HISD has changed the last day of instruction to Monday, May 18th. Please make sure your child has all missing assignments in and reach out to teachers with questions.
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Good Evening Energy Families,
We have some very important information. Houston ISD has made the decision to end the 4
th
nine week grading cycle on May 18
th
. In other words, May 18
th
will be the last day of instruction for teachers. This is important to know because if your child has any outstanding assignments they need to turn them in right away. Please please look at your students grades! Ask them to see their Gradepro App or Parent-Student Connect account so you know what they have left to do. This is an opportunity for most of our students to boost their GPA if they take advantage of this grading cycle’s grading process – especially considering they had no final exam. Many teachers communicated to your child today about this announcement! So, they KNOW the time is short to get everything in (5 days including the weekend).
Students might be asking if school is completely over for them after May 18
th
. The answer to that is that grades are finished but school is not. We have some students who will still be taking AP exams beyond the May 18
th
deadline. So, AP teachers might still offer online workshops to support students. Cohort teachers might call student meetings to get feedback on their PBL experiences. We have two book clubs going on and those will continue. Clubs and organizations could meet to begin their plan for starting up again in the Fall. Admin or teachers might be sending out surveys to students to get important information. So please stay connected to the website, newsletter, callouts etc. until the actual last day of school which is June 1
st
.
Regarding technology, underclassmen (9
th
through 11
th
grade) will be keeping their technology through the summer school month which is June 8
th
through July 2
nd
. They will have a laptop/tech collection in early July. Seniors need to stay alert for coming announcements regarding laptop collection (May 27
th
), senior honors night (June 2
nd
), the senior celebration (June 5
th
), graduation virtual ceremony ( June 14
th
) and prom (July 11).
Senior parents! We will be sending more email/callouts to you. Be on the lookout.
Thank you so much for being so supportive during this time with your child’s progress. We miss you. And, its not just the students we miss but YOU the parents too! We are hoping and praying that you are healthy and well.
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This has been a wild year and you don’t want to miss the opportunity to savor it forever! You can now order your 2020 Energy Institute Yearbook on Jostens.com. As of now, we are slated for an early July delivery to the school and are working on ways of distribution. The yearbook is $45 and this year’s staff worked double time to create such amazing memories.
STEPS FOR ORDERING:
- Visit www.jostens.com
- Once on the landing page, you will see a banner at the top of the page labeled “Getting Started”. There you will enter the school’s name in the appropriate box (Energy Institute will autofill once you start typing).
- On the next page, select “2020 Yearbook” then select “Order Now”. This will prompt you to payment options where you can confirm your order.
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ConocoPhillips Award: Ms. White
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For those of you who read in one of our recent newsletters, Ms. White was awarded "Math Teacher of the Month" from ConocoPhillips.
As of today, her information is live! Check it out
HERE!
Congratulations again, Ms. White!
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Support the Woods Project Virtually!
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The Woods Project is having a virtual walk this year to raise money and support their organization.
The virtual walk is not a race - you can walk, run, cycle, or treadmill a 3-mile route at your own pace in one day or over the course of the three days. In a sign of solidarity as we face unprecedented challenges, the Woods Project requests you wear yellow as it represents hope. Post any selfies by using #wftwp (Walk For The Woods Project) to Facebook or Instagram!
Join us May 15th - May 17th - Registration is easy and free! Our campus has its own fundraising page. To join in the walk or if you can donate, click
HERE
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For the full exam schedule check
here. All exams will be administered online, for specific exam information click this
link. Please ensure students have a quiet area to take their exams and log into the testing platform 30 minutes prior to their start time.
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Do you need practice for your online AP Exam? Join HISD for their AP Cram Review Sessions! Live teachers will with with you on your Free-Response Questions!
Session 2:
Saturday, May 16th
Courses offered: Bio, Env Sci, Macroecon, Spanish Lang, English Land, World His
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*Important Updates & Events:
UNDERCLASS STUDENTS
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- May 20th, 5:45p: Underclass Honors Night (Virtual)
- May 29th, by appointment: Underclassman Personal Item Collection (On Campus) - sign up coming soon!
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*Important Updates & Events:
SENIOR STUDENTS
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- May 18th: Submit a Senior Highlight!
- Do you want to highlight your Senior or a Senior friend for recognition on Energy's social media?
- Submit a nomination HERE
- May 20th, 2:00 - 4:00p: Virtual Job Fair for Graduating Seniors (Virtual)
- For seniors, family, and friends that may be unemployed;
- 18 Companies and organizations with over 300 positions ranging from $10-$16/hr
- Please use the following link for ease of access: sign up HERE
- Registration is Required and the TEAMs link for the LIVE Webinar will be sent after registration is submitted.
- May 27th, by appt between 10:00a - 1:00p: Senior Laptop & Items Collection (On Campus)
- Sign up HERE
- Make sure you read the instructions on how to make it safe. There is information at the top of the Sign-Up Genius or you can refer back to the call-out sent on Wednesday.
- June 2nd, 6:00p: Senior Honors Night (Virtual)
- June 5th, 5:00p: Senior Celebration (On Campus) - students only; wear your mask, cap & gown!
- June 14th, 1:00p: Energy Institute c/o 2020 Virtual Graduation!
- July 11th, 8:00p: Prom (Houston Museum of Natural Science)
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Staff Member of the Week - Ms. Chastain
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Ms. Chastain has had a difficult task in taking her Engineering Design and Development (EDD) course and transitioning it to a fully-online experience. Her co-workers have been so impressed with her flexibility and drive to continue to make the class a success despite the loss of senior projects.
"Hi Energy family!
I am from San Antonio, TX, but have lived all over the country after graduating high school. During that time, I earned my B.S. in Environmental Chemistry at Towson University just outside Baltimore, MD. I was fortunate to do undergrad research my senior year under the guidance of three wonderful professors in Towson’s Urban Environmental Biogeochemistry Laboratory.
In my spare time, I enjoy cooking international dishes, sewing, playing with my two French bulldogs, growing orchids and succulents, and working out. My favorite animal is a giraffe—not a flamingo. Seniors, you can visit me in my office hours if you want to argue this fact. Mr. Catoire is not invited!
I am finishing up my sixth year in education and my third year at Energy. I taught chemistry for four years, and currently finishing my second year teaching our senior capstone course, Engineering Design and Development. I also co-sponsor the GSA club with Ms. Trautwein, and co-coach UIL Science with Ms. Thao.
I chose Energy specifically because I believe learning should be fun, hands-on, and more engaging than the traditional high school experience. I particularly like that Energy is a smaller campus than where I first taught for three years. It really changed my perspective on being an educator working on a highly collaborative campus alongside the best colleagues and students. Energy will always be my home, and you all will always be my family. "
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Do you know a student or faculty member that deserves recognition for being truly outstanding? Each week nominations will be reviewed and selected for. Nominations open from the time this newsletter is published