Bus driver Laurie Bolton awarded February Customer Service Impact Award
During the three years Laurie Bolton has been an HISD school bus driver, she has become an important person in the lives of young students she takes to and from Northline Elementary each day.
Known as “Miss Kuntri” by her students and school staff, Bolton goes out of her way to ensure her bus riders are well-tended. She was recently recognized for her exceptional dedication to her job with the February Business Operations Customer Service Impact Award.
The monthly award recognizes HISD Business Operations employees who display exemplary performance, deliver fantastic customer service, and regularly go above and beyond to add value to their division and positively influence co-workers.
“I treat them how I’d want my kids to be treated,” the mom of five grown boys said. “The kids are my favorite part about the job.”
Northline Elementary Principal Diana De La Rosa nominated Bolton for the award, noting that her excellent customer service leaves school staff feeling wonderfully served.
“Ms. Bolton shows concern for the students and has taken it upon herself to be proactive by communicating with parents directly,” De La Rosa said. “She’s really great with the kids, and they all love her.”
De La Rosa surprised Bolton with the award this week as she arrived at the school to gather students for their bus ride back home.
“She shows a lot of dedication and always has a smile on her face,” Transportation Services Area Manager Edward Eugene said. “We are very proud of her.”
Bolton said she was honored by the recognition and that interacting with the students is what she likes best.
“I love the kids,” she said. “They make it all worthwhile.”
Weekly Teacher Download for Feb. 11
ALL TEACHERS
Black History Month: HISD is celebrating Black History Month by commemorating district alumni and staff who are considered groundbreakers and trailblazers. The district created a poster and series of table tent cards that will be placed in break rooms and Hattie Mae’s cafe that will feature African-Americans who are former HISD staff and/or students and have made contributions to art, literature, business, sports and pop culture. To further celebrate Black History Month, a special musical performance by teachers will be presented at noon on Tuesday, Feb. 12 at Hattie Mae’s cafe at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center (4400 W. 18th St., 77092). To view this year’s flyer, click here.
New Teacher Summit: If you’re a new teacher, don’t miss the New Teacher Summit on Friday, Feb. 15 or Saturday, Feb. 16 at the HISD Education Learning Center (10725 Mesa Dr., 77078). Full-time teachers are encouraged to attend and gain an opportunity to strengthen instructional skills and learn more about specific and actionable effective practice techniques to add to their teacher toolkit. Participants will also be eligible for a $50 professional development stipend payment. If interested and for more information on sessions, please register here. Breakout sessions can also be added as Professional Development Activities in your Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP).
Lead4ward Science PD: HISD and Lead4ward are collaborating for a district-wide professional development on Wednesday, Feb. 13 from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., at HISD Education Learning Center (10725 Mesa Dr., 77078). The training titled, “Lead4Ward Science Rockin’ Review, Volume II,” will focus on how to motivate their students to engage with science content that they may have struggled with earlier in the year. The session is for teachers of fifth- and eighth-grade, and Biology EOC. Instructional coordinators and science content area leads are encouraged to attend. Register in OneSource using course code #1190001.
EMERGE Program: EMERGE is asking teachers to help them recruit students for their program. Every spring, EMERGE begins seeking competitive applicants, who often credit teachers for encouraging them to apply. Interested applicants should be economically disadvantaged and generally are first-generation graduates from a four-year college or university. Those interested should also have a strong academic profile that includes getting good grades in rigorous courses. Students can apply here until Thursday, Feb. 14. Click here for the flyer.
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.
Discounted Tickets: Don’t miss the Harlem Globetrotters when they come to town Feb. 15 to Feb. 17. Thanks to the organization, they are offering HISD teachers and staff a discount up to 25 percent. For the discount code, click here. The district is also offering discounted Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo carnival packs. For the link to purchase, click here.
SECONDARY
HCC College Readiness: Do you know a high school senior that 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 Month: Celebrate CTE Month by joining your colleagues at of one the following learning sessions on Feb. 15 from 1:30-4 p.m. One session will explore ways to integrate digital content using Discovery Education at Waltrip High School (1900 W. 34th St., 77018). If interested, register in OneSource, course #1431002. The other session will allow participants to learn from the Texas Workforce Commission on helping students develop effective resumes and cover letters at Sterling High School (11625 Martindale Rd., 77048). Register in OneSource, course #1384003. For ideas on how you can celebrate CTE month, click here.
