Administrator

Lori Lambropoulos

llambrop@houstonisd.org

281-920-8013

Deans

Lia Nguyen

lnguyen4@houstonisd.org

281-920-8021

Secretary

Melinda Perez

mperez24@houstonisd.org

281-920-8000,
ext. 6014

OVERVIEW/DESCRIPTION

Almost every major challenge facing our world is turning to computing for a solution, from conquering disease to protecting the environment.  Our mission is to provide students with opportunities in and out of the classroom to spur their interest in computing science, engineering, and architectural design.   Do you enjoy finding better ways to get things done using computers?  Do you want to help build or distribute the next generation of video games, mobile phones, or media players?  Do you love to solve puzzles?  The future will be powered by technology and computing professionals.  Get a head start by being part of the Computing Science and Engineering Academy! 

ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES

• Robotics Club-competition that applies math and science concepts to real life problems
• Guest Speakers-invited professionals from various fields of computing science, engineering and architecture
• NASA Engineering Camp
• UT Exploration Camp
• Internships with Industry Business Partners
• BP Engineering Day
• Odyssey of the Mind
• Visit and tour design studios of school of architecture
• Summer architecture enrichment programs
• Texas A&M Engineering Summer Camp

ENGINEERING AND GEOSCIENCES ACADEMY

The Westside Engineering and Geosciences Academy offers a unique chance for students to gain perspective and insight into the engineering field. Students in this academy are engaged in rigorous academics and hands on projects. Teamwork and leadership skills are emphasized throughout the program, and organization is stressed from the beginning as essential for success. Problem based learning and critical thinking skills are fostered, as they are essential to the engineering profession. In addition, through a partnership with the Independent Petroleum Association of America, we are able to offer students many opportunities to explore engineering in the community. Admission is currently open only for students who will be freshman in the 2010-2011 school year. The deadline to submit applications is February 26, 2010. Notification will be sent March 26, 2010.

Introduction to the Program
Application Checklist
Math Recommendation Form
Science Recommendation Form
Student Personal Statement
Discipline Report
WEGA Four Year Plan

http://computingcareers.acm.org

“PROJECT NOW” PILOT PROGRAM

To increase student academic success, Westside High School is conducting an exciting pilot program BEGINNING January, 2010. Project NOW (New Opportunities to Work) requires students who are missing work to attend a lab during their lunch period to complete homework or classroom assignments. Students who have been referred by their teachers are escorted to the lab by adults shortly before their lunch period begins. They remain in the program until the missing assignments are completed and submitted to the Project NOW dean who turns it in to the teacher. The lab is providing books, pencils, calculators and the assignment. Sack lunches from the cafeteria are available for purchase in the lab to maximize time and productivity.

North One deans Lori Lambropoulos and Lia Nguyen modeled this pilot after Dr. Anthony Muhammad’s homework lunch program which was successful in bringing his school failure rate to zero. Dr. Muhammad has been partnering with HISD in professional development and leads the nation in educational reform. As a pilot program, Project NOW will be implemented in North One only this semester. Any teacher in this house can refer a student to the lab which runs on Mondays and Tuesdays in S-100.

It is our hope that this program will motivate and encourage students to complete and turn in work in a timely manner. As a pilot, we welcome ongoing feedback and we will review the program at the end of the semester with hopes of going school wide next year.