Make a Toy Donation by December 18
HISD employees and schools are invited to participate in the Toys for Tots program, which is the Marine Corps’ premier community action program. When you bring new and unwrapped toys, HISD staff can receive a jean pass at Strategic Partnerships Department.
Toys should be dropped off at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center to the Strategic Partnerships Department by December 18, 2019. This year the HISD Homeless Dept. will be one of the beneficiaries for the Toys for Tots program!
We encourage participating schools and departments to select a coordinator to help track the department’s or school’s collection. For schools collecting toys, please fill out the collection report form using the link, https://forms.gle/CbKWnYiJHFY9XD3z6 and bring toy collection to the Strategic Partnerships Department, Level 1 SE no later than 4 p.m. on December 18. ONLY schools need to fill out the collection form.
Marines, with the aid of local social welfare agencies and churches, will distribute the toys to children from economically challenged families on Christmas Day. The ultimate success of the Toys for Tots program depends on the support of Houston citizens, which is why we encourage HISD employees to participate and make this the most successful year.
Schools ONLY: please notify Tarah to schedule the toy donation drop-off at Tarah.Davis@houstonisd.org.
Weekly Teacher Download for November 18
District Advisory Committee Voting: Cast your vote in the District Advisory Committee elections for district and campus-based employees beginning Monday, Nov. 18 to Friday, Dec. 6. Campus-based professional employees have two votes: One vote is for a “Classroom Teacher” and one vote is for an “Other Campus-Level Professional”. Central Office Employees will be able to vote for one Central Office nominee and may elect one person from the Central Office group. For more detailed information, click here.
ALL TEACHERS
Annual Enrollment: Annual Enrollment runs from November 1-22, so click here for a new video regarding the changes for 2020, which include information about the new medical plan provider. This is the time of year when all benefits-eligible employees should enroll in or change their benefits, so please take a look at what’s new for 2020 at www.HISDBenefits.org. As of January 1, 2020, Aetna will be the administrator for the district’s medical plans and Flexible Spending Accounts. You have a choice of medical plans, including two new Accountable Care Organization (ACO) plans and an Aetna broad network plan. For more information on the annual enrollment period, click here.
2019 Astros Foundation College Night: The Astros MLB Youth Academy will be hosting their 2019 Astros Foundation and Youth Academy College Night on Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 6-8 p.m. at Union Station – Minute Maid Park (501 Crawford St., 77002). A free event, students between 14- to 19-years-old will be able to hear from representatives from colleges and universities in Texas and from across the country, as well as military recruiters. Those interested in attending are required to register for the event. For more information on the event, click here.
HISD Master Training Catalog: Haven’t found a training suited for you? The HISD Master Training Catalog for teachers and leaders is currently available through December 2019. To view a complete list, click here.
ELEMENTARY
Prekindergarten Updates: In regard to the HB3 Teacher-Qualification submission, if you have not submitted your option for HB3, you will receive an email before November 22 informing you of your status. Please be sure to go to SharePoint to make your selection at your earliest convenience here. Also, PK trainings will be added to our Professional Development Calendar to accommodate the needs of 3-year-old classroom teachers.
Fueling Education Student Challenge: In partnership with Discovery Education, CITGO is excited to announce the launch of their new Fueling Education Student Challenge for students in fifth to eighth grades. For the challenge, students may work individually or in groups up to four, to solve a problem in their community that aligns to one of four United Nations Sustainability Development Goals. Students must submit a one to two-minute video detailing the identified problem and their STEM solution by February 13, 2020. Teachers can review classroom resources material that will help students brainstorm for the challenge. Students participation required parental consent. For additional details, click here.
Rodeo Decorating Contest: The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) has partnered with HISD once again to distribute activity coloring booklets to third graders. The booklets will be delivered to schools between December 9-18, which are now TEKS aligned and reinforce the pillars of the HLSR. Students are encouraged to decorate the last page of the booklet and enter it into a contest for a chance to win ground passes to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Submitted entries will also be placed on display in the AGventure area during the Rodeo. Instructions for the contest appear on the last page of the activity booklet. All entries must be received no later than February 7, 2020. For questions or additional information, please contact Elizabeth Rozier at hlsractivitybooks@gmail.com.