Weekly Teacher Download for February 4
ALL TEACHERS
National School Counseling Week: National School Counseling Week, which focuses public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors, runs Feb. 5-9. This year’s theme is “School Counselors: Helping Students Reach for the Stars.” Sponsored by the American School Counselor Association, the event highlights the work school counselors do to inspire students, help them achieve school success, and plan for a career. Share photos and posts on social media using #NSCW18 and #HISDcounselors.
HAABSE Recognition: The Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators (HAABSE) will recognize nearly 70 HISD teachers at their annual HAABSE Outstanding Teacher Awards and Recognition Ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 6 at Bayou City Event Center. The banquet was created to recognize the incredible work of educators that impact the lives of minority students in the greater Houston area. Teachers were nominated by their campus principal and/or counselor. For a complete list of teachers that will be recognized, click here.
EMERGE Program: EMERGE is asking teachers to help them recruit students for their program. Every spring, EMERGE begins seeking competitive applicants, who often credit teachers for encouraging them to apply. Interested applicants should be economically disadvantaged and generally are first-generation graduates from a four-year college or university. Those interested should also have a strong academic profile that includes getting good grades in rigorous courses. Students can apply here until Thursday, Feb. 14. Click here for the flyer.
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.
Discounted Tickets: Don’t miss the Harlem Globetrotters when they come to town Feb. 15 to Feb. 17. Thanks to the organization, they are offering HISD teachers and staff a discount up to 25 percent. For the discount code, click here. The district is also offering discounted Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo carnival packs. For the link to purchase, click here.
SECONDARY
CTE Month: Celebrate CTE Month by joining your colleagues at of one the following learning sessions on Feb. 15 from 1:30-4 p.m. One session will explore ways to integrate digital content using Discovery Education at Waltrip High School (1900 W. 34th St., 77018). If interested, register in OneSource, course #1431002. The other session will allow participants to learn from the Texas Workforce Commission on helping students develop effective resumes and cover letters at Sterling High School (11625 Martindale Rd., 77048). Register in OneSource, course #1384003. For ideas on how you can celebrate CTE month, click here.
Eighth-Grade Parent Night: Beginning Feb. 25 to March 29, all middle school campuses will be expected to host an eighth-grade parent night with information about college and career readiness resources, opportunities to receive college credit in high school, graduation requirements, and other related topics. If you are interested in helping coordinate the event, please coordinate with your principal and have them complete this form here.
TLBC Scholarship Information: Do you know a high school student looking for a scholarship? The Texas Legislative Black Caucus (TLBC) will award over 60 students throughout Texas at the Gospel Scholarship Brunch as part of the 2019 African-American Legislative Summit on Feb. 24. Students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and be a graduating senior from an accredited high school. For the scholarship and application requirements, click here.
Appraisers of non-teachers (NTAS), teachers (TDAS) and school leaders (SLAS) are invited to attend a refresher course on creating and conducting a Progress Conference and Prescriptive Plans for Assistance. The course offers a lab element with individual assistance available as needed. A performance and improvement manager (PCIM) will also be available to assist with any questions and provide hands-on assistance to participants. Those who attend will receive an appraisal calendar and quick reference guide.
Thursday, Jan. 31 from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m., at Hattie Mae White (room 2C07)
Friday, Feb. 8 from 2 to 4 p.m., at Teledyne (5827 Chimney Rock Rd., 77081)
Tuesday, Feb. 12 from 9 to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Until 3:00 p.m., at Hattie Mae White (room 2C07)
Human Resources surprises associate teachers
Human Resources surprised the Associate and Achieve 180 Dedicated Associate Teacher of the Month recipients for January on Monday.
Associate Teacher Madison Lopez at Travis Elementary is recognized as the Associate Teacher of the Month recipient.
Lopez, who eventually wants to pursue a career in medicine, was recognized for her dependability and commitment to the classrooms at Travis Elementary. Her colleagues praise her efforts in setting high expectations for students and ensuring there’s no loss in instructional time when a teachers is absent.
“When the children hear that Ms. Lopez will be their teacher for the day, they are thrilled,” Kindergarten teacher Katherine Strempel. ” Ms. Lopez comes in early to read plans, familiarize herself with our classroom, and greet each student at the door when they arrive.”
