Weekly Teacher Download for April 16

ALL TEACHERS

Teacher Appraisal System: All teachers and administrators are invited to attend a session to learn more about T-TESS, the state’s new appraisal system for teachers. You will learn how the new system compares with HISD’s locally developed system, TADS, and have an opportunity to ask questions and give feedback regarding the district’s model for teacher appraisals in the future. Attend the next session on Wednesday, April 18, at Key Middle School (4000 Kelley, Houston 77026) from 5-6:30 p.m. Click here for more information, including additional dates and information.

Bilingual Cohort:  Do you know someone who wants to be a teacher at HISD? HISD has partnered with the University of St. Thomas and Houston Community College (HCC) to bring a bilingual cohort for current district paraprofessionals who are aspiring teachers and want to earn a bachelor’s degree. The cohort was created to help prepare new elementary bilingual education and ESL teachers for the classroom through a seamless collaborative process. For more details about the program and participant requirements, click here.

Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Grant: In partnership with PLTW, Chevron Houston has committed funds to support grants for PLTW programs throughout the Houston area. These grant opportunities are part of Chevron’s continuing commitment to quality    educational experiences for students across America. For more information on PLTW, click here. If interested, submit your application to HISD by April 20. An HISD Intent to Apply form must be completed and sent to the Grant Department in order to apply for any grant. Please contact the HISD Grants Department at 713-556-6785 for assistance or for more information.

 Spring Visual Arts Showcase: The HISD Fine Arts Department invites all campuses to display their students’ artwork at the annual HISD 2018 Spring Visual Arts Showcase on May 17 at Hattie Mae White from 6-7:30 p.m. After successful events the past two years, the Fine Arts Department continues to support the visual arts experiences of young artists throughout the district. Campuses can showcase art created during the school year, including art cars and or award-winning works of art. For more information, click here.

ELEMENTARY

Children will be Children Workshop: The HISD Social and Emotional Learning Department invites you to join Dr. Rosemarie Allen for an interactive workshop on April 20 at Region 4 ESC (7200 Northwest 100 Dr., Houston 77092). Participants will learn about the developmental stages, behavioral expectations, and strategies to reduce challenging behaviors in early childhood. Implicit bias and its impact on behavioral expectations and decision-making will be discussed. This session was created in response to HB 674, which bans out-of-school suspension for students enrolled in grade PK – 2. Register for session #1362637 here and use promo code HISD1718 to cover the fee.

SECONDARY

2018 Scope and Sequence Reviews: The Secondary Curriculum and Development office requests feedback from all secondary mathematics teachers regarding mathematics Scope and Sequence documents. Starting on April 17 (middle school) and April 19 (high school), the department will host Scope and Sequence review sessions that will allow feedback in person or virtually. Middle school teachers can find details on face-to-face sessions in OneSource, course #518008. High school teachers can find details on face-to-face sessions in OneSource, course #518004. Teachers may also provide feedback digitally. Click here for more information.

PowerUp Feedback Forums:  In an effort to continue the way HISD is transforming teaching and learning in the classroom through technology, the district has partnered with the Houston Federation of Teachers (HFT) to gather feedback, raise questions or concerns, and suggest changes to HISD’s PowerUp program. Join them beginning April 16 to share your thoughts, address challenges, and collaborate on ways HISD can improve the program. For dates and locations, click here.

Student of the Month: Telemundo Houston is proud to join Wingstop to recognize outstanding students in HISD. If you know an outstanding student in the Houston area—someone who goes above and beyond what is necessary—please nominate him or her for Student of the Month. The winner receives a $1,000 scholarship. One winner will be selected each month for April and May. For details and to submit your nomination, click here.