News and Updates

NEW: Changes and updates for 2026

Houstonfest Scholarships

Scholarships at State

Houstonfest history

Teacher-to-teacher tips

Tips for Pair Discussion

Arrival at Kingwood High School

Lunch options
 

State promo video contest

Daily log of changes to State-qualifier list

Contest promo video #1 (students from one school tell why they love contest)

Contest promo video #2 (one student tells why she loves contest)

Contest promo video #3 (hilarious 2024 State-winning submission from our own Klein Oak High School!)

Photo gallery

Important Dates

Mon., Jan. 12, 2026, 4:00 p.m.: Application for transportation grants from the Houston Saengerbund opens (if grants are approved for 2026); link will be sent to teachers.

Fri., Jan. 16, 2026, 11:59 p.m.: Application for transportation grants from the Houston Saengerbund closes (if grants are approved for 2026).

Wed., Jan. 21, 2026, 11:59 p.m.: Houstonfest registration spreadsheet due for regular price of $15/student (payment does not have to be mailed until 1/28).

Wed., Jan. 28, 2026, 11:59 p.m.: Houstonfest registration spreadsheet due for late price of $20/student. Deadline to postmark Houstonfest payment.

Sat., Jan. 31, 2026, 9:00 a.m.: Submission of entries in the 7 virtual Houstonfest events due (get link to Google Form from your teacher).

Tue., Feb. 3, 2026, 11:59 p.m.: Remote judging of the 7 virtual Houstonfest events ends.

Wed., Feb. 4, 2026, 10:00 p.m.: Houstonfest changes (adds, drops, substitutions) due. After this point, no more changes will be allowed.

Sat., Feb. 7, 2026:  Houstonfest, Kingwood High School, Houston.

Fri., Feb. 13, 2026, 11:59 p.m.: State online registration due for "early bird" price of $15/student (payment does not have to be mailed until 2/21).

Wed., Feb. 18, 2026, 11:59 p.m.: State online registration due for regular price of $20/student (payment does not have to be mailed until 2/21).

Sat., Feb. 21, 2026, 9:00 a.m.: Submission of entries in the 7 virtual State events due (get the link to a Google Form from your teacher). Also, Mary El-Beheri Memorial Scholarship and Sandra Dieckman GTHS Memorial Scholarship applications due (to submit the application, get the link to a Google Form from your teacher). Deadline to postmark your State payment.

Mon., Feb. 23, 2026, 8:00 p.m.: Entries in State promotional video contest due to State director.

Tue., Feb. 24, 2025, 11:59 p.m.: Remote judging of the 7 virtual State events ends.

Sat., Feb. 28, 2026: Texas State German Contest, Texas State University, San Marcos.

Sat., Mar. 7, 2026, 11:59 p.m.: Houstonfest Scholarship applications due.

xxx., Mar. xx, 2026: Gail Cope State Scholarship applications due.

between Sat., Mar. 1 and Thu., Apr. 30, 2026: submit Gail Cope Teacher Grant applications.

Arrival at Kingwood High School

Map

Arrival instructions for all participants, including judges:

If using GPS to navigate, do NOT put in the actual address of Kingwood High School as listed in the right margin of this page. That will take you to the wrong parking lot (the "front" entrance of the school, whereas we are using the "back door"). Rather, put in the (non-existent) address 2502 Valley Manor Drive, Kingwood, TX 77339. That will get you onto the correct street, and then simply take the first possible right turn from Valley Manor Drive, and you'll be in the correct parking lot.

Traditional directions: From U.S. Highway 59 (aka I-69), exit Kingwood Drive and turn east (right if you were going north on 59, left if you were going south on 59). Drive ~4.5 miles on Kingwood Drive. Turn left onto Valley Manor Drive. Be aware that the only sign at that intersection says "Lake Kingwood" because the road to the right IS Lake Kingwood Trail, but the road to the LEFT is Valley Manor Drive. Then take the first possible right into the school's faculty parking lot. Buses can drop off the students directly at the building entrance and then park further back in the lot, leaving the front part of the lot for cars.

If you somehow end up in a lot from which you can see a bunch of picnic tables, you're not in the right place. Turn around and go back to Kingwood Drive, turn right onto it, turn right again on Valley Manor Drive, and follow the instructions above.