ESC TODAY
Timely Information and Resources for Region 11 Schools
April 12, 2017
ESC TODAY is published twice a month on the first and third Wednesdays throughout the school year except during holidays and summer break.
Are You an Assistant Principal, Administrative Assistant, or Teacher's Assistant?
In just one week (April 18-19), we'll be enjoying an exciting new learning format at ESC Region 11. If you are an assistant principal, administrative assistant, or teacher's assistant, we hope you'll join us for RECHARGE - Assistants Edition. The complete schedule of RECHARGE sessions for April 18-19 is available for you to browse, and you've still got time to register to attend.
If you are an administrative assistant or paraprofessional, be sure to register for this edition of RECHARGE. This is YOUR conference, as there will NOT be a stand-alone conference this year.
Your Choice. Your Learning. Your Experience at RECHARGE. Return to work with a renewed energy and excitement for the work you do.
Bookmark the RECHARGE website for all the details about the Assistants Edition as well as information about future conferences.
Real Video Challenge: Enter Your Video by April 15
ESC Region 11 is sponsoring the Real Video Challenge powered by IRIS Connect to help us build a video library of real examples of effective teaching practices for everyone to use. Videos must be received by April 15.
Educators who enter may win an iPad for their classroom or a 30-day coaching contract for their school.
You do not need fancy equipment or video editing skills. Just use your phone, your tablet, your computer, or any other device you have to record your classroom and submit the video for an opportunity to win.
More information is available at Real Video Challenge, or you may contact Tracie Cain, (817) 740-7562.
Challenge Accepted: "Zip Line"
The next Challenge Accepted is "Zip Line" on April 20, 9 a.m. Challenge Accepted is a series of free videoconferencing/networking events designed to spark creativity, imagination, and problem-solving in your students. This is the last Challenge Accepted for the school year, and it's a great way to build excitement and collaboration among your students and others.
Supplies needed for each group for this challenge:
- 15 feet of string or yarn,
- 4 pipe cleaners,
- 2 paper clips,
- masking tape,
- a small rubber bouncy ball, and
- up to three other supplies from the group members (must be okayed by the teacher).
Learn more about Challenge Accepted.
Connect2Texas: Flexible Scheduling Available
Did you know that most Connect2Texas providers can schedule programs on a date and time that meets your needs? Programs are posted on the Connect2Texas calendar to give a variety of scheduling options, but “by request” programs also are available. If you need to request a program on a specific date and time, contact the provider to coordinate the details. The provider will then post the program and send you a registration link. This reserves your spot and notifies all the necessary contacts who are involved.
Connect2Texas providers are here to help educators enhance classroom content, provide access to resources and customized topics, and work with special scheduling needs. We hope you will utilize these Texas-based providers and their TEKS-aligned program opportunities. Questions? Contact Lori Hamm-Neckar, (817) 740-7516.
Cybersecurity Summit to be held at ESC Region 11 on May 8
This free event is limited to the first 200 participants who register.
Download a flyer for more information.
DMAC Users' Meeting - April 20
Have you DMAC’d lately? Current DMAC users and those interested in previewing DMAC are welcome to join us for the DMAC Users’ meeting, April 20, 9 a.m.-12 noon. DMAC specialists will be there to highlight the latest changes to the software and enhancements slated for 2017-18. One of those new enhancements will be the LPAC module.
Download the flyer for more information on the program or register for the program online. A password is required to register, so please contact Elizabeth Schrader, (817) 740-7504, for that information.
Math4Texas.org Provides Parent-Friendly Help for Math Concepts
Math4Texas.org is a FREE K-8 website that provides parent-friendly explanations, example problems, digital tools, and videos by grade level to help parents understand the math concepts and skills that their children are learning.
Please add the Math4Texas.org link to your website and include it in communications to parents.
2017 TEKS Resource System Conference
The 2017 TEKS Resource System Curriculum Conference, August 1-3, is the premier professional development venue for Texas. Whether you're a teacher or an administrator, this conference has something for everyone. Attendees will experience a variety of sessions related to academic content, leadership, assessment, differentiation, and instructional coaching. The keynote speaker is Aric Bostick.
Registration details are available on the TEKS Resource System Conference website.
What's Happening at Our Schools?
Group Hug
Erin Cruz is a clinical teacher who is completing alternative certification in ESC Region 11's Teacher Preparation Program. She is also an Army Reservist who recently returned (in uniform) from San Antonio to be swarmed with hugs from her students. Erin will receive her Standard Certification soon and is ready for her new career as an elementary teacher. Her mentor teacher, Leslie Kahn, teaches kindergarten at High Prairie Elementary in Eagle-Mountain Saginaw ISD.
KHS Band Selected for 2018 Macy's Thanksgiving Parade
Cosmetology Students Earn Real Experience
Viewing the World Through Virtual Reality in Granbury ISD
Uplifting Educator Stories: Share Your Education Success Story with TEA
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has launched a statewide social media campaign to tell the remarkable stories of Texas educators. Uplifting Educator Stories are those that demonstrate rigorous and rewarding classroom experiences, student achievement, and student human interest going beyond success in a typical class or on a test.
If you have ideas for this project, email the story and photo to Lauren Callahan. A new story will be selected each week and shared statewide via TEA social media accounts using the hashtag #IAmTxEd.
Join Our Social Community
Stay connected to ESC Region 11 through our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts, as well as our blogs, and email lists/listservs. Join the ESC Region 11 pages, and/or find the specific group that meets your needs. Browse through the list and click on the one you are interested in joining.
Would You Like to Receive This Newsletter?
ESC Region 11
Email: communications@esc11.net
Website: esc11.net
Location: 1451 Cherry Lane, White Settlement, TX 76108, United States
Phone: (817)740-3600
Facebook: facebook.com/ESCRegion11
Twitter: @ESCRegion11