It’s time to #RunAsOne and support our Houston Rockets, Team HISD!
Since our team spirit was such a good luck charm for the Astros, I am encouraging all HISD staff and students to show their support once again by wearing red on Rockets game days during the NBA Western Conference Finals, which begin Monday. (You can view the complete schedule below.) And as an added bonus, you can wear jeans with your Rockets gear!
The Houston Rockets organization is a huge supporter of our schools, so let’s show the team our pride. Don’t forget to share your team spirit with us on Twitter using #HISDRockets and #RunAsOne.
Go, Rockets!
Sincerely,
Grenita F. Lathan, Ph.D.
Interim Superintendent of Schools
In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week 2018 (May 7-11), many restaurants, stores, and organizations are giving away free food, discounted tickets, and extra rewards and discounts on school supplies and other purchases. Thank you, HISD teachers, for all that you do!
Chick-fil-A:
Many Chick-fil-A locations are providing teachers with free breakfast, lunch, or dinner entree for Teacher Appreciation Week. Check with your local Chick-fil-A.
Chipotle
Educators can buy one, get one free burrito from 3 p.m. to close on May 8.
Raising Canes
Free box combo on May 8 from 6-9 p.m.
MOD Pizza
Half off pizza or salad on May 8.
Salata:
With a valid school ID, teachers can get a buy-one-get-one-free salad or wrap on May 8. Valid only at participating locations.
Crave Cupcake:
Teachers can enjoy a free cupcake with valid ID at any location.
Potbelly:
Teachers can enjoy a free fountain drink or cookie with their purchase of a sandwich or salad.
CiCi’s Pizza:
Teachers enjoy the adult pizza buffet from 4 p.m. until closing on May 8 with valid ID.
iPic:
Teachers enjoy one complimentary premium ticket on May 8 with valid ID.
Barnes and Noble:
Teachers receive 20-25 percent off publisher’s list price on all purchases for classroom use.
J. Crew:
No coupon code is required to receive a discount during Teacher Appreciation Week. Simply show your ID at checkout to receive a 15 percent discount. Discount cannot be applied to previous purchases, used in combination with another promotion, or used to purchase a gift card.
Banana Republic:
Students and teachers receive 15 percent off any in-store purchase of full-priced items.
ALL TEACHERS
Teacher and School Leader Grant Teacher Transfer Recruitment Bonus: The Teacher and School Leader (TSL) Incentive Program grant is offering a $10,000 teacher recruitment bonus to teachers who transfer from an HISD campus that is not funded through the TSL grant to one of the 86 high-need campuses (see list here) identified as part of the TSL grant cohort. Teachers who are interested in transferring will be expected to make a three-year commitment. Check here to see if you meet the requirements. For more information, click here.
Career Support Workshop: HISD is committed to providing assistance to ensure employees continue to be successful beyond HISD. Human Resources will be hosting several career-support workshops pertinent to impacted employees focusing on benefits and leave balances, career marketing, resume writing, and interview best practices. More information on those workshops can be found here.
Attendance Tip of the Week: Created in partnership with Teaching Ready, Attendance Matters launches a new training module called Teaching Attendance Curriculum, a cutting-edge, three-module curriculum for primary and secondary grade levels. Click here to begin accessing and implementing this framework, which can help address attendance with at-risk students who are attending summer school. Teachers may contact the Student Assistance Department (Attendance Office) at 713 556-7017 or click here for more information on best attendance practices.
SECONDARY
Scope and Sequence Feedback Sessions: The Secondary Curriculum and Development will host feedback session on May 8 and May 17 regarding the English Language Arts, Strategic Reading and Writing (SRW), ESL, ESOL I, and ESOL II Scope and Sequence documents from all ELA, SRW, and ESL teachers. As planning for next year begins, we invite teachers to review their data and look for units of study that might benefit from time-allotment adjustments. Register in OneSource, course #1072001 (middle school), course # 1072003 (high school), and course #1076003 (SRW). If you are unable to attend, please submit feedback using the ELA Google form.
