If you’re a middle- or high-school science teacher who’s still looking for neat professional development opportunities this summer, act fast and you could snag a spot on a fascinating tour of energy productions sites through the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Ten seats are still available for the first week’s workshop, which starts July 15, and 11 seats are open for the second session, which starts Aug. 5.
For complete details, please visit the HMNS website or see this related flyer (.pdf).
Here are some other dates you might want to mark on your calendar:
- July 15-19 & Aug. 5-9: HMNS Summer Energy Workshops
- July 18: Summer Meals program concludes
- Aug. 2: Summer Schedule concludes
- Aug. 4: Cool to Be Smart celebration
- Aug. 7: Administrative Inservice
- Aug. 8: Board meeting (regular)
- Aug. 9–11: Texas Sales Tax Holiday
- Aug. 10: Back to School Fest
- Aug. 26: First day of school (students)
- Sept. 2: Labor Day holiday
- Sept. 7: Grads Within Reach walk
Baseball fans can celebrate America’s independence by enjoying a classic American pastime at a discount during HISD Nights at the Astros on Thurs., July 4.
The team is once again offering group rates to all HISD employees and their friends and families for the game at Minute Maid Park against the Tampa Bay Rays.
All convenience and handling fees are waived through this special offer. Please visit the Message Center on the employee portal (login required) for details, a downloadable flyer, and the password.
Alzheimer’s Association, Diabetes America to give presentations at HMWESC
Representatives from two national health associations will be offering free presentations to all employees this summer.
- Healthy Body, Healthy Brain—Your brain helps you do almost everything: think, feel, work, and play. So how should you take care of it? Learn about the importance of nutritional health, physical activity, mental stimulation, and social wellness in brain health on Mon., July 8, (Room 3C10, Course Code BN0033). Presented by the Alzheimer’s Association Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter.
- Fast Food Challenge—Eating out doesn’t have to be a diet disaster. Learn how to make healthier choices at your favorite fast food restaurants. Learn more about portion distortion, calorie facts, tips for eating on the run, and how to make better fast food at this informative class scheduled for Thurs., July 25. (Room 2C12, Course Code BN0032). Presented by Diabetes America.
Both will take place from noon until 1 p.m. at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center (4400 W. 18th Street, 77092). Register via eTRAIN. Questions may be directed to HISD Benefits at 713-556-6655.
Schedule your fall mobile mammogram today
Each year, The Rose offers on-site screening mammograms to female HISD employees who meet certain criteria.
The last few dates in July are already booked solid, but seven new dates have been added for the fall, starting on Sept. 9 at Lee High School and extending through Oct. 30 at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center.
Interested women are encouraged to act quickly, as only a limited number of mammograms can be performed each day.
Please see the attached flyer (.pdf) for complete details.
Mandatory CPR training for coaches, other eligible staff June 27–Aug. 8
If you are a campus-based member of Team HISD who participates, sponsors, and/or coaches any UIL-sanctioned or co-curricular activities, then the State of Texas requires you to be certified in the administration of Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation, Automated External Defibrillator, and First Aid (CPR/AED/FA).
Stipend payments are dependent upon this certification, so if you need the training, please sign up now for one of the available sessions between Thurs., June 27, and Thurs., Aug. 8, to ensure that the district is in compliance with this legal requirement.
For details, including training dates, times, and locations, please see this related Academic Services Memo.
Discount offer to Aug. 31 Texas Kickoff Classic
The Houston Texans, HISD’s longtime community partner, is offering district employees a savings of about 15 percent off of the regular price of tickets for a new fall tradition.
The inaugural Texas Kickoff Classic is coming to Reliant Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2013, and district employees can get a family value pack of four tickets, four hot dogs, and four soft drinks for prices starting at $120.
Come launch the college football season by watching the Mississippi State Bulldogs take on Oklahoma State Cowboys for less.
To take advantage of this special offer, please contact Warren Caguioa at 832-667-2319 or warren.caguioa@houstontexans.com. A downloadable flyer (.pdf) is available for reference.
Q: Is there an easier way to get my district email when away from the office?
A: Yes! Until recently, employees had to enter two different sets of credentials to access their district email. First, they had to login to the employee portal using one password, and then they had to enter another once inside. Now, all district employees have to do is go to http://mail.houstonisd.org and login as they normally would once behind the firewall.
L-R are: Raoul Rodriguez, Debbie Sanchez, Sarah Greer Osborne, and Robert Crowe
Congratulations are in order for senior producers Robert Crowe, Raoul Rodriguez, and Debra Sanchez, and Multimedia Manager Sarah Greer-Osborne.
Collectively, they won three bronze Telly Awards for projects they completed over the past year.
The winning productions were:
- HISD Refugee Students—producer/writer/photographer/editor, Debra Sanchez
- Rigor and Readiness at HISD—producer/writer, Sarah Greer Osborne; photographer/editor, Robert Crowe
- Within Our Walls with Superintendent Terry Grier—producer/writer, Sarah Greer Osborne; editor, Raoul Rodriguez
The Telly awards receives more than 13,000 entries annually from the finest ad agencies, production companies, TV stations, cable companies, interactive agencies, and corporations in the world.