SECONDARY
Upcoming CTE Trainings: Are you a new CTE teacher or a seasoned CTE teacher who would like to learn more about lesson planning? Join us for a lesson planning event on November 19 from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Barbara Jordan Career Center, Room B201. Attendees will learn about digital resources, career exploration, menu boards, and the lesson cycle. Please bring a copy of your TEKS, scope and sequence, and lesson plan template. Register in OneSource, course #1440002.
Weekly Teacher Download for November 11
ALL TEACHERS
Technology Training: Join Instructional Technology for Super Saturday on November 16 from 9 a.m.-Noon at Chavez High School (8501 Howard Dr., 77017). Come out and learn about various resources offered on the district’s HUB and learn how to take the technology within the classroom to another level. To learn more about Super Saturday, click here.
DREAM Summit: All HISD DREAMers, DACA recipients, visa holders, permanent residents, refugees, and asylum grantees along with their parents are cordially invited to attend the DREAM Summit on Saturday, December 7 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Hattie Mae White (4400 West 18th St., 77092). Attendees can learn how to successfully complete your college applications, apply for financial aid, and how to make the most of your college experience. The event will also include a college and resource fair with information about Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals information, university programs, financial assistance, and community resources. During this event, five twelfth-grade students will win $500 scholarships for college. For more information, click here. To share the flyer in Spanish, click here.
Name That Book Competition: Join the HISD Department of Library Servicesfor the Name That Book contest, which will identify our district’s super readers. This contest serves to acquaint HISD students with classic literature as well as contemporary award-winning books, representing a variety of genres. The districtwide competition awards first, second, and third place teams for grades K-2, 3-6, MS, and HS with awards and a chance to build their home library with self-selected books from Barnes and Noble. Those interested must register and complete this form by Friday, November 15. For more information, click here.
Wraparound Survey: The Wraparound Services Department is requesting staff, teachers, parents and students to complete a survey that will ask specific questions to non-academic needs such as physical, food insecurities, housing, and many other challenges that the department can improve to leverage resources that supports students socially, emotionally, and academically. To complete the survey, click here.
Kagan Cooperative Learning: HISD will host a five-day Kagan Cooperative Training in November, January and March during the 2019-2020 school year. Day one and two of the training will be held on November 13-14, 2019 at Clifton Middle School (6001 Golden Forest Dr., 77092) from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Participants will explore instructional strategies used to increase cooperative learning opportunities in the classroom environment. Those interested should register by November 11 in OneSource, course # 1439327. For more information, click here. Reimbursement for substitute pay will be provided.
ELEMENTARY
Prekindergarten Guided Reading: Now that the CIRCLE Assessment is complete, prekindergarten teachers should be preparing to implement the Guided Reading small group instruction in the following weeks. For support, there will be a Pre-A Guided Reading sessions offered to all pre-k teachers on November 12 at Ninfa Laurenzo ECC (205 N. Delmar St., 77011) from 4-6 p.m.
SECONDARY
EMERGE Applications: Do you know a sophomore student who wants to explore in-state and out-of-state college options and would like to work with a mentor to create a competitive college application? The applications for students to become an EMERGE fellow will open Tuesday, November 12 and are due on Sunday, December 15. If you know a student of interest, recruitment sessions will be held at HISD high schools November 12 through December 6. Students can apply here. Competitive applicants are usually economically disadvantaged and generally the first in their family to graduate from a four-year college or university. Students must have a strong academic profile that includes getting good grades in rigorous courses.
AP Registration Change: The College Board has completely changed the AP exam registration process from previous years. Students must register online for exams by November 15 (in previous years, the deadline was April). If students register after November 15, they will be charged a $40 late fee per test plus the exam fee. The cost for an unused/canceled exam is $40 per exam. The spirit of the fee is to encourage students to follow through on taking the test they signed up for. The district will centrally fund the cost of all exams (including those for students who’d like to take an AP exam such as AP Spanish, but are not enrolled in the course), and campuses are responsible for all incidental/late/cancelation fees.
