Nutrition Services employee receives first customer service impact award
Delia Anderson has received the first Customer Service Impact Award for providing stellar customer service in her role as senior administrative assistant in Nutrition Services.
The new 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.
“Delia steps in and does whatever is necessary. She is the personification of our mission,” Nutrition Services Officer Betti Wiggins said. “It’s not about a job description, it’s about our mission to serve good food.”
Operations Manager Kory Keimig nominated Anderson for the award, explaining that she was instrumental in helping to roll out a new serving program at a school.
“She took time out of her normal duties and volunteered to go to the school and help every day for a week,” Keimig said. “There is never a time when Delia doesn’t smile when she sees you, or doesn’t go out of her way to help someone. Her positive attitude is infectious.”
Anderson has been with HISD for two years and is responsible for providing administrative support for Nutrition Services Operations, reporting to Sr. Area Manager of Operations Keith Lewis.
“Delia goes above and beyond every single day,” Lewis said as he presented a framed certificate and a bouquet of flowers. “This award is well-deserved.”
Holding back tears, Anderson thanked the operations managers for their support.
“I never expected the spotlight to be on me,” she said. “This means a lot. I feel honored and grateful, and I’m looking forward to a great year.”
Finalists for the September award were HISD Police Detective Sonia Quintanilla, Facilities Services Senior Administrative Assistant Sherry Jones, and Business Operations Support Customer Service Representative Breana Franco.
Nominations are now being accepted for next month’s award.
More information on Business Operations Customer Service Impact Award
Making sure all our students are reading at or above grade level by the end of third grade is the mission of Literacy By 3. We know elementary teachers on the front lines in the classroom can’t do it alone. They need the help of everyone on Team HISD.
HISD employees are encouraged to become volunteers for Read Houston Read, the district’s signature volunteer effort to provide reading mentors for elementary school students. All it takes is 30 minutes to one hour a week — either in-person or virtually (online) — and you can help a student get on the path to literacy success. For more information on the program and a list of participating schools, visit www.ReadHoustonRead.com.
Employees who volunteered in person during the 2017-18 school year will need to request a background check by clicking here. Once cleared, they will then go directly to www.connect4literacy.org beginning October 15, 2018 to sign up for Volunteer Opportunities.
Those who served as virtual volunteers last year, must re-register at http://tutormate.org/register and click the box that says “Did you tutor this past school year with us?”
Employees new to the program are invited to attend an info session at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center. Register for one of the sessions below in OneSourceMe Learning.
Monday, Oct. 15 (Hattie Mae White, room 2E02)
- 1:30-2:30 p.m. In-person volunteer training (Course # 87003)
- 3:00-3:30 p.m. Online volunteer training (Course # 87004)
Friday, Oct. 19 (Hattie Mae White, room 2E02)
- 9:00-10:00 a.m. In-person volunteer training (Course # 87003)
- 10:30-11:00 a.m. Online volunteer training (Course # 87004)
In order to volunteer, employees must have supervisor approval. The volunteer approval form can be accessed here. Make sure to scroll down to the bottom of the document. All volunteers should bring the approval form with them to the initial training. This year, hourly employees will need to enter time via OneSource ESS and request “off campus duty” for the time each week they are volunteering and traveling to and from a school. Volunteering for Read Houston Read does not include in-district mileage reimbursement for employees.
If you have any questions or concerns, email Carley Colton at ccolton@houstonisd.org.
Online Safety Contest with Learning.com
To empower our students to become good digital citizens, the district is hosting a Digital Literacy Contest in partnership with Learning.com.
The contest will run from October 1 through the first two cycles of this academic year:
- Elementary contest ends November 9
- Middle School contest ends December 20
To participate:
- Tag your campus Twitter account and Tweet out a picture of your students working in the lessons at least once a week during the contest.
- Get as many students to launch and complete all (or as many as possible) of the lessons in the first two HISD cycle units located in Learning.com.
- Please tag @HISD_Inst_tech @learningdotcom #HISD_DigLitStrong and your campus in all pictures!
Upon contest completion, all students will be eligible to receive a participation award certificate to show off their digital literacy skills. The top five elementary and top five middle school campuses will have a chance to win prizes.
How do you prepare for the October 1st launch date?
- Assign the curriculum provided in the grade level Cycle 1 and Cycle units can be found in the Custom Curriculum Library in Learning.com.
