HISD | Employee News: HISD’s news for district employees

ALL TEACHERS

Fine Arts–Dance

Dance Connect “Days of Dance”: Fine Arts is offering professional development for dance teachers and workshops for students in collaboration with prominent Houston dance organizations. “Days of Dance” will provide a variety of live virtual classes that will be streamed into classrooms across the district during instructional time as follows:

• Jan. 25: 6 virtual classes for early childhood and elementary dance (these classes will be made available to all dance and physical education teachers).
• Jan. 26: 5 virtual classes for middle school dance programs
• Jan. 27: 5 virtual classes for high school dance programs

The Arts Connect Houston dance organizations listed on this flyer will offer a variety of dance styles and stream live dance classes. To register, email SKorman@HoustonISD.org.

2022 Data All Stars Summit, 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Feb. 5: Another big game day is approaching, and Student Assessment is here to help you shoot the ball into the net and score major points! Leaders and teachers will gear up with data-driven instruction best practices, call the right plays to avoid testing irregularities, block to ensure STAAR readiness, and complete a winning playbook as we countdown to STAAR. These sessions will include state accountability, designated supports, TEKS monitoring, and data-tracking systems, as well as critical reports for teachers and leaders. Lead4ward Rockin’ Review and other partners will count down to STAAR. Don’t miss the vendor expo and door prizes. Register for course #1464042 on Feb. 5 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For more information, see 2022 Data All Stars Summit and this schedule.

Academic Instructional Technology

Student Assessment

Free access to Adobe Software

HISD is providing high school teachers and their students access to the most popular applications of Adobe Creative Cloud and the premium version of Adobe Creative Express, both at school and at home. HISD is providing elementary and middle school teachers access to the entire collection of Adobe Creative Cloud applications and their students with access to the premium version of Adobe Creative Express, both at school and at home. 

For Creative Cloud, once you’ve logged in, you can choose the apps you’d like to download. Please visit the website at www.HoustonISD.org/Page/192234 for guides and tutorials. You can use Creative Suite in any browser. To access Creative Express, you can sign in through Clever or from your web browser. Go to www.adobe.com/express/. On the top right corner of the browser select “sign in.” This will bring up a new page. Select “log in with school account” on the right side of the page and enter your school email and password. For Adobe Creative Express, please visit our website at www.HoustonISD.org/Page/192202 for guides and tutorials. You can use Adobe Creative Express in any browser, including Chromebooks.

Tech Tuesdays

Learn the basics and more of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC on Jan. 25 from 4:15-5:00 p.m. Register for OneSource course #1461032.

Social and Emotional Learning

Please register now for the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) spring professional development courses. These eight courses include De-escalation, Sanford Harmony, Restorative Practices, Crisis Intervention: Trauma-Informed Practices, Mindfulness Adult SEL, Integrating SEL into Academics, SEL Culturally Responsive Classrooms, and Classroom Management: Procedures and Routines for Student Success. Please refer to this flyer for details on how to register in OneSource for classes from January 25 to May 26. Please share this information with colleagues and take care of yourself and each other.

Office of Special Education Services

The Instructional Continuity Team has launched the weekly Instructional Digital Download, which supports teachers, leaders, and staff with timely, relevant research-based instructional strategies, mini-model lessons, resources, and coaching. The bite-sized lessons are designed to model digital tools and designated supports and accommodations appropriate to identified TEKS. It contains examples of how to support students with disabilities and those who struggle with learning.

ELEMENTARY TEACHERS

Early Childhood

PK Literacy Kits Implementation with School Specialty for PreK and Early Childhood Special Education Teachers: Register for OneSource course 1462011 from 4:00-5:00 p.m. for a walk through the materials in the new PK literacy kits. Explore ways they support specific skills in the language and emergent literacy domains from the Texas PK Guidelines. This session will focus on developmentally appropriate practice to help prepare young learners to become successful readers and writers.

2021-2022 Virtual Early Childhood Conference: Save the date for the conference scheduled for 8:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022. More information to come.

Elementary Math

See this flyer for 2022 January Math sessions and One Source course numbers. Share your experiences via Twitter and tag @HISD_ElemMath #MathMatters.

Kindergarten TX-KEA Assessment MOY Window: Jan. 10–Feb. 11, 2022

HISD 100^th Day of School: Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022

Kindergarten and Grade 1 HUB Links: To access HUB Google slide resources for Cycle 4 weeks (Jan. 17-Feb. 25), see link for these grades: Kindergarten copy links and Grade 1 copy links.

Elementary Science

Spring 2022 Elementary Science Sessions: Sessions will be offered synchronously (facilitator-led) after school. Share your experiences via Twitter and tag @HISD_ElemSci.

Lead Teacher Collaborative: Join us 4-6 p.m. Jan. 25 or 26 at Alliant Group to learn trends outlined to district and state data, collaborate on best practices for increasing science outcomes, and plan for delivering learning to build campus capacity. Register for OneSource #1464090. 

Grade 5 Elementary Science STAAR 2.0 Item Types: Join us 3:30-5:00 p.m. on Jan. 20 to learn about the new item types, implications for checking for understanding, and practice creating using Google slides. Register in OneSource #1464078 (Team meeting).

