HISD 2021 non-instructional consultation election
HISD will begin an employee consultation election this week. Non-instructional employees, as defined by Board Policy DGB(LOCAL), will be voting by mail to select an organization to represent them, or to choose “no organization.” Even if you have never participated in a consultation election in the past, you may be eligible to participate this time.
You do not have to be a member of an employee organization to be eligible to vote. Any non-instructional employee who falls within one of the eligible employee groups, and was employed by the district as of September 1, 2021, is eligible to participate in the election. This includes employees on campuses as well as administrative locations.
Board Policy DGB(LOCAL) defines “noninstructional employees” as construction and facilities personnel, food service (Nutrition Services) personnel; warehouse, textbook and print shop personnel; and transportation personnel.
Management or supervisory personnel in noninstructional work groups are not eligible to vote in the election.
Ballots will be sent through the U.S. mail to the employee’s home address listed in OneSource.
- Ballots will be mailed to eligible employees on or before October 31, 2021
- ALL COMPLETED MAIL-IN BALLOTS MUST BE POSTMARKED NOT LATER THAN MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2021.
- Results of the non-instructional consultation election will be announced on December 1, 2021
Watch for posted information regarding the consultation elections in your work areas.
Weekly Teacher Download for November 8, 2021
ALL TEACHERS
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. 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
Since the beginning of the pandemic, many of us have spent an unprecedented amount of time indoors and may have experienced a more sedentary lifestyle, which has had an impact on our health, wellbeing, and mood. Practicing yoga helps to improve health, reconnect with your body, relieve aches and pains, and build a stronger mind-body connection. Yoga also aids in practicing mindfulness by providing a space where we can be still and process what is happening in our lives. For more information on the benefits of a yoga practice, please read this article from Harvard Medical School.
Please join this event to celebrate 40 years of Cowan Vision. It is free for all K-12 teachers and administrators. There is an option to attend online. It has been posted and advertised to our learning platforms. Go to www.macmillaninstitute.org to register. The MacMillan Institute, with its curriculum in the humanities and its teachers’ commitment, has created classroom environments where learning was integrated, internal, and shared communally. See this flyer for more information.
ELEMENTARY TEACHERS
Early Childhood
Progress Monitoring Tool OnTrack Nov. 9 from 4:00-5:30 p.m.: PreK teachers, early childhood special education teachers, and teacher assistants are invited to learn how to use the PK Progress Monitoring Tool on OnTrack. They will also learn the importance of monitoring the students’ progress and how to retrieve reports by class and by student. Register for OneSource Course #1456169.
“Teaching Vocabulary & Sight Words with Word Walls” on Nov. 11 has been cancelled.
PreK Backpacks: Student backpacks from Lakeshore Learning and Literacy Kits for Pre-K classrooms from School Specialty have been purchased with ESSER funds. The backpacks for 3- and 4-year-old students enrolled in HISD support instruction at home and 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.
Campus Administrator Collaborative Nov. 9 and Nov. 11: Participants will create and foster relationships with district administrators that support mathematics. Explore researched-based ideas and strategies that assist with coaching and developing all math teachers. Collaborate with district math administrators on best practices that support and develop strong instructional mathematical thinking. Register for One Source #1443815.
Math Lead Teacher Collaborative Nov. 9 and Nov. 11: Participants will serve as liaisons between the curriculum math department and campus. Math lead teachers are tasked to enhance the school’s instructional math leadership team. Participants will engage in activities aligned to district curriculum, assessment, and resources throughout the school year. This course is designed to support the appointed elementary math lead teachers; however, all math teachers are welcome to attend. Register for One Source #1443822.
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 capacity of brand-new math teachers (1st – 3rd year). Register for One Source #1458065.
Elementary Science Sessions
On Nov. 11 virtual science professional learning sessions will be offered synchronously (facilitator-led) from 3:30–5:00 p.m. See this flyer for more information. Share your experiences via twitter and tag @HISD_ElemSci.
K-5 Supporting Academic Language in Science on Nov. 11: Learn and practice strategies to support students with using science academic language when speaking and writing. Register for OneSource #1456093.
K-2 Mitigating Conceptual Gaps via the Mini-Lesson (Rewind) on Nov. 11: Participants will review upcoming Rewind mini-lessons, approaches to facilitate within the instructional block, and resources to utilize these mini-lessons to help mitigate learning loss. Register for OneSource #1456098.
