PLS expanded to include more campus leadership
Registration is now open for schools to register campus leadership teams for the district’s Professional Learning Series (PLS) June 13-15, at NRG Park, 8400 Kirby, 77054.
This year’s PLS has been expanded to include a wider audience of campus leaders. School leadership teams should include principals, counselors, assistant principals, instructional coordinators, and lead teachers, as well as other staff selected by the campus principal. The theme of this year’s conference is “Leading for Instructional Excellence and Equity.” read more…
Officer Paul Crosser
HISD Police Officer Paul Crosser passed away Thursday, March 31, at the age of 52.
The six-year member of Team HISD is described by HISD Police Chief Robert Mock as an excellent employee who was awarded the Operations Bureau Employee of the Year honor in 2013.
Crosser was most recently assigned to Westside High School, where Principal Peggi Stewart said he took the time to get to know the students and staff on a personal level.
“I’ve had the honor of working with many HISD officers, but Officer Crosser was one of the best,” Stewart said. “He was a wonderful friend and colleague. He was a valued member of our team and our family. He was loved on a personal and professional level. I feel extraordinarily blessed that I got to give him a big hug just a few days ago.”
A funeral service will be 3 p.m., Saturday, April 2, at Bear Creek United Methodist Church, 16000 Rippling Water Dr., 77084.
The family will greet friends from 2-3 p.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.
Join Ken Huewitt on Twitter this Sunday at 6 p.m. to discuss HISD priorities
Every Sunday at 6 p.m., HISD school leaders and district administrators gather virtually to discuss important issues, share best practices, and offer words of encouragement and advice.
The weekly Twitter conversation, which uses the hashtag #HISDAdminChat, started earlier this year and has gathered quite a following. read more…
HISD Nutrition Services dietitians don’t just share information with district students on the importance of eating right and exercising regularly — they also help their colleagues lead healthier lifestyles.
This will mark the second year that dieticians have offered an eight-week “Slim Down Showdown” course to employees, and 18 members of Team HISD — most of whom work in Nutrition Services — are participating.
“Healthy people make more productive and happy employees,” explained Nutrition Services Dietitian Nan Cramer. “The program teaches the basics of a good diet, physical activity, and a healthy lifestyle.”
April is Autism Awareness Month, and the Office of Special Education is asking Team HISD to join the campaign by going “blue.”
Light It Up Blue is the annual kick-off event for Autism Awareness Month, and members of the community are encouraged to wear blue on Friday, April 1, to help spread the word. read more…
Adelina Alcala has been named the new principal of R. P. Harris Elementary School. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a specialization in Special Education from the University of Texas in San Antonio, Alcala started her career in education in the Alief Independent School District.
Congratulations also go out this week to:
- David Knittle has been selected as the new principal of Burbank Middle School. Read more.
- HISD received its third national Magna Award, an honor designed to recognize school districts and their leaders for taking bold, innovative steps to improve the lives of students and their communities. Read more.
In July 2016, members of Team HISD who use SAP and PeopleSoft will be able to log into OneSource — a single system that will provide a seamless integration between HR, Payroll, and Finance. In addition to combining critical functions, OneSource will enhance business processes and streamline day-to-day tasks for employees so they can return their focus to where it matters most: the classroom. Listed below are various changes to HISD’s time keeping and payroll processes that will take effect when OneSource goes live.
Questions or concerns about OneSource can be directed to your school or department change agent or can be emailed to OneSource@houstonisd.org. Training for OneSource begins in April. All HISD employees will need to attend one or more trainings. Curious about what trainings you will need to attend? Click here to learn more.
Leave Process
- New system allows employees to request leave time through Employee Self Service (ESS) and approved by the manager/principal in Manager Self-Service (MSS)
- New process will help to eliminate paper, allow immediate notification to approvers, and is accessible online
- New email notification will be sent to the manager/principal notifying that a leave request is pending for approval
Time Entry/Approval Process
- New system allows time recorders to enter time on a daily basis
- New system allows time approvers to approve time once it has been entered; no wait period
- New system allows employees to view time immediately once it has been entered to check for accuracy
Late Pay
- NEW! There will be NO LATE PAY
- All departments and campuses need to ensure they have backups available for time entry and approval
- NEW! Time entered/approved after Monday deadline will be processed NEXT pay period
Accountability for Time Keeping
- New report will be utilized by Payroll Department to monitor unapproved time
- New process for Payroll Department to monitor and contact approvers to ensure time is being approved on time
- New look for pay stubs
Elizabeth Luna, Employee of the Month for March, is a receptionist at Halpin Early Childhood Center, a position she has held for more than seven years. She first joined Team HISD back in 2003, when she was hired at that same campus as an “Even Start” program facilitator.
“Adults would come to the school to learn English,” explained Luna. “And I would teach their children songs and lead activities during those classes.”
As Halpin’s clerk, Luna is now responsible for answering the phone, greeting visitors, and assisting parents who come to campus. She also handles a number of administrative duties, such as making copies for teachers or contacting the maintenance crew to request repairs or cleaning.
Congratulations also go out this week to:
- Thirty-three schools from across the Houston Independent School District have been named to the 2015 Texas Honor Roll by the Educational Results Partnership, a nonprofit organization that showcases schools with high academic achievement. Read more.
- Five different HISD schools were recently named “Champions off the Field” by the Souper Bowl of Caring for their efforts to fight hunger. Read more.
HISD in the News:
- Houston’s Tamar Davis takes center stage on ‘The Voice’
- HISD Board of Education hosting meetings to gather input on superintendent search
- Sam Houston punches ticket to state tournament
- Houston-Area Students Compete In Energy And Offshore Exploration Competition
- Bellaire HS students to compete in International Debate Contest finals
National News:
