Dear time recorders and approvers,
Due to the Martin Luther King Holiday, all time must be entered and approved for the weeks of 1/1/2018 – 1/14/2018 at 5:00 p.m. this Friday 1/12/2018.
Please remember that hours can be entered and approved daily.
If time is already approved, and the time recorder adds additional time, that added time must be approved.
Thank you for your cooperation.
HISD Payroll Department
Three Houston Independent School District high schools and one elementary school opened their doors to welcome students in to new or renovated facilities on Monday.
The schools are Sharpstown, Scarborough and North Forest high schools, and Robinson Elementary School.
Sharpstown was rebuilt and Scarborough was renovated as part of the district’s voter-approved 2012 Bond Program. The construction of the new North Forest High School and renovation of storm-damaged Robinson Elementary School were overseen by the bond team, but not funded with bond dollars.
- Sharpstown High School started classes this semester in a new $62.8 million facility that was built adjacent to its old building. The new school features a two-story, light-filled atrium that will also serve as a dining commons and flexible use area. Other amenities include classrooms equipped with modern technology and grouped into neighborhoods, flexible learning spaces for small and large groups, two gymnasiums, a JROTC building, and a fine arts wing. Read more about Sharpstown’s opening day.
- Scarborough High School wrapped up construction of a new 13,000-square-foot JROTC and fine arts building. The $14.6 million project also included general renovations to the existing building, including a new better-defined and more secure main entry, an upgraded cafeteria and snack bar, and refurbished classrooms, as well as additional site improvements. Read more about Scarborough’s opening day.
- North Forest High School moved across the street from the west side of Mesa Drive into a new facility on the east side. The $59.5 million campus will accommodate 1,500 students and features flexible learning spaces, a modern dining commons, and Career and Technical Education spaces, as well as a unique indoor running track – a first of its kind in HISD. Read more about North Forest’s opening day.
- Robinson Elementary School students returned to their home campus after relocating in September due to Hurricane Harvey. The students spent the fall semester split between Pleasantville Elementary School and neighboring Holland Middle School as crews worked to repair and renovate their home school, which sustained significant damages. The building has since undergone a major interior renovation. All porous surfaces below about 4 feet were removed and replaced, as were cabinets, wood surfaces, vinyl floor tiles, furniture, classroom supplies, and education materials. Additionally, the entire building has been professionally cleaned, sanitized and inspected. Read more about Robinson’s opening day.
Construction is ongoing at roughly two dozen additional campuses across the district. Once complete, HISD will feature one of the most modern portfolios of urban high schools in the country. Follow @Build_HISD on Twitter for the latest updates on the 2012 Bond Program and school construction across the district.
HISD employees are encouraged to check out the new IT Resources Site now known as The Solution Center. The Solution Center contains quick answers to frequently asked questions and covers a wide range of topics. New updates to the site include the following:
- New articles being added daily
- The site is fully searchable using the search bar on the page
- Employees can now rate the article in resolving there issues, which helps IT to ensure the most up-to-date and most used articles are available
- Articles will include a link where employees can submit a request to the service desk
Please check this new feature, which can be found on the home page of the IT website. This will help the team identify areas of improvement for customer support.
Other components of the IT website include:
- IT Access Forms – Contractor network access, name changes, HUB admin access, shared drive access and many more
- iDelegate – for Campus Principals to list their campuses delegates for application access
- OneSource Support – Lists of trainings and quick resource guides
- Hardware Quotes – the latest quotes for PC’s laptops, monitors and other It equipment
- IT Training Information – latest technology training opportunities
- How to contact the IT Service Desk
ALL TEACHERS
New Benefits Provider: Starting January 1, 2018, HISD will welcome Cigna as our new medical plan and flexible spending account administrator. As a welcome and introduction to Cigna, the Benefits Department will be providing a series of communications through email and on myHISD called ‘Wellness Wednesdays’ during the month of January. Read more here on how you can start taking advantage of your medical plan.
Attendance Tip of the Week: What better time than the start of a new year to make improving student attendance a top priority. Teachers can be the first line of defense for implementing best practices and strategies for a great attendance foundation, and can help students and families improve attendance throughout the school year. Research-based evidence from Attendance Works, states students often respond better to positive recognition and peer pressure through incentives and contests than they do to lectures from parents and teachers. Learn what incentives you can provide to help increase attendance here.
OnTrack Report Metrics: Did you know OnTrack uses two metrics (Average Percent Correct and Proficiency) to provide you with information on your students’ assessment results? When reviewing data reports in OnTrack, please note that the different metrics provide different information. For more specific details about the metrics used in the reports, please refer to the Average Percent Correct vs. Proficiency document linked here. If you have any questions, contact a Formative Assessment Administrator in the Student Assessment Department at (713) 349-7460.