3-5 Mitigating Conceptual Gaps via the Mini-Lesson (Rewind) on Nov. 11: Review upcoming Rewindmini-lessons, approaches to facilitate within the instructional block, and resources to utilize these mini-lessons to help mitigate learning loss. Register for OneSource #1456099.
Backwards Planning Using the DLA Blueprint (G5) on Nov. 18: 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.
SECONDARY TEACHERS
Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Please view this week’s CTE bulletin, November 2021, Volume II. Visit the HISD Career Readiness page here for all CTE bulletins.
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.
Annual Enrollment correction period
HISD Benefits annual enrollment ends Nov. 19, but there is a correction period. Any changes or corrections to your 2022 benefit elections need to be made by Nov. 30, 2021. You may contact the Benefits Service Center at 1-877-780-4473 or visit HISDBenefits.org for questions or more information.
You will have until 7:00 p.m. CST on Nov. 30, 2021, to contact the Benefits Service Center about changes or until 11:00 p.m. CST on Nov. 30, 2021, to make final updates online.
Whether you are new to HISD or returning to the district, we have resources, information, and useful tools to guide you through your benefits information. Even if you are not enrolling in some of the benefit options, as an employee of the district, you have access to benefits such as the Employee Assistance Plan and resources that may be useful. Be sure to visit the 2022 Benefits Guide for information about all the benefits available to you next year.
Watch the new video, “What’s New in 2022 Benefits,” featuring your HISD Benefits Team by visiting this link. Also available are the following instructional videos listed on the How-To Videos page:
- How to Enroll in Your 2022 Benefits
- How to Change Your Life Insurance Beneficiaries
- How to Change Your Aflac Plans Beneficiaries
- How to Change your TRS Beneficiaries
Aetna is our medical provider for 2022, along with a host of other benefits providers. Please look through the Benefits website for detailed information about plan options, tools you can use, and other benefits materials. We look forward to hearing from you during annual enrollment 2022, which takes place Nov. 1 –19, 2021.
- The Medical plan: Beginning in 2020, we added Accountable Care Organizations to our plan options, and we added copays to the Kelsey ACO plan options. Many employees have elected one of the ACO plans to manage their overall health plan costs while providing excellent health care options. The rate increases are shown in the chart below. These are per paycheck deductions over 24 pay periods. More information is available on the Benefits website.
| Tier | Kelsey Basic ACO | Memorial Hermann Basic ACO | TX Medical Neighborhood Basic | Kelsey Plus ACO | Memorial Hermann Plus ACO | TX Medical Neighborhood Plus |
| Ee only | 19.25 | 21.18 | 33.59 | 38.79 | 42.67 | 67.63 |
| Ee + Spouse | 100.19 | 110.21 | 174.68 | 135.25 | 148.78 | 225.32 |
| Ee + Child(ren) | 96.37 | 106.01 | 168.05 | 130.10 | 143.11 | 217.47 |
| Ee + Family | 173.26 | 190.60 | 302.12 | 233.90 | 257.30 | 365.43 |
- Life Insurance. Rates for Employee Supplemental Life Insurance have decreased overall about 20%. Please review your finances and see if you need to add or increase your employee supplemental life insurance coverage. At annual enrollment time, you are able to increase your life insurance, if you are already enrolled, by one times your annual salary without Evidence of Insurability up to five times your annual salary or $600,000, whichever requirement is met first.
- Prepaid Legal. For $3.00 more per paycheck, regardless of the tier you are in (Employee only, Employee + Family), you can select the Plus Plan and it will include your parents. You can review more information under Prepaid Legal in this benefits guide.
Next let’s review some things to remember as you enroll or change your benefits.
- Beneficiaries: Please be sure to review your beneficiaries. If you need to make an immediate beneficiary change, you may do so by calling the Benefits Service Center at 1-877-780-4473 or you can go online to your benefits enrollment site. Under manage Information, you can edit or add your updated beneficiary information for basic life and supplemental life. If you want to add beneficiaries to your Aflac plans, please go to www.HISDBenefits.org >Resources>Forms and look for the Aflac Beneficiary Form. Complete the form and send it to Aflac (address is on the form). Any changes in your beneficiary information will be effective at the Benefits Service Center on the day you make the change. For Aflac, any beneficiary changes are effective as of the date you sign the form. Also, you may want to update your TRS Beneficiaries, which must be done through TRS. Additional information and forms can be found on the TRS website.
