Weekly Teacher Download for May 1
ALL TEACHERS
Career Opportunities at Achieve180 Schools: Current HISD teachers who have be rated as effective or highly effective are invited to attend an informational session on Wednesday, May 3 at 5 p.m. in the Hattie Mae White Board Auditorium to learn about career opportunities and hiring incentives at Achieve180 schools. HISD is launching Achieve180 at 32 campuses for the 2017-18 school year. The research-based action plan is designed to support, strengthen, and empower underserved and underperforming HISD feeder pattern communities to increase student achievement. Best practices from successful school turnaround initiatives, including effective teachers, strong principal leadership, and an environment of high expectations for both students and staff, are incorporated into the plan. Click here for more information about Achieve180.
Vote on Important Issue to HISD: On May 6, HISD voters will choose how the district should pay its Recapture obligation. Proposition 1 asks voters to choose between two options — purchase attendance credits from the state or have commercial property detached. A vote for purchasing attendance credits means that HISD will write a check to the state comprised of local property taxes and continue to make annual recapture payments for the foreseeable future. A vote against purchasing attendance credits means detachment of the most valuable non-residential, commercial properties from the district’s tax roll. Early voting ends May 2, and Election Day is May 6. Click here to find your polling location.
Who is Your Fan Favorite? The districtwide elementary and secondary Teachers of the Year will be announced May 19, but back by popular demand this year is the “Fan Favorite Teacher” award. All campus-based Teachers of the Year are eligible for this honor, which will be determined by who has the largest number of fans. Anyone can vote—including colleagues! Click here to cast your vote for a colleague.
HIGH SCHOOL
Register for NMSI Summer Institute: Registration is now open for select courses for the National Math and Science Institute’s (NMSI’s) Advanced Placement Summer Institute (APSI) held at Westside High School from August 7-10. Classes will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Endorsed NMSI trainers will provide in-depth training using NMSI materials, the latest classroom technologies, laboratory experiments, and online resources. Created by master classroom teachers, the NMSI materials and resources can be used immediately in the classroom to add rigor to the existing curriculum and help teachers prepare their students for college and career readiness in the 21st century. Teachers participating in NMSI Training will receive access to the diagnostic materials and resources available on the NMSI website for one calendar year, consumable participant materials, and support from NMSI trainers and staff members. For more information, contact Jennifer Datray in Advanced Academics at 713-556-6823 or JDatray@houstonisd.org,
DEALS OF THE WEEK:
Free Chick-fil-A sandwich May 2
Buy one, get one free at Chipotle May 2
READ OF THE WEEK:
The Big List of Educational Grants and Resources