For the Achieve 180 Dedicated Associate Teacher of the Month, HR recognized Frances Yarbrough at High School Ahead Academy.
Yarbrough was in shock and full of emotion when HR surprised her on Monday. She is known for her effort in owning many roles at the campus and helping out inside and outside the classroom.
“Ms. Yarbrough is always willing to go over and beyond, Principal Yolanda Jones said. ” She always ensures that student needs are met, the bulletin board is updated, classrooms are supported and secures community members to support school goals. Every day, she does all this with a smile.”
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.
Weekly Teacher Download for Jan. 28
ALL TEACHERS
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). Those interested will learn how to increase the successful implementation of the district literacy initiatives—Literacy by 3, Literacy in the Middle, and Literacy Empowered. The three-part series will review the research-based components of the initiative while correlating high-impact strategies and tools to assist in implementation. For more information on dates, location and OneSource course numbers, click here.
National History Day: The HISD Innovation & Postsecondary Programming Department is excited to coordinate HISD’s National History Day (NHD) competition for grades K -12 on February 23, 2019 at Hattie Mae White. HISD Social Studies teachers and students are encouraged to incorporate NHD components into their teaching. NHD expectations strongly align with HISD disciplinary practices. As a reminder, registration for the district’s event will close on February 10. For additional details, please click here.
Dental Health Month Contest: HISD elementary and middle school students are encouraged to participate in the Dental Health Poster Contest recognizing the American Dental Association’s National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM) 2019 campaign. This month-long observance brings together dental professionals, health care providers, and others to promote the benefits of good oral health to children and adults, caregivers and teachers. This year’s campaigns slogan is “Brush and Clean in Between to Build a Health Smile.” For contest rules and criteria, click here. If interested in participating, please complete this form. For more information on how the contest will be judged, click here.
Souper Bowl of Caring: All HISD schools and members of Team HISD are invited to participate in the 2019 Souper Bowl of Caring, a youth-led, national food drive that mobilizes thousands of young people to fight hunger and poverty in their communities leading up to the NFL Super Bowl weekend. Schools interested in participating in this year’s campaign are asked to assign a campus coordinator and register here before Jan. 25 to receive a free resource kit. For more details and to volunteer, click here.
ELEMENTARY
Books Between Kids: The Elementary Curriculum Department is pleased to share an opportunity with Books Between Kids, a Houston-based non-profit organization founded in 2012. The organization’s mission is to build home libraries for Houston’s at-risk children by providing them with free books that they get to select and take home during fun, free book fairs called book celebrations. Books Between Kids is inviting your campus to participate in the program, so that your students can receive free books through the book celebration. If you would like for your campus to participate this year, please complete and submit the new school application form.
K-1 Literacy Opportunities: Innovations for Learning, a non-profit, which currently supports HISD, will be presenting a special opportunity for kindergarten through first-grade classrooms to participate in an early reading intervention program. This unique, sustainable program is geared towards substantially increasing the percentage of students reading at grade level at the end of first grade. Selected schools will be provided all necessary software, support, tablet devices, tech set-up and a specially trained Early Literacy Interventionist to work one-on-one with students. For selected dates and times, sign-up by completing this google form.
SECONDARY
Graduation Schedule: The 2019 Graduation schedule has been released. Please share it with your colleagues and community, so that they can make necessary arrangements. Campuses will receive additional information regarding logistics, planning, site visits, and communications. Seating for all ceremonies will begin one hour before ceremony time. To view the schedule, click here.
CTE PD—Resumes and Cover Letters: Do you want to help your students on the importance of having a well-prepared resume and cover letter? Join Career Readiness on Friday, Feb. 15 at Sterling Aviation Early College High School (11625 Martindale Rd., 77048) from 1:30-4 p.m. for a CTE training that will help you prepare your students with the essential skills needed to get their foot in the door. Workforce Solutions will assist teachers on educating students to obtain the job of their dreams. The focus will be creating impressive resumes, completing applications, writing cover letters, and more through hands-on-activities. If interested, register in OneSource, course # 1384003. Please bring your laptop.
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 that 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.
HISD COO Busby hosts inaugural lunch with Customer Service Impact Award winners
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The first group of Business Operations Customer Service Impact Award winners had a chance to sit down with Chief Operating Officer Brian Busby for lunch and conversation on Thursday.
