Survey reveals summer schedule’s unexpected side benefit

Most of the readers who took last week’s Friday eNews survey said that they liked the 4-10 summer schedule because it saved them money and gave them more time to spend with their families. But can you guess what one respondent reported as an unexpected side benefit of the compressed work week (hint: it has to do with students)?

See this related article for the answer.

HISD announces three new additions to leadership team

 HISD recently welcomed three new additions to its leadership team: Senior Manager of Multimedia Services Dave Einsel, Chief Special Projects Officer Andrew Houlihan, and Assistant Superintendent for High School Completion Jaime Castañeda.

For details and brief biographies of all three, please see this related article.

Health and Wellness Centers to remain open over Spring Break

Both HISD Health and Wellness Centers will be open during normal business hours over Spring Break, which is March 11–15, 2013.

• HMWESC location hours—M & F: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tues-Thurs: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Attucks MS location hours— M & F: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tues & W: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thurs: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Both clinics are closed from 1 to 2 p.m. daily for lunch.

University of St. Thomas offering new master’s degree in  Special Education leadership

Do you want to earn a master’s degree in special education leadership and pursue principal certification? 

If so, then you should consider a new degree program being offered by the University of St. Thomas in collaboration with HISD. Classes will start in the fall of 2013, and prime candidates include special education teachers, general education and ancillary teachers, diagnosticians, and speech therapists. Individuals who are already in leadership positions, such as department chairs, and program specialists are also encouraged to apply.

For details, please see this related flyer (.pdf).

Learn more about online degree programs and federal grant opportunities March 6

HISD, in collaboration with Academic Partnerships, is pleased to announce an affiliation with premier state universities that offer convenient and affordable fully online bachelor degrees, master’s degrees, and certifications from nationally ranked and recognized universities.

An informational session is planned for March 6, 2013, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center (4400 W. 18th St., 77092). 

Click here for details or to RSVP.

Nominate exceptional teachers for national award by April 1

Winners of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching will receive a citation signed by the President of the United States, a trip for two to Washington, D.C., and a $10,000 prize.

Only ES math and science teachers (K–Grade 6) are eligible this year. For complete details, please visit http://www.paemst.org.

Public Montessori Educators of Texas conference  March 1 & 2

Friends of Montessori will sponsor the Public Montessori Educators of Texas (PMET) conference Friday and Saturday, March 1—2, 2013. Keynote speakers and featured guests will be Alfie Kohn, renowned lecturer and author, and Dennis Schapiro, publisher and editor of the Public School Montessorian newspaper. Both will examine traditional and alternative education teaching methods in their programs. Details can be found here: http://alturl.com/r3tqx.

Parents for Public Schools Seeking Guiding Star Nominations by April 12

Do you know someone whose work on behalf of public schools has largely gone unrecognized?

If so, then consider nominating him or her for a 2013 “Guiding Star” award!

For the third consecutive year, Parents for Public Schools-Houston will be honoring parents, community/business partners, volunteers, and school/district staff who go above and beyond the call of duty in their service to Houston’s schoolchildren. For details, please click here. 

Deadline for HMNS Excellence in Science award nominations: April 26

Do you know a high-school junior or teacher who demonstrates outstanding performance in the area of science or math?

If so, consider nominating him or her for one of the Houston Museum of Natural Science’s Excellence in Science awards. Winners will receive a $2,000 cash prize.

The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, April 26. For complete details, please visit the HMNS website.

Mobile Mammogram Facility Returning to HISD March 18

The Rose, a non-profit organization dedicated to the reduction of breast-cancer-related deaths, will be offering on-site screening mammograms at three different locations starting March 18 to women who meet certain criteria.

For complete details, please see this related article.