Apply to University of St. Thomas master’s program by May 15

Don’t forget: if you’re an aspiring school leader with at least two years of experience in the classroom, you might be a good candidate for the University of St. Thomas’ master’s degree program.

Don’t wait—the second cohort is now forming and the deadline to apply is Wednesday, May 15, 2013.

For complete details, please see this related posting.

Survey reveals most employees stayed in state for higher education

Last week, we asked our readers where they went to college, and more than half said they stayed in Texas to pursue higher education.

The top two schools listed were local institutions: the University of Houston and Texas Southern University (tied for first), but they were closely followed by the University of Texas at Austin (#2), Texas A&M University, and Prairie View A&M University (tied for third). A trio of schools also tied for fourth place: Rice University, Sam Houston State University, and the University of Houston at Clear Lake.

In all, more than 35 schools from 13 different states and territories were represented in the survey, including Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, West Virginia, and even Puerto Rico. The survey also revealed one purely online university: Western Governors.

Early enrollment period for SSLB ends May 31

HISD’s Supplemental Sick Leave Bank (SSLB) program offers participants up to 30 additional paid leave days in the event of a catastrophic illness or injury resulting in an extended absence from work.

Enrollment forms and plan details are available on the SSLB webpage and will be emailed to eligible employees during the week of May 6, 2013. Current participants are automatically re-enrolled.

Eligible employees may enroll or cancel plan membership at any time during the early enrollment period through May 31.

Please contact Employee Support Services at 713-293-9780 for assistance.

Apply to TSU’s ‘Back to Basics’ Summer Institute by May 21

Texas Southern University will be hosting an intensive ten-day “Back to Basics” Summer Institute on its campus June 19–July 2, 2013, and the school is looking for both students and teachers to take part.

Teachers are invited to apply to the institute. If selected, they will need to identify five gifted students who might benefit substantially from the experience to bring with them.

To apply, please complete this form (.pdf) and follow the instructions for submission. The deadline to submit an application is May 21, 2013.

Questions may be directed to Dr. Bernnell Peltier-Glaze, coordinator of the TSU Back to Basics Summer Institute, at glazebm@tsu.edu or 713-313-7496. The event is made possible with funding from Chevron.

Early Bird Alert: Discount offer to Aug. 31 Texas Kickoff Classic

The Houston Texans, HISD’s longtime community partner, is offering district employees a savings of about 15 percent off of the regular price of tickets for a new fall tradition.

The inaugural Texas Kickoff Classic is coming to Reliant Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2013, and district employees can get a family value pack of four tickets, four hot dogs, and four soft drinks for prices starting at $120.

Come launch the college football season by watching the Mississippi State Bulldogs take on Oklahoma State Cowboys for less.

To take advantage of this special offer, please contact Warren Caguioa at 832-667-2319 or warren.caguioa@houstontexans.com. A downloadable flyer (.pdf) is available for reference.

All processing charges, taxes, and fees will be waived.