PowerUp PD: The HISD EdTech team is offering two sessions of pop-up PowerUp PD to any PowerUp teachers who would like to brush up on their skills. The sessions will be held on May 9 at Milby (1601 Broadway St. 77012) and Wheatley (4801 Providence 77020) high schools from 4-6 p.m. Choice topics will include advanced tips in Microsoft Office 365, Google, and setting up breakout EDU lessons in the classroom. Seats and stipends are limited to the first 30 who register at each campus. Register in OneSource, course #1299098 (Milby) or course #1299100 (Wheatley).
Secondary Curriculum Council: The Secondary Curriculum and Development team is holding a Curriculum Council meeting at Hattie Mae White (Room 1E01) on May 22 for all 2017-2018 middle and high school Teachers of the Year and secondary department chairs. Topics for the meeting will include opportunities for feedback on scope and sequence, curriculum resources, classroom technology supports, professional learning opportunities, and formative assessments. Teachers of the Year and department chairs should register in OneSource, course #1082001.
Secondary Science PD: Do you want to know what changes have been made to the science TEKS, and how will they impact instruction and student learning? Attend the science streamlined TEKS session on May 29 at Hattie Mae White to help prepare for the implementation of the streamlined standards in middle school and high school science courses. Participants will analyze and interpret the recently streamlined science standards and create a plan for implementation. This session is appropriate for science teachers, coaches, and facilitators of high school science. Register in OneSource, course #107001.
Weekly Teacher Download for April 30
ALL TEACHERS
Teacher and School Leader (TSL) Grant Teacher Transfer Recruitment Bonus: The Teacher and School Leader (TSL) Incentive Program grant is offering a $10,000 teacher recruitment bonus to teachers who transfer from an HISD campus that is not funded through the TSL grant to one of the 86 high-needs campuses (see list here) identified as part of the TSL grant cohort. Teachers who are interested in transferring will be expected to make a three-year commitment. Check here to see if you meet the requirements. For more information, click here.
Career Support Workshop: HISD is committed to providing assistance to ensure employees continue to be successful beyond HISD. Human Resources will be hosting several career support workshops pertinent to impacted employees, focusing on benefits and leave balances, career marketing, resume writing, and interview best practices. More information on those workshops can be found here.
Teacher Job Fair: HISD is hosting a teacher job fair on Saturday, May 5 from 9a.m.-1p.m. For additional details, click here. Should you have any questions, please send an email to teacherrecruitment@houstonisd.org.
New Teacher Pathways Training: New Teacher Pathways training is available to new teachers in the district, and includes essential educational technology skills needed for a digital classroom. Summer training sessions are available June 25- 28, as well as July 2, 9-10, and 16-17. Each session will discuss the following: district network/storage drives, SMART technologies, HISD app toolbox, Microsoft Office 365, Windows 10, Outlook email and calendar, Google for Education, and an introduction to the HUB. For more information, email edtech@houstonisd.org.
Attendance Tip of the Week: The National Center for Homeless Education explains, “housing instability is another common cause of absenteeism for students, as the mobility associated with homelessness, changes in foster care placements, and dislocation due to foreclosure or eviction.” Click here to learn how to address chronic absenteeism among students experiencing homelessness. Teachers may contact the Student Assistance Department (Attendance Office) at 713 556-7017 or click here for more information on best attendance practices.
SECONDARY
PowerUp PD: The HISD EdTech team is offering two sessions of Pop-up PowerUp PD to any PowerUp teachers who would like to brush up on their skills. The sessions will be held on May 9 at Milby (1601 Broadway St., Houston, 77012) and Wheatley (4801 Providence, Houston, 77020) High Schools from 4-6 p.m. Choice topics will include advanced tips in Microsoft Office 365, Google, and setting up Breakout EDU lessons in the classroom. Seats and stipends are limited to the first 30 who register at each campus. Register in OneSource, course #1299098 (Milby HS) or course #1299100 (Wheatley HS).
Dear Team HISD,
Our district has been through an extremely challenging year, and as you know, we face an estimated $115 million budget deficit for the 2018-2019 school year – a result of recapture and the potential decline of local property tax valuations after Hurricane Harvey.