Virtual Learning Opportunities for Students and Families: Students and their families are encouraged to engage in hands-on, minds-on science investigations at home. The Houston Museum of Natural Science and Elementary Science Curriculum & Instruction present a series of videos and activities aligned to tough-to-teach standards in grades K-5. Click here to access these resources. Click here for the Science at Home Symbaloo web mix.

Elementary Reading

The TX KEA MOY window (Jan. 10-Feb. 11) is open. All kindergarten students must be tested during this administration window. 

CLI Engage Information

• Video tour of CLI Engage
• Quick Start Guide for the CLI Engage dashboard 
• Self-paced trainings are in online courses.
• Help ticket: Use this link to submit a help ticket.

CLI Engage trainings and certificates:

• Check the CLI Engage Training Calendar for upcoming webinars and presentations.
• Watch previous webinars anytime by using either of these options:
• To view only, watch on the Webinars & Presentations page.
• To earn certificates, go to the full course catalog from the dashboard and select CLI Engage Implementation Presentations.

If you have any questions, please email Tasha Howard at thoward1@houstonisd.org.

SECONDARY TEACHERS

Career and Technical Education (CTE)

Please view this week’s CTE bulletin, January 2022, Volume II. Visit the HISD Career Readiness page here for all CTE bulletins. The next Teacher Service Day (no students) for CTE is Monday, Feb. 21, 2022.

Spotlight on CTE: To bring awareness to the district’s CTE programs of study and post-graduation opportunities, campus personnel are invited to showcase campus events, student work, and more. Please submit using the CTE Spotlight Form. You may enter:

• Photos
• Videos
• Event flyers
• Business partnerships
• Campus initiatives
• Professional learning
• Best practices and more!

Submissions will be highlighted on the Career Readiness website and social media platforms (Instagram, Twitter, YouTube). Contact your campus’s designated senior CTE program specialist with any questions.

ALL TEACHERS

Fine Arts–Dance

Dance Connect “Days of Dance”: Fine Arts is offering professional development for dance teachers and workshops for students in collaboration with prominent Houston dance organizations. “Days of Dance” will provide a variety of live virtual classes that will be streamed into classrooms across the district during instructional time as follows:

• Jan. 25: 6 virtual classes for early childhood and elementary dance (these classes will be made available to all dance and physical education teachers).
• Jan. 26: 5 virtual classes for middle school dance programs
• Jan. 27: 5 virtual classes for high school dance programs

The Arts Connect Houston dance organizations listed on this flyer will offer a variety of dance styles and stream live dance classes. Class details are included in this flyer. To register, email SKorman@HoustonISD.org.

2022 Data All Stars Summit, 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Feb. 5: Another big game day is approaching, and Student Assessment is here to help you shoot the ball into the net and score major points! Leaders and teachers will gear up with data-driven instruction best practices, call the right plays to avoid testing irregularities, block to ensure STAAR readiness, and complete a winning playbook as we countdown to STAAR. These sessions will include state accountability, designated supports, TEKS monitoring, and data-tracking systems, as well as critical reports for teachers and leaders. Lead4ward Rockin’ Review and other partners will count down to STAAR. Don’t miss the vendor expo and door prizes. Register for course #1464042 on Feb. 5 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For more information, see 2022 Data All Stars Summit and this flyer.

Academic Instructional Technology

Student Assessment

Free access to Adobe Software

HISD is providing high school teachers and their students access to the most popular applications of Adobe Creative Cloud and the premium version of Adobe Creative Express, both at school and at home. HISD is providing elementary and middle school teachers access to the entire collection of Adobe Creative Cloud applications and their students with access to the premium version of Adobe Creative Express, both at school and at home. 

For Creative Cloud, once you’ve logged in, you can choose the apps you’d like to download. Please visit the website at www.HoustonISD.org/Page/192234 for guides and tutorials. You can use Creative Suite in any browser. To access Creative Express, you can sign in through Clever or from your web browser. Go to www.adobe.com/express/. On the top right corner of the browser select “sign in.” This will bring up a new page. Select “log in with school account” on the right side of the page and enter your school email and password. For Adobe Creative Express, please visit our website at www.HoustonISD.org/Page/192202 for guides and tutorials. You can use Adobe Creative Express in any browser, including Chromebooks.

Tech Tuesdays

Learn the basics and more of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC on AIT’s Tech Tuesdays Jan. 11 and Jan. 25 from 4:15-5:00 p.m. Register for course #1461032 in OneSource.

Social and Emotional Learning

Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) Promise Club is the student leadership initiative of Sandy Hook Promise. Led by their Youth Advisory Board, the aim is to empower student leaders to take an active role in increasing school safety and preventing different forms of violence in schools and communities. Please see this flyer to learn more about this student-led organization, which is another way to help nurture a campus culture of non-violence.

ELEMENTARY TEACHERS

Early Childhood

PK Lead Teacher Meeting #3, 4:00-6:00 p.m., Jan. 11 or 13: Learn about state and local updates and more. Register for virtual OneSource #1464078

Introduction to Savvas Three Cheers for Pre-K, 4:00-5:30 p.m., Jan. 11: Recommended for all new PK teachers or administrators, this session will provide an overview of the Savvas program and online platform. Register for virtual OneSource #1464082

School Specialty PK Literacy Kits Update: Campuses are receiving their Literacy Kits between Jan. 3 and Jan. 14. Each PK teacher (Pre-K, ECSE/PALS, Pre-K/K split) will receive four boxes labeled PK English, PK Spanish or PK Dual (teachers who are DL50/50 self-contained). These literacy materials support your workstations by providing each scholar their own set of handheld instructional items as an added safety measure. Click here to see the list of materials inside the literacy kits. Contact Ana.Valladares@schoolspecialty.com with questions.