Advanced Placement Teachers: The deadline for your students to enroll in My AP CollegeBoard online digital courses for fall semester and yearlong courses is Friday, November 15. All students planning to take an AP exam must be digitally enrolled in either (1) a teacher AP course or (2) an exam-only section in My AP CollegeBoard. The student must be digitally enrolled and the exam must be ordered for all fall semester and yearlong courses by November 15, or students will not be able to sit for the exam in May without a late fee. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Christopher Bowser at CBOWSER@houstonisd.org.
Upcoming CTE Trainings: The CTE department is hosting professional development opportunities during the month of November. Are you a new CTE teacher or a seasoned CTE teacher who would like to learn more about lesson planning? Join us for a lesson planning event on November 14 or November 19 where you will learn about digital resources, career exploration, differentiation, and the lesson cycle. Bring a copy of your TEKS, scope and sequence, and lesson plan template to the event held at Barbara Jordan Career Center, Room B201. If interested, register in OneSource, course #1440002. For specific information regarding date, time, and location, visit the CTE website.
Weekly Teacher Download for November 4
District Advisory Committee Nominations: The District Advisory Committee nominations for district and campus-based employees are currently underway until November 8. All campus principals must make a transparent call for nominees and submit nominations to determine one classroom teacher and one campus-based professional (non-teacher) employee to serve on the DAC no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, November 8. For more detailed information, click here.
ALL TEACHERS
Technology Training: Join Instructional Technology for Super Saturday on November 16 from 9 a.m.-Noon at Milby High School (1601 Broadway St., 77012). Come out and learn about various resources offered on the district’s HUB and learn how to take the technology within the classroom to another level. To learn more about Super Saturday, click here.
Wraparound Survey: The Wraparound Services Department is requesting staff, teachers, parents and students to complete a survey that will ask specific questions to non-academic needs such as physical, food insecurities, housing, and many other challenges that the department can improve to leverage resources that supports students socially, emotionally, and academically. To complete the survey, click here.
Intro to Grant Writing: Need help writing the perfect grant that could help you receive funds for the classroom? The Grant Development Department will host The Grants 101 – Introduction to Grant Development and Grant Writing course on November 5 from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Browning Elementary School (607 Northwood St., 77009). The course will provide participants with an opportunity to learn how to effectively write grant proposals. Participants will also receive information, resources and tools that may assist in obtaining federal, state, foundation, and corporate funding to implement a variety of programs/projects. If interested, register in OneSource, course #1439003. Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate in completing four credit hours.
Literacy Trainings for PSI and BSC Teachers: The Office of Special Education Services (OSES) will host two instructional trainings for self-contained classrooms teachers in the month of November. On November 5, middle school behavior support classroom teachers can attend either session at 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:30-3:30 p.m., for a literacy supplement training. For this training, register in OneSource, course #1439224. All low incidence teachers of students with multiple impairments can register in OneSource, course #1439225 for the November 12 literacy supplement training.
Kagan Cooperative Learning: HISD will host a five-day Kagan Cooperative Training in November, January and March during the 2019-2020 school year. Day one and two of the training will be held on November 13-14, 2019 at Clifton Middle School (6001 Golden Forest Dr., 77092) from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Participants will explore instructional strategies used to increase cooperative learning opportunities in the classroom environment. Those interested should register by November 11 in OneSource, course # 1439327. For more information, click here. Reimbursement for substitute pay will be provided.
HISD Master Training Catalog: Haven’t found a training suited for you? The HISD Master Training Catalog for teachers and leaders is currently available through December 2019. To view a complete list, click here.
ELEMENTARY
Prekindergarten Guided Reading: Now that the CIRCLE Assessment is complete, prekindergarten teachers should be preparing to implement the Guided Reading small group instruction in the following weeks. For support, there will be a Pre-A Guided Reading sessions offered to all pre-k teachers on November 12 at Ninfa Laurenzo ECC (205 N. Delmar St., 77011) from 4-6 p.m.