- Eligible Dependents under HISD plans. Every year it is important to review your eligible dependents, as they are the only dependents who can be covered under your plans. It is your responsibility to change coverage levels if you have over-age dependents (life, accident, hospital indemnity, critical illness, cancer, etc.).
- If you have a dependent who no longer qualifies as an eligible dependent, you must notify the Benefits Service Center at 1-877-780-4473 immediately or within 30 days of the loss of eligibility. If you fail to do so, we will remove the dependent when we discover the ineligible dependent while auditing our plans, and there will be no refund of premiums paid. If you cover your grandchild under the HISD benefits, you must have either a legal custody document or legal guardianship document that allows you to cover them.
- Dependent Verification Services (DVS)/Life Events audits. If you add a dependent to your medical, dental, or vision plan, you will be asked to verify that dependent. You have 30 days to verify dependents once they are added. You will receive letters from the DVS department of the Benefits Service Center, and you will receive email reminders asking you to verify your dependents. Please follow the instructions on the form and respond by the deadline you are given in your letter. You will need to provide documentation such as a birth certificate if adding a child or marriage certificate if adding a spouse. If mailing documentation, please send in copies as these will not be returned to you. If you are adding dependents as a life event, you will also be asked to verify the life event. The information you receive from the DVS will tell you exactly which documents you need to provide. All emails will come from the Benefits Service Center at ADP.
Flexible Spending Accounts. You may choose to enroll in the Healthcare Flexible Spending Account and the Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account if you would like these benefits in 2022. The maximum for healthcare is $2,750, and the maximum for dependent care if $5,000. The administrator is PayFlex, and if you have been issued a debit card for the healthcare flexible spending account, that debit is good through the expiration date on the card, so there is no need to request a new card every year.
Register now for the third-annual ESL Summit 2021
Multilingual Programs is hosting the third-annual ESL Summit 2021, “Piecing Together Frameworks that Work,” on Nov. 6, 2021, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This year’s virtual summit will provide professionals with turn-key evidenced-based instructional strategies, academic language frameworks, and resources that will drive multilingual learners toward language development success in all content areas.
More than 20 sessions for both teachers and campus leaders will be offered, as well as sessions in English and Spanish from experts in the field. Participants may choose two sessions to attend. See the course selection guide and register in OneSource. All sessions will stream live via Microsoft Teams and will not be recorded. Attendees must be registered in OneSource to receive session links, which will be emailed from OneSource on Friday, Nov. 5.
Participants at all levels will find sessions that will expand their knowledge base and deepen their understanding around supporting multilingual learners.
For more information, see this flyer and the Academic Services Memo.
Supplemental Sick Leave Bank Enrollment Nov. 1–30, 2021
Program offers up to 30 additional leave days for catastrophic illness/injury
The HISD Supplemental Sick Leave Bank (SSLB) program offers participants up to 30 additional leave days for extended absences due to a catastrophic injury or illness.
The SSLB membership enrollment materials will be emailed to eligible employees during the week of Nov. 1, 2021. Enrollment forms and plan details are also available on the SSLB webpage.
Please note that current SSLB members were automatically re-enrolled in the program in September.
Eligible employees may enroll only during the BCOE enrollment period through Nov. 30, 2021.
A pre-enrollment period will be held in May 2022 for employees to enroll or terminate membership for the following school year.
Weekly Teacher Download for November 1, 2021
ALL TEACHERS
Social and Emotional Learning
Educators are incredibly busy and in fact, research shows that educators make more minute-to-minute decisions throughout the day than neurosurgeons. This means that teachers need to take some time to take care of themselves. This could be a breathing break or a moment of mindfulness, which can help them re-center, decompress, self-regulate after a busy day, and model self-care for their family and/or students. Mindfulness practices can be implemented throughout the day, either alone or in the classroom. Please visit seven ways mindfulness can help teachers to learn more.
Student Enrollment
HISD is still enrolling students for the 2021-2022 school year. Parents can visit www.HoustonISD.org/Enroll to get started or stop by their local HISD school for one-on-one assistance. Student enrollment flyers can be downloaded here.
ELEMENTARY TEACHERS
The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Team is offering a series of virtual professional development sessions in November on the UDL Planning Guide for Reading, Language Arts, and Math for grade 3-5 teachers. The guide is to be used in conjunction with the UPG and has been created to assist teachers in planning holistically for all students with an intense focus on closing learning gaps for special populations. Click here for instructions on how to access the UDL Guides. Click on this link for sessions and times. We are offering UDL open labs for attendees.