A mandatory PROCARD “refresher” course is being held for all current cardholders and fund approvers this summer.
The 1.5-hour class (Course Code PR0005) will be offered more than a dozen times between July 15 and Aug. 1, and both morning and afternoon sessions are available.
All sessions will take place at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center (4400 W. 18th Street, 77092).
Registration must be completed via eTRAIN. For details, please see this related memo.
You won’t be getting an edition of eNews next week, as all HISD schools and administrative offices will be closed on Thurs., July 4, 2013, in observance of Independence Day. Since the district is still on its 4-10 summer schedule (in which HISD is closed on Fridays through Aug. 2), HISD offices and schools will not reopen until Mon., July 8, 2013. Join us again on July 11, when eNews returns.
Here are some other dates you might want to mark on your calendar:
- July 11: Board meeting (regular)
- July 15-19 & Aug. 5-9: HMNS Summer Energy Workshops
- July 18: Summer Meals program concludes
- Aug. 2: Summer Schedule concludes
- Aug. 4: Cool to Be Smart celebration
- Aug. 7: Administrative Inservice
- Aug. 8: Board meeting (regular)
- Aug. 9–11: Texas Sales Tax Holiday
- Aug. 10: Back to School Fest (.pdf)
- Aug. 26: First day of school (students)
- Sept. 2: Labor Day holiday
- Sept. 7: Grads Within Reach walk
DeZavala, Port Houston, and N. Q. Henderson elementary schools have all been assigned new principals.
Rosa Cabrera
- Rosa Cabrera (N. Q. Henderson ES)—Cabrera most recently served as the assistant principal of Isaacs Elementary School. She came to HISD from Killeen ISD, where she was a curriculum and instruction specialist and trainer for Meadows Elementary School. She began her teaching career at Ira Cross Elementary School. Cabrera earned her bachelor’s degree from Tarleton State University and her master’s degree in international relations from St. Mary’s University. She is in the process of completing her doctoral degree in educational administration from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.
- Juan Dueñas (DeZavala ES)—Dueñas comes to HISD from Beasley Elementary School in Lamar CISD, where he served as an assistant principal. Prior assignments include school improvement specialist and six years as a bilingual teacher in Spring Branch ISD. Dueñas completed his bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry at the University of Houston and his master’s degree at Grand Canyon University.
- Rachel Martinez (Port Houston ES)—Martinez is joining Team HISD from Spring Branch ISD, where she served as an assistant principal at Treasure Forest Elementary School. She has also served as a teaching and learning specialist, as well as a bilingual/ESL instructional specialist. Martinez earned her master’s degree in public school administration from Texas A&M University, where she is currently working on her doctorate in the same subject.
Dr. Mary Patten
This week’s Shout Out goes to Dr. Mary Patten, a ninth-grade biomedical sciences teacher at Chávez High School, from former principal, Dan De Leon, for her “pioneering spirit and willingness to give of herself to students.”
De Leon noted that Dr. Patten has an unusual distinction, but it’s something she generally doesn’t publicize—she was the first African American female to graduate with a degree in dentistry from the University of Texas’ Dental Branch in 1978.
“Pioneers, on occasion, are loud, boisterous, and self-serving,” wrote former Chávez Principal Dan De Leon. “More often, however, they are quiet, demure, and unassuming. They walk among us without seeking recognition, and they go through life working hard, doing what is right, and putting others first. We have one such individual among us.”
Dr. Patten joined Team HISD in 2002 after retiring from private practice. She and other historically significant figures from her alma mater (now known as the UT School of Dentistry), will be highlighted in a new on-campus exhibit planned for early September. She will also be interviewed for an article expected to appear in the fall 2013 edition of Discover UTSD magazine.
Clarence Lewis
Clarence Lewis has been a professional tradesman for more than 35 years, and the past 25 of those he has spent at HISD, keeping its facilities looking great.
Lewis, who serves primarily as a plasterer and asbestos abatement worker, says he thoroughly enjoys his job, which entails working with stucco on the exterior of buildings and plaster on the inside. “I love what I do,” he explained. “You get to work with your hands and see your work afterwards.”
Lewis estimates he has worked on hundreds of district facilities over the years, but one of his favorite projects was the renovation of the restrooms at the Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy (formerly the Contemporary Learning Center).
“We tore everything out and replaced it with beautiful tile,” he explained. “It’s maroon and white now (the school colors) and the principal said she really liked it.”
Lewis marks his official anniversary with the district on June 27, but several other employees are also marking theirs this week (June 23–29). See if you know anyone on this list:
25 years
- Richard Jimenez, painter, Construction & Facility Services
- Amelio Martinez, asbestos abatement worker, Construction & Facility Services
15 years
- Yolanda Anene, associate teacher
10 years
- Gay Sasser, teacher, Grady MS
- Damon Savage, electrician, Construction & Facility Services
5 years
- Carlos Alberto, plumber, Construction & Facility Services
- Maria Sanmiguel, custodian, Dávila ES
| Check back next Friday for more Milestones. Leave a comment below if you’d like to congratulate any of the above employees. |