SECONDARY
AP Registration Change: The College Board has completely changed the AP exam registration process from previous years. Students must register online for exams by November 15 (in previous years, the deadline was April). If students register after November 15, they will be charged a $40 late fee per test plus the exam fee. The cost for an unused/canceled exam is $40 per exam. The spirit of the fee is to encourage students to follow through on taking the test they signed up for. The district will centrally fund the cost of all exams (including those for students who’d like to take an AP exam such as AP Spanish, but are not enrolled in the course), and campuses are responsible for all incidental/late/cancelation fees.
Advanced Placement Teachers: The deadline for your students to enroll in My AP CollegeBoard online digital courses for fall semester and yearlong courses is Friday, November 15. All students planning to take an AP exam must be digitally enrolled in either (1) a teacher AP course or (2) an exam-only section in My AP CollegeBoard. The student must be digitally enrolled and the exam must be ordered for all fall semester and yearlong courses by November 15, or students will not be able to sit for the exam in May without a late fee. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Christopher Bowser at CBOWSER@houstonisd.org.
Upcoming CTE Trainings: The CTE department is hosting four professional development opportunities during the month of November. For Culinary arts teachers with experienced training in traditional Chinese cooking, register in OneSource, course #1439253. If you are seeking to learn new strategies for differentiating instruction in the CTE classroom, register in OneSource, course #1439318. STEM and IT CTE teachers are invited to attend a course in classroom management using PowerUp. Please register in OneSource, course #1439320. Teachers who are new to the CTE classroom can attend a workshop in lesson planning, register in OneSource #1440002. For specific information regarding date, time, and location, visit the CTE website.
District Advisory Committee Nominations
The District Advisory Committee nominations for district and campus-based employees are currently underway until November 8. The DAC serves as an advisory role, including advice regarding the annual District Improvement Plan. One exception to the advisory role is DAC approval of districtwide staff development.
The committee is composed of parents, community members, and business representatives who are appointed by HISD board members, along with eighteen campus-based and district-level professionals who are elected by district professional employees. From among these professional staff members, at least two-thirds of them must be teachers.
Central Office Employees
All Central office department heads must conduct a transparent call within their department for nominees that are a professional employee (pay grade 25 or above) no later than 5 p.m., Friday, November 8.
The department nominee must consent to being included on the district ballot. If there is more than one consenting nominee, a transparent election process should be conducted within the department to determine the nominee with the most support among the professional staff. Any eligible central office employee may self-nominate to be included in the department-based election process.
After the central office department election, departments must submit the names of the nominees using this form to DAC@houstonisd.org.
Following submission of all the nominees, a district ballot will be opened for electronic voting beginning November 18 to December 6, via a secured HISD portal application.
Campus-Based Employees
All campus principals must make a transparent call for nominees to determine one classroom teacher and one campus-based professional (non-teacher) employee who want to run in the districtwide election to serve on the DAC no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, November 8. Charter/Contract campuses are ineligible.
Any eligible campus-based professional may be nominated by another campus-based professional or may self-nominate, by notifying the principal, to be included in the campus-based election process. Campus nominees must consent to be included on the district ballot.
If there is more than one consenting nominee, in each category, a transparent election process should be conducted at the campus-level to determine the nominee with the most support among the professional staff. Only professional staff members are eligible for nominations. Please see Board Policy BQA(LEGAL) .
Once the campus-based election for nominees has been held, principals must add the names of the two employees to the DAC Application. Principals can access the application from the HISD Applications Page . Scroll down to District Advisory Committee (DAC) and login there. Principals will be able to access the application to enter nominees until Friday, November 8.
For more information on the DAC nominations, click here.
Annual enrollment for HISD benefits ends Nov. 22
What’s new in Benefits for 2020
- Aetna is the medical and Flexible Spending Account administrator in 2020
- There are new medical plan options
- The annual enrollment period for 2020 benefits is Nov. 1-22, 2019
As of January 1, 2020, Aetna will be the administrator for the district’s medical plans and Flexible Spending Accounts. You have a choice of medical plans, including two new Accountable Care Organization (ACO) plans and an Aetna broad network plan.