Early Childhood
Tier ll Leaders PreK Meeting #2 on Nov. 1 from 1:30-2:30 p.m.: Teacher specialists, assistant principals, instructional coaches, and deans of instruction are invited to learn about CIRCLE assessment remote administration, teacher-qualification requirements, curriculum and instruction, and family and community engagement. Participants will dive into each of the HB3 high-quality pre-K components expected to be implemented in all 3- and 4-year-old classrooms. Register for course #1456160.
Lead Teacher Meeting #2 on Nov. 3 or 4 from 4:00-6:00 p.m.: PreK and early childhood special education teachers will meet to facilitate communication between each campus and the Early Childhood Department. These meetings will provide current information regarding district/state issues and district initiatives, as well as professional development opportunities. Register for course #1458022.
Elementary Math Sessions
November and December 2021 math sessions for K-5 can be seen here. All sessions will be offered synchronously (facilitator led). Share your experiences via twitter and tag @HISD_ElemMath #MathMatters.
Grade 1 Math Snapshot Review on Nov. 1: Participants will gain a better understanding of the snapshot assessment. Explore how to use the snapshot outline and unit assessments to backwards plan. Get a sneak peek at some of our new assessment items. Register for course #1443850.
Grade 2 Math Snapshot Review on Nov. 1: Participants will gain a better understanding of the snapshot assessment. Explore how to use the snapshot outline and unit assessments to backwards plan. Get a sneak peek at some of our new assessment items. Register for course #1443851.
Promoting Productive Struggle in Mathematics on Nov. 4: Participants will explore the meaning of productive struggle and how it encourages risk-taking in the classroom. They will learn the importance of valuing perseverance and how mental stamina can be built through problem-solving. Register for course #1460031.
Campus Administrator Collaborative on Nov. 9, Nov. 11: Participants will create and foster relationships with district administrators that support mathematics; explore researched-based ideas and strategies that assist with coaching and developing all math teachers; and collaborate with district math administrators on best practices that support and develop strong instructional mathematical thinking. Register for course #1443815.
Math Lead Teacher Collaborative on Nov. 9, Nov. 11: Participants will serve as liaisons between the curriculum math department and their campus. Math lead teachers are tasked with enhancing the school’s instructional math leadership team. Participants will engage in activities aligned to the district curriculum, assessment, and resources throughout the school year. This course is designed to support the appointed elementary math lead teachers; however, all math teachers are welcome to attend. Register for course #1443822.
Elementary Science Sessions
On Nov. 11 virtual science professional learning sessions are offered synchronously (facilitator-led) from 3:30–5:00 p.m. See this flyer for more information. Share your experiences via twitter and tag @HISD_ElemSci.
K-5 Supporting Academic Language in Science on Nov. 11: Learn and practice strategies to support students with using science academic language when speaking and writing. Register for course #1456093.
K-2 Mitigating Conceptual Gaps via the Mini-Lesson (Rewind) on Nov. 11: Participants will review upcoming Rewind mini-lessons, approaches to facilitate within the instructional block, and resources to utilize these mini-lessons to help mitigate learning loss. Register for course #1456098.
3-5 Mitigating Conceptual Gaps via the Mini-Lesson (Rewind) on Nov. 11: Review upcoming Rewindmini-lessons, approaches to facilitate within the instructional block, and resources to utilize these mini-lessons to help mitigate learning loss. Register for course #1456099.
SECONDARY TEACHERS
Career and Technical Education (CTE)
HCC Fire will provide insight to high school CTE students who are interested in the field of Fire Tech at 9 a.m. on Nov. 3. Click here to join. For more information, email Senior CTE Career Advisor Rodrick Pierson at Rodrick.Pierson@HoustonISD.org.
The San Jacinto Automotive Department will provide career insight into the automotive field to high school CTE students at 1 p.m. on Nov. 3. Click here to join. For more information, email Senior CTE Career Advisor Rodrick Pierson at Rodrick.Pierson@HoustonISD.org.
Please view this week’s CTE bulletin, November 2021, Volume I. Visit the HISD Career Readiness page here for all CTE bulletins.
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.
