Weekly Teacher Download for March 4
ALL TEACHERS
Lead4ward Educator Survey: The Research & Accountability department is asking that all teachers complete the Lead4ward Educator Survey that was developed to gather educators’ perceptions about the utility and effectiveness of the tool. The information will be used to inform decision makers and to improve instructional practices in the district. Lead4ward was implemented in HISD to provide instructional resources to educators.
2017 When I Grow Up Career Expo: Join us for HISD’s Seventh Annual When I Grow Up Career Expo on Saturday, March 23 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Hattie Mae White (4400 West 18th St., 77092). More than 60 local and national businesses will provide exhibits for HISD students in kindergarten through twelfth grade, that will enable them to be able to discover and learn about various careers. To learn more about the event, click here. The City of Houston will also host an on-site hiring event for the Hire Houston Youth initiative which offers students the opportunity to interview and gain summer employment on the spot with Houston area businesses. To learn more about the event, click here.
PD Opportunity for HISD Teachers: The World Affairs Council of Greater Houston presents the program Global Perspectives Workshop for Educators – Portrait of Romania & Bulgaria on Saturday April 6, 2019 at the Federal Reserve Bank (1801 Allen Parkway, 77019) from 1:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The workshop will offer six hours of professional development credit and six hours of gifted and talented credit for HISD educators. Teachers will walk away with ready-to-use lesson plans, resources and ideas for classroom activities. Reserve a seat today for $10 (members) or $12 for (non-members). Breakfast and lunch are included. Fore more information on topics, click here.
Lead4ward Trainings: There are three new Lead4ward sessions available for HISD teachers on March 5-8. Register in OneSource for sessions focused on math, history and literacy. Register in OneSource for the March 5-8 sessions titled, “Building Capacity—STAAR Released Data Dig and Review,” (#1183002) “Contemporary America (HS US History),” (#119003) and “Math Rockin’ Review” (#1189001).
SECONDARY
Spring Break Writing Camp: The Secondary Curriculum and Development Department is offering a Spring Break Writing Camp for teachers. During this week-long camp, teachers will experience and practice new strategies to support student writing achievement during the last few weeks before STAAR. Strategies will focus on teaching grammar in context, review mini-lessons, and maximizing the use of mentor texts. Teachers will receive a stipend for $100 per day for their attendance and can register in OneSource, using course #1435043.
CTE Job Fair: Do you have graduating seniors who might be interested in a career in construction? C3 – Construction Career Collaborative is hosting a Construction Career Fair for graduating seniors on April 4, 2019 at Wheeler Field House (16325 Lexington Blvd., 77479). Students will have the opportunity to network with 24 companies and associations to hire and help students get training beyond graduation. Students and teachers can register for the event here. For the flyer, click here.
Achieve 3000 Read-to-Succeed Contest: Achieve 3000 is hosting a Read-to-Succeed Contest through Friday, March 29, where every time a student completes an Achieve 3000 activity, their class will earn a point. For every activity score of 75 percent or higher, the class will earn two points. For every activity score of 88 percent or higher, the class will earn three points. At the end of the contest, the class from each area with the most points on average per student, wins a gift card to spend on a class celebration of their choice. To qualify for the contest, each student in the class must complete at least eight activities during the contest window.
OnTrack Item Bank Survey: In December, HISD teachers and campus leaders were given access to the STAAR Test Maker item bank as part of an HISD pilot program within OnTrack. As part of the pilot program, HISD monitored the use of the STAAR Test Maker item bank questions for the spring semester to determine campus utilization. To gather additional feedback from campuses, campus and district personnel who used the STAAR Test Maker in OnTrack are asked to complete a survey regarding the quality and rigor of the items available OnTrack, including STAAR Test Maker items. Teachers and campus leaders can access the STAAR Test Maker Item Bank Survey in OnTrack through the launchpad, followed by clicking the survey flip card and selecting OnTrack Item Bank Survey.
Employee Assistance Program Class Schedule 2019
Employee Assistance Program Class Schedule Summer/Fall 2019
Join us for free workshops sponsored by the HISD Employee Assistance Program. Walk-ins are welcome, or you may register online via OneSource. Bring your lunch and eat while you learn.
We will be adding more course numbers and classes so check back often. If you have any problem enrolling online, please send an email to BenefitsOffice@HoustonISD.org or call the Benefits Office at 713-556-6655.