Annual Enrollment runs November 1-22, so click here for a new video regarding the changes for 2020, which include information about the new medical plan provider. This is the time of year when all benefits-eligible employees should enroll in or change their benefits, so please take a look at what’s new for 2020 at www.HISDBenefits.org.
The medical plans differ in deductible and coinsurance amounts, as well as the contributions you pay each pay period. There is no increase in contribution costs for 2020 and there is a contribution reduction for some plans. Our goal is to make sure this transition is as smooth as possible.
New medical plans for 2020
You have a choice of three new medical plans. Two of the plans are Accountable Care Organization (ACO) plans—the Kelsey-Seybold Accountable Care Network Plan (also known as KelseyCare) and the Memorial Hermann Accountable Care Network Plan. These plans represent the provider networks available to you and your family.
With an ACO plan, you have a care team working together to coordinate services, provide quality care, and keep you healthy. They share information such as medical history, current medications, and test results. This means everyone is familiar with your treatment, needs, and goals, and gaps in care are easier to spot and address.
A third new option, the Texas Medical Neighborhood Network Plan, is a broad-access network plan. If you enroll in this plan, you will have a primary care doctor and access to a variety of healthcare providers and facilities in a large network. You will need to designate a Primary Care Physician for yourself and any covered family members. If a Primary Care Physician is not selected, one will be assigned to you based on your zip code. There are currently 20 specialties subject to tiering in the Texas Medical Neighborhood Network Plan. You will receive the maximum savings when you select a Tier 1 specialist. Click here for a list of tiered specialties. You will receive the standard savings (higher coinsurance) when you select a Tier 2 specialist.
All the plan options have new networks, so it is important to review your doctors to determine which networks they may be included in. The networks are the same as the plan names, so it will be easy to look them up. Please see Aetna’s Find a Doctor instructions here for directions on how to locate providers in the various networks.
Aetna is available and ready to help
You may contact Aetna Member Services at 1-877-224-6857 with questions about plan benefits and features, network providers, coverage, costs, claims, and more. You will also find a wealth of information, tools, and plan resources on your Aetna member website at www.Aetna.com.
The Aetna website gives you easy access to your specific medical information and helps you find doctors who belong to the network of the plan option you select. If you were previously an Aetna member and registered with the site, you may use the same username and password to access the site. If you are new to Aetna, you can register at Aetna.com once you have enrolled.
Transition of care benefits
Are you receiving ongoing treatment for a serious/major condition from a provider who is not in the ACO networks or the Texas Medical Neighborhood Network Plan? You may qualify for transition of care benefits. If approved, you may continue seeing the provider for a limited period of time and receive benefits from the plan. To learn more and apply, call Aetna Member Services at 1-877-224-6857 and ask for a Transition of Care request form. You must apply for this benefit beginning in early December.
Voluntary Benefits
There will be no changes to your vision, pre-paid legal, disability, life insurance, and AD&D programs for 2020. There will be a seven percent increase in your dental DPPO and DHMO plan options. The coverage for these options remains the same.
The critical illness, accident, hospital, and cancer and specified diseases plans will ALL have a wellness benefit. Each plan will pay you for getting your routine exams each year. Be sure to read the information in the 2020 Benefits Guide carefully so you will know what is included, and then file the appropriate claim to get your reimbursement.
Convenient ways to speak to a nurse or doctor
Through Aetna, you will have access to the Informed Health® Line, a 24/7 nurse line. The nurses can help guide you to care and answer your medical questions. You will also be able to use CirrusMD to talk with a doctor by phone or video chat. The doctor can diagnose, treat, and prescribe when you are traveling or too busy to make it to the doctor’s office. CirrusMD will be available at no cost for the Memorial Hermann ACO and the Texas Medical Neighborhood Plans. The Kelsey-Seybold plans also have telemedicine available for a flat fee dependent on if you want to speak with a primary care physician or a specialist.
Next Level Urgent Care Centers
Next Level manages HISD’s Health and Wellness Centers at HMW and Attucks Middle School. In addition to these onsite wellness centers, medical plan members and their covered dependents can visit any Next Level Urgent Care Center location across Houston for $20 per visit. Kelsey Select ACO Plan members and covered dependents can access these centers at no cost. This is another convenient way to obtain the medical care you and your family need at a low cost.
