Weekly Teacher Download for December 10

ALL TEACHERS

12 Days of Code: In celebration of Computer Science Education Week, join Advanced Academics for 12 Days of Code starting December 3 to December 18. Teachers can find coding activities for every grade level here:  elementary,  middle, and high school.  After students complete an hour of code from either of the activity boards, they can download a certificate of completion. Share your photos with us on social media using #HISDecoded.

Nominate a Science Teacher: In an effort to support the district’s goal to increase student achievement, the Elementary Curriculum & Development department has partnered with Alliantgroup to recognize the district’s most outstanding elementary science teachers. Five kindergarten through fifth-grade teachers will be selected to win a $1,250 cash prize each, as well as $500 for classroom material and supplies. An overall winner, will receive a $3,500 cash prize coupled with $500 for classroom materials and supplies. To nominate yourself or a teacher, click here.

Winter Reading for Students: HISD is encouraging students to join the Houston Public Library’s winter reading program for kids and teens. From December 15 through January 15, students are encouraged to read or be read to 20 minutes a day for 10 days. Students can read anything they like—books, comics, newspapers, magazine articles, blogs, web pages, and listen to an audiobook or have someone read to aloud. The Houston Public Library’s Readers’ Advisory staff can also create a personalized reading list. Registration and program attendance badges will be available for pickup beginning Sat., Dec. 15. For more information on the program, click here.

Toys for Tots: All HISD employees and schools are invited to participate in Toys for Tots, the Marine Corps’ premier community action program.  New and unwrapped toys should be dropped off at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center by Tuesday, Dec. 18. We encourage schools and departments to select a coordinator, who can track collection efforts and complete the collection report form. Coordinators should bring this form and all collected toys to the Strategic Partnerships Department, located at Level 1 SE at Hattie Mae White, by Tuesday, Dec. 18.

Shell Science Teacher Awards: ​Shell and the National Science Teacher Association (NSTA) are partnering to offer science-related opportunities to schools and science teachers. Please have your science teachers nominate and/or apply, where applicable: The Shell Science Teaching Award recognizes one outstanding classroom science teacher (K–12) who has had a positive impact through exemplary classroom science teaching. The winner will receive $10,000 and an all-expense paid trip to the NSTA National Conference in April. Shell Urban Science Educators Development Award provides support to seven educators (K-12) in pursuit of professional development and serves to increase the talent pool of minority science educators. Winners will receive $1800 to attend the annual NSTA National Conference. Deadline to apply for both awards is Monday, December 17.

Shell Science Lab Makeover: Science teachers can also apply for the following lab makeovers: The Shell Science Lab Challenge Competition recognizes outstanding middle and high school programs for their exemplary approaches to science lab instruction utilizing limited school and laboratory resources. Recognition includes a lab makeover support package valued at $20,000. The Shell Lab Regional Challenge recognizes exceptional and innovative science educators and outstanding K–12 school programs for their exemplary approaches to science lab instruction utilizing limited resources. Recognition includes a lab makeover support package valued at $10,000 for elementary and middle schools, and $15,000 for high schools. Deadline to apply is February 4, 2019 by noon EST.

ELEMENTARY

Social Studies and Literacy Summit: The Elementary Curriculum & Development Department invites all pre-k through fifth-grade teachers in content areas of reading/writing and social studies to the Social Studies and Literacy Summit on Saturday, Jan. 12 at the Houston Education Learning Center (10725 Mesa Dr., 77078) from 8 a.m.- 1 p.m. Professional development offerings will include social studies, dual language, ESL and literacy sessions presented by teachers and curriculum and teacher development specialists. Register in OneSource, course #1378001. For more information, click here.

SECONDARY

DREAM Summit: HISD is welcoming all Dreamers, DACA recipients, visa holders, permanent residents, refugees and asylum grantees and their parents to attend this year’s DREAM Summit on Saturday, Dec. 15 at Hattie Mae White (4400 West 18^th St., 77092) from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Those attending will learn how to successfully complete their college applications, apply for financial aid, and how to make the most of their college experience. The event is free and transportation is available from some high schools. For more information on the event, click here.