- Once you open a Cycle unit, you can assign the entire unit at one time or items individually.
- Each grade level unit contains a Teacher Resources folder. Click the View button to open the Pacing Calendar for each Cycle.
- The Pacing Calendars contain the curriculum items for the contest. So, follow your pacing calendar and have as many students working through the curriculum as you can.
What happens if you have already started the curriculum in Cycle 1?
It is not a problem. Your students can continue working in through the lessons.
Again, we want teachers to gather as many students to complete as many of the lessons in Cycle 1 and 2 in Learning.com. We will monitor the ongoing usage at your school and will provide updates periodically to keep teachers informed of their status.
Weekly Teacher Download for October 1
ALL TEACHERS
Pre-K/Literacy by 3 Survey: In an effort to help HISD make continuous improvements and enhancements to Literacy by 3, Research and Accountability is asking teachers to offer their feedback on the program. The survey was developed in partnership with the Houston Education Research Consortium at Rice University (HERC) and was created on behalf of the district to understand school-level policies and practices related to Literacy by 3. The survey should take approximately 15 minutes and should be completed by Monday, Oct. 15.
Socioeconomic Form: The district will provide free breakfast and lunch to students at no charge for the 2018-2019 school year, but parents will need to fill out a new form to ensure Title I funding for HISD schools. While parents will not need to complete and return a free and reduced-price meal application, they will need to complete the socioeconomic form, known as the blue form. Please encourage parents to complete and return the blue form by Friday, October 26, which is the district’s PEIMS snapshot date.
Online Safety Contest: To empower our students to become good digital citizens, the district is hosting a Digital Literacy Contest in partnership with Learning.com. The contest will run from October 1 through the first 2 cycles of this academic year. Elementary contest ends November 9 and middle school contest ends December 20. To participate: 1) Get as many students to launch and complete all (or as many as possible) of the lessons in the first two HISD cycle units located in Learning.com. 2) Tweet a picture of your students working in the lessons at least once a week during the contest. Don’t forget to tag your campus, @HISD_Inst_tech, @learningdotcom, and use #HISD_DigLitStrong in all your campus pictures.
Bilingual Teacher Cohort: HISD has partnered with the University of St. Thomas and Houston Community College to prepare elementary bilingual education teachers through a two-year program. The cohort is a perfect opportunity for HISD bilingual paraprofessionals, associate degree graduates, and current aspiring teachers to each a bachelor’s degree through a seamless collaborative process. To learn more about the cohort, click here.
HISD Foundation Grants: The HISD Foundation will offer a second round of a relief grants to provide teachers with up to $1,500 to replenish classroom supplies and instructional materials lost to Hurricane Harvey. HISD teachers can submit an online application here for funding to cover the costs of replacing classroom supplies, technology, and other resources that were lost as a direct result of Hurricane Harvey and have still not been replaced. Applications will be accepted through Friday, October 5. Partial or full grants may be awarded based on need, volume of applications, and available funds.
SECONDARY
Mayor’s Youth Council: Applications are now being accepted for the 2018-2019 City of Houston Mayor’s Youth Council. The Mayor’s Youth Council is a representative body of high school students from across the city who are interested in government and public service. The program is open to high school students in grades 9 – 12 and applicants must live in the City of Houston city limits. Applications should be submitted electronically here. The deadline to apply is October 8. Click here for more information on the Mayor’s Youth Council.
Back to School $10,000 Team Challenge
In partnership with Healthy Wages, HISD Benefits brings a 12-week weight loss challenge where teams of 5 from school districts across the nation compete to lose the highest percentage of weight…for $10,000!
The Details:
- Gather your coworkers, friends, and family together to create a team of 5. Don’t have a team? No problem – HealthyWage will match you up with one!
- Enjoy mini challenges to help you stay motivated, and earn achievement ribbons that can win you cash prizes!
- Connect to the interactive dashboard and free mobile app to gain tips and support from HealthyWage coaches, chat with your teammates, and check your personal and team stats.
WIN $10,000 for 1st place, $1,500 for the top team from each school district (must have at least 50 participants; $10,000 winning district excluded). Plus, MORE cash prizes!
Stay tuned for more details on this fun and effective challenge, and how it can help you achieve your health and wellness goals.
