Weekly Teacher Download for June 6, 2022

ALL TEACHERS

Academics

Teachers, as the school year comes to an end, it is time to start thinking about how to expand your instructional capacity over the summer. The district has been re-envisioning what professional learning looks like for teachers, and they have coordinated it into structured, districtwide opportunities. We recognize that a teacher’s commitment to learning over the summer should be compensated, so you will earn a $100 stipend for each full day you attend. See this story for more information, and email newteachersupport@houstonisd.org any questions.

Social and Emotional Learning

Thank you, teachers, and have a safe summer break. Please add a self-care regimen to your summer activities. Also, the national Sandy Hook “Say Something” anonymous reporting system will continue to provide 24-hour services for HISD teachers and students throughout the summer. Please refer to this flyer and share with your students how to report tips anonymously. Visit the Sandy Hook-SEL Google Site to learn more.   

Academic Instructional Technology

Introduction to Canvas Learning Series: The AIT team is facilitating the Introduction to Canvas Learning Series, multiple one-hour live virtual workshops that include modeling and guided practice of foundational skills to help you start strong with Canvas. Sessions will be held daily throughout June and July starting June 13. Begin with Canvas 101: Getting Around by registering via OneSource for course #1470019, and visit the Canvas info website for details and updates.

Growing with Canvas is another training option for teachers and leaders interested in getting a jump start learning the Canvas Learning Management System. It is a series of self-paced modules that leads participants through foundational and advanced skills in Canvas. Once the coursework is complete, participants will receive six hours of OneSource credit, as well as badges we received through Canvas. Register for OneSource #1471008.

HUB Phase Out Support: HUB access will end in July 2022. The AIT team has created a series of videos and how-to guides as HUB phase out resources, and Educational Technology Specialists will also be hosting weekly open labs each Thursday from 3:30-5:00 p.m. to assist with saving content before access to the HUB ends in July. Register for any of the HUB Phase Out open labs in OneSource using course #1468031.

Summer Tech Apps Lunch & Learn sessions June-July: Participants will explore tech tools that will make learning more engaging and accessible for all students. Register by clicking here and searching in OneSource for #1474064.

Summer Reading Programs with HISD Literacy Partners: HISD Library Services, in partnership with Houston Public Library and myON, is encouraging all students to participate in a summer reading program to prevent summer learning loss. The district’s literacy partners are offering two summer reading opportunities. For more information, click here.

• “Oceans of Possibilities” – Houston Public Library  
• myON Summer Reading Challenge – myON Digital Library

ELEMENTARY TEACHERS

Early Childhood

Rice University SLC Summer Institute on Reading, Writing, and Cultural Connections July 26-29 from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Rice’s Anderson-Clarke Center. There will be four days of training on research-based strategies for supporting dual language learners and English speakers. Develop effective strategies to bridge the gap between a student’s home and school cultures. Participants will also receive hundreds of research-based, standards-aligned, practical ideas to create a literacy-rich early childhood classroom environment. You must attend all four days of the training to receive credit, and lunch will be provided. This opportunity is only open to the first 50 PK teachers who register on OneSource for course #1474077. If you have any questions about this training, email Sharon.Lowery@houstonisd.org.

Elementary Science

Grade K-5 Science Cumulative Learning Projects: Participants will learn how to access, navigate, and put into practice any K-5 Science cumulative learning projects during summer enrichment programs and/or end of cycle implementation. Register in OneSource #1474060.

Let’s get INTO Science on June 29 from 10-11 a.m.: Learn how to make the most of the new science resources you have access to with “Into Science” (included with HISD’s Science Fusion adoption purchase): New science leveled readers, tech-enhanced items, and You Solve! (virtual simulations). Click here to register.

19th Annual Summer Institute for K-12 Educators July 18-22: Join us for this annual, award-winning institute where Texas teachers are introduced to innovative, educational modules. The SI workshops feature integrated [STEM, health, LA, social studies, and GT] modules and hands-on activities. For workshop descriptions, schedules, FAQs, and online registration visit www.k12summerinstitute.org. Registration is free.

Virtual Learning Opportunities for Students and Families: The Houston Museum of Natural Science and HISD Elementary Science Curriculum & Instruction present a series of videos and activities aligned to tough-to-teach standards in grades K-5. Click here to access these resources. Click here for the Science at HomeSymbaloo web mix.

SECONDARY TEACHERS

Fine Arts Summer Programs: Apply by June 8

The summer Fine Arts Intensives provide opportunities for students to be involved in age-appropriate art experiences in dance, music, theater, and visual arts. They take place from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. June 13 through July 7. Fine arts curriculum-based learning is combined with engaging instruction to encourage young performers and artists to enhance their cultural sensitivity and awareness. The intensives are led by HISD-certified teachers at 12 campuses and provided at no cost to students. All levels are welcome, but the middle and high school dance intensives are designed for intermediate and advanced dance students. For more information and to apply, see the Fine Arts website.

Career and Technical Education: See this week’s CTE bulletin, June 2022, Volume I. Visit the HISD Career Readiness page here for all CTE bulletins.

Spotlight on CTE: To bring awareness to the district’s CTE programs of study and post-graduation opportunities, campus personnel are invited to showcase campus events, student work, and more. Please submit using the CTE Spotlight Form. Submissions will be highlighted on the Career Readiness website and social media platforms (Instagram, Twitter, YouTube). Contact your campus’s designated senior CTE program specialist with any questions.