Weekly Teacher Download for November 27

ALL TEACHERS

 Reading Rock Stars: HISD teachers are invited to participate in a “Reading Rock Stars Afternoon with the Authors” event sponsored by HISD Library Services on Nov. 30. Participants will learn how to inspire young readers with dynamic presentations and hear from nationally recognized authors on how to generate excitement around reading and writing. RSVP by Nov. 27 to sdarcy@houstonisd.org.

 15 Days of Code: In celebration of Computer Science Education Week, join Advanced Academics for 15 Days of Code starting Dec. 1. Teachers can find coding activities online throughout December for every grade level that will engage students in a new coding experience each day.  To learn more, click here.  Send pictures to news@houstonisd.org, or post your coding event using #HISDecoded.

Innovation Grant Program: Thanks to the generous donations from local community members and business partnerships, the HISD Foundation has launched an Innovation Grant program to provide funds for teachers and schools to purchase equipment, supplies, and other items to innovate teaching and learning in the classroom. The foundation will award $150,000 in Innovation Grants for the 2017-2018 school year and the grant is open to all teachers in grades Pre-K through 12. It’s not too late! Apply now, here.

NEW TEACHERS

Professional Development: With collaboration with the Onboarding and Organization Development and the New Teacher Support teams, new teachers are encouraged to attend the second employee resource group on Wednesday, Nov. 29 at Ryan Professional Development Center from 4:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Workshop topics include:

• Engage and Connect (course #515012)
• What to do (course #515009)
• Reinforcers (course #504008)
• Student Data Tracking (course #515018)
• Transition and Pacing Tools (course #515007)

 ELEMENTARY

Parent Guides: The Office of Communications have released the latest parent guides covering the Second Nine Weeks for grades Pre-K through 5 in English and Spanish. The guides provide parents with a detailed look at what their child should be learning in each grade level throughout the school year and empower parents to become more involved in their child’s education. Download and print guides, here.

K-5 STEM Academy: Session three of the K – 5 STEM Academy will be held on Dec. 4 at Southmayd Elementary School from 4 – 5:30 p.m. The focus of this session is STEM Design Challenges. Through this hands-on/minds-on session, participants will explore the engineering design process and learn ways to include STEM challenges with fairy tales, fables, myths, and legends.  Teachers will learn how to incorporate STEM activities in their classrooms as part of their ELA or other content instruction. Register on OneSource course #742003.

SECONDARY

College Board AP Readers: The Advanced Academics Department encourages all Advanced Placement teachers to apply as College Board AP Readers. College Board provides onsite AP Readers with an honorarium (last year was $1,639) as well as travel expenses to respective subject-area readings. Apply today, here.