The 2026 – 2027 school year is off to a wonderful start! Kinetic Credit Union is proud to recognize Lacey Rabon of Park Elementary School as a Golden Apple Award recipient.

Rabon’s dedication to her students and commitment to creating a positive learning environment make her a wonderful example of the difference educators make every day.

Nominated by two people, Rabon’s steadfast support is recognized. One wrote, “Mrs. Rabon truly loves what she does and is passionate about providing exceptional care to her students. She provides education for students who have highly complex medical needs. She ensures that each student receives the accommodations they need while also providing the highest level of learning possible for each student at their individual level.”

Another wrote, “She’s sweet, goes above and beyond for her students, and provides the kind care that special needs students require.”

Joining Rabon for the special recognition were Dr. Allyson Douthit, Park Elementary School Principal; Mr. Phillip Johnson, Special Education Director; Mrs. Amanda Theus, Special Education Program Specialist; Mr. Cameron Martz, School Psychologist; Ms. Denise Killough, School Psychologist and Special Education paraprofessionals Mrs. Sarah Beth King and Mrs. Sanghee Hassin.

Watch the full video on WRBL. CLICK HERE

Today, the Harris County Retired Teachers Association welcomed Mr. Michael Barden, Superintendent of Harris County Schools, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, service, and the future of education in Harris County.

Mr. Barden shared his journey from the corporate world to the classroom and ultimately into educational leadership. Throughout his remarks, one message remained clear: education is about relationships, high expectations, and doing what is best for students.

Drawing from 27 years in education—as a teacher, coach, principal, district leader, and now superintendent—Mr. Barden reflected on the educators and mentors who helped shape his career and the students whose lives continue to remind him why this work matters. He also spoke about his deep connection to Harris County, where his family has lived for more than two decades and where his children have attended our schools.

It was especially meaningful to share these reflections with retired educators who devoted their own careers to serving generations of students. Their legacy continues in our classrooms and throughout our community.

Mr. Barden also discussed opportunities to continue supporting Harris County students, including scholarships and ways our retired educators can remain engaged in the important work happening across the district.

Thank you to the Harris County Retired Teachers Association for the warm welcome, continued partnership, and lifelong commitment to education. Once an educator, always an educator!

#HarrisCountySchools #ExcellenceInEducation #HarrisCounty #RetiredEducators #CommunityPartnership #StudentsFirst

🏆 THIRD IN THE NATION! 🏆

Congratulations to our outstanding Technology Student Association (TSA) students for an incredible performance on the national stage!

This summer, Tessa Geven, Nolan Markert, Riley Markert, Taylor Smith, and Addison White, along with TSA sponsors Ryan Miller, Katie Sizemore, and Paul Markert, represented our school community at the 48th National TSA Conference in National Harbor, Maryland.

Competing against students from across the country, the team earned an impressive 3rd place in the nation in Animatronics! 🇺🇸

The Animatronics competition challenges students to apply their knowledge of mechanical and control systems to create an animatronic device with a specific purpose, incorporating elements such as sound, lighting, and an appropriate surrounding environment.

More than 9,500 middle and high school TSA members and other attendees gathered June 22–26 for the national conference, where students participated in STEM competitions, leadership activities, and career-development opportunities.

We are incredibly proud of these students for their creativity, technical skills, teamwork, and dedication. Congratulations on bringing home a national top-three finish! 🎉

#TSA #TechnologyStudentAssociation #STEM #Animatronics #NationalTSA #StudentSuccess

We’re Passing the Phone… Because Attendance Matters!

Harris County School District is kicking off the 2026–2027 school year with one important message: Every Day Matters. Every Student Matters.

From school to school, we’re passing the phone across our district to remind students that showing up each day means more opportunities to learn, connect, grow, and succeed.

Watch our Attendance Matters: Pass the Phone Challenge and see how our schools and district team are coming together to encourage every student to SHOW UP, STAY ENGAGED, and MAKE EVERY DAY COUNT!

Now… let’s pass the phone! 📱✨

🚍 This Week: Harris County School District Transportation Kickoff!

This week, the Harris County School District Transportation Department gathered to kick off the new school year with a shared commitment to serving students with excellence.

Director of Transportation Thomas Vowell challenged the team to remember that their responsibility extends far beyond safely transporting students. He emphasized that every bus route is an opportunity to build meaningful relationships, create a welcoming environment, and positively impact a child's day.

Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Shawn Fisher thanked the transportation team for their hard work throughout the summer, recognizing those who prepared buses, completed inspections, and invested countless hours training new drivers and staff. He encouraged the team to continue striving for excellence and reminded everyone that Harris County Schools continues to grow stronger because of dedicated employees who are committed to serving students.

Assistant Superintendent Stacey Carlisle emphasized the importance of compliance and professionalism in every aspect of transportation operations. She reminded the team that following procedures not only keeps students safe but also helps build trust with students and their families. By creating an environment where parents have confidence and students feel secure, the Transportation Department strengthens the partnership between home and school.

Superintendent Michael Barden reinforced the day's message by reminding the team that, for many students, the first interaction of the school day happens when they step onto a school bus. A smile, a warm greeting, or a kind word can help students feel seen, valued, and ready to learn.

The kickoff celebrated the dedication of the entire transportation team—from drivers and monitors to routers, office staff, and mechanics—whose behind-the-scenes work ensures every bus is safe, reliable, and ready for the first day of school.

Thank you to every member of our Transportation Department for your commitment to safety, service, and building relationships that make a lasting difference for Harris County students and families.

#OneHarrisCounty #TransportationMatters #BuildingRelationships #StudentSafety #BackToSchool #StudentSuccessStartsHere