HISD hosts History Day on Feb. 23
The Office of Innovation and Postsecondary Programming hosted the annual HISD History Day competition on February 23, where over 100 students in kindergarten through twelfth grade learned the skills of a historian during an intense research and presentation process.
Students shared their research and analysis through websites, essays, documentaries, performances, and exhibits. History Day research skills align perfectly with Pre-AP, AP, and IB historical thinking skills. It is also highly engaging and has the potential to bring history to life for students.
During the event, sixteen of our HISD young historians qualified to compete in the Texas History Day competition in April at the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin, Texas. They will compete at the state-level for awards, scholarships, and the chance to compete at the national level.
Students who participate in History Day gain confidence, learn how to collaborate, and develop their research skills.
If you would like to learn how your school can bring history alive through our HISD History Day program, contact our Advanced Placement Social Studies Specialist, Dr. Suzanne Acord at suzanne.acord@houstonisd.org.
The Research & Accountability department is asking that all teachers, curriculum staff, and school administrators complete the Lead4ward Educator Survey that was developed to gather educators’ perceptions about the utility and effectiveness of the tool.
The information will be used to inform decision makers and to improve instructional practices in the district.
Click here to complete the survey.
Lead4ward was implemented in HISD to provide instructional resources to educators. For questions, contact Dr. Venita Holmes, HISD Department of Research & Accountability at vholmes@houstonisd.org or (713) 556-6700.
West-area teachers attend Kagan Cooperative Learning training
This week, nearly 140 teachers gathered for a two-day Kagan Cooperative Learning training at Kingdom Builders Center.
Thanks to the guidance of West Area Superintendent James McSwain, the teachers began their journey to becoming Kagan-certified trainers, which will support West-area schools in creating a more engaging, student-centered learning environment at the campus.
“When you think of student engagement and what we think may work or have experienced, Kagan Cooperative Learning is different as it’s entirely scientific-based,” McSwain said. “Due to the program being rooted in brain research, the program has proved to be effective in its ability to engage the human brain, especially within the classroom.”
Two teachers from each campus in the West area were selected by their campus principal to attend the trainings and act as a Kagan resource for their campus principal and staff.
“The cooperative learning changes our mindset on what we’ve been typically been exposed to as an interactive or engaging classroom,” Teacher Lakita White said. “It allows us to make sure that all students are accountable in their learning and have an opportunity to get all the content.”
According to teachers at the training, the greatest benefit of the Kagan Cooperative Learning program is its potential to improve students’ social skills amongst their teachers and peers. The program features strategies centered around social learning and oral communication.
“Bottom line, when you have more students engaged, you are on the road to closing achievement gaps,” Dr. Jackie Minor, a trainer for Kagan Cooperative Learning said.
Weekly Teacher Download for February 25
ALL TEACHERS
Lead4ward Trainings: There are three new Lead4ward sessions available for HISD teachers on Feb. 27-28 and March 5-7. Register in OneSource for sessions focused on math, history and literacy. Register in OneSource for the February 27 sessions titled, “Writing Rockin’ Review” (#1435013) and “Wave Goodbye, Say Hello New ELAR TEKS (K-5)” (#1184003).
Open Transfer Period: HISD’s annual Open Transfer Period will begin on Monday, April 1 and end at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2019. Transfer requests will not be considered after April 26. During this period, eligible teachers and nurses are free to transfer between HISD campuses to fill open positions for the 2019–2020 school year. If you are interested in a specific position, you are to apply directly via email to the principal and provide your name, employee ID, job title, and attach a resume or include a summary of your experience. For application guidelines and eligibility requirements, click here.
HISD Teacher Job Fair: HISD is seeking new teachers and current HISD teachers to join the Achieve 180 initiative. If you know someone or if you are interested in joining the program, come out to the HISD Teacher Job Fair on Saturday, March 2 at Hattie Mae White (4400 W. 18th St., 77092). The research-based action plan is supporting 53 campuses in undeserved and underperforming feeder pattern communities. To learn more about Achieve 180, click here. For more information on how to register for the fair and other details, click here.