CIRCLE Assessment MOY: The second CIRCLE Assessment wave (MOY) started Jan. 5 and ends Feb. 9. Teachers must administer this assessment within the MOY window dates and use the results to plan and differentiate instruction. All students should be assessed unless otherwise indicated in an IEP. This school year, prekindergarten teachers will access the CIRCLE Assessment through CLEVER. Click here for instructions. If access to the assessment is needed for new pre-K teachers or administrators, email ECH Specialist Claudia.Azcarate@houstonisd.org. Required Wave 2 Subtests: A list of required subtests was created to help teachers track the progress of the assessment completion. Suggested CIRCLE Testing Schedule: Suggested testing schedules were created to help teachers pace themselves throughout the assessment window. 

Elementary Math

Virtual Math New Teacher Cohort (K-5): Join us from 4-6 p.m. on Jan. 10 to meet, collaborate, and grow in a professional learning community that supports growth and development relating to classroom management and organization, mathematics best practices, and content strategies. Participants will engage in activities designed to provide ongoing, engaging, and reflective learning to help build the capacity of new math teachers (1st-3rd year).

Virtual HB3 Math Academies Grade 2 Building Content Capacity: Problem Solving Part 2: Join us from3:30-5:00 p.m. on Jan. 11 to delve deeper into grade-level specific concepts by exploring strategies that build conceptual thinking and teaching of mathematics.  Strengthen content knowledge and instructional delivery by exploring TEKS-specific strategies for upcoming mathematics concepts. 

Virtual HB3 Math Academies Grade 3 Building Math Content Capacity: Join us 3:30-5:00 p.m. on Jan 11 to delve deeper into grade-level specific concepts by exploring strategies that build conceptual thinking and teaching of mathematics.  Strengthen content knowledge and instructional delivery by exploring TEKS-specific strategies for upcoming mathematics concepts. 

Virtual Supporting RtI Math Students: Join us 3:30-5:30 p.m. on Jan 13 to explore intervention strategies and best practices to answer the question, “How do we respond when our RtI students don’t learn math?” Walk away with explicit routines and tools to integrate into the core classroom, as well as strategies for small-group instruction.

Kindergarten TX-KEA Assessment MOY Window: Jan. 10–Feb. 11 

Elementary Science

Spring 2022 Elementary Science Sessions: Sessions will be offered synchronously (facilitator-led) after school. To view spring science sessions, see this link. Share your experiences via Twitter and tag @HISD_ElemSci.

Lead Teacher Collaborative: Join us 4-6 p.m. Jan. 25 or 26 at Alliant Group for a face-to-face Lead Teacher Collaborative session. Participants will learn trends outlined to district and state data, collaborate on best practices for increasing science outcomes, and plan for delivering learning to build campus capacity.  The session will be styled within a ToT model. Register for OneSource #1464090. 

Grade 5 Science Instructional Planning: Join us from 3:30-5:00 p.m. on Jan. 13 for Unit 11, the Sun, Earth, and Moon System & Cycle 4 Cumulative Project. Participants will leverage teacher-facing and student-facing resources to plan for the upcoming units of instruction and practice difficult concepts that are noted within data. Register in OneSource #1461118 (Teams meeting).

Grade 5 Elementary Science STAAR 2.0 Item Types: Join us 3:30-5:00 p.m. on Jan. 20 to learn about the new item types, implications for checking for understanding, and practice creating using Google slides. Register in OneSource #1464078 (Team meeting).

Virtual Learning Opportunities for Students and Families: Students and their families are encouraged to engage in hands-on, minds-on science investigations at home. The Houston Museum of Natural Science, in partnership with HISD Elementary Science Curriculum & Instruction, presents a series of videos and activities aligned to tough-to-teach standards in kindergarten through 5th grade. Click here to access these engaging resources. Additionally, Elementary Science Curriculum & Instruction has compiled a list of science activities and resources for students and families to explore at home. Click here for the Science at Home Symbaloo web mix.

SECONDARY TEACHERS

Career and Technical Education (CTE)

Please view this week’s CTE bulletin, January 2022, Volume I. Visit the HISD Career Readiness page here for all CTE bulletins. The next Teacher Service Day (no students) for CTE is Monday, Feb. 21, 2022.

Spotlight on CTE: To bring awareness to the district’s CTE programs of study and post-graduation opportunities, campus personnel are invited to showcase campus events, student work, and more. Please submit using the CTE Spotlight Form. You may enter:

• Photos
• Videos
• Event flyers
• Business partnerships
• Campus initiatives
• Professional learning
• Best practices and more!

Submissions will be highlighted on the Career Readiness website and social media platforms (Instagram, Twitter, YouTube). Contact your campus’s designated senior CTE program specialist with any questions.

ALL TEACHERS

Academic Instructional Technology

Free access to Adobe Software

HISD is providing high school teachers and their students access to the most popular applications of Adobe Creative Cloud and the premium version of Adobe Spark, both at school and at home. HISD is providing elementary and middle school teachers access to the entire collection of Adobe Creative Cloud applications and their students with access to the premium version of Adobe Spark, both at school and at home. 