The monthly award recognizes HISD Business Operations employees who display exemplary performance, deliver fantastic customer service, and regularly go above and beyond to add value to their division and positively influence co-workers. The lunch at the Hattie Mae Educational Support Facility with Busby was a part of the prizes offered to the three winners who have received the award.
Nutrition Services Senior Administrative Assistant Delia Anderson, Facilities Services Senior Administrative Assistant Sherry Jones, and Nutrition Services Team Lead Blanca Yerena were selected as winners for the months of September, October and November, respectively.
Jones, an administrative assistant who has been with the district for 47 years, is grateful that employees in her role now have the opportunity to be recognized.
“This is the first time they’ve specifically acknowledged administrative assistants and I am impressed that they’ve branched out to include us,” Jones said.
Busby had the idea to hold a quarterly lunch with employees who receive the award to show his gratitude for the work they do every day, which helps the district achieve its goals.
“I wanted to make sure this was something where we could carve this time out to fellowship. It was important for me to offer a quality experience to these employees,” Busby said.
HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan stopped by to chat with the group during the lunch and to congratulate the winners.
“Thank you all for your service,” Lathan told the group. “This is a major accomplishment and we appreciate you.”
Anderson said she is also grateful for the recognition.
“I feel appreciated. It’s nice to know they took time away from their busy day to make us feel special,” Anderson said.
Boost your brain power with these easy tips
Everyone has minor memory lapses from time to time – like losing keys or forgetting names. That’s normal. The good news is that you can take healthy steps now to help protect your brain. Try these tips to enhance your brain health at any age.
Find more tips on the HISD Benefits website here.
Eat smart to boost brain power. You can fight back against age-related dementia and cognitive decline by making healthy food choices.¹
- Don’t skip breakfast. Fuel your body with a healthy breakfast, which may improve short-term memory and attention. Focus on high-fiber whole grains and fruit.
- Enjoy a handful of berries. Foods with powerful antioxidant properties, such as blueberries, may reduce and even reverse age-related damage to brain cells.
- Add avocados to your lunch. The healthy fats in avocados are essential for brain and heart health.
- Snack on nuts and seeds. These are a good source of vitamin E, which may help keep your mind sharp.
- Eat fish two times per week. Omega-3 fatty acids found in certain fish are believed to protect the brain.
Get your heart pumping. When you have healthy blood flow from the heart to the brain, your brain can function better. Help your brain by breaking a sweat.
- Go for a walk. Aerobic exercise can help protect memory and thinking skills.2 This includes any activity where you break a sweat and get your heart pumping.
- Blow off steam. When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, a hormone that can negatively affect the brain’s memory center.²
- Focus on physical activity that helps you relax and let go of stress, whether it’s strength training, kickboxing or yoga.
- Challenge your mind—have you flexed your memory lately? Mental exercise stimulates the brain and memory, and it’s something you need to do every day to stay sharp. ²
- Engage your brain with mentally challenging tasks.
- Do mental math. How much will it cost to fill up the tank with gas? Try to run the numbers in your head instead of reaching for a calculator.
- Play mind games. Test your skills with a crossword or sudoku puzzle. Try a brainteaser book or app for fun.
- Learn something new. Take an art class or learn a few words in a new language
Keep calm, as it’s good for your memory. Stress and anxiety can strain on your brain. If you’re stressed out, you may have trouble thinking clearly and remembering details. That’s because the hormones your body releases when under stress can impair your memory and problem-solving skills.³ Taking control of your stress can help you shake off the negative effects on your memory. Try these tips for clearing your mind and shifting from stressed to calm.
- Change your focus. Feeling distressed after reading bad news headlines? Shift your mindset: Flip the script and share a positive article you found on social media.
- Zap stress with exercise. Worried sick about what might happen tomorrow? Shift your mindset: Clear your mind by going for a walk.
- Get some fresh air. Bottling up the stress of a high-pressure situation at work or home? Shift your mindset: Stretch your legs and go outdoors to get some oxygen and a fresh perspective.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Stressed out by an overwhelming task on your own (e.g., filing taxes or getting a medical test)? Shift your mindset: Ask for help or bring someone with you for support.
Follow HISD Benefits on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.