Supplemental Sick Leave Bank (SSLB): 2019-2020 Special Enrollment
The HISD Supplemental Sick Leave Bank (SSLB) program offers participants up to 30 additional leave days for extended absences due to a catastrophic injury or illness.
The SSLB membership enrollment materials will be emailed to eligible employees during the week of November 4, 2020. Current SSLB members were automatically re-enrolled during the August enrollment period.
Eligible employees may enroll during the special enrollment period through November 1-22, 2020. Enrollment forms and plan details are also available on the SSLB webpage. This is the final enrollment period for the school year.
Employees may view their SSLB membership status on the new Total Rewards Statement. Simply login to the OneSource Employee Self-Service menu and select Total Rewards Statement. Contact Benefits Support at 713-695-5561 for additional assistance.
Weekly Teacher Download for October 28
Wraparound Survey: The Wraparound Services Department is requesting staff, teachers, parents and students to complete a survey that will ask specific questions on non-academic needs such as physical, food insecurities, housing, and many other challenges that need improvement, and supports students’ social, emotional, and academic learning. To complete the survey, click here.
ALL TEACHERS
Intro to Grant Writing: Need help writing the perfect grant that could help you receive funds for the classroom? The Grant Development Department will host The Grants 101 – Introduction to Grant Development and Grant Writing course on November 5 from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Browning Elementary School (607 Northwood St., 77009). The course will provide participants with an opportunity to learn how to effectively write grant proposals. Participants will also receive information, resources and tools that may assist in obtaining federal, state, foundation, and corporate funding to implement a variety of programs/projects. If interested, register in OneSource, course #1439003. Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate in completing four credit hours.
JASON Learning: Through a partnership with JASON Learning and TransOcean, Instructional Technology has made all JASON Learning curriculum resources available to elementary and middle school science teachers districtwide. To facilitate access to these resources, JASON learning is now fully integrated into the HUB’s Digital Resources under the science category. For additional training and support on utilizing JASON learning resources, teachers can attend a professional development training on November 16 from 8 a.m.-Noon. Elementary teachers can register in OneSource, course #1439290. Middle school teachers can register in OneSource, course #1439291.
Literacy Trainings for PSI and BSC Teachers: The Office of Special Education Services (OSES) will host two instructional trainings for self-contained classrooms teachers in the month of November. On November 5, middle school behavior support classroom teachers can attend either session at 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:30-3:30 p.m., for a literacy supplement training. For this training, register in OneSource, course #1439224. All low incidence teachers of students with multiple impairments can register in OneSource, course 1439225 for the November 12 literacy supplement training.
Transition to Learn360: HISD is in the process of transitioning from Discovery Streaming to Learn360 for instructional video streaming. Learn360 is a multimedia resource that includes full-length videos, video clips, images, audio titles, articles, activities, worksheets, interactives, and Spanish-language content. This resource can be accessed through the HUB or the HISD Library Services website, click here. For additional details on Learn360, click here.
Kagan Cooperative Learning: HISD will host a five-day Kagan Cooperative Training in November, January and March during the 2019-2020 school year. Day one and two of the training will be held on November 13-14, 2019 at Clifton Middle School (6001 Golden Forest Dr., 77092) from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Participants will explore instructional strategies used to increase cooperative learning opportunities in the classroom environment. Those interested should register by November 11 in OneSource, course # 1439327. For more information, click here. Reimbursement for substitute pay will be provided.
HISD Master Training Catalog: Haven’t found a training suited for you? The HISD Master Training Catalog for teachers and leaders is currently available through December 2019. To view a complete list, click here.
ELEMENTARY
Prekindergarten Guided Reading: Now that the CIRCLE Assessment is complete, prekindergarten teachers should be preparing to implement the Guided Reading small group instruction in the following weeks. For support, there will be two Pre-A Guided Reading sessions offered to all pre-k teachers on October 29 at Woodson PK-5 Academy (10720 Southview St., 77047) and November 12 at Ninfa Laurenzo ECC (205 N. Delmar St., 77011) from 4-6 p.m.