In light of this deficit, the district will experience a reduction in force that will impact teachers, campus-based employees, and staff at the central office. Having a reduction in force is very difficult, particularly when you consider all we’ve experienced this year. I understand these are stressful and challenging times for everyone, and we are committed to providing assistance to ensure employees continue to be successful beyond HISD.
Human Resources will be hosting several career support workshops pertinent to impacted employees, focusing on benefits and leave balances, career marketing, resume writing, and interview best practices. More information on those workshops can be found here. Additionally, I urge anyone affected by the reduction in force to apply to other open positions in the district.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your immediate supervisor.
Sincerely,
Dr. Grenita Lathan
HISD Interim Superintendent
Teacher and School Leader Grant Teacher Transfer Recruitment Bonus
The Teacher and School Leader (TSL) Incentive Program grant is offering a $10,000 teacher recruitment bonus to teachers who transfer from an HISD campus that is not funded through the TSL grant to one of the 86 high-needs campuses (see list here) identified as part of the TSL grant cohort.
Teachers who are interested in transferring will be expected to make a three-year commitment. The Recruitment Bonus will be paid in three installments: 50% in December 2018; 25% in May 2019; and 25% in October 2019 when teachers return to the receiving campus for the second year of the three-year commitment.
If you’d wish to transfer through this program, you must follow the standard district transfer process, as well as complete the eligibility requirements forms with date and signature to lsulliv1@houstonisd.org.
If interested, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Overall score of 3.0 or higher on most recent annual TADS evaluation (2016-17)
- IP, PE, and SP scores of 3.0 or higher on most recent annual TADS evaluation (2016-17)
- Must not currently teach at one of the 86 TSL cohort campuses
- Must not be on an active PPA
- Must be willing to make a 3-year commitment to the campus to which they transfer.
For more information, click here. If you have any questions about this process, contact Lisa Sullivan at 713.556.3092 or lsulliv1@houstonisd.org.
Weekly Teacher Download for April 23
ALL TEACHERS
Teacher and School Leader (TSL) Grant Teacher Transfer Recruitment Bonus: The Teacher and School Leader (TSL) Incentive Program grant is offering a $10,000 teacher recruitment bonus to teachers who transfer from an HISD campus that is not funded through the TSL grant to one of the 86 high-needs campuses (see list here) identified as part of the TSL grant cohort. Teachers who are interested in transferring will be expected to make a three-year commitment. The Recruitment Bonus will be paid in three installments: 50% in December 2018; 25% in May 2019; and 25% in October 2019 when teachers return to the receiving campus for the second year of the three-year commitment. For more information, click here. If you have any questions about this process, contact Lisa Sullivan at 713.556.3092 or lsulliv1@houstonisd.org.
Youth Violence Training: Are you interested in heightening your awareness of school safety? The HISD Social and Emotional Learning Department invites you to attend a Youth Violence training on April 27 at the HISD Transportation Building (6351 Pinemont Dr., Houston, 77092). You will gain a deeper understanding of the psychological factors and precipitating factors that may lead to student violence, as well as possible interventions. Participants will also identify characteristics of a school shooter, as well as the three types and five phases of a school shooter. Register in OneSource, course #1043003.
Responsive Classroom Training: Join the Social and Emotional Learning Department for their Creating Culturally Responsive Classrooms training on April 30 and May 3 at the East Field Office (1102 Telephone Rd., Houston, 77023). Participants will leave with a heightened awareness to self-evaluate their tendencies, negative attitudes, and stereotypes that unconsciously affect their perceptions and actions that impact their decisions necessary to repair relationships, build equity, and support classrooms for all students. Register in OneSource, course #422008.
Attendance Tip of the Week: Do you need support in boosting attendance of students with disabilities? It is important for teachers working with SpEd students to be hyper-vigilant to the needs of these students and parents. Missed opportunities to refer parents and students to resources can be detrimental to student attendance. Click here for strategies that can provide support and help increase attendance for students with disabilities. Teachers may contact the Student Assistance Department (Attendance Office) at 713 556-7017 or click here for more information on best attendance practices.