The challenge starts on September 21, 2018 and ends December 14, 2018. Teams can register now through October 5 for only $23.33/month for 3 months ($70).
You could WIN back your registration fee with an individual weight loss of 10% or more in 9 months!
Questions? Contact HealthyWage at info@healthywage.com or 888.636.3832
Foundation providing a second round of relief grants for teachers
The HISD Foundation is offering a second round of a relief grants to provide teachers with up to $1,500 to replenish classroom supplies and instructional materials lost to Hurricane Harvey.
HISD teachers can submit an online application here for funding to cover the costs of replacing classroom supplies, technology, and other resources that were lost as a direct result of Hurricane Harvey and have still not been replaced. The deadline to apply has been extended to Friday, Oct. 19.
If you have previously applied for the relief grant and received funds, you are still eligible for additional funds.
Partial or full grants may be awarded based on need, volume of applications, and available funds.
Originally launched in September 2017, the Hurricane Harvey relief grant program was established in response to the devastating impact the hurricane had on both HISD schools and across the city. Philanthropists and corporations, both locally and nationally, came together to create a Harvey Relief Fund managed by the HISD Foundation.
Questions may be directed to the HISD Foundation at Foundation@houstonisd.org or 713-556-7002.
Weekly Teacher Download for September 24
ALL TEACHERS
HISD Foundation Grants: The HISD Foundation will offer a second round of a relief grants to provide teachers with up to $1,500 to replenish classroom supplies and instructional materials lost to Hurricane Harvey. HISD teachers can submit an online application here for funding to cover the costs of replacing classroom supplies, technology, and other resources that were lost as a direct result of Hurricane Harvey and have still not been replaced. Applications will be accepted through Friday, October 5. Partial or full grants may be awarded based on need, volume of applications, and available funds.
Associate Teacher of the Month: Do you know an amazing Associate Teacher or Achieve 180 Dedicated Associate Teacher? The Office of Associate Teachers is pleased to announce the new Associate Teacher of the Month and Achieve 180 Dedicated Associate Teacher of the Month programs sponsored by Raising Canes. One Associate Teacher and one Achieve 180 Dedicated Associate Teacher will be chosen each month beginning October 2018. To nominate your favorite associate teacher, click here.
Bilingual Teacher Cohort: HISD has partnered with the University of St. Thomas and Houston Community College to prepare elementary bilingual education teachers through a two-year cohort program. The cohort is a perfect opportunity for HISD bilingual paraprofessionals, associate degree graduates, and current aspiring teachers to each a bachelor’s degree through a seamless collaborative process. To learn more about the cohort, click here.
Student Performance—What’s New: 1) Comparative Growth will be assigned when available. Teachers can “opt-out” of its use in their SP calculations with appraiser approval except for: teachers at Achieve 180 schools or teachers who wish to transfer to an Achieve 180 next year; teachers at TSL grant schools or teachers who wish to transfer to a TSL grant school next year; and teachers currently participating in Career Pathways or teachers who wish to participate next year. 2) Appraiser Approved Assessment/Performance Task is a measure for all courses. 3) RL360/Screener is a District-Wide Student Progress measure in Grades 1 & 2.
ELEMENTARY
Digital Resources for Dual Language Teachers: The Multilingual Programs Department is excited to share valuable information related to literacy for bilingual students. The department has purchased licenses for ALL PreK-5 Bilingual and Dual Language classrooms to access the Learning A-Z bilingual resources—RAZ-Plus and Vocabulary A-Z. In order for licensed classrooms to be provided access, please go to the Multilingual Campus Collaboration Site and complete the Dual Language Teacher Database and/or Transitional Bilingual Teacher Database. Note that only campus Principals, Dual Language Coordinators, and LPAC Administrators have access to these electronic forms.
Read to Succeed Competition: The district is inviting all elementary campuses to participate in the district’s first-ever Read to Succeed Competition beginning Monday, Sept. 10 to Thursday, Jan. 31. This competition is an opportunity for all pre-kindergarten through fifth-grade students to compete against each other to see who can read myON books for the most number of minutes. Students can choose any e-book available through the myON reading platform to read. Click here for more details on the competition and awarded prizes.