Weekly Teacher Download for October 25, 2021
ALL TEACHERS
Social and Emotional Learning
Oct. 25–29 is Bullying Prevention Week, which exists to raise awareness and bring attention to a growing epidemic of bullying and social isolation. Young people who experience bullying may pull away from society, struggle with learning and social development, and/or choose to hurt themselves or others. We encourage campuses to participate virtually and encourage students and parents to join in to help prevent bullying. Please see the attached information on how to engage our students in positive interactive activities each day this week to help keep each other safer inside and outside our academic communities.
SEL Fall Training: We are here to support you. Please check out SEL-dept/crisis-response/need-to-talk for national and local supports. See this flyer for the SEL fall trainings with course numbers and dates of the sessions. Remember to take care of yourself and each other. We can be contacted at 713-967-5235 or you may email hisdsel@houstonisd.org for more information regarding any SEL resources.
Affirmations: Positive affirmations are positive phrases or statements that can be implemented to challenge negative, unhelpful, or intrusive thoughts. They can be used as a tool to motivate, get through a challenging moment, or encourage positive changes in your life. Dr. Shauna Shapiro, a mindfulness researcher, said “what you practice grows stronger.” Through self-affirmation, we form and grow a narrative about ourselves. What narrative are you practicing and growing stronger? If you need a place to start, see this link for suggestions to implement should you encounter a challenging moment this week.
Student Enrollment
HISD is still enrolling students for the 2021-2022 school year. Parents can visit www.HoustonISD.org/Enroll to get started or stop by their local HISD school for one-on-one assistance. Student enrollment flyers can be downloaded here.
Academic Instructional Technology
AIT Tech Tuesdays: Join us every Tuesday for a new series of technology learning to enhance instruction. Sessions are for all content areas and grade levels. Check out our monthly October offering by clicking here or search for OneSource #1461032.
ELEMENTARY TEACHERS
Early Childhood
Pre-A Guided Reading for Pre-K Teachers and Teacher Assistants Oct. 26: Participants will learn how to utilize the Pre-A Guided Reading strategies and framework during small group instruction. Register in OneSource for #1458019, SO 1825033.
Guided Math for Pre-K Teachers and Assistants on Oct. 28: Participants will learn how to plan and implement an effective math small group using the Guided Math Framework. Register in OneSource for #1458021, SO 1825040
CIRCLE Assessment: The BOY CIRCLE Assessment window has been extended to Oct. 2 to ensure all PK teachers complete the required subtests. Click here to see the list of subtests. Don’t forget to assess the ABC Names and Letter Sounds subtests located on a separate tab inside the CLI Engage platform. If you have any questions regarding the CIRCLE Assessment, reach out to Claudia Azcarate at Claudia.Azcarate@houstonisd.org.
Elementary Math Sessions
Kinder and Grade 1 Let’s Learn Links: To access the HUB Google slide resources for the weeks of Oct. 18 – Nov. 12, see these respective grades:
· Grade 1
It’s Learning HUB Teacher FYT Course Content: Some teachers may not have received their FYT course content from It’s Learning. If you are missing content from your FYT course, please email the Service Desk at Servicedesk@houstonisd.org. For math, we have submitted content for all K-5 math teachers in English and Spanish.
Updated October Math Sessions Flyer: The Elementary Math team announces the 2021 October Math sessions. All our sessions will be offered synchronously (facilitator led). To view October K-5 math sessions, click here.
K-2 Do the Math on Oct. 25: Participants will work collaboratively on a high-impact learning experience to practice aligned, rigorous, and engaging research-based strategies for grade-level standards to increase student achievement in elementary mathematics. Join us for resources and best practices to use in classrooms and during math assessments. Register for One Source #1458086.
3-5 Do the Math on Oct. 27: Participants will work collaboratively on a high-impact learning experience to practice aligned, rigorous and engaging research-based strategies for grade-level standards to increase student achievement in elementary mathematics. Join us for resources and best practices to use in classrooms and during math assessments. Register for One Source #1458090.
Share your experiences via twitter and tag @HISD_ElemMath #MathMatters.
HB3 Math Academy 2nd Grade Building Content Capacity: Place Value on Oct. 26: Join us for the virtual Building Content Capacity session. We will dive into research-based place value strategies. Teachers will walk away with ready-to-use activities for upcoming unit 6.Register for OneSource #1460034. For more information, click here.
