Weekly Teacher Download for February 3

Speak Out on School Safety: As the district continues to explore measures to increase safety and security on our campuses, we want to hear from you. We have made an online form available on the district’s website for you to submit recommendations on how to improve campus safety and security. To offer your feedback, visit HoustonISD.org/SchoolSafety. Your recommendations could be general or specific to one campus. No suggestion is too large or too small – we want to hear all ideas. Also, take the time to watch an HISD Communications produced PSA encouraging students to “See Something, Say Something” to raise awareness around school safety and to help promote the district’s anonymous tip line to report incidents.

ALL TEACHERS

National School Counseling Week: Join the district in celebrating National School Counseling Week from February 3-7. Sponsored by the American School Counselor Association, National School Counseling Week, this year’s theme is “School Counselors: Helping Build Better Humans,” which highlights the contributions that school counselors make in helping students achieve academic success, and the vital role they play in social and emotional development. Share photos and posts on social media using #NSCW2020 and #HISDcounselors. For more information, click here.

Campus TOY Nominations: Principal nominations for Campus Teacher of the Year are due by Friday, February 14 for this year’s Educators of the Year event, which will be held on Friday, May 1 at the Royal Sonesta-Houston Hotel. It’s important that you submit your nominations that will recognize 2019-2020 teachers who have provided an extra touch to truly enhance students’ performance and experiences. Nominations for Outstanding Beginning Teachers of the Year, Librarians and Instructional Coaches should also be submitted on February 14. To submit your nomination, click here.

Art-Based Creative Teaching Strategies: The HISD Fine Arts Department and the Office of Special Education Services have teamed up to present a free four-part course of professional development designed for foundation (ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies) who provide instruction to students with disabilities and special education teachers. Courses are currently underway and will introduce arts-based Creative Teaching Strategies that will support the delivery and differentiation of academic curriculum and Specially Designed Instruction (SDI). For more information and OneSource course numbers, click here.

Grant Writing Course: If you are interested in learning how to effectively write a grant proposal, you are invited to Grants 102: Fundamentals of Grant Writing workshop on February 19 at HISD Education Learning Center (10725 Mesa Dr., 77078). The course will provide participants with an opportunity to understand the content for completing a competitive grant proposal that highlights the key elements including goals and outcomes. To register, visit OneSource course #1441063.

Student Assessment Summit: The Student Assessment Department will be hosting a 2020 Spring Student Assessment Summit on February 29 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at Lawson Middle School (1400 Stancliff St., 77045). Sessions will focus on how to make summative and formative connections to STAAR and will include state accountability, designated supports, TEKS monitoring, data tracking systems, as well as critical reports for teachers and leaders. Register today in OneSource, course #1440130.

Inaugural Arts Integration Summit: The HISD Fine Arts Department is presenting the inaugural Arts Integration Summit at Wharton Dual Language Academy on Saturday, February 8 from 9a.m.-1:00 p.m. The sessions will provide opportunities for elementary and secondary foundation teachers to develop art-focused lesson plans that create opportunities to check for understanding (I-2) and differentiate (I-3) their instruction within a student-centered lesson (I-1). Arts Integration practices build on good teaching strategies and can provide seasoned teachers opportunities to expand their teaching toolkit and growing teachers to work on areas of their craft in a supportive and engaging manner. Teachers that are preregistered and attend the summit will receive arts integration supplies and resources for their classroom. Please encourage your teachers to register in OneSource, course #1440087.

SECONDARY

BP Global STEM Academies: BP is partnering with AFS Intercultural Programs to provide an extraordinary, full scholarship study abroad program for students that are interested in STEM and are energized to help solve some of today’s biggest global challenges. The four-week program is for students between 15- and 17.5-years old who have demonstrated an academic and career interest in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM subjects). Students from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, ensuring a diverse and inclusive participation in the academies.