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Weekly Teacher Download for November 15, 2021

2021 November 11
by HISD Communications

ALL TEACHERS

Grow Your Own DDIS webinar: Teachers and leaders will focus on how to access critical reports via OnTrack and develop an action plan for reteaching and interventions based on Snapshot #1 data. Teachers may take the training at their convenience prior to Dec. 17. See this flyer for more information. Register for OneSource #1460117.

District hiring student tutors

In response to the unique challenges presented by COVID-19, HISD is partnering with iEducate to hire up to 500 College Readiness mentors as in-person tutors. All HISD students and alumni ages 15 through college are invited to apply for this opportunity, which pays $12 per hour. The purpose of the program is to address gaps in learning widened by the pandemic at 50+ elementary schools in need, all while helping students in the field of education gain valuable hands-on teaching experience. Shifts are available during the school day, after school, and on Saturdays. The priority application deadline is Nov. 19. Students may apply online at http://Apply.iEducateUSA.org. For more information, see this flyer.

Social and Emotional Learning

The recent falling back of time allows us to experience the sunrise and sunset earlier. We experience less sunlight, which can have an impact on our circadian rhythm, the daily cycle that regulates when we go to sleep, wake up, eat, etc. Our health and mental health depend on the regulation of this process, so in the winter, we often hear the term “Seasonal Affective Disorder.” Practicing self-care, going for walks, and maintaining a regular schedule can mitigate some of the effects. To learn more about how to take care of yourself during this transition, see this article from Psychology Today: “The End of Daylight Saving Time and Depression.”

ELEMENTARY TEACHERS

Early Childhood

Building a Foundation for Young Readers Nov. 16 from 4:00-5:30 p.m.: PreK teachers, early childhood special education teachers, and teacher assistants will gain a clear understanding of phonological awareness and phonics skills to support a strong foundation for young readers. They will also receive a list of activities to teach these skills in the Pre-K classroom. Register for OneSource #1458026.

Houston Dynamo and Dash SSAH: Houston Dynamo FC Virtual Development Classes have resumed, and the last session will be Dec. 8. Classes take place 6:00-6:30 p.m. every Wednesday with the exception of Thanksgiving week. Sign up for the Zoom webinar here and see more information here.

PreK Backpacks: Student backpacks for Pre-K classrooms have been purchased with ESSER funds. The backpacks for 3- and 4-year-old students reinforce what is being taught in the classroom. The kits help support small group and workstations instruction. Campuses will receive 22 backpacks for each Pre-K classroom (Pre-K, ECSE/PALS, Pre-K & K split) Nov. 9-19. If extra backpacks are needed for a classroom with over 22 students, extra backpacks from the ECSE/PALS classroom should be used. Contact Richard Gomez at Rgomez@lakeshorelearning.com with questions.

Literacy Kits: Campuses will receive Literacy Kits Dec. 7-17 for distribution to Pre-K teachers (Pre-K, ECSE/PALS, Pre-K & K split). These materials will be referenced in the Early Childhood Guided Reading training sessions throughout the school year. They will be helpful in classrooms during workstations by providing each scholar with their own set of handheld instructional items as an added safety measure. Click here to see the list of materials inside the literacy kits. Contact Ana Valladares at Ana.Valladares@schoolspecialty.com for questions.

Elementary Math Sessions

Share your experiences via twitter and tag @HISD_ElemMath #MathMatters.

Math New Teacher Cohort (K-G5) Nov. 15: Participants will meet, collaborate, and grow in a professional learning community that supports growth and development relating to classroom management and organization, mathematics best practices, and content strategies. Participants will engage in activities designed to provide ongoing, engaging, and reflective learning to help build the capacity of brand-new math teachers (1st-3rd year). Register for One Source #1458065.

Guided Math: Student Conferences Nov. 30: Join us and walk away with resources, tools, and best practices for implementation of one-on-one student conferences focused on meeting students where they are and growing them through the Guided Math Framework. Register for OneSource #1460038.

Elementary Science Sessions

The Elementary Science team has the following November professional learning sessions. All sessions will be offered synchronously (facilitator-led) and virtually after school. Share your experiences via Twitter and tag @HISD_ElemSci.

Backwards Planning Using the DLA Blueprint (G5) on Nov. 18 from 3:30-5:30 p.m.: In this session, participants will use the District-Level Assessment blueprint for G5 science to plan lesson considerations, including do-nows and exit tickets. Register for OneSource #1456097.

Elementary Science Lead Teacher Collaborative Sessions: On Nov. 30 or Dec. 1 from 3:30–5:30 p.m., lead teachers will learn trends outlined to district and state data, collaborate on best practices for increasing science outcomes, and plan for delivering learning to build campus capacity. Sessions will be styled within a ToT model to be brought back to campus PLC or other science planning opportunities. Register for OneSource #1458054.

SECONDARY TEACHERS

Career and Technical Education (CTE)

Please view this week’s CTE bulletin, November 2021, Volume III. Visit the HISD Career Readiness page here for all CTE bulletins. Explore the November 2021 CTE Professional Learning opportunities. There are many on-demand courses, webinars, and training. There will be no Teacher Service Day during November and December. The next Teacher Service Day (no students) for Career and Technical Education is Monday, Feb. 21, 2022.

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. You may enter:

  • Photos
  • Videos
  • Event flyers
  • Business partnerships
  • Campus initiatives
  • Professional learning
  • Best practices and more!

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.

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