Report Cards Completion: The 2017-2018 Report Card schedule is now available here. Please note, teachers will have Jan. 8 – 9 to enter grades. Please refer to the schedules for 6 and 9 weeks grading cycles.
K-12 MOY Assessments: The middle of year assessment window using Renaissance 360, HISD’s K-12 Reading and Math Universal Screener, is Jan. 8 – 31. All students should be assessed using the Reading, Early Literacy, and Math Assessments in English and/or Spanish.
Tech App Instruction: Curriculum and Development has developed additional resources to support K-8 teachers in their use of technology applications. The resources include scope and sequence documents for grades K-8, quick start guides, and instructions for ancillary teachers. Curriculum materials, such as the scope and sequence documents, can be accessed here. Teachers and students can also access Learning.com from the HISD Digital Resources page here.
ELEMENTARY
Professional Development: The Elementary Curriculum and Development Office is pleased to offer a variety of professional learning opportunities for teachers during the month of January, including literacy training to support Literacy by 3 (OneSoure courses #206001, #111001). For more info, click the course list here.
2018 Math & Science Summit: Interested in stepping up your math and science instruction? Join the Elementary Curriculum and Development Office for the 2018 Math & Science Summit on Jan. 20, at Kingdom Builders Center. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with colleagues, expand their learning, and deepen their understanding of effective instruction. Those interested can register in One Source using course #835001. Learn more about the event here.
SECONDARY
Strategic Reading and Writing Monthly Meeting: Join the Secondary Curriculum and Development Literacy Team at the next Strategic Reading and Writing monthly meeting Jan. 11 at Lanier Middle School from 4 – 5:30 p.m. Teachers will learn how to focus on the implementation of literacy practices in reading, writing, and small-group instruction for students in need of intervention. Register now in OneSource using course #171003. For more information, click here.
AP Teacher Training: Are you an AP teacher looking to take your skills to the next level? The College Board’s AP Fellow grant program is now accepting application until Feb. 15. AP Fellows is an annual competitive grant program that provides AP Summer Institute scholarships for teachers at high schools serving minority or low-income students. The $1,000 scholarships cover the cost of APSI tuition; any remaining funds may be applied to travel and expenses. Apply today, here.
HISD Tech Summit and Expo: HISD is excited to announce the 2nd Annual HISD Tech Summit: Together with Tech Student Conference for all High School Campuses. This year’s tech summit topics include: sound, nutrition and community safety. To stay up-to-date on event details, click here or consult your Campus Instructional Technologist.
Benefits Department launches Wellness Wednesdays for the month of January
For many, New Year’s Day symbolizes a time where people can hit the reset button on their health care and wellness goals. For HISD, it’s the first day employees can begin taking action on their medical plan and flexible spending account through Cigna, HISD’s new health care administrator.
As a welcome and introduction to Cigna, the Benefits Department will be providing a series of communications through email and on myHISD called ‘Wellness Wednesdays’ during the month of January.
The first communication employees can expect to receive will provide instructions on how to create an account and download the app for myCigna.com. HISD employees are encouraged to utilize this tool as a way to learn about the different offerings within your medical plan, find in-network doctors and medical services, as well as manage and track claims.
If you’d like to get a head start on Jan. 1, click here to learn how to create an account and download the app.
Though the provider and names of the plans have changed with Cigna, your deductibles, coinsurance, prescription drugs, and voluntary coverage remain the same. It is our goal to make the transition as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
Get the most out of your plan by visiting myCigna.com today, and don’t forget we are here to help. If you have any questions, feel free to call the HISD Benefits Service Center at 877-780-HISD (4473).
Please note that the Payroll Department will be processing payroll during the winter break to ensure that all staff are paid correctly for the Dec. 18-31, 2017 pay period. In order to issue checks on Jan. 10, 2018 and send the direct deposit bank file, this process must be completed by the Payroll Department before we return in January 2018.
It is very important that time is entered and approved per the instructions below.
- Due to winter break, all time must be entered and approved for the week of 12/18/17-12/22/17 by Friday, Dec. 22, 2017 at 5 p.m.
- If you have employees who are working over the break, time can be entered and approved on a daily basis. All work through 12/31/17 must be entered and approved by midnight on 12/31/17.
- Please remember that work can be entered and approved daily.
- If time is already approved, and the time recorder adds additional time, that added time must be approved.
All HISD bands, cheerleaders, dancers, JROTC encouraged to apply
The deadline is quickly approaching for HISD participants to apply to march in the 40th annual “Original” Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, which takes place at 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, beginning at Minute Maid Park, Texas and Crawford. All interested HISD band directors, cheerleader coaches, dance teachers, and JROTC leaders are encouraged to apply. See a letter from the Black Heritage Society here and view the application here.
There is also a Children’s Parade at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 13, at MacGregor Park. Apply to participate in that here.
