FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
Date: December 11, 2002
Number: nr 02-12
Contact: Nan Powers Varoga, 713-658-1881, ext. 14
nvaroga@houstonaplus.org
MEDIA ADVISORY
Houston high schools are changing
Learn the effects on your child and how to get involved
| WHAT: |
Parents for Public Schools, Houston
Independent School District, and The Houston Annenberg Challenge will
co-host four town hall meetings for parents of secondary school children
to get involved with the transformation of Houston’s high schools. |
| WHO: |
• Houston’s high school
students will explain their vision of a 21st Century school • Houston Independent School District and The Houston Annenberg Challenge will explain how high schools are changing • Audience will be comprised of Houston community leaders and concerned parents of middle school and high school students |
| WHEN: |
• January 28 • February 11 • February 25 • March 4 6 to 8 p.m. Child care, Spanish translators, park & ride transportation from nearby school, and light supper provided |
| WHERE: |
• January 28 Milby High School,
1601 Broadway • February 11 Waltrip High School, 1900 West 34th Street • February 25 Yates High School, 3703 Sampson • March 4 Sharpstown High School, 7504 Bissonnet |
|
WHY: |
In 2000-2001, the Harris County high school attrition rate was 46%, an overall increase of 21% from 1986. The high schools of today do not produce in quantity enough students to meet our changing, global economy. Research shows that high schools of no more 200 students perform best. Houston Independent School District and The Houston Annenberg Challenge are working to retrofit today’s mega high schools. Parental involvement is critical to this process and ultimately to the success of each student. |