For Creative Cloud, once you’ve logged in, you can choose the apps you’d like to download. Please visit our website at: www.HoustonISD.org/Page/192234 for guides and tutorials. You can use Creative Suite in any browser. To access Spark, you can sign in through Clever or from your web browser. Go to www.spark.adobe.com. On the top right corner of the browser select “sign in.” This will bring up a new page. Select “log in with school account” on the right side of the page and enter your school email and password. For Adobe Spark, please visit our website at www.HoustonISD.org/Page/192202 for guides and tutorials. You can use Adobe Spark in any browser, including Chromebooks.

Social and Emotional Learning

Welcome back! We hope your break was restful. Please remember that two weeks away from school may not have been a joyous experience for our students, and some of our scholars may need a little extra grace and love. Please continue to work on your relationships, community circles, daily check-ins, and reteaching classroom expectations. Some students may need these reminders. Check-in with colleagues and share the SEL Teacher Resources here. Take care of yourself and each other. “Alone, we can do so little: together, we can do so much.”– Helen Keller

ELEMENTARY TEACHERS

Elementary Math

See this flyer for 2022 January Math sessions and One Source course numbers. Share your experiences via twitter and tag @HISD_ElemMath #MathMatters.

Face-to-Face Math New Teacher Cohort (K-5): Join us from4-6 p.m. on Jan. 10 to meet, collaborate, and grow in a professional learning community that supports growth and development relating to classroom management and organization, mathematics best practices, and content strategies. Participants will engage in activities designed to provide ongoing, engaging, and reflective learning to help build capacity of new math teachers (1st – 3rd year).

Virtual HB3 Math Academies Grade 2 Building Content Capacity: Problem Solving Part 2: Join us from3:30-5:00 p.m., on Jan. 11 to delve deeper into grade-level specific concepts by exploring strategies that build conceptual thinking and teaching of mathematics.  Strengthen content knowledge and instructional delivery by exploring TEKS-specific strategies for upcoming mathematics concepts. 

Virtual HB3 Math Academies Grade 3 Building Math Content Capacity: Join us 3:30-5:00 p.m. on Jan 11 to delve deeper into grade-level specific concepts by exploring strategies that build conceptual thinking and teaching of mathematics.  Strengthen content knowledge and instructional delivery by exploring TEKS-specific strategies for upcoming mathematics concepts. 

Virtual Supporting RtI Math Students: Join us 3:30-5:30 p.m. on Jan 13 to explore intervention strategies and best practices to answer the question, “How do we respond when our RtI students don’t learn math?” Walk away with explicit routines and tools to integrate in the core classroom, as well as strategies for small-group instruction.

Kindergarten TX-KEA Assessment MOY Window: Jan. 10– Feb. 11 

Elementary Science

Grade 4 Houston Museum of Natural Science Field Experience: In partnership with the Houston Museum of Natural Science we will resume free field trips for Grade 4 students during the Spring 2022 semester. In person visits will begin Jan. 19, 2022. For campuses interested in opting in to the in-person experience, please click this link to confirm.

Spring 2022 Elementary Science Sessions: Sessions will be offered synchronously (facilitator-led) after school. To view spring science sessions, see this link. Share your experiences via twitter and tag @HISD_ElemSci.

Lead Teacher Collaborative: Join us 4-6 p.m. Jan. 25 or 26 at Alliant Group for a face-to-face Lead Teacher Collaborative session. Participants will learn trends outlined to district and state data, collaborate on best practices for increasing science outcomes, and plan for delivering learning to build campus capacity.  Session will be styled within a ToT model. Register for OneSource #1464090. 

Grade 5 Science Instructional Planning: Join us from 3:30-5:00 p.m. on Jan. 13, for Unit 11, the Sun, Earth, and Moon System & Cycle 4 Cumulative Project. Participants will leverage teacher-facing and student-facing resources to plan for the upcoming units of instruction and practice difficult concepts that are noted within data. Register in OneSource #1461118 (Teams meeting).

Grade 5 Elementary Science STAAR 2.0 Item Types: Join us 3:30-5:00 p.m. on Jan. 20, to learn about the new item types, implications for checking for understanding, and practice creating using Google slides. Register in OneSource #1464078 (Team meeting).

Virtual Learning Opportunities for Students and Families: Students and their families are encouraged to engage in hands-on, minds-on science investigations at home. The Houston Museum of Natural Science, in partnership with HISD Elementary Science Curriculum & Instruction, presents a series of videos and activities aligned to tough-to-teach standards in kindergarten through 5th grade. Click here to access these engaging resources. Additionally, Elementary Science Curriculum & Instruction has compiled a list of science activities and resources for students and families to explore at home. Click here for the Science at Home Symbaloo web mix.

SECONDARY TEACHERS

Career and Technical Education (CTE)

Visit the HISD Career Readiness page here for all CTE bulletins. The next Teacher Service Day for CTE is Monday, Feb. 21, 2022.

Spotlight on CTE: To bring awareness to the district’s CTE programs of study and post-graduation opportunities, campus personnel are invited to showcase campus events, student work, and more. Please submit using the CTE Spotlight Form. Submissions will be highlighted on the Career Readiness website and social media platforms (Instagram, Twitter, YouTube). Contact your campus’s designated senior CTE program specialist with any questions.