ELEMENTARY
Code.org Workshop: Code.org will host four free one-day CS Fundamentals workshops for K-5 teachers on June 15 and June 29 at the Rice University School Mathematics Project classroom (5615 Kirby, Ste. 301, Houston, 77005) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. These courses will help elementary teachers incorporate coding in all subjects. Breakfast and lunch will be served. Click here to register for Friday, June 15. Click here to register for the June 29 workshop.
SECONDARY
Code.org Science and Algebra Training: Applications are now being accepted for CS in Science and CS in Algebra. The courses will help teachers integrate computational thinking in middle school mathematics and science classes. The cost to register is $500 per teacher and includes two days for professional development in June. All sessions will be held at the Rice University School Mathematics Project classroom (5615 Kirby, Ste. 301, Houston, 77005). To register for CS in Algebra, click here. To register for CS in Science, click here.
2018 Scope and Sequence Reviews: The Secondary Curriculum and Development office requests feedback from all secondary mathematics teachers regarding mathematics Scope and Sequence documents. Participate in the final two feedback sessions in person or virtually being held on April 24 for middle and high school. Middle school teachers can find details on face-to-face sessions in OneSource, course #518008. High school teachers can find details on face-to-face sessions in OneSource, course #518004. Teachers may also provide feedback digitally. Click here for more information.
PowerUp Feedback Forums: In an effort to continue the way HISD is transforming teaching and learning in the classroom through technology, the district has partnered with the Houston Federation of Teachers (HFT) to gather feedback, raise questions or concerns, and suggest changes to HISD’s PowerUp program. Join them beginning April 16 to share your thoughts, address challenges, and collaborate on ways HISD can improve the program. For dates and locations, click here.
In Your Backyard: Are you a Pre-AP or AP teacher looking for ways to make your lessons more engaging? Attend the four-day workshop, In Your Backyard, July 30 through August 2. You will have an opportunity to explore social studies pedagogy and plan future lessons with Pre-AP and AP colleagues. Participants will also explore community resources and meet with local experts to develop engaging lessons that align with Advanced Placement expectations. There is also a series of field trips during which you will have an opportunity to chat with the state history day coordinator, visit the African American Library, explore the Federal Reserve, and learn how to incorporate exhibits at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, into your lessons. Register for all four days in OneSource, course #827002.
Dear Team HISD,
To keep your data protected, we are strengthening our current security plan by requiring an additional piece of information during the OneSource login process.
Beginning Thursday, April 19, you will need to enter the last six digits of your social security number (SSN) in order to perform employee self-service transactions and review data in OneSource. This is a piece of information that should only be known to you and should be easy to remember.
We ask that you exercise caution in putting your SSN at risk by writing it down, placing on your badge, or anything else that might make this information public. If you are unable to locate your SSN, the Service Desk will not be able to assist you, as they do not have access to this information.
Please remember, HISD will never ask you for your SSN in an email. If this information is requested via email, it is a phishing scam and may result in your identity being stolen.
If you are unable to locate your SSN, the Service Desk will not be able to assist you as they do not have access to this information.
Why is HISD upgrading the security protection?
There are people who are continually trying new methods to gain unauthorized access to both your and HISD’s information. We do understand that adding an additional layer of security may slow down the OneSource login process. However, it is our department’s priority to ensure that your information and the district’s information is protected from being compromised by an untrusted third party.
Click here for complete instructions on the new OneSource login process.
Best regards,
Information Technology
Provide students’ social and emotional support to improve chronic absences
Do you know how harmful school absences can be to your campus? The U.S. Dept. of Education states “nearly half of American parents underestimate the harm of school absences.” It’s important for the administration to share with parents the importance of attendance and how it relates to student achievement.
In September 2015, the State of Texas decriminalized truancy and requires all school districts to provide truancy prevention before enforcing blame and punishments. With chronic absences frequently linked to students lacking in social and emotion support, it is important that administrators try to reduce chronic absences through problem solving and support
April Attendance Spotlight
For April, the Student Assistance Department recognizes Principal Adriana Abarca-Castro of Moreno Elementary for her efforts in making attendance more than a priority, but raises the bar in great attendance. Known for her motto around campus, “set the high standard for great attendance,” it’s no surprise Castro’s campus ranks number one for attendance in the north region.
