cultivate engaged learners and leaders in our school and community, and we are excited to highlight how our students and families make HISD special. Through this newsletter, social media, and Possip, we will share and connect about all the amazing things happening across the District. Be sure to also follow along on social media at @HISDFACE (Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram).
Know that this newsletter is for you. To keep it relevant to your needs we welcome feedback HERE on anything you would like to see in upcoming communications, across social media, and more.
We understand that we cannot adequately focus on the students without elevating and supporting our parents as well. Thank you for being a vital piece in helping us shape our HISD students to compete in the world of 2035 and beyond.
Najah Callander
Senior Executive Director, External Engagement
Exciting News to Share
Possip Update
Through Possip Pulse Checks this school year, HISD families shared over 8,607 praise comments and 9,691 feedback comments in over 50 different languages. Possip Pulse Checks helps us to help you. We are so excited for the overwhelming response to foster better communication across our community.
PTO Expo
THANK YOU, to the 650+ participants and vendors who attended our PTO Expo on Feb. 11. A special thanks to the Burbank Middle School team who supported by practicing their videography and interview skills throughout the event.
Museum Day
It was so exciting to see the 2,459 family members join us at the Houston Children’s Museum on Feb. 19 to learn, play, and engage during the day off from school. We are happy to have introduced new HISD families to the Children’s Museum with 50% of attendees joining us that day for the first time ever!
Pre-K Enrollment
HISD’s Pre-K program for 3- and 4-year-olds is open for enrollment now through April 22. This early-childhood education program sets a foundation for learning, exploration, and social skills that prepare your student for success in kindergarten and beyond. Learn about eligibility, enrollment, and more here.
Mark Your Calendars
No Classes in Session
March 29 | Spring Holiday
April 10 | Spring Holiday
Sunrise Center Open Houses
April 3, 4, 11 | Details Below
You’re invited to attend one of our seven Sunrise Center Open Houses to learn more about each center's offerings to serve and support our students. Scroll down to find a Sunrise Center near you!
Sunrise Center Open Houses
April 3, 4-6 PM | Mission Milby Sunrise Center
2220 Broadway Street, Houston, TX 77012
April 3, 1-3 PM | Youth Development Center (YDC) Sunrise Center
6050 Bretshire Drive, Houston, TX 77016
April 3, 4-6 PM | Brock Sunrise Center
1417 Houston Avenue, Houston, TX 77007
April 3, 4:30-6 PM | BakerRipley Sunrise Center
6500 Rookin Street, Houston, TX 77074
April 4, 4-6 PM | Cornerstone Sunrise Center
2575 Reed Road, Houston, TX 77051
April 4, 12-2 PM | Morefield Boys & Girls Club Sunrise Center
5950 Selinsky Road, Houston, TX 77048
April 11, 4-6 PM | West Orem Sunrise Center
5801 West Orem Drive, Houston, TX 77085
Pre-K Enrollment
Go to your nearest school, Pre-K Festival, or HISD HUB location below for in-person assistance with your applications and documents:
HISD HUB Locations
April 2, 5-7 PM | HISD Hattie Mae White
4400 W. 18th St., Houston, TX 77092
April 4, 5-7 PM | West Orem Sunrise Center
5801 West Orem Drive, Houston, TX 77085
April 9, 5-7 PM | Cornerstone Sunrise Center
2575 Reed Road, Houston, TX 77051
April 16, 5-7 PM | Youth Development Center (YDC) Sunrise Center
6050 Bretshire Drive, Houston, TX 77016
Pre-K Festival Locations
April 6, 9 AM-12 PM | Sam Houston MSTC
9400 Irvington Blvd., Houston, TX 77076
April 12, 9 AM-12 PM | Austin High School
1700 Dumble St., Houston, TX 77023
April 13, 9 AM-12 PM | Wheatley High School
4801 Providence St., Houston, TX 77020
April 20, 9 AM-12 PM | Hartman Middle School
7111 Westover St., Houston, TX 77087
April 20, 9 AM-12 PM | Sharpstown International
8330 Triola Ln., Houston, TX 77036
Ways to Engage
Family enrichment opportunities that foster excellence.
Volunteer In Public School (VIPS)
Volunteers support our students and the District by fostering student achievement. By serving as a mentor, tutor, chaperone, and role model, you can support HISD students, caregivers, and the future generations of the Houston community. Learn more about how to become one of our VIPS today.
Parent Involvement
Parent University – Parent Leaders Academy is designed to empower parents with the knowledge and tools necessary to become effective advocates for their children. Parents participate in six workshop sessions that familiarize them with HISD and teach them best practices for advocating for their children’s education. Participants are also provided babysitting, transportation, meals, and incentives. More information is available here.
From the District
- 2024-2025 academic calendar has been approved and is available here.
- In the first episode of Straight from the School, Principal Pandora Agnew walks Superintendent Mike Miles through a morning at Shadydale Elementary, one of HISD’s New Education System campuses. Watch here.
- HISD released the first in-depth progress report on the District's progress toward Destination 2035. Read how HISD is empowering students to become critical thinkers, visionary leaders, and active contributors in their community.
- Of the more than 10,230 teachers who have already completed their Intent to Return survey, 96% plan to teach in HISD again next year.
- HISD students are out performing on MAP testing. Here is what your students' scores mean: NWEA calculates a projected growth target for each student based on maintaining percentile rank. Met Expected Growth is the percentage of students who met their individualized projected growth target. Read more here.