SECONDARY
Top-Tier College Night: High school teachers, please encourage your students to attend Top-Tier College Night on Tuesday, Oct. 9 at Chavez High School (8501 Howard Dr., Houston, 77017). Admissions representatives from top colleges across the nation will be on hand to answer questions about selective college admissions. Students must RSVP by Friday, Sept. 28. Sign up here to reserve a space and to learn about options for bus transportation from your campus. Dinner will also be provided. For more details on the event, click here.
AP Kick Off Mini Conference: AP and Pre-AP teachers are invited to the district’s AP Kick Off Mini Conference on September 29 at Carnegie High School (1501 Taft Street, Houston, 77019). Participants will choose from a variety of sessions that focus on AP pedagogy, educational technology, and AP resource exploration. Participants can earn PD and G/T hours, as well as a $50 PD stipend. Register in OneSource, course #1248001.
Associate Teacher of the Month Awards Program
The Office of Associate Teachers is pleased to announce the return of the Associate Teacher of the Month and Achieve 180 Dedicated Associate Teacher of the Month programs!
Do you know an amazing Associate Teacher or Achieve 180 Dedicated Associate Teacher?
The office would like to honor the Associate Teacher and Achieve 180 Dedicated Associate Teacher who perform at an outstanding level, have a positive attitude and go above and beyond at our campuses. Get your campus involved and tell us how these associate teachers are making a difference. Be sure to include specific examples of how the nominee has gone above and beyond their job duties.
Click here to nominate an Associate Teacher of the Month!
Click here to nominate an Achieve 180 Dedicated Associate Teacher of the Month!
One Associate Teacher and one Achieve 180 Dedicated Associate Teacher will be chosen each month beginning October 2019 and HR will come out to YOUR CAMPUS to surprise the winners!
To be considered, submit your nominations by the 15th of each month. to be considered.
Help us celebrate our hardworking Associate Teachers!
HISD celebrates Bus Driver Appreciation Week with breakfast for drivers
This week, Transportation Services joined with Nutrition Services — both under the umbrella of HISD’s Business Operations division — to host Bus Driver Appreciation Breakfasts at each of the district’s four bus terminals.
“This is very nice. It makes us feel more appreciated for what we do,” driver Melody Gray said, taking a moment to grab breakfast at the Barnett Terminal after completing her morning route.
Located in southeast Houston, the Barnett terminal was the first to host the appreciation breakfast. Similar events will be held throughout the week at Central, Butler and Northwest terminals.
The drivers at the Barnett terminal got the chance to talk with HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan, who stopped by on Monday to show her support and thank transportation employees for their hard work.
“This is just a way to say thank you,” Lathan said. “I know the first couple of weeks have been some rough weeks. You had to take some extra routes and had to do a lot. I want to just say thank you and I appreciate you. Thank you for what you do.”
Transportation Services General Manager Tim Brown said the observance is particularly important this year, especially after Transportation’s rough start to the 2018-2019 school year.
“Our drivers come in each and every day not only doing their jobs, but assisting on other routes,” Brown said. “We wanted to let them know early in the year how much we appreciate all that they do.”
According to driver John Patterson, who works out of the Barnett terminal, a little thanks goes a long way.
“It feels good to be appreciated,” Patterson said. “We don’t often get it a lot. Whenever we do, it’s well appreciated by us.”
HISD’s Elementary and Secondary Curriculum and Development invites all teachers to the district’s first PreK-12 Writing Summit on Saturday, October 13 at Chavez High School (8501 Howard Dr., Houston, 77017).
The summit is a kick off for the school year with a continued focus on literacy, specifically writing. There will be learning opportunities for teachers at all levels and feature topics such as reading/writing connections, writing across all contents, rubrics and anchor papers, small group instruction, discourse, writing conferences, writing portfolios, and much more.
Teachers can now register in OneSource for their interested sessions. For a complete list of sessions and OneSource course numbers, click here.
The summit’s keynote speaker will be Jennifer Mathieu, author and high school English teacher at Bellaire High School. Jennifer won the Teen Choice Debut Author Award at the Children’s Choice Book Awards for her first novel, The Truth About Alice. She is also the author of Devoted and Afterward. Her latest book, Moxie, was rated one of TIME magazine’s Top 10 Young Adult Books of 2017.
All teachers who attend will receive a $10 voucher to purchase books from the Barnes-n-Noble pop-up bookstore that will be on-site. Follow-up teacher development opportunities will be offered throughout the fall and spring during department chair/lead teacher meetings, as well as for parents at Parent University.
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