ALL TEACHERS

Academic Instructional Technology

Free access to Adobe Software

HISD is providing high school teachers and their students access to the most popular applications of Adobe Creative Cloud and the premium version of Adobe Spark, both at school and at home. HISD is providing elementary and middle school teachers access to the entire collection of Adobe Creative Cloud applications and their students with access to the premium version of Adobe Spark, both at school and at home. 

For Creative Cloud, once you’ve logged in, you can choose the apps you’d like to download. Please visit our website at www.HoustonISD.org/Page/192234 for guides and tutorials. You can use Creative Suite in any browser. To access Spark, you can sign in through Clever or from your web browser. Go to www.spark.adobe.com. On the top right corner of the browser select “sign in.” This will bring up a new page. Select “log in with school account” on the right side of the page and enter your school email and password. For Adobe Spark, please visit our website at www.HoustonISD.org/Page/192202 for guides and tutorials. You can use Adobe Spark in any browser, including Chromebooks.

Social and Emotional Learning

Find a comfortable spot for yourself and treat your mind and soul to one of these great reads:

• “The Present” by S. Johnson
• “Dear Teacher” by B. Johnson and H. Bowman
• “Dare to Lead” by B. Brown
• “The Garden: A Spiritual Fable About Ways to Overcome Fear, Anxiety, and Stress” by J. Gordon
• “Take Time for You: Self-Care Action Plan for Educator” by T. Boogren
• “Self-Compassion for Educators: Mindful Practices to Awaken Your Well-Being and Grow Resilience” by L. Baylis and K. Neff
• “Everyday Self-Care for Educators: Tools and Strategies for Well-Being” by C. Tantillo, C. Philibert, C. Soto, and L. Veon

All of us at SEL wish you a restful winter break!

ELEMENTARY TEACHERS

Elementary Reading

Elementary Reading teachers are invited to attend an “Ask/Answer” meeting provided by Really Great Reading Implementation Specialists Jill Dickerson, Susan Hohertz, and Roxanne Rooney. Please join us by using the links provided below:

• Tue. 12/14/2021, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. 
• Thur. 12/16/2021, 9:30 – 10:30 p.m. 

For questions, please email Tasha Howard at thoward1@houstonisd.org.

Elementary Science

Virtual Learning Opportunities for Students and Families: Students and their families are encouraged to engage in hands-on, minds-on science investigations over the winter break. The Houston Museum of Natural Science, in partnership with HISD Elementary Science Curriculum & Instruction, presents a series of videos and activities aligned to tough-to-teach standards in kindergarten through 5th grade. Click here to access these engaging resources. Additionally, Elementary Science Curriculum & Instruction has compiled a list of science activities and resources for students and families to explore at home. Click here for the Science at Home Symbaloo webmix.

SECONDARY TEACHERS

Career and Technical Education (CTE)

Please view this week’s CTE Bulletin, December 2021, Vol. 1. Visit the HISD Career Readiness page here for all CTE bulletins. There will be no Teacher Service Day during December. The next Teacher Service Day for CTE is Monday, Feb. 21, 2022.

Spotlight on CTE: To bring awareness to the district’s CTE programs of study and post-graduation opportunities, campus personnel are invited to showcase campus events, student work, and more. Please submit using the CTE Spotlight Form. Submissions will be highlighted on the Career Readiness website and social media platforms (Instagram, Twitter, YouTube). Contact your campus’s designated senior CTE program specialist with any questions. You may enter:  

• Photos  
• Videos  
• Event flyers  
• Business partnerships  
• Campus initiatives  
• Professional learning  
• Best practices and more!  

Academic Instructional Technology

Free access to Adobe Software

HISD is providing high school teachers and their students access to the most popular applications of Adobe Creative Cloud and the premium version of Adobe Spark, both at school and at home. HISD is providing elementary and middle school teachers access to the entire collection of Adobe Creative Cloud applications and their students with access to the premium version of Adobe Spark, both at school and at home. 

Creative Cloud offers apps for design, photography, video, and web. As students develop in-demand digital skills with these tools, they also learn how to express their ideas in more visually compelling ways. With Adobe Spark, students can quickly make animated videos, beautiful web pages, and sophisticated graphics–no design experience required. It’s a whole new way to create presentations, essays, and more. Spark works with any browser, including on Chromebooks.

For Creative Cloud, once you’ve logged in, you can choose the apps you’d like to download. Please visit our website at www.HoustonISD.org/Page/192234 for guides and tutorials. You can use Creative Suite in any browser. To access Spark, you can sign in through Clever or from your web browser. Go to www.spark.adobe.com. On the top right corner of the browser select “sign in.” This will bring up a new page. Select “log in with school account” on the right side of the page and enter your school email and password. For Adobe Spark, please visit our website at www.HoustonISD.org/Page/192202 for guides and tutorials. You can use Adobe Spark in any browser, including Chromebooks.

Hour of Code and 12 Days of Code

Join Computer Science Education Week (Dec. 6-12) and the Hour of Code global movement by participating anytime during HISD’s 12 Days of Code event Dec. 1-16, 2021. To participate, go to 12DaysOfCode starting Dec. 1 and reference the interactive calendar of daily coding activities organized by grade level. Activities require no experience and can be run on computers, tablets, and smartphones. Some activities require no technology at all. For the first time, teachers and students who are highly engaged in coding activities during 12 Days of Code will be entered to win prizes.

