HISD begins new school year with expanded New Education System

Superintendent Mike Miles arrived at Ketelsen Elementary early on Monday, Aug. 12, to welcome students back and observe the first day of instruction for the 2024-2025 school year.

Ketelsen is one of 45 campuses that adopted the district’s New Education System (NES) for the new school year, joining 85 campuses already participating. The NES system follows an alternative instructional strategy focusing on participatory and structured lessons. A key element of NES is a rigorous curriculum designed to engage both students and teachers, prompting NES and NES-Aligned schools to commence lessons immediately on the first day.

The Superintendent visited three schools on Monday morning: Ketelsen Elementary, Dogan Elementary, and Navarro Middle School. Teachers and principals at each campus were enthusiastic about starting the school year strong after weeks of professional development over the summer.

“All three schools were very well prepared. It’s like they’re in the fifth or sixth week of school,” said Miles. “It’s great to see instruction on the first day. There are things we have to improve of course, but for the first day of school, I’m very proud of the teachers and principals. It’s going to be a good year.”

Teachers and staff have noticed a difference in their students compared to last year as they acclimate to the new educational strategy.

“When I spoke to some of the students, they’re acclimated to the expectations, and they’re very engaged and their teachers are very engaged as well,” said HISD Board Member Rolando Martinez. “Teachers are jumping right in.”

While students focus on their lessons, HISD remains committed to quality education and student safety.

Community members and elected officials joined staff at Marshall Middle School on Monday morning to welcome students back alongside Safe Walk Home Northside, an organization created in memory of Marshall student Josue Flores who passed away in 2016.

“Today is a celebration,” said Marshall principal Jeff Bridgewater. “We are celebrating the life of Josue Flores, we are celebrating the Northside community, and we are celebrating our students as we welcome them back for their first day of school. We are excited for all the great things that we have in store for our students this year, and we look forward to supporting our students by keeping them safe and providing them with a top-notch education throughout the year.”

To keep up with updates during HISD's first week of fall semester, follow us on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.