Weekly Teacher Download for December 11
ALL TEACHERS
Grant Submissions due Dec 27: There is still plenty of time to submit an application for the HISD Foundation’s new Innovation Grant. Using the generous donations from local community members and business partners, the Foundation launched the program to provide funds for teachers and schools to purchase equipment, supplies, and other items to innovate teaching and learning in the classroom. The grants all open to all teachers in grades Pre-K through 12 and individual teachers can receive up to $7,000. It’s not too late! Apply now, here.
Attendance Tip of the Week: Research shows that positive relationships motivate students to attend school every day. Whether its welcoming students at the door of your classroom or making sure you inform the student on what they missed while they were absent, these types of reinforcements can help improve attendance. To find out more ways to help make a student feel more connected in your classroom, click here.
December Teacher of the Month: Through a sponsorship with Sterling McCall VIP Services, HISD is surprising one teacher every month with a luxury loaner vehicle they can drive for 30 days, a $150 gift card, an award, and lots of other swag courtesy of VIP Services. Read more about December’s Teacher of the Month, Jill Hobbs of Milby High.
2018-2019 Academic Calendar: The board-approved Academic Calendar for the 2018-2019 school year is available online at http://www.houstonisd.org/calendar. The calendar features:
- 174 days of instruction and 187 teacher contract days
- Nine pre-service days for teachers: August 13–23, 2018
- Three preparation days for teachers: August 24 and December 21, 2018, and June 3, 2019
- Five early-dismissal days to be used for professional development: September 21, October 19, and November 9, 2018, and January 18 and February 15, 2019
Coming Soon—New System for Grades and Attendance: HISD is launching a new Student Information System (SIS) in 2018 called HISD Connect that will replace Chancery. The new system will allow teachers to take attendance, enter grades, and have instant access to student data all in one place. Nearly 400 registrars, clerks, deans, and counselors from campuses across the district are assisting the district with the transition to the new SIS, and every Friday through the rest of the school year, they will be wearing HISD Connect T-shirts. All teachers are encouraged to talk with their campus change agent to learn more about HISD Connect. Read more about HISD Connect, here.
Nominate a math teacher: Do you know a math teacher on your campus that’s hitting it out of the park in the classroom? The Houston Astros and ConocoPhillips have teamed up once again for the Math Teacher of the Month program for the 2018 baseball season. Teachers and school administrators, along with students and parents can nominate the teacher of their choice now through Dec. 15, here.
ELEMENTARY
2018 Math & Science Summit: Interested in stepping up your math and science instruction? Join the Elementary Curriculum and Development Office for the 2018 Math & Science Summit on January 20, 2018 at Kingdom Builders Center. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with colleagues, expand their learning, and deepen their understanding of effective instruction. Those interested can register in One Source using course #835001. Learn more about the event, here.
SECONDARY
Strategic Reading and Writing Monthly Meeting: Join the Secondary Curriculum and Development Literacy Team at the next Strategic Reading and Writing monthly meeting Jan. 11 at Lanier Middle School from 4 – 5:30 p.m. Teachers will learn how to focus on the implementation of literacy practices in reading, writing, and small-group instruction for students in need of intervention. Register now in OneSource using course #171003. For more information, click here.