HB3 Math Academy 3rd Grade Building Content Capacity: Problem Solving Multiplication & Division on Oct. 26: Join us for the virtual Building Content Capacity session. We will dive into research-based problem-solving strategies that focuses on multiplication and division. Teachers will walk away with ready-to-use activities for the upcoming unit 6. Register for OneSource #1460035. For more information, click here.
Share your experiences via twitter and tag @HISD_ElemMath #HB3MathAcademy
Career and Technical Education (Elementary Schools)
The Career Advising Team has a virtual student opportunity taking place on Oct. 27 at 10:00 a.m. This is part of the Career and Technical Education Walkthrough Wednesday Series hosted by HISD-IT. Join the Teams meeting at Information Technology. For more information, email Rodrick.Pierson@HoustonISD.org.
SECONDARY TEACHERS
Career and Technical Education
Please view this week’s bulletin, October 2021, Volume IV. Please visit our HISD Career Readiness page here for all Career and Technical Education (CTE) bulletins.
Career and Technical Education (Secondary Schools)
The CTE department aims to bring awareness about our district’s programs of study and post-graduation opportunities by showcasing campus events, student work, and more. Campus personnel can share their work by submitting:
- 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, and YouTube). If you have questions, please contact your campus’s designated Senior CTE Program Specialist. Click here to access the HISD CTE Spotlight Form.
If you missed one of the many flu shot clinics HISD offered, medical plan members still have a variety of options to receive flu vaccinations.
The two HISD Health and Wellness Centers administer free flu vaccines to members enrolled in the HISD medical plans. Call 281-869-3630 to schedule an appointment.
In-network pharmacies also offer $0 flu shots. Call Express Scripts member services at 855-712-0331 to locate a participating pharmacy. Be sure to use your Express Scripts ID card when you receive services.
Primary Care Physicians and some specialists provide no-cost flu vaccines. Contact your PCP or call Aetna member services at 877-224-6857 to find a participating provider.
Getting back on track with preventive care is essential to your health and HISD Benefits will continue to offer opportunities and tools to get you there.
HISD Onboarding fall professional development
There are four sessions brought to you by HISD’s Onboarding Dept., which helps prepare and develop employees for success.
Forging a Successful Relationship with your Boss
- 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021
Fall Book Club
- “Atomic Habits” by James Clear
- Starts Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021
Managing Up—Using Your Intuition
- 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021
Fall Administrative Support Professionals Summit
- Learn how to make your job easier and more fun
- Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021
Register at HISDOnBoarding.EventBrite.com
See this flyer for more information and a QR code to register.
Weekly Teacher Download for October 18, 2021
ALL TEACHERS
Student Enrollment
HISD is still enrolling students for the 2021-2022 school year. Parents can visit www.HoustonISD.org/Enroll to get started or stop by their local HISD school for one-on-one assistance. Student enrollment flyers can be downloaded here.
Academic Instructional Technology
AIT Tech Tuesdays: Join us every Tuesday for a new series of technology learning to enhance instruction. Sessions are for all content areas and grade levels. Check out our monthly October offering by clicking here or search for OneSource #1461032.
HISD Abroad global engagement opportunities
All HISD educators are invited to join HISD Abroad, AFS-USA, and educators from around the world in three unique experiences.
- Educator Meet & Greet with Malaysia: In collaboration with AFS Malaysia, we’re bringing both U.S. and Malaysian educators together for a meet and greet event. Join us on Monday, Oct. 18, 2021, at 7:30 p.m. Central Time to learn about opportunities for virtual exchange and be matched with a teacher with whom you can partner for a virtual exchange or project this year. All grade levels and subject areas are welcome to join. Read more and register here.
- Greece & England: Earn your global competence certificate with teachers from Greece and England. Learn more about yourself and others while earning professional development hours by enrolling in the Global Competence Certificate Program. Along with a group of Greek and English educators, you’ll explore a variety of topics, including identity, learning styles, dealing with conflict across cultures, navigating polarization, and spiritual diversity. All grade levels and subject areas are welcome. You must be an early career (<8 years) or pre-service teacher to apply. Register now as there’s an-end-of October start date.
- China: Earn your global competence certificate with teachers from China. Learn more about yourself and others while earning professional development hours by enrolling in the Global Competence Certificate Program. Along with a group of Chinese educators, you’ll explore a variety of topics, including identity, learning styles, dealing with conflict across cultures, navigating polarization, and spiritual diversity. Seats are limited so don’t delay. The deadline to apply is Oct. 22, 2021, for a November start date. Register here.