12 Days of Code

Computer Science can inspire students to discover new ways of thinking and expressing themselves through technology. It builds problem-solving skills, logic, and creativity. Coding contributes to a foundation for success in many 21st-century careers. Hour of Code videos, posters, and additional resources are available here. For questions, contact Rene Flores at instech@houstonisd.org or 713-556-8282.

Social and Emotional Learning

The holiday session is here, and we may find ourselves busier than ever with family and friends. Don’t forget that the best care is self-care. Check out the Teacher Resource page on the SEL Google Training site. The self-care discussion questions provide a thoughtful self-care audit. Self-Care Calendar and Self-Care Bingo offer a variety of ways to diversify your self-care toolkit. Modify the Self-care Bingo and use it to pass on the importance of self-care to your students during a brain break. You will see apps and exercises to engage students in breathing, yoga, mindfulness, and other growth mindset activities.

ELEMENTARY TEACHERS

Early Childhood

Houston Dynamo and Dash SSAH: Houston Dynamo FC Virtual Development Classes have resumed, and the last session is Dec. 8 from 6:00-6:30 p.m. Sign up for the Zoom webinar here and see more information here.

Literacy Kits: Campuses will receive Literacy Kits Dec. 7-17 for distribution to Pre-K teachers (Pre-K, ECSE/PALS, Pre-K & K split). Click here to see the list of materials inside the literacy kits. Contact Ana Valladares at Ana.Valladares@schoolspecialty.com for questions.

Elementary Math Sessions

See this flyer for 2021 November and December Math sessions. Share your experiences via Twitter and tag @HISD_ElemMath #MathMatters.

Virtual Math Power Hour, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Dec. 6: Participants will delve deeper into grade-level specific concepts by exploring strategies that build conceptual thinking and teaching of mathematics. Strengthen content knowledge and delivery by exploring TEKS specific models for upcoming mathematics concepts. Gain resources and strategies that can be implemented in the classroom. Register in One Source for K-1: 1443826; for 2-3: 1443830; and for 4-5: 1443843.

Virtual Seminar on Supporting SPED Math Students, 3:30-5:30 p.m., Dec. 7: Participants will explore scaffolding strategies and best practices to answer the question, “How do we respond when our SPED students don’t learn math?” Gain explicit routines and tools to integrate in the core classroom, as well as strategies for small-group instruction. Register in One Source for #1448046.

SECONDARY TEACHERS

Career and Technical Education (CTE)

Visit the HISD Career Readiness page here for all CTE bulletins. There will be no Teacher Service Day during December. The next Teacher Service Day for CTE is Monday, Feb. 21, 2022.

Spotlight on CTE: To bring awareness to the district’s CTE programs of study and post-graduation opportunities, campus personnel are invited to showcase campus events, student work, and more. Submissions will be highlighted on the Career Readiness website and social media platforms (Instagram, Twitter, YouTube). Contact your campus’s designated senior CTE program specialist with any questions.

ALL TEACHERS

Hour of Code and 12 Days of Code

Join Computer Science Education Week (Dec. 6-12) and the Hour of Code global movement by participating anytime during HISD’s 12 Days of Code event Dec. 1-16, 2021. To participate, go to www.HoustonISD.org/12DaysOfCode starting Dec. 1 and reference the interactive calendar of coding activities organized by grade level. The calendar features a new coding experience each day. Activities require no experience and can be run on computers, tablets, and smartphones. Some activities require no technology at all. Examples of coding activities include:

• Code dance sequences with Santa’s elves through Google CS activities
• Create Dance Party characters with music by Ariana Grande, Los del Rio, will.i.am, Katy Perry, and more
• Design a galaxy far, far away with your trusted friend BB-8 in Star Wars: Building a Galaxy with Code

For the first time, teachers and students who are highly engaged in coding activities during the 12 Days of Code will be entered to win prizes. Please check the website for more information.

Hour of Code and 12 Days of Code FAQs

Why participate in the 12 Days of Code?

Computer Science can inspire students to discover new ways of thinking and expressing themselves through technology. It builds problem-solving skills, logic, and creativity. Coding contributes to a foundation for success in many 21st-century careers.

Where can I find additional resources?

Downloadable Hour of Code videos, posters, and additional resources are at: https://hourofcode.com/us/promote/resources

Who do I contact with questions?

Rene Flores, Curriculum Manager STEM – Academic Instructional Technology, instech@houstonisd.org, 713-556-8282

AIT Tech Tuesdays: Calling all teachers across all content levels and grades! Join Academic Instructional Technology to learn digital tools to enhance classroom instruction, student engagement, and checks for understanding during Tech Tuesdays. Each session lasts 30-45 minutes and gets you started utilizing the featured tool. Gain new knowledge on the tech tool or ways to extend what you already know. We will give out swag in certain sessions to random lucky attendees. Check out our December offerings here and then search OneSource course #1461032. Once registered, you will be emailed a Teams link.

Determining TEKS Priority, 4:00-5:00 p.m., Nov. 30: Join this DDIS webinar and learn how to access and understand OnTrack reports/Lead4ward resources after DLA assessments to create an action plan to determine the high priority TEKS for re-teaching and interventions. Register for OneSource #1460098.

