Weekly Teacher Download for October 14

National Bullying Prevention Week: HISD will recognize Bully Prevention Week from October 14-18, in conjunction with the Sandy Hook Promise “Start with Hello” campaign, to raise awareness and bring attention to a growing epidemic of social isolation. Throughout October, HISD is rallying behind National Bullying Prevention Month and encouraging participation in a campaign to keep all youth safe from bullying. This is a great time for our schools, staff and students to raise awareness about bullying and the role we all play in making a difference. For more information, click here.

ALL TEACHERS

SPED Cohort App Extension: The Office of Special Education Services (OSES) is currently seeking Special Education (SPED) teachers and other instructional professionals with Special Education certification to apply for Aspiring Program Specialist and Aspiring Department Chair Cohorts, also known as A.S.C.E.L. The deadline to apply for either cohort has extended until October 14. The purpose of the aspiring cohorts is to develop a pool of potential SPED leaders to provide timely and relevant instructional support and services to campus leaders, special education teachers, staff and other stakeholders who serve students with disabilities. To apply, click here.

Innovation Fund Extension: The HISD Foundation is now accepting applications for its Innovation Fund program until October 18, which provides funds for teachers and schools to develop innovative projects that lead to increased student success. In addition, individual schools can apply for a $10,000 – $20,000 grant to innovate learning in their classrooms, and two or more schools in the same feeder pattern can apply for a School Feeder Grant of $10,000 -$20,000. To apply for the grant, teachers and schools can click here. Teacher and school applications will be awarded based on their alignment to district initiatives and impact on student success. For more information about the fund program, click here.

PK-12 Writing Summit: The Elementary and Secondary Curriculum and Development Department is excited to host its first-ever HISD PK-12 Writing Summit on Saturday, October 19 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at Black Middle School (1575 Chantilly Ln., 77018). If you are interested, register in OneSource, course #1439114. For the summit’s agenda, click here. For more information on the event, click here.

National School Lunch Week: Nutrition Services is sponsoring a student jingle contest in honor of National School Lunch Week, which is being held October 14-18. As part of the celebration, Nutrition Services is encouraging students to create a jingle or rap about the importance of healthy foods.Entries must be tweeted @HISDNutri or emailed to hisdnutritionservices@houstonisd.org by 5 p.m. on October 25.For more information and contest details, click here.

October is Principals Month: Join HISD in celebrating Principals Month with downloadable templates for special messages. Principals play a vital role in the success of our students. As campus leaders, principals are responsible for fostering a positive climate and culture at our schools. During the month of October, HISD is encouraging students, parents, staff, and community members to honor and thank district principals during the month of October by printing out one of our custom cutouts, which are downloadable here.

College and Career Readiness: The Office of Strategy & Innovation is excited to announce HISD’s second annual College & Career Readiness Month in October. CCR Month is a fun and creative way to engage students and introduce them to a variety of college and career options. This year’s theme is “Take Control: Explore. Design. Launch Your Future!” All HISD elementary, middle, and high school campuses will have a chance to compete for prizes (scholarships, college swag, college tours) by completing weekly challenges. Campuses must complete at least one college and career activity each week, posting pictures and videos on Twitter. Contest details can be found on the College Readiness website. Click here for more details.

It’s Back! Chevron Fuel Your School: Chevron’s Fuel Your School program is returning to Harris County this October. HISD teachers can submit their requests now until October 31 at DonorsChoose.org.Eligible project submitters include teachers, librarians, guidance counselors and school nurses that meet DonorsChoose.org eligibility. Approved classroom projects are eligible for Chevron funding if material costs are One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) or less per project (excluding taxes, vendor or order fulfillment fees.)  Field trips and professional development projects are not eligible for funding through this program. Chevron encourages classroom project requests that support STEM education.  For more information, click here.

ELEMENTARY

Pre-K3 Staff Development: Are you struggling with a 3-year-old classroom this year? There will be a special training on Early Dismissal/Staff Development Day on October 18 at Mistral Center for Early Childhood (6203 Jessamine, 77081). Those interested will receive the tools and strategies to meet the needs of your students. To attend, register in OneSource, course # 1439251.

Lead4ward Elementary PD: HISD and Lead4Ward are collaborating to host district-wide professional development opportunities for third- thru fifth-grade math teachers. Sessions will be scheduled throughout the 2019-2020 school year, with the next one being held on Thursday, October 31 from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at HISD Education Learning Center (10725 Mesa Dr., 77078). Teachers will attend sessions specifically designated for math campus champion, departmentalized, and self-contained math teachers. Instructional coordinators, math content area leads, and math administrators are also encouraged to attend. To attend this session, register in OneSource, course # 1439049.

SECONDARY

Upcoming CTE Trainings: The CTE department is hosting three professional development opportunities for the month of October. New CTE teachers are invited to attend a workshop on classroom management. Participants will learn best practices for developing systems and routines in the classroom. Register today in OneSource, course #1439229.  Attention CTE teachers who offer SolidWorks certifications.  You are invited to attend a Solid Works workshop where participants will learn the basic of Solid Works including parts and assemblies, as well as the built-in-tutorials and help features to facilitate working with students in a classroom environment. Focus will be on drawing and 3D printing. Register in One Source, course #1439233 (Solid Works Part 1) and course #1439234 (Solid Works Part 2).