From parent callouts to morning PA announcements, Castro’s mantra is that great attendance begins in the early grades and includes special education, PAL, and Pre-K teachers to promote great attendance within their perspective areas and classrooms.
In addition to standard attendance procedures, teachers at Moreno elementary submit a Student Absent Report by 8.15 a.m., which allows Castro and her staff to continuously monitor data and identify areas of improvement for each grade level and individual classes.
Their proactive approach is essential in uncovering problematic situations and providing reinforcement strategies for students and parents. Remember you can find ways to promote great attendance at your campus in the Weekly Teacher Download.
Weekly Teacher Download for April 16
ALL TEACHERS
Teacher Appraisal System: All teachers and administrators are invited to attend a session to learn more about T-TESS, the state’s new appraisal system for teachers. You will learn how the new system compares with HISD’s locally developed system, TADS, and have an opportunity to ask questions and give feedback regarding the district’s model for teacher appraisals in the future. Attend the next session on Wednesday, April 18, at Key Middle School (4000 Kelley, Houston 77026) from 5-6:30 p.m. Click here for more information, including additional dates and information.
Bilingual Cohort: Do you know someone who wants to be a teacher at HISD? HISD has partnered with the University of St. Thomas and Houston Community College (HCC) to bring a bilingual cohort for current district paraprofessionals who are aspiring teachers and want to earn a bachelor’s degree. The cohort was created to help prepare new elementary bilingual education and ESL teachers for the classroom through a seamless collaborative process. For more details about the program and participant requirements, click here.
Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Grant: In partnership with PLTW, Chevron Houston has committed funds to support grants for PLTW programs throughout the Houston area. These grant opportunities are part of Chevron’s continuing commitment to quality educational experiences for students across America. For more information on PLTW, click here. If interested, submit your application to HISD by April 20. An HISD Intent to Apply form must be completed and sent to the Grant Department in order to apply for any grant. Please contact the HISD Grants Department at 713-556-6785 for assistance or for more information.
Spring Visual Arts Showcase: The HISD Fine Arts Department invites all campuses to display their students’ artwork at the annual HISD 2018 Spring Visual Arts Showcase on May 17 at Hattie Mae White from 6-7:30 p.m. After successful events the past two years, the Fine Arts Department continues to support the visual arts experiences of young artists throughout the district. Campuses can showcase art created during the school year, including art cars and or award-winning works of art. For more information, click here.
ELEMENTARY
Children will be Children Workshop: The HISD Social and Emotional Learning Department invites you to join Dr. Rosemarie Allen for an interactive workshop on April 20 at Region 4 ESC (7200 Northwest 100 Dr., Houston 77092). Participants will learn about the developmental stages, behavioral expectations, and strategies to reduce challenging behaviors in early childhood. Implicit bias and its impact on behavioral expectations and decision-making will be discussed. This session was created in response to HB 674, which bans out-of-school suspension for students enrolled in grade PK – 2. Register for session #1362637 here and use promo code HISD1718 to cover the fee.
SECONDARY
2018 Scope and Sequence Reviews: The Secondary Curriculum and Development office requests feedback from all secondary mathematics teachers regarding mathematics Scope and Sequence documents. Starting on April 17 (middle school) and April 19 (high school), the department will host Scope and Sequence review sessions that will allow feedback in person or virtually. Middle school teachers can find details on face-to-face sessions in OneSource, course #518008. High school teachers can find details on face-to-face sessions in OneSource, course #518004. Teachers may also provide feedback digitally. Click here for more information.
PowerUp Feedback Forums: In an effort to continue the way HISD is transforming teaching and learning in the classroom through technology, the district has partnered with the Houston Federation of Teachers (HFT) to gather feedback, raise questions or concerns, and suggest changes to HISD’s PowerUp program. Join them beginning April 16 to share your thoughts, address challenges, and collaborate on ways HISD can improve the program. For dates and locations, click here.
Student of the Month: Telemundo Houston is proud to join Wingstop to recognize outstanding students in HISD. If you know an outstanding student in the Houston area—someone who goes above and beyond what is necessary—please nominate him or her for Student of the Month. The winner receives a $1,000 scholarship. One winner will be selected each month for April and May. For details and to submit your nomination, click here.