Social and Emotional Learning
Say Something Anonymous Reporting System (SS-ARS) Student Training
Social and Emotional Learning, in partnership with the Sandy Hook Promise Say Something–Anonymous Reporting System (SS-ARS), is offering student training Oct. 4–29, 2021, for the current school year. Training coordinators should visit www.sandyhookpromiselearning.org/quick_activity_link/195173/29 to select their campus and input the number of grade 6-12 students being trained.
The value of journaling: When we think of journaling, we think back to being young and keeping a “diary,” which over time we stop doing. Journaling allows us to reflect and process what’s happening in our lives in a non-judgmental space. Journaling affords us the opportunity to plan, set goals, reflect on behavior patterns, and growth over time. You don’t have to be Shakespeare or write for endless hours. Journal for five to ten minutes before bed to process your day. Re-acquaint yourself with this mindful practice and see this link for journaling prompts to begin your new journaling.—Joanna Subias, SEL Licensed School and Animal Assisted Counselor
October is Bullying Prevention Month, and Oct. 25–29, 2021, is Bullying Prevention Week. It exists to raise awareness and bring attention to a growing epidemic of bullying and social isolation. Young people who experience bullying may pull away from society, struggle with learning and social development, and/or choose to hurt themselves or others. We encourage campuses to participate virtually and encourage students and parents to join in to help prevent bullying. See the following websites for resources, programs, and activities to prevent bullying.
ELEMENTARY TEACHERS
Elementary Math Sessions
The Elementary Math team announces October Math sessions. All sessions will be offered synchronously (facilitator-led). To view October K-5 math sessions, click here. Share your experiences via twitter and tag @HISD_ElemMath #MathMatters.
K-5 Math Power Hour
Join us on Monday, Oct. 18, 2021, to delve deeper into grade-level specific concepts by exploring strategies that build conceptual thinking and the teaching of mathematics. Strengthen content knowledge and delivery by exploring TEKS specific models for upcoming mathematics concepts. Walk away with resources and strategies that can be implemented in the classroom. Register in One Source.
- K-1: 1443826
- 2-3: 1443830
- 4-5: 1443843
3-5 Using Supplemental Aids to Support Math Students
Join us on Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021, to explore scaffolding strategies and best practices to answer the question, “How do we use supplemental aides to support math students?” Walk away with resources and best practices to use in classrooms and during math assessments. Register in One Source #1448122.
K-2 Do the Math
Join us on Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, to work collaboratively in a high-impact learning experience to practice aligned, rigorous, and engaging research-based strategies for grade-level standards to increase student achievement in elementary mathematics. Walk away with resources and best practices to use in classrooms and during math assessments. Register in One Source #1458086.
3-5 Do the Math
Join us on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021, to work collaboratively in a high-impact learning experience to practice aligned, rigorous, and engaging research-based strategies for grade-level standards to increase student achievement in elementary mathematics. Walk away with resources and best practices to use in classrooms and during math assessments. Register in One Source #1458090.
SECONDARY TEACHERS
Career and Technical Education (Secondary Schools)
CTE Student Showcase: Each month CTE showcases the work of CTE students, teachers, and campuses to inform students, parents, and stakeholders about the programs of study the district offers and to bring awareness to post-graduation opportunities in the workforce. Campus instructors and personnel may submit videos, pictures, and or student work to CTE. The work will be showcased on the CTE website and social media platforms. Please contact Melanie Martinez at MMARTI96@houstonisd.org to receive a link for submissions.
College, Career, and Military Readiness Month: CCRM aims to bring a fun, creative, and informative way to engage students and parents while introducing them to various post-secondary pathways and much more. We are building on our theme of “Build Today. Connect Tomorrow. Future Forward.” Please encourage your campus to participate as we host virtual events for both students and parents throughout October. Please see flyer here and our CTE Bulletin, Vol. III. Links for individual virtual sessions will be distributed as events occur. As your campuses post on social media during the month of October related to any of these activities, please include the hashtag #HISDCCMR.
Virtual Job Shadow: This career exploration and preparation platform just made it easier for teachers and students to engage with the platform. All you have to do is login (instructions here), and an introductory pre-assigned lesson is waiting for you. If you have questions or need help getting started, contact Marcus Compton at mcompton@houstonisd.org. Happy career exploring!
