Weekly Teacher Download for November 6

ALL TEACHERS

Innovation Grant Program: Thanks to the generous donations from local community members and business partnerships, HISD Foundation is launching an Innovation Grant program to provide funds for teachers and schools to purchase equipment, supplies, and other items to enhance teaching and learning in the classroom. The foundation will award $150,000 in Innovation Grants for the 2017-2018 school year and welcomes all teachers in grades Pre-K through 12 to apply. Stay tuned for additional information on how to apply.

Teacher Recognition Program: Through a sponsorship with Group 1 Automotive VIP Services, HISD is launching a new Teacher of the Month recognition program to honor our hard-working teachers. Beginning now and every month going forward, an exemplary teacher will receive a surprise visit from Superintendent Carranza, a gift basket full of goodies, including a $200 gift card, and a luxury loaner vehicle to drive for 30 days. The first teacher will be awarded this week and will have the opportunity to drive a BMW.

Awards for Aspirations in Computing: Do you know an educator who encourages female high school students’ interest and participation in technology? Here’s an opportunity to submit them for The National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) Aspirations in Computing Educator Award.  For more information on how to submit, click here. Submissions are due by Nov. 26.

Supplemental Sick Leave Bank (SSLB): The Supplemental Sick Leave Bank (SSLB) special enrollment period is Nov. 2-16, 2017. The SSLB program provides participants an opportunity to request up to 30 additional leave days per year for a catastrophic illness. Completed membership enrollment forms must be received by Nov.16.  For additional information on how to enroll, click here.

DACA Town Hall Meeting: HISD will hold a live town hall on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program at 3 p.m. on Nov. 13.  The program will be moderated by Univision anchor Raul Peimbert and HISD Chief Communications Officer Rebecca Suarez, discussing and answering questions about the program and the impact of DACA’s suspension. For more information on how to watch, click here.

Ice Cream Social: The Superintendent will be hosting an ice cream social for individuals who volunteered during Hurricane Harvey on Monday, Nov. 13 from 4-5:30 p.m. in the lobby of Hattie Mae White Education Support Center. Click here to RSVP.

TADS Training: Due to Hurricane Harvey, the board has approved adjusting TADS completion dates. The Update Training—OneSource course #503001, has been edited to reflect the most current changes. It will be available for completion now thru November 10. This course is not for teachers that have attended NEO in September and October. For those teachers that have completed the course, the resources can still be accessed and the calendar has been updated. Also refer to the TADS toolkit for the most up-to-date revisions and resources.  For more info, contact tads@houstonisd.org.

ELEMENTARY

K-5 Stem Academy: Session two of the K – 5 STEM Academy will be held on Monday, Nov. 6 at Pugh Elementary School from 4-5:30 p.m. The focus of this session is STEM in the Community. Participants will experience short STEM activities and will be provided with planning templates and many great ideas on how to make a STEM Night on their campus a success. Time and resources will be provided to begin planning a STEM Night for the 2017-2018 school year. If interested, register on One Source course #742002.

Professional Development: The Elementary Curriculum and Development Office is pleased to offer a variety of professional learning opportunities for teachers during the months of November and December 2017.  For more info, click the course list here.

SECONDARY

Literacy in Action: Are you a fan of Literacy in the Middle or Literacy Empowered? You’re invited to a self-guided tour of hand-picked campuses and classrooms to view model examples of best literacy instruction. Tours will take place on Nov. 7 – 8 for middle and high schools from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Reserve your spot now in OneSource for course #779003 (middle school) or course #779002 (high school).  Expect to leave the tour loaded with ideas on how to best implement strategies and increase literacy on your campus!

Strategic Reading and Writing Monthly Meeting: Join the Secondary Curriculum and Development Literacy Team at the third Strategic Reading and Writing Monthly Meeting Nov. 9 at Lanier Middle School from 4 – 5:30 p.m.  Teachers will learn how to focus on the implementation of literacy practices in reading, writing, and small-group instruction for students in need of intervention. Register now on OneSource course #171003. For more information, click here.