Special Olympics Rescheduled: The sixth annual Special Olympics Field Day has been rescheduled for March, and HISD needs volunteers for the upcoming event. Elementary students will get their Special Olympics Field Day on March 5, followed by middle school students having their events on March 6. Lastly, high school students will participate on March 7. Volunteers are needed throughout the three days to help with set-up and breakdown, athletic events, escorting students around the facility, serving lunches, and other tasks. For more information on how to volunteer, click here.
Nominate an Associate Teacher: Do you know an outstanding associate teacher that goes above and beyond their role each day? Nominate them as the Associate Teacher of the Month sponsored by Raising Canes. To nominate an associate teacher, click here.
ELEMENTARY
Just in Time PD: Join the Elementary Curriculum & Development Department for a series of Just-in-Time 4th Grade Writing PD on February 28 from 4-6 p.m. at Bonham Elementary (8302 Braes River Dr., 77074). The sessions will focus on instructional practices aligned to highly assessed standards and presented by curriculum and teacher development specialists. Register for the next session in OneSource, using course #1433008. For more information on the next sessions in March, click here.
SECONDARY
CTE Job Fair: Do you have graduating seniors who might be interested in a career in construction? C3 – Construction Career Collaborative is hosting a Construction Career Fair for graduating seniors on April 4, 2019 at Wheeler Field House (16325 Lexington Blvd., 77479). Students will have the opportunity to network with 24 companies and associations to hire and help students get training beyond graduation. Students and teachers can register for the event here.
AP Examinations for World Languages: Campuses should encourage heritage speakers of languages other than English to consider taking the respective Advanced Placement foreign language examination this May, even if students are not currently enrolled in the AP course. The Innovation & Postsecondary Programming department will pay all exam fees for the May 2019 administration. A qualifying score of three or higher yields high school LOTE credit for levels one through four, as well as multiple semesters of college credit at many universities and colleges. The deadline to submit Advanced Placement Exam orders is April 12, 2019. For more information, click here.
Open Transfer Period for the 2019-2020 school year is April 1-26
Eligible employees may transfer between campuses during this timeframe
HISD’s annual Open Transfer Period will begin on Monday, April 1, and end at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 26.
During this period, eligible teachers and nurses are free to transfer between HISD campuses to fill open positions for the 2019–2020 school year. Please visit the Careers page on the HISD website to view 2019–2020 vacancies.
If you are interested in a specific position, you are to apply directly via email to the principal and provide your name, employee ID, job title, and attach a resume or include a summary of your experience. Due to the high volume of applicants, principals may only contact candidates of interest.
If you receive an offer, click here for step-by-step instructions to continue the process. However, if you decide to resign, please be reminded that the penalty-free deadline is July 12, 2019.
Also, be aware that this transfer period does not apply to at-will employees (i.e. Clerks, Teaching Assistants, Grad Coaches, etc.). At-will employees can transfer any time during the year with a two-week minimum notice. Promotions, for all employees, may also be processed any time during the year.
If you have additional questions, please contact Human Resources at 713-556-7400, Option 3 – Human Resources Business Partner or hiring@houstonisd.org.
Human Resources surprises associate teachers
The Human Resources surprised the Associate and Achieve 180 Dedicated Associate Teacher of the Month recipients for February on Monday.
Associate Teacher Barbara Foster at South Early College High School is recognized as the Associate Teacher of the Month recipient.
Foster, who retired from HISD in 2013, was recognized for her support and commitment to the students at South Early College High School.
“Mrs. Foster has played a major role in providing support and assistance wherever she is needed at South Early,” Principal Steven Gourrier said. “There has been no role, big or small, that Mrs. Foster has not taken on with grace and excellence.”
For the Achieve 180 Dedicated Associate Teacher of the Month, HR recognized Darrell Lopez at Edison Middle School, who is currently filling in for seventh-grade history.
Lopez was recognized for his dedication to student performance, and known for helping create and sustain a positive student culture on campus.
“The students respect and trust Mr. Lopez,” Principal Karina Lopez said. “He has demonstrated excellent leadership and positivity by building positive relationships with our students and teachers.”
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.
It is recommended that women 35 and older get a mammogram screening once a year, as nearly all breast cancer can be treated successfully if it is detected early enough.
Both The Rose and Assured Imaging will be at various locations around the district beginning Feb. 22. See this PDF for The Rose’s schedule and see this PDF for Assured Imaging’s schedule.
