Test scores are up, F-rated schools are no more and on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 all seemed right with the world as Houston ISD began another year of classes with endless possibilities ahead for its students and there were no early reports of transportation problems or faulty AC on a hot day.
We checked in with students at five schools Tuesday morning: Fondren and Briargrove elementaries and Madison, Memorial and Northside High schools.
Elementary students either hurried or hung back a bit as parents accompanied them to get to their schools on time. Under overcast skies, students throughout the Houston ISD walked, skipped and ran (depending on their ages) to the front doors where teachers and principals welcomed them to another year of classes.
Memorial High students were already running football drills at 8:30 in the morning.
The district was still scrambling to finish out its brand new website. Parents with transportation problems were directed to a link to report their problems with the district. This year HISD has entered into a partnership with METRO to provide transportation for students.
Especially at the high school level, students were not only contemplating the year ahead, but what comes after they graduate. In just three weeks they’ll have a chance to catch their breath with two days off for Labor Day and a teacher development day on September 2. As we found out, students are drawn to school for a wide range of reasons both academic and social.
Northside tenth grader Andry Barbosa said he basically showed up on Tuesday for physical education class so he could get a good workout in. “I’m here for P.E.,” he said
“I’m happy to be here because I’m in the orchestra organization and guitar so I have that today,” said Bryan Santana. “And I prepared to bring my food. I’m good for today.” The fourth year senior — all at Madison — said he hopes to go to the University of Houston and major in electrical engineering. “I did think about majoring in music but I’d rather have more of like a stable job.”
The issue of cell phones came up with some high school students.
Northside tenth grader Raoul Rangel said he was looking forward to French class and wanted to learn welding but was bummed about a new state law that prohibits cell phone use in classrooms.
School boards have discretion on whether they want to confiscate phones at the beginning of the school day but Houston ISD is requiring that students keep their phones in their backpacks during instructional time. Those who violate the policy risk having their phones taken away.
“I think it’s wrong,” Rangel said of the law that becomes effective September 1. “If an emergency happens, we can’t contact our parents.”
Eduardo Mejia, also a sophomore at Northside, said he hadn’t heard much about the cell phone ban but was “not looking forward to it.” Parents who have grown accustomed to being able to reach their kids during the day with reminders about medication or after-school activities also don’t like the ban, Mejia said.
Israel Alvarez, an eighth grader, said some of his classes use mobile apps and QR codes, so he’s not sure how that’s going to work if students are limited in accessing technology. More than 66,000 signatures have been registered in an online petition, started by a Mansfield ISD student, to repeal the statewide ban. A Conroe ISD petition has more than 4,000 signatures.
Sophomore Brodrick Flowers who said he likes going to Madison, has two goals in mind. “I’m ready for basketball season and I want a 4.0 GPA. That’s my goal.”
Asia Boston and Katlyn Stevenson, both juniors, were ready for their first day at Madison. “We’re new here,” they proclaimed and seemed pretty happy about the start.
Madison junior Jamil Haynesglen said he was already looking forward to the end of the year. Asked why, he said, “I’ve got so many classes.”
Upon graduation, he said, “I’ll probably go into construction. But I’ll finish boxing first. Showing more than a hint of wry humor (perhaps a future in standup comedy?) he went on to say: “I just beat people up.” Then in response to the “huh?” he was waiting for, he clarified: “In the ring; only professional like. I’m not into street fighting.”