Lead4ward Elementary PD: HISD and Lead4Ward are collaborating to host districtwide professional development opportunities for third- thru fifth-grade math teachers. Sessions will be scheduled throughout the 2019-2020 school year, with the next one being held on Thursday, October 31 from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at HISD Education Learning Center (10725 Mesa Dr., 77078). Teachers will attend sessions specifically designated for math campus champion, departmentalized, and self-contained math teachers. Instructional coordinators, math content area leads, and math administrators are also encouraged to attend. To attend this session, register in OneSource, course # 1439049.
SECONDARY
Advanced Placement Teachers: The deadline for your students to enroll in My AP CollegeBoard online digital courses for fall semester and yearlong courses is Friday, November 15. All students planning to take an AP exam must be digitally enrolled in either (1) a teacher AP course or (2) an exam-only section in My AP CollegeBoard. The student must be digitally enrolled and the exam must be ordered for all fall semester and yearlong courses by November 15, or students will not be able to sit for the exam in May without a late fee. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Christopher Bowser at CBOWSER@houstonisd.org.
Upcoming CTE Trainings: The CTE department is hosting four professional development opportunities during the month of October and November for teachers who offer SolidWorks certifications. CTE Teachers are invited to attend a Solid Works-Part 2 workshop, where you will learn the basic of Solid Works. The course will also highlight parts and assemblies, as well as the built-in tutorials and help features with a focus on drawing and 3D printing that facilitate working with students in a classroom environment. If interested, register in One Source, course #1439234. Culinary arts teachers with experienced training in traditional Chinese cooking, register in OneSource, course #1439253. If you are seeking to learn new strategies for differentiating instruction in the CTE classroom, register in OneSource, course #1439318. STEM and IT CTE teachers are invited to attend a course in classroom management using PowerUp. Register in OneSource, course #1439320.
Weekly Teacher Download for October 21
ALL TEACHERS
HISD Master Training Catalog: Haven’t found a training suited for you? The HISD Master Training Catalog for teachers and leaders is currently available through December 2019. To view a complete list, click here.
Innovation Fund Extension: The HISD Foundation is now accepting applications for its Innovation Fund program until October 22, which provides funds for teachers and schools to develop innovative projects that lead to increased student success. In addition, individual schools can apply for a $10,000 – $20,000 grant to innovate learning in their classrooms, and two or more schools in the same feeder pattern can apply for a School Feeder Grant of $10,000 -$20,000. To apply for the grant, teachers and schools can click here. Teacher and school applications will be awarded based on their alignment to district initiatives and impact on student success. For more information about the fund program, click here.
Sheltered Instruction PD: In collaboration with Seidlitz Education and ELLevation Education, Multilingual Programs will offer Sheltered Instruction and Instructional Strategies Professional Development for teachers who serve English Learners. The goal is to equip all teachers who serve English Learners, Newcomers, and SIFE studentswith the best research-based practices to serve the needs of multilingual students. Participants will leave equipped with simple and flexible strategies for daily use to engage all students across content areas in reading, writing, listening, speaking, and thinking in every classroom. For details on the next training, click here.
Project Lead the Way Grant: In partnership with Project Lead the Way (PLTW), Verizon Innovative Learning has committed funds to support 20 grants (10 middle school and 10 high school) for PLTW Computer Science programs in sixth through twelfth grades. The grant is part of Verizon Innovative Learning’s commitment to quality computer science experiences for students at HISD. For this current round of grant funding, schools must choose one of two categories for their application. Schools that receive this grant must implement the program by 2020–2021 school year. An HISD Intent to Apply form must be completed and sent to the Grant Development Department before applying for the grant by Friday, October 25. If you are interested in the grant, please submit an internal application by Friday, November 1. For more information and details of the grant, click here.
Community Meetings: The Houston Independent School District Board of Education will be hosting several districtwide meetings to discuss the district’s board goals in October and November. The focus of these meetings will be to better understand the educational expectations of parents, students, and stakeholders. All community members are invited to attend and share their thoughts on the student outcomes they believe to be most important. For more information and details on locations, click here.
