Humble ISD bans cellphones in line with state mandate
Like other Texas school districts, Humble ISD is responding to a state bill approved this summer that restricts student usage of cellphones and other personal devices during the school day.
The overview: House Bill 1481 requires school districts to adopt policies prohibiting students from using personal wireless communication devices—including cellphones, tablets, smartwatches and any other devices capable of digital communication or telecommunication—on school property during the school day. In July, HISD trustees approved a new policy in line with state regulations prohibiting students from using their devices on school property from the moment they enter the building to the final dismissal bell.
Quote of note: While the policy provides exceptions for students with documented needs such as individualized education plans, Section 504 plans or directives from qualified physicians, HISD Chief Communications Officer Jamie Mount said some concerns have been raised about access to digital learning.
“We hear these concerns and are working with teachers and principals to make sure students have access to devices managed by the district,” Mount said.
Humble ISD officials to unveil 'Treasure Island' playground at Pine Forest Elementary
Humble ISD officials will celebrate the opening of a new “Treasure Island”-themed playground at Pine Forest Elementary, with a dedication ceremony Sept. 17 at 5 p.m.
The details: According to an Aug. 29 news release, the playground is designed for children ages 5-12 and includes the following features:
A giant octopus with climbing challenges and slides
A sculpted treasure chest
Log steppers
Some context: The new playground is coming as part of the district’s ongoing campus playground revitalization initiative, which was included in the district's $775 million bond package approved by voters in 2022. Officials noted HISD playgrounds are open to the public when school is not in session.
George R. Brown Convention Center transformation project expected to create $20B in spending
A new study found that phase one of the George R. Brown Convention Center’s transformation project will help attract new spending, meetings and conventions to the center, as well as drive up hotel occupancy for years to come, according to an Aug. 27 news release.
The details: Houston unveiled a new master plan in March to transform Downtown Houston and its East End into a more walkable convention and entertainment district, according to previous Community Impact reporting.
The first phase of the project, which was the main focus of the study, includes a 700,000-square-foot expansion of the GRB, which the city dubbed GRB Houston South.
According to the analysis, conducted by destination real estate advisory group Hunden Partners and commissioned by Houston First Corporation, GRB Houston South will generate more than $20 billion in spending, increase the number of citywide meetings and conventions by 62% and reduce “dark days” or downtime at the facility by 66%.
Houston Health Department director retires after 21 years
Houston Health Department Director Stephen Williams is retiring from his role after first joining the position in 2004, council member Mario Castillo announced during an Aug. 26 City Council meeting.
The backstory: Castillo said during Williams' time as director, Williams helped initiate a minimum wage for city employees, paved the way for Houston to become the first Texas city to be accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board in 2014 and helped launch My Brother’s Keeper, a program aimed at addressing inequitable conditions for the city’s youth, particularly boys and young men of color.
Quote of note: Williams said when he first came to Houston in 2004, he didn’t “particularly like Houston,” and expected to only work as the director for three and a half years.
However, he said his mindset changed as he continued to work in the city, calling the city a “fertile ground” for creativity and new ideas.
