Weekly Teacher Download for December 16

Elementary Science Teacher Award: In an effort to support the district’s goal to increase student achievement, the Elementary Curriculum & Development department has partnered with Alliantgroup to recognize the district’s most outstanding elementary science teachers. Exemplary elementary science teachers may be nominated by a campus leader, a colleague, or self-nominate by completing the nomination form by January 3. 

ALL TEACHERS

Referral Campaign for APs and Deans: The Leadership Recruitment team is launching an AP/Dean Candidate Referral Campaign for assistant principals and deans. If you know an exceptional candidate who would be a great assistant principal or dean for an HISD school, submit an assistant principal referral form to the campus leadership and selection team by January 31.  All candidates nominated will receive information about the campus leadership selection process as well as instructions on how to apply to the HISD Assistant Principal Pool. Candidates must posses a valid Texas Principal Certification and have a minimum of three years exemplary teaching experience.

Vaping Prevention Week: The district will recognize Vaping Prevention Week from December 16-20, and in an effort to highlight the dangers and risks associated with vaping and e-cigarette use among youths, HISD campuses will be focusing on a different activity each day. Teachers are encouraged to create daily classroom activities that bring awareness to vaping and e-cigarette use. During Vaping Prevention Week, share your photos, videos, and messages of support on social media using #SayNoToVaping and #HISDEmpowers. Let’s spread the word to raise awareness and send the message that vaping and e-cigarettes are dangerous and pose risks to the health of children. Click here for more detailed information.

12 Days of Code: HISD is celebrating 12 Days of Code  from December 2-17 with interactive calendars that allow them to engage in a new coding experience every day.  HISD’s 12 Days of Code coincides with Computer Science Education Week, which is December 9-15. During this time, students and the greater HISD community are encouraged to join the worldwide movement and try one hour of coding as an introduction to computer science.  Through this “Hour of Code,” students are challenged to think critically and solve problems as they learn the basics of computer programming. For more information, click here.

Let’s Connect: In HISD, we believe you cannot educate a child without taking care of the WHOLE child, and that includes promoting and offering supports for positive mental and physical health. The Office of Student Support Services offers resources and helpful information on issues students are facing – including vaping, human trafficking, suicide prevention, and bullying prevention – through a program called Let’s Connect. The Let’s Connect initiative encourages students in HISD to reach out to a trusted adult on their campus, such as a teacher, social worker, nurse, counselor, principal, or librarian. To learn more about Let’s Connect, click here.

Toys for Tots: All HISD employees and schools are invited to participate in Toys for Tots, the Marine Corps’ premier community action program with donations of new and unwrapped toys. We encourage schools and departments to select a coordinator, who can track collection efforts and complete the collection report form, to coordinate the drop-off at the Hattie Mae White (4400 West 18^th St., 77092) by Tuesday, December 18. Coordinators should bring the complete form and all collected toys to the Strategic Partnerships Department, located at Level 1 SE at Hattie Mae White. Before drop-off, please email your collection forms and notify Tarah Davis when you will be dropping of your toy collection at tarah.davis@houstonisd.org.

SECONDARY

JASON Student Argonaut Applications: JASON Learning’s Argonaut Program is currently accepting applications for students interested in representing HISD on a scientific expedition at various sites around the world. Previous expeditions include the Amazon, Costa Rica, and more. During the expedition, students will be able to work side-by-side with scientists and engineers on STEM-related projects and share their experience with their community and school upon their return. For further eligibility requirements and where to apply, click here. If you have questions, contact Rene Flores at instech@houstonisd.org.

Upcoming CTE Trainings: The CTE department is hosting a two-day Auto CAD training on January 14 and January 21 at Barbara Jordan Career Center (5800 Eastex Fwy., 77026). For those interested, registration will open soon. Automotive teachers are invited to attend two informational sessions on January 17 and February 14 to discuss the Automotive Competition. Those interested, should register in OneSource, course #1440020.