Citgo sponsoring teachers for the 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 should click the link 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.
Office of Special Education Services launches cohort program
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The Office of Special Education services inducted more than 50 members into their first-ever cohort–Aspiring Cohort for Special Education Leaders (A.C.S.E.L) on Monday.
Those selected are general education teachers, special education teachers, department chairs, and educational diagnosticians, who hold a special education certification, and have demonstrated a strong drive and willingness to advocate for students with disabilities.
“We created the cohort as an effort to build the leadership capacity within the district as it relates to special education services,” Teacher Development Specialist Dr. Kimberly McNeil said. “The cohort will equip aspiring department chairs and program specialists with the skills they need to be successful leaders in their classrooms and on campuses.”
The department created the cohort program with the goal to produce great special education leaders who are knowledgeable and skilled in the areas of special education law, compliance and instruction.
Upon completion of the cohort program, participants will have the necessary skills to be a competitive candidate for a position as a department chair or program specialists within the Office of Special Education Services.
Teachers, teacher development specialists, curriculum specialists, and local experts are invited to the Elementary Math and Science Summit on Saturday, Jan. 26 at the HISD Educational Learning Center (10725 Mesa Dr., 77078) 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 below flyer with colleagues.
Attendees will have the opportunity to network with colleagues, expand their learning, and deepen their understanding of effective instruction and strategic activities for engaging students and scaffolding learning.
In addition to customized sessions, there will be math and science swag bags filled with goodies, door prizes, and light snacks. Each teacher will receive a $10 voucher to be used towards an aligned text that will be available at the on-site Barnes & Noble’s pop up shop.
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Annual Policy Update for 2018-2019
Do You Know the Policies Approved for the Houston Independent School District? The Annual Policy Update for 2018-2019 is now available and includes links to important governance documents, some of which were recently modified. These documents are intended to inform employees of policy requirements, convey the school board’s intent regarding core initiatives and goals, and describe the district’s programs and practices. Hard copies or CDs may be purchased from Administrative Services using department or school budgets. You may also access these documents directly via the Policy Online Manual.
Weekly Teacher Download for January 14
ALL TEACHERS
Last Call—HISD Foundation Grant: The HISD Foundation is now accepting applications 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 to apply is January 18.
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.
Superintendent Search: The HISD Board of Education has met with a consultant from Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates (HYA) to establish a timeline for the district’s Superintendent search. Beginning January 14, HYA will offer opportunities for community and staff input via community forums, focus group meetings, and survey opportunities. The specific dates and details of these activities will be shared by the district.
ELEMENTARY
Early Dismissal Trainings: The Elementary Curriculum and Development is committed to providing teachers with high quality professional development, which includes early dismissal trainings. The trainings will consist of just-in-time curriculum-based professional development and instructional planning sessions. Sessions will be aligned to the HISD Elementary Scope and Sequence and Unit Planning Guides. The target audiences are Pre-K through fifth-grade teachers in the content areas of reading/writing, math, science and social studies. For more information on the next training on Friday, Jan. 18 and OneSource course numbers, click here.
SECONDARY
Super Saturday: The Secondary Curriculum and Development department wants you to start the New Year energized learning new tools at Super Saturday on January 26 at Sterling Aviation Early College (11625 Martindale, 77048) from 9 a.m.-Noon. Participants can explore the new and improved HUM, engage in innovative math lessons, learn to design graphics using Adobe Spark, and more. Other sessions will feature Google, Formative Assessment and On-Track. For details, click here.
CTE PD—Soft Skill: Come learn about soft skills that will better prepare students for the workforce on January 18 at Sterling Aviation Early College High School (11625 Martindale, 77048) from 1:30-4 p.m. Workforce Solutions will be there to focus on employability skills from proper handshaking, to networking, to writing a 30 second commercial, and much more. This workshop is ideal for practicum teachers and will be filled with hands-on-activities, which can be incorporated into any CTE course. Register in OneSource, course #1394002 and bring a laptop.
CTE PD—Classroom Management and Strategies: Come out and sharpen your classroom management skills on January 18 at Kashmere High School, Room 115 (6900 Wileyvale Rd., 77028) from 1:30-4 p.m. Teachers will engage in a series of best practices that will yield student success and build a positive classroom environment. Participants will also learn effective classroom management skills that may be used by any CTE teacher regardless of how many years they have been in the classroom. Teaching strategies will be demonstrated to participants. Every teacher will leave learning how to apply a new strategy into their classroom procedures.
CTE PD—CSWA Test Prep: Attend a two-day CSWA test prep on January 16 and January 23 at Kashmere High School (6900 Wileyvale Rd., 77028) from 8:30 a.m.-4:40 p.m. The test prep will provide teachers with resources needed to prepare students for the CSWA exam. Participants will also concentrate on preparing for the Certified SolidWorks Associate Exam. It is recommended that the user have six to nine months of SolidWorks experience and that they have taken the Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced SolidWorks course for STEM teachers.
Teachers can help EMERGE recruit students
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.
If you know a student who you feel would be a good fit for EMERGE, encourage them to attend a recruitment session and apply.
The application is now open until Thursday, Feb. 14, and available at http://houstonisd.org/EMERGE.
Recruitment sessions will be held at HISD high schools Thursday, Jan. 21-Friday, Feb. 8. Please check the EMERGE website for an updated schedule. Click here for the flyer.
If you have any questions about the application, please contact student recruiter Selena Martinez at Selena.Martinez@houstonisd.org.
Weekly Teacher Download for January 7
ALL TEACHERS
HISD Foundation Grant: The HISD Foundation is now accepting applications from teachers and schools 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 to apply is January 18.
