Weekly Teacher Download for the week of Feb. 20, 2017

ALL TEACHERS

• Gear up for ‘Go Texan Day’ on March 3: ​Teachers, staff, and students are encouraged to show support for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo by dressing in Western-themed outfits on “Go Texan Day,” on Friday, March 3. The day is designed to recognize the HLSR’s significant contributions to HISD and public education, as well as kick off this year’s rodeo. The HLSR, which is celebrating its 85th anniversary, is a valuable educational partner, and awarded $1,656,000 in scholarship money to 92 HISD graduates in 2016.
• Learn how to filter out spam messages: Tired of having your email box bombarded with unsolicited advertising and mail? No one likes spam or junk email. HISD’s Information Technology team is constantly working to scan and remove emails that could contain viruses or phishing emails that could be after your private information. Click here for an explanation of your new “Junk” e-mail folder and how to spot malicious or phishing scams. 
• Apply now for a STEM Service Learning Grant: Do you have students with an innovative idea to improve the Houston community through STEM? If so, applications are being accepted for grants around STEM service projects. This grant, sponsored by Verizon, is available for U.S. students and/or student groups between the ages of 5 and 18 who are planning a STEM-related service project that will take place between March 27 and May 12. The deadline for applications is Monday, Feb. 27, 2017. For the application and more details about the grant, click here.

NEW TEACHERS

• Upcoming workshop helps new teachers with variety of topics: Registration is open for the New Teacher Workshop: Triumphant Teaching. There are three specialized tracks offered  (TADS Talk & Instructional Targets, Classroom Management & Student Engagement, and Effective Planning & Data Driven Instruction), each aligned to the instructional practice rubric for PL-2, PL-3, I-7, I-9 & I-10. Additional Information: Please bring your laptop and power cord. The workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 22 from 4-7 p.m. at Ryan Professional Development Center.Register in OneSource using Item #319003, Session #296003 before Feb. 21, but walk-ins are acceptable. If you have additional questions, email newteachersupport@houstonisd.org. These training sessions are optional for teachers, but are an excellent opportunity to develop skills, techniques, and strategies in a small, collaborative environment.

ELEMENTARY TEACHERS

• Explore bi-literacy development using integration, workstations, and cultural texts: Level 2 K-2 Dual Language Teachers and Administrators are encouraged to attend this session that will help increase student achievement with a unique approach to work stations. Participants will explore biliteracy development integrating all linguistic domains (listening, speaking, reading and writing) utilizing dual language units of study expanding lesson planning and the development of workstations across content areas incorporating cultural texts. The workshop is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. March 8 at Robinson Elementary. Register in OneSource using Course Number 98004.

SECONDARY TEACHERS

• Spring 2017 graduation schedule is now available: The Spring 2017 graduation schedule is now finalized. Ceremonies will be held beginning May 25 at locations across the Houston area. Click here to see a list of the times, dates, and venues for each high school graduation ceremony.
• Get your social studies students to write: This interactive workshop, presented by the DBQ Project, will provide a solid understanding of the DBQ process and various ways to use their materials. We will introduce teachers to close reading strategies and writing supports they can use to promote evidence-based writing with ALL students using historical documents. The workshop is scheduled from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Ryan Professional Development Center. A $100 stipend is available. Register in One Source using Course Number 251003.
• Earn a $1,600 stipend by taking computer science training: Teachers in grade 6-9 are encouraged to apply for the 2017-18 Code.org CS Discoveries Professional Learning Program. Teachers who are accepted to teach CS Discoveries to students in grades 6-9 in fall 2017-18 are eligible for selection into the RUSMP We_Teach_CS Collaborative, a collaboration between The Rice University School Mathematics Project (RUSMP), We_Teach_CS at UT Austin and Code.org. To learn more about this professional development opportunity, including its requirements, click here. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, Feb. 28.

READ OF THE WEEK

• Using improv to help kids with autism show, read emotion

TEACHER DEAL OF THE WEEK

• General Motors: Educator Discount Program