Social and Emotional Learning

Five-minute breaks: Educators are tasked with many responsibilities and the work often feels nonstop. Despite the workload, it is incredibly important to make time for ourselves. We spend all day responding to others, but we cannot keep this pace without adequate breaks. Even a five-minute break can make us aware of how we’re doing. Remember to “put on your own oxygen mask before placing it on others.” Pausing allows us to be aware of our needs and take care of ourselves.

Breathing techniques to relax:  Why are breathing techniques and strategies important? Breathing exercises can decrease stress, reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, slow heart rate, help one remain calm, strengthen sustained attention, sharpen the ability to focus and learn, and help control emotions. Welcome back from break! Look for us here each week to help you with other mindful self-care tips.

ELEMENTARY TEACHERS

Early Childhood

Learning A-Z Resource Mapping Folders in Pre-K, 4:00-5:30 p.m., Nov. 30: PreK, early childhood, and special education teachers will learn how to navigate the resource mapping folders aligned to SAVVAS themes. Register for OneSource #1456168.                                              

Touring the Prekindergarten Guidelines, 4:00-5:30 p.m., Dec. 2: PreK, early childhood, and special education teachers will take a closer look at the PreK Guidelines, each domain, and skills to learn about instructional strategies aligned to the guidelines to support student success. This session is presented by Region 4. Register for OneSource #1464018

Houston Dynamo and Dash SSAH: Houston Dynamo FC Virtual Development Classes have

resumed, and the last session is Dec. 8 from 6:00-6:30 p.m. Sign up for the Zoom webinar here and see more information here.

PreK Backpacks: Student backpacks for Pre-K classrooms have been purchased with ESSER funds. These kits help support small group and workstation instruction.

Literacy Kits: Campuses will receive Literacy Kits Dec. 7-17 for distribution to Pre-K teachers (Pre-K, ECSE/PALS, Pre-K & K split). These materials will be referenced in the Early Childhood Guided Reading training sessions throughout the school year. They will be helpful in classrooms during workstations by providing each scholar with their own set of handheld instructional items as an added safety measure. Click here to see the list of materials inside the literacy kits. Contact Ana Valladares at Ana.Valladares@schoolspecialty.com for questions.

Elementary Math Sessions

See this flyer for 2021 November and December Math sessions. Share your experiences via Twitter and tag @HISD_ElemMath #MathMatters.

Guided Math: Student Conferences, Nov. 30: Gain resources, tools, and best practices for implementation of one-on-one student conferences focused on meeting students where they are and growing them through the Guided Math Framework. Register for OneSource #1460038.

Math Review and Preview Face-to-Face Sessions, 4:00-5:30 p.m.: Participants will engage in a high-impact learning experience to review district assessment low-performing standards to support data-driven instruction and reteaching best practices. Collaborate with district and grade-level colleagues to preview aligned and rigorous research-based strategies for upcoming units of instruction to increase student achievement in elementary mathematics. 

Grade 3, Nov. 30, OneSource 1464021 at Ross Elementary 

Grade 4, Dec. 1, OneSource 1464023 at Hattie Mae White

Grade 5, Dec. 2, OneSource 1464024 at Berry Elementary 

Virtual Math Power Hour, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Dec. 6: Participants will delve deeper into grade-level specific concepts by exploring strategies that build conceptual thinking and teaching of mathematics. Strengthen content knowledge and delivery by exploring TEKS-specific models for upcoming mathematics concepts. Gain resources and strategies that can be implemented in the classroom. Register in One Source for K-1: 1443826; for 2-3: 1443830; and for 4-5: 1443843.

Virtual Seminar on Supporting SPED Math Students, 3:30-5:30 p.m., Dec. 7: Participants will explore scaffolding strategies and best practices to answer the question, “How do we respond when our SPED students don’t learn math?” Gain explicit routines and tools to integrate in the core classroom, as well as strategies for small-group instruction. Register in One Source for #1448046.

Elementary Science Sessions

Elementary Science Lead Teacher Collaborative Session for lead teachers: On Nov. 30 or Dec. 1 from 3:30–5:30 p.m., lead teachers can learn trends outlined to district and state data, collaborate on best practices for increasing science outcomes, and plan for delivering learning to build campus capacity. Sessions will be styled within a ToT model to be brought back to campus PLC or other science planning opportunities. Register for OneSource #1458054.

SECONDARY TEACHERS

Career and Technical Education (CTE)

Please view this week’s CTE bulletin, November 2021, Volume IV. Visit the HISD Career Readiness page here for all CTE bulletins. Explore the November 2021 CTE Professional Learning opportunities. There will be no Teacher Service Day during December. The next Teacher Service Day (no students) for CTE is Monday, Feb. 21, 2022.

Spotlight on CTE: To bring awareness to the district’s CTE programs of study and post-graduation opportunities, campus personnel are invited to showcase campus events, student work, and more. Please submit using the CTE Spotlight Form. You may enter:

• Photos
• Videos
• Event flyers
• Business partnerships
• Campus initiatives
• Professional learning
• Best practices and more!

Submissions will be highlighted on the Career Readiness website and social media platforms (Instagram, Twitter, YouTube). Contact your campus’s designated senior CTE program specialist with any questions.

ALL TEACHERS

Grow Your Own DDIS webinar: Teachers and leaders will focus on how to access critical reports via OnTrack and develop an action plan for reteaching and interventions based on Snapshot #1 data. Teachers may take the training at their convenience prior to Dec. 17. See this flyer for more information. Register for OneSource #1460117.

District hiring student tutors

In response to the unique challenges presented by COVID-19, HISD is partnering with iEducate to hire up to 500 College Readiness mentors as in-person tutors. All HISD students and alumni ages 15 through college are invited to apply for this opportunity, which pays $12 per hour. The purpose of the program is to address gaps in learning widened by the pandemic at 50+ elementary schools in need, all while helping students in the field of education gain valuable hands-on teaching experience. Shifts are available during the school day, after school, and on Saturdays. The priority application deadline is Nov. 19. Students may apply online at http://Apply.iEducateUSA.org. For more information, see this flyer.

Social and Emotional Learning

The recent falling back of time allows us to experience the sunrise and sunset earlier. We experience less sunlight, which can have an impact on our circadian rhythm, the daily cycle that regulates when we go to sleep, wake up, eat, etc. Our health and mental health depend on the regulation of this process, so in the winter, we often hear the term “Seasonal Affective Disorder.” Practicing self-care, going for walks, and maintaining a regular schedule can mitigate some of the effects. To learn more about how to take care of yourself during this transition, see this article from Psychology Today: “The End of Daylight Saving Time and Depression.”

ELEMENTARY TEACHERS

Early Childhood

Building a Foundation for Young Readers Nov. 16 from 4:00-5:30 p.m.: PreK teachers, early childhood special education teachers, and teacher assistants will gain a clear understanding of phonological awareness and phonics skills to support a strong foundation for young readers. They will also receive a list of activities to teach these skills in the Pre-K classroom. Register for OneSource #1458026.

Houston Dynamo and Dash SSAH: Houston Dynamo FC Virtual Development Classes have resumed, and the last session will be Dec. 8. Classes take place 6:00-6:30 p.m. every Wednesday with the exception of Thanksgiving week. Sign up for the Zoom webinar here and see more information here.

PreK Backpacks: Student backpacks for Pre-K classrooms have been purchased with ESSER funds. The backpacks for 3- and 4-year-old students reinforce what is being taught in the classroom. The kits help support small group and workstations instruction. Campuses will receive 22 backpacks for each Pre-K classroom (Pre-K, ECSE/PALS, Pre-K & K split) Nov. 9-19. If extra backpacks are needed for a classroom with over 22 students, extra backpacks from the ECSE/PALS classroom should be used. Contact Richard Gomez at Rgomez@lakeshorelearning.com with questions.

Literacy Kits: Campuses will receive Literacy Kits Dec. 7-17 for distribution to Pre-K teachers (Pre-K, ECSE/PALS, Pre-K & K split). These materials will be referenced in the Early Childhood Guided Reading training sessions throughout the school year. They will be helpful in classrooms during workstations by providing each scholar with their own set of handheld instructional items as an added safety measure. Click here to see the list of materials inside the literacy kits. Contact Ana Valladares at Ana.Valladares@schoolspecialty.com for questions.

Elementary Math Sessions

Share your experiences via twitter and tag @HISD_ElemMath #MathMatters.

Math New Teacher Cohort (K-G5) Nov. 15: Participants will meet, collaborate, and grow in a professional learning community that supports growth and development relating to classroom management and organization, mathematics best practices, and content strategies. Participants will engage in activities designed to provide ongoing, engaging, and reflective learning to help build the capacity of brand-new math teachers (1st-3rd year). Register for One Source #1458065.

Guided Math: Student Conferences Nov. 30: Join us and walk away with resources, tools, and best practices for implementation of one-on-one student conferences focused on meeting students where they are and growing them through the Guided Math Framework. Register for OneSource #1460038.

Elementary Science Sessions

The Elementary Science team has the following November professional learning sessions. All sessions will be offered synchronously (facilitator-led) and virtually after school. Share your experiences via Twitter and tag @HISD_ElemSci.

Backwards Planning Using the DLA Blueprint (G5) on Nov. 18 from 3:30-5:30 p.m.: In this session, participants will use the District-Level Assessment blueprint for G5 science to plan lesson considerations, including do-nows and exit tickets. Register for OneSource #1456097.

Elementary Science Lead Teacher Collaborative Sessions: On Nov. 30 or Dec. 1 from 3:30–5:30 p.m., lead teachers will learn trends outlined to district and state data, collaborate on best practices for increasing science outcomes, and plan for delivering learning to build campus capacity. Sessions will be styled within a ToT model to be brought back to campus PLC or other science planning opportunities. Register for OneSource #1458054.

SECONDARY TEACHERS

Career and Technical Education (CTE)

Please view this week’s CTE bulletin, November 2021, Volume III. Visit the HISD Career Readiness page here for all CTE bulletins. Explore the November 2021 CTE Professional Learning opportunities. There are many on-demand courses, webinars, and training. There will be no Teacher Service Day during November and December. The next Teacher Service Day (no students) for Career and Technical Education is Monday, Feb. 21, 2022.

Spotlight on CTE: To bring awareness to the district’s CTE programs of study and post-graduation opportunities, campus personnel are invited to showcase campus events, student work, and more. Please submit using the CTE Spotlight Form. You may enter:

• Photos
• Videos
• Event flyers
• Business partnerships
• Campus initiatives
• Professional learning
• Best practices and more!

Submissions will be highlighted on the Career Readiness website and social media platforms (Instagram, Twitter, YouTube). Contact your campus’s designated senior CTE program specialist with any questions.