Weekly Teacher Download for February 5

ALL TEACHERS

SEL Tips for Better Behavior: In addition to their CHAMPS and DSC trainings, the Department of Social and Emotional Learning wants to share weekly tips that could help you in the classroom. Check out this week’s tips on how you can increase responsible student behavior and student motivation in the classroom. You can also join the department in learning more about restorative discipline at the next training on Feb. 14. Register in OneSource for course #848001.

Attendance Tip of the Week: Did you know you could use attendance data to conduct early intervention and secure needed support to monitor at-risk students for chronic absences? According to Attendance Works research, students who miss 10 percent or more of the current school year, starting in the first month of school, are at-risk for chronic absences. Click here for strategies that are essential to re-engaging students in the classroom and with the teacher. Teachers may also contact the Student Assistance Department (Attendance Office) for more assistance.

Trauma Workshop: Are your students still suffering from trauma related to Hurricane Harvey?  Consider attending a FuelEd interactive trauma workshop, learn more about the science of trauma, including the difference between acute and chronic trauma, as well as the physiological and physical symptoms of trauma. Through a combination of activities, discussion, and skills training, this workshop provides participants with the mindset and skills needed to heal trauma through empathic listening and the power of connection. To learn more about the workshop and confirm a date in February through April, click here.

Dental Health Month Poster Contest: In recognition of the National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM), an initiative held by the American Dental Association each February, HISD elementary and middle school students are invited to participate in a Dental Health Month Poster Contest. The month-long observance brings together dental professionals, healthcare providers, and others to promote the benefits of good oral health to children and adults, caregivers and teachers. The poster contest deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 28. For additional details on the contest and how to participate, click here.

ELEMENTARY

Professional Development: The Elementary Curriculum and Development Office is pleased to offer a variety of professional learning opportunities for teachers during the month of February, including literacy training to support Literacy by 3 (OneSource course, #111001). For more info, click the course list here.

Student Writing Contest: All HISD first- through fifth-graders are invited to participate in the Former First Lady Libraries Corp. Winter 2017 essay contest. Students must submit a 400-word essay detailing what they lost and what they found during Hurricane Harvey by Feb. 19. Winners have a chance to receive a $250 Visa gift card and a $1,000 scholarship for their HISD school library from the FFLLC. Click here for contest rules and details.

SECONDARY

Strategic Reading and Writing Monthly Meeting: Need test preparation for struggling readers and writers? Attend the final Strategic Reading and Writing (SRW) monthly meeting, Thursday, Feb. 8 from 4-5:30 p.m. at Lanier Middle School. Our focus will explore Test Genre—Test Preparation with Authentic Reading and Writing Tasks. Register in OneSource for course #171003.

Guided Reading Training: Want to learn how to teach reading to struggling middle school or high school students to read and not sure where to start? Come uncover the mystery of the reading process and guided reading as a method for growing your secondary students as readers. The two-part series will be offered on select Tuesdays beginning Feb. 27 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at Hattie Mae White ESC. To find dates and OneSource course numbers, click here. If you have any questions, contact Kerry McArthur at kmcarthu@houstonisd.org.

Literacy in the Middle Tour: Want to see Literacy in the Middle in action? Join the Secondary Curriculum on a self-guided tour of hand-picked campuses and classrooms to view model examples of best literacy instruction. You will leave the tour loaded with ideas on how to best implement strategies and increase literacy on your campus. Register in One Source for course #779003.