National Wildlife Federation Hosting Eco-Schools Workshop for Teachers Dec. 14
The National Wildlife Federation is hosting a workshop on Saturday, Dec. 14, for middle school science teachers to provide them with tools to launch a student-based energy efficiency program to make their school more sustainable and to get students more engaged in STEM.
The ECO-Schools USA Workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Marcile Hollingsworth Science Center (13250 Summit Ridge Dr., 77085). The event is part of an ongoing partnership between HISD and the NWF to help shape HISD into an eco-friendly district.
For complete details, please see this related article.
Be sure to check your benefits confirmation for accuracy
If you’ve enrolled in district benefits for 2014, you should receive your confirmation statement by mail next week. Please review it carefully. If you see any errors, call Benefits Outlook at 877-780-HISD (4473) immediately to make sure you have the benefits you want and need for 2014.
Remember: you will not be able to change benefits in 2014 unless you experience a qualifying life event. For a full list of qualifying events, visit hisdbenefits.org.
Team HISD raises $5,100 to fight diabetes
A team of employees from HISD collected more than $5,100 in donations for the fight against diabetes as a part of the American Diabetes Association’s annual fundraiser, which culminated in a community walk on Saturday, Nov. 23.
Fifty-three participants led by a talented team of dietitians and nutritionists from HISD’s Food Services department braved the early morning rainstorm to help “stamp out” diabetes.
ARAMARK Education has been a major sponsor of the ADA Walk in Houston for more than ten years. However, this was the first year that HISD Food Services/ARAMARK Education worked
Team HISD is still collecting donations. To donate, please visit the team’s website.
Free wind energy workshop for teachers Dec. 7
STEM teachers who are interested in taking teams of students to an exciting exploration of alternative energy can learn more about the KidWind Energy Challenge at a free workshop on Dec. 7.
The workshop will take place from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Attucks MS (4330 Bellfort, 77051), and enrollment is limited to the first 20 teachers who apply.
For details, please see this related article.
Deadline for H-E-B award nominations Dec. 8
Each year, H-E-B recognizes teachers, principals, schools, and districts for their efforts to teach the nation’s children through its Excellence in Education awards.
If you would like a person or organization to be considered in any of these categories, please visit this page for details on the award categories available, and this page to nominate someone.
All public school districts and state-certified, full-time public school teachers and principals currently within the H-E-B service area are eligible for nomination.
Nominations are due by midnight on Dec. 8, 2013.
Learn how to bridge the generational gap at Dec. 10 workshop
The Onboarding and Organizational Development Department is offering a new professional development session to help employees understand the values that motivate and inspire each of the different generational groups so that they can better serve their customers, both internal and external.
“If Only They Were More Like Us” will take place from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center (4400 W. 18th St., 77092).
For complete details, see this related article.
Drop off Toys for Tots at HMWESC by Dec. 13
This is the season of goodwill, giving, and helping those who are less fortunate than us, especially children and their families in need. To assist the U.S. Marines Corps spread holiday cheer by providing toys to impoverished children, HISD employees and schools are invited to participate in the Toys for Tots program, the Marine Corps’ premier community action program.
New, unwrapped toys should be dropped off at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center (4400 W. 18th Street, 77092) by Friday, Dec. 13, 2013. Please bring the toys to the Strategic Partnerships Department, Level 1, SE.
Marines, with the aid of local social welfare agencies and churches, will distribute the toys to children from economically challenged families on Christmas Day. The ultimate success of the Toys for Tots program depends on the support of Houston citizens. Last year, HISD received the Commander’s Award for Outstanding Toys for Tots participation. HISD employees are encouraged to participate and make this the most successful year.
Museum district hosting educators’ open house Jan. 25
Five Houston-area museums will be conducting an Open House for Educators on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2014, and all interested HISD teachers and administrators are invited to attend. Attendees can learn more about educational resources, tools, and programs available, as well as training opportunities, field trips, and more.
Teachers who present proof of attendance for at least three presentations are eligible to receive Continuing Education credits. Details are available at the Houston Museum District’s website.
Fund for Teachers grant application deadline Jan. 30
Summer may still be months away, but teachers who are interested in broadening their horizons through professional or personal development opportunities should consider applying for a Fund for Teachers grant.
The Fund for Teachers was established in 1998 by Raymond Plank, chairman of the Apache Corporation. Each year, it awards grants of up to $5,000 to individual educators and $7,500 to teams of educators for summer training and enrichment activities.
The grants are as varied as the people who apply for them, and proposals range from “language immersion” projects to geological expeditions and the exploration of historic places or famous travel routes. They are intended to rejuvenate teachers’ passions for learning and teaching so that when they return to the classroom in the fall, they do so with newly gained knowledge and enthusiasm to share. Last year, a teacher from Lovett ES traveled to Iceland to study volcanoes, and in 2012, HISD grant-winners went to Spain, Italy, and Alaska.
Applicants can submit proposals either individually or as a team, but all applicants must have a minimum of three years teaching experience and be full-time teachers, spending at least 50 percent of their time in the classroom, at the time that grants are approved and made.
All applications must be postmarked no later than Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014. For more information, please visit the Fund for Teachers website.