There is no entry fee for HISD participants. Simply fill out the attached entry forms and return one or both by mail, in person, or by email to the Black Heritage Society, 5330 Griggs Rd. Suite A119, Houston 77021. Their email address is projectmanager@blackheritagesociety.org. For questions, please contact Director of Operations Sylvester Brown directly at 832-741-6649.
For more information, see the Black Heritage Society website here.
Department hosts a toy drive and surprises students at Dogan Elementary
Christmas arrived early for Pre-K through first-grade students at Dogan Elementary School with a surprise delivery of more than 400 gifts from Facilities Services.
“I’m in complete shock and full of gratitude that the department thought of our scholars during the holiday season,” said Principal Sandra Menxueiro. “Due to Hurricane Harvey, many of our students’ Christmas will be short this year. The department’s gesture, however, changes the narrative for those who might not have gotten anything this year.”
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After hearing the turnaround plan for the Achieve 180 campus at last month’s Board Agenda Review, Officer of Facilities Services Alishia Jolivette was determined to make a positive impact on students at Dogan Elementary School.
“Immediately following Principal Menxueiro’s presentation, I shared my thoughts with the department’s leadership team, and we began to brainstorm ways that we could make a difference in the student’s lives,” said Jolivette.
With little time for execution and just in time for the holidays, the group launched a department-wide toy drive and collected more than enough toys for each student in Pre-K through first grade.
There was joy and excitement when students saw the toys being delivered by the department’s employees.
“What’s happening today is indescribable,” said Wraparound Services Specialist Lenonardo English. “This is memorable for the students, as these might be the only presents they receive this year.”
Collectively, campus and Facilities Services staff assisted more than 200 students in selecting the gift of their choice, which ranged from board games and art supplies to footballs and dolls.
The Elementary Curriculum and Development department hosts the 2018 Elementary Math and Science Summit
Elementary school teachers who want to strengthen their student-engagement skills in the subject areas of science and math are invited to join HISD’s Elementary Curriculum and Development department at the Elementary Math and Science Summit on Jan. 20 from 8 a.m. – 1p.m. at the Kingdom Builders’ Center (6011 W. Orem Dr., 77085)
Teachers in grades Pre-K through 5 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.
If interested, register today on OneSource course #835001. For the event flier, click here.
ALL TEACHERS
Grant Submissions due Dec. 27: There is still plenty of time to submit an application for the HISD Foundation’s new Innovation Grant. Using the generous donations from local community members and business partners, the Foundation launched the program to provide funds for teachers and schools to purchase equipment, supplies, and other items to innovate teaching and learning in the classroom. The grants all open to all teachers in grades Pre-K through 12 and individual teachers can receive up to $7,000. It’s not too late! Apply now, here.
Attendance Tip of the Week: Studies from The National Drop Out Prevention Center, reports that three-fourths of students who are chronically absent in sixth grade will drop out of high school and that a student who is chronically absent in high school is 7.4 times more likely to drop out. Read more here on how to give children a reason to stay in school.
IT’s New Solution Center: Having computer problems and need answer quickly? The IT Department has launched a new resource site. The Solution Center contains quick answers to frequently asked questions and covers a wide range of topics.
ELEMENTARY
2018 Math & Science Summit: Interested in stepping up your math and science instruction? Join the Elementary Curriculum and Development Office for the 2018 Math & Science Summit on Jan. 20, at Kingdom Builders Center. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with colleagues, expand their learning, and deepen their understanding of effective instruction. Those interested can register in One Source using course #835001. Learn more about the event here.
Career Awareness: Join the Career Readiness Department for a free opportunity to promote career awareness at your elementary school. The Career Ready Wagon, a traveling career exploration show, is currently taking visit requests from all HISD elementary schools. The Career Ready Wagon brings an entertaining, interactive, and informative career experience to students in pre-kindergarten through 5th grade. Click here to request a visit to your campus. For more information, please contact Jacob Breier, jbreier@houstonisd.org.
K-5 STEM Academy: Session four of the K – 5 STEM Academy will be held on Jan. 8 at McGowen Elementary School from 4 – 5:30 p.m. The focus of this session is computational thinking. Participants will explore the concept of computational thinking and its impact on student success in STEM. Opportunities will be provided to experience plugged and unplugged activities that can easily be incorporated in K – 5 classrooms. Register in OneSource course #742005.
SECONDARY
Strategic Reading and Writing Monthly Meeting: Join the Secondary Curriculum and Development Literacy Team at the next Strategic Reading and Writing monthly meeting Jan. 11 at Lanier Middle School from 4 – 5:30 p.m. Teachers will learn how to focus on the implementation of literacy practices in reading, writing, and small-group instruction for students in need of intervention. Register now in OneSource using course #171003. For more information, click here.