Parent Leadership Conference: HISD’s Office of Special Populations will hold its annual Parent Leadership Conference on Saturday, October 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center (4400 W 18th St., 77092). The conference is designed for parents and guardians of HISD students to learn supports and strategies that will help students to be successful – academically, socially, and emotionally. This year’s conference will feature a variety of workshops on how parents can work with their children at home. There is no cost to attend. Parents can register here. Childcare will be provided. For more information, click here.
It’s Back! Chevron Fuel Your School: Chevron’s Fuel Your School program is returning to Harris County this October. HISD teachers can submit their requests now until October 31 at DonorsChoose.org.Eligible project submitters include teachers, librarians, guidance counselors and school nurses that meet DonorsChoose.org eligibility. Approved classroom projects are eligible for Chevron funding if material costs are One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) or less per project (excluding taxes, vendor or order fulfillment fees.) Field trips and professional development projects are not eligible for funding through this program. Chevron encourages classroom project requests that support STEM education. For more information, click here.
ELEMENTARY
Lead4ward Elementary PD: HISD and Lead4Ward are collaborating to host district-wide professional development opportunities for third- thru fifth-grade math teachers. Sessions will be scheduled throughout the 2019-2020 school year, with the next one being held on Thursday, October 31 from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at HISD Education Learning Center (10725 Mesa Dr., 77078). Teachers will attend sessions specifically designated for math campus champion, departmentalized, and self-contained math teachers. Instructional coordinators, math content area leads, and math administrators are also encouraged to attend. To attend this session, register in OneSource, course # 1439049.
SECONDARY
Students to Complete the FASFA and TASFA: How much does your students know about the financial aid applications? Completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and TASFA (Texas Application for State Financial Aid) is the first step toward receiving the various types of financial aid for school, and finishing your FAFSA/TASFA early is the best way to maximize college-award packages. To help students pursue their next steps toward a college education, check out this resource as a guide in completing the FAFSA/TASFA.
Upcoming CTE Trainings: The CTE department is hosting three professional development opportunities for the month of October. New CTE teachers are invited to attend a workshop on classroom management. Participants will learn best practices for developing systems and routines in the classroom. Register today in OneSource, course #1439229. Attention CTE teachers who offer SolidWorks certifications. You are invited to attend a Solid Works workshop where participants will learn the basic of Solid Works including parts and assemblies, as well as the built-in-tutorials and help features to facilitate working with students in a classroom environment. Focus will be on drawing and 3D printing. Register in One Source, course #1439233 (Solid Works Part 1) and course #1439234 (Solid Works Part 2).
Associate Teachers at Rusk and Codwell ES recognized by HR
Human Resources surprised the Associate and Achieve 180 Dedicated Associate Teacher of the Month recipients for September on Friday.
Associate Teacher D’Kecia Tolbert at Baylor College of Medicine Biotech Academy at Rusk is recognized as the Associate Teacher of the Month recipient.
For the last five years, Tolbert has worked as an associate teacher at Rusk, where she landed a long-term dedicated associate teacher assignment for the 2018-2019 school year.
“Ms. Tolbert is always dependable and flexible,” Principal Herrera said. “Whether it’s rotating class coverage, cafeteria duty, after school duty, detention, or planning with teachers, she is willing to offer help without being asked.”
For the Achieve 180 Dedicated Associate Teacher of the Month, HR recognized George LaBlanche at Codwell Elementary School.
Known for his patience around campus, LaBlanche’s commitment to the students at the campus especially in the SLC Trek class doesn’t go unnoticed by campus administration.
“He is one of the best associate teachers I’ve ever encountered in my 17-year career,” Principal Kristy Love said. “He has built relationships will all students, especially those in Coldwell’s SLC class where he makes sure the students are successful, included and heard.”
The Associate Teacher of the Month and Achieve 180 Dedicated Associate Teacher of the Month is sponsored by Raising Cane’s. Each recipient receives a gift bag of goodies filled with merchant gift cards and swag.
To nominate an Associate or Achieve 180 Dedicated Associated Teacher of the Month, click here.