You are eligible for a screening if you are:
- A female age 35 and older
- Due for a mammogram
- Do not have any breast symptoms or problems
- Are not pregnant or nursing
- Have not been diagnosed with breast cancer within the past two years
- Have a primary care physician
Both The Rose and Assured Imaging provide 3D mammograms as well. You may receive a gift card from Assured for participating.
To register for Assured Imaging, call 888-233-6121 or visit www.assuredimaging.com/HISD.
To register for The Rose, call 281-464-5136 or visit www.the-rose.org/mobile and use the code HISD.
Mammograms are covered by most insurance, including HISD’s medical plan. If you don’t have insurance though HISD, check with your insurance carrier to confirm that there will no charge.
Weekly Teacher Download for Feb. 18
MackinVIA Library: Nearly 1,500 free books are available online for both you and your students. Just download the free MackinVIA app and get started. MackinVIA is an award-winning digital library that puts the newest and hottest eBooks and audiobooks at your fingertips. With your HISD login, you can explore various genres, check out material to use without the internet, and provide feedback on the books you read. MackinVIA also works on students’ PowerUp laptops and their mobile devices. Click here for mobile-friendly instructions. For questions, ask your library educator or email instech@houstonisd.org.
Digital Literacy Moments: Be a Teknowlegest…Be CyberWise! CyberSafe! Teaching students 21st-century skills include using technology safely, responsibly and effectively in their studies, daily lives and future careers. Teachers interested in promoting digital literacy are encouraged to have their students produce 60- to 90-second digital animations and videos, highlighting critical digital issues. For more information about this program, go to http://bit.ly/2019DigitalLitMoments.The central office Ed Tech team is available to help interested teachers February 11, 2019, through March 22, 2019. Digital Literacy Moments can be produced in any format, such as live video, animation or a sequence of narrated frames. Participants are encouraged to submit as many products as they would like, on multiple topics. Submissions accepted through March 29, 2019, at 5 p.m. To submit projects, use the following link to tell us who you are and provide a link to your video: Video Submissions. Click here to REGISTER!
Digital Learning Day: The seventh annual Digital Learning Day is Friday, Feb. 22. Digital Learning Day was launched to share innovative practices and ensure that all students have access to high-quality digital learning opportunities. We are asking that all campuses highlight how teachers and students effectively integrate technology in the classroom to engage & enhance their learning. We will capture these stories via Twitter by tagging their tweets with #DLDay #GlobalGraduates @HoustonISD. Please capture and share all the amazing ways campuses are using technology to mold students into Global Graduates. For more information, including sample lessons, click here.
Literacy Refresher Training: The Elementary and Secondary Curriculum and Development Departments is offering leadership refresher courses in the month of February at the Houston Education Learning Center (10725 Mesa Dr., 77078). For more information on dates, location and OneSource course numbers, click here.
ELEMENTARY
Just in Time PD: The Elementary Curriculum & Development Department is committed to providing teachers with high-quality professional development. A series of Just-in-Time 4th Grade Writing PD will be offered at various elementary schools across the district. Sessions will focus on instructional practices aligned to highly assessed standards and presented by curriculum and teacher development specialists. For more information, click here.
SECONDARY
HCC College Readiness: Do you know a high school senior who has not met college readiness standards? The district has partnered with Houston Community College to provide college preparation courses in Mathematics and English Language Arts for high school seniors on Friday, Feb.22, from 8 a.m.-noon at Houston Community College West Loop Campus. The partnership also offers professional learning pertaining to the courses for principals, teachers and faculty. Students and teachers can register for the summit here.
CTE Job Fair: Do you have graduating seniors who might be interested in a career in construction? C3 – Construction Career Collaborative is hosting a Construction Career Fair for graduating seniors on April 4, 2019 at Wheeler Field House (16325 Lexington Blvd., 77479). Students will have the opportunity to network with 24 companies and associations to hire and help students get training beyond graduation. Students and teachers can register here.
2019 AP Summer Institute: Teachers planning to teach an AP class for the 2019-2020 school year will have the opportunity to attend an AP Summer Institute (APSI). Thanks to the HISD Innovation & Postsecondary Programming, the department will cover the cost of teacher registration and fees for those who meet the requirements. AP teachers need to have a broad range of instructional strategies and deep content knowledge in order to build student mastery in the subject and increase the likelihood of future success at college. Click here for the requirements. If you meet the criteria, complete the APSI registration survey by Friday, May 31.