Sources:
¹ WebMD. “Slideshow: Brain Foods That Help You Concentrate.” Web (last reviewed/updated Nov. 14, 2017).
² WebMD. “9 Brain Boosters to Prevent Memory Loss.” Web (last reviewed/updated Aug. 17, 2016).
³ Mayo Clinic. “Chronic Stress Puts Your Health at Risk.” Web (last reviewed/updated Apr. 21, 2016).
Weekly Teacher Download for January 21
ALL TEACHERS
Boston Marathon: Citgo, the official fuel sponsor of the 2019 Boston Marathon, will be fielding a team of runners to participate in the world-renowned race and accepting submissions from teachers at their partner school districts across the country. Those interested, can click here and complete the questionnaire by 3 p.m. on January 25. All entrants must be able to complete the 26.2 mile run in 6 hours or less.
Souper Bowl of Caring: All HISD schools and members of Team HISD are invited to participate in the 2019 Souper Bowl of Caring, a youth-led, national food drive that mobilizes thousands of young people to fight hunger and poverty in their communities leading up to the NFL Super Bowl weekend. Schools interested in participating in this year’s campaign are asked to assign a campus coordinator and register here before Jan. 25 to receive a free resource kit. For more details and to volunteer, click here.
HISD Foundation Grant: The HISD Foundation has extended the deadline for its Innovation Fund program, which provides funds for teachers and schools to develop innovative projects that lead to increased student success. The Foundation will award up to $150,000 through the Innovation Grant, which will allow teachers in grades Pre-K through 12 to apply for a $3,000 – $7,000 grant. Two or more teachers from the same school can also apply for a Teacher Collaborative Grant ranging from $5,000 – $10,000. For more information on the innovation grant, click here. To apply for the grant, teachers and schools can click here. Deadline has been extended to Jan. 25.
January Teacher of the Month: This month, the program recognizes fourth-grade Alvaro Camaripano at Barrick Elementary as January’s Teacher of the Month. To learn more about Mr. Camaripano, click here. Every month, an HISD teacher will be surprised and presented with a luxury loaner vehicle from a different Group 1 Automotive dealer.
ELEMENTARY
Math & Science Summit: Teachers, teacher development specialists, curriculum specialists, and local experts are invited to the Elementary Math and Science Summit on at the HISD Educational Learning Center (10725 Mesa Dr., 77078) on Saturday, Jan. 26 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. This year’s summit will feature a variety of sessions on math and science instruction for pre-kindergarten to fifth-grade. The featured keynote speaker is Dr. Leanna Prater, sponsored by LEGO Education. Those interested can register in OneSource, course #1376002 and share the flyer with colleagues.
SECONDARY
CTE PD—Resumes and Cover Letters: Do you want to help your students on the importance of having a well-prepared resume and cover letter? Join Career Readiness on Friday, Feb. 15 at Sterling Aviation Early College High School (11625 Martindale Rd., 77048) from 1:30-4 p.m. for a CTE training that will help you prepare your students with the essential skills needed to get their foot in the door. Workforce Solutions will assist teachers on educating students to obtain the job of their dreams. The focus will be creating impressive resumes, completing applications, writing cover letters, and more through hands-on-activities. If interested, register in OneSource, course # 1384003. Please bring your laptop.
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 that 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.
Souper Bowl of Caring from Jan. 28-Feb. 15
Schools and staff encouraged to participate
Beginning Jan. 28, all HISD schools and members of Team HISD are invited to participate in the 2019 Souper Bowl of Caring , a youth-led, national food drive that mobilizes thousands of young people to fight hunger and poverty in their communities leading up to the NFL Super Bowl weekend.
Schools interested in participating in this year’s campaign are asked to assign a campus coordinator and register online before Jan. 25 to receive a free resource kit. Food items can then be collected from Jan. 28 – Feb. 15, 2019. Collection results must be reported to the Souper Bowl of Caring website by Feb. 15. Campuses can choose to donate 100 percent of the collected food items to the charity of their choice or to families in need on their own campus.
In addition, central office employees who bring four or more non-perishable food items to the Strategic Partnership office by Feb. 15 can earn a jeans pass for Friday, Feb. 22 or Friday, March 1.
The Souper Bowl of Caring also provides a wonderful opportunity for students and employees to participate in volunteer activities around our city. Students and members of Team HISD can sign up here to participate.