Shell Science Lab Makeover:Science teachers can apply for the following lab makeovers: The Shell Science Lab Challenge Competition, which recognizes outstanding middle and high school programs for their exemplary approaches to science lab instruction utilizing limited school and laboratory resources. Recognition includes a lab makeover support package valued at $20,000.The Shell Lab Regional Challenge recognizes exceptional and innovative science educators and outstanding K–12 school programs for their exemplary approaches to science lab instruction utilizing limited resources. Recognition includes a lab makeover support package valued at $10,000 for elementary and middle schools, and $15,000 for high schools. Deadline to apply is February 4, 2019 by noon EST.
Civil War Essay Contest: The Civil War Essay Contest through Gilder Lehrman is open for submissions through February 25. The Gilder Lehrman Institute presents an annual essay contest for students in grades fifth through twelfth. Students examine the nation’s most divisive conflict through letters, speeches, songs, photographs, newspapers, military orders, and other documents, conducting research in primary as well as secondary sources. This is a perfect activity for IB, Pre-AP, and AP students. Cash prizes for student applicants. To view the guidelines, click here. There is also a George Washington letter writing contest for kindergarten through second-grade students.
ELEMENTARY
Social Studies and Literacy Summit: The Elementary Curriculum & Development Department invites all pre-k through fifth-grade teachers in content areas of reading/writing and social studies to the Social Studies and Literacy Summit on Saturday, Jan. 12 at the Houston Education Learning Center (10725 Mesa Dr., 77078) from 8 a.m.- 1 p.m. Professional development offerings will include social studies, dual language, ESL and literacy sessions presented by teachers and curriculum and teacher development specialists. Register in OneSource, course #1378001. For more information, click here.
SECONDARY
Public Education Matters Audition: High School Seniors interested in emceeing the annual Public Education Matters Benefit Dinner on March 5 are encouraged to submit an audition via the HUB. The audition will consist of a short video that encompasses ALL of the components listed here and cannot exceed two minutes and 30 seconds. Deadline for all submissions is January 11 and the selected student will be awarded a $2,500 scholarship. Prospective emcees will be judged on speaking ability, creativity, and personality.
CTE STEM Training: Career and Technical Education (CTE) department invites STEM teachers to learn how to prepare for the (CSWA) Certified SolidWorks Associate Exam. This two-day training will take place on January 16 and January 23 from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 pm at Kashmere High School (6900 Wylievale Rd., 77028). The course is recommended for users who have six to nine months of SolidWorks experience and who have taken the Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced SolidWorks training. Come join us in becoming CSWA certified.
CTE Instructor Training: Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers are invited to learn about soft skills that employers are looking for in new employees. Hands on activities will focus on everything from proper handshaking to writing a 30-second commercial. The training will be held at Sterling Aviation Early College High School (11625 Martindale, 77048) from 1:30-4 p.m. This course can be implemented with all CTE students.
Moreno ES cafeteria team lead receives Business Operations award
Dedicated Nutrition Services employee Blanca Yerena was recognized for her hard work with the November 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.
As a much-loved team lead at Moreno Elementary School, Yerena has served the children of HISD for nearly 20 years, making sure the school’s cafeteria has everything it needs to run smoothly.
She also oversees the cafeteria at Farias Early Childhood Center and works with other campuses on special projects for Nutrition Services.
”She’s willing to step in and help wherever she is needed,” Nutrition Services Operations Manager Patricia Watkins said. “I really appreciate everything Blanca does. She’s an exceptional employee, and we’re lucky to have her.”
Watkins presented the award to Yerena at a special surprise reception as her team and co-workers looked on.
“I don’t do it by myself. I have some good ladies here. If I’m needed somewhere, I feel like I have to go, but these ladies keep everything going,” Yerena said.
Moreno Food Service Attendance Elva Garza said she was happy to learn Yerena got the award.
“She is the best manager we could have,” Garza said.
Nominations are now being accepted for next month’s Business Operations Customer Service Impact Award.
Human Resources recognizes associate teachers
This week, Human Resources surprised the Associate and Achieve 180 Dedicated Associate Teacher of the Month recipients for November and December.
Associate Teacher Dysha Collins at Secondary DAEP is recognized as the Associate Teacher of the Month recipient.
Collins, who is also pursuing her teacher certification, was recognized for her ability to connect with students, which can be a challenge at her campus. She can quickly deescalate situations and encourage teen leadership.
“Ms. Collins helps out in every way possible and always readily available to students and faculty,” ELA Teacher Laura Welch said. “If I call on her at the last minute, she is there to review and execute instructional plans quickly.”
For the Achieve 180 Dedicated Associate Teacher of the Month, Sergio Burnias at Liberty High School was recognized.
Burnias always has well prepared lessons that he has collaborated with staff and faculty. A vital part of the campus, he takes time to talk to students and build relationships with everyone.
“Mr. Burnias treats each student as if they were Liberty’s only student,” Wraparound Specialist Eileen McGowan said. “He is proactive in their assignments and follows up with those who may need extra guidance.”
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.
HISD Foundation accepting applications for Innovation Grant program
The HISD Foundation is now accepting applications 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 seeks to fund projects that will:
- inspire students, teachers, and parents to think differently about school
- enhance the student experience and lead to improved academic outcomes
- implement district initiatives in innovative ways
- find a new solution to combat barriers of success for students
The program, which is in its second year, 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.
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. Deadline to apply has been extended to January 25, 2019.
In 2017, the Foundation awarded over $157,000 to 18 schools through the Innovation Grant program, which impacts over 7,200 students, teachers, and community members. Select finalists from this year will be showcased at the HISD Foundation Public Education Matters Benefit Dinner on March 5, 2019.
Teacher and school applications will be awarded based on their alignment to district initiatives and impact on student success. Applicants are encouraged to avoid the use of school names or other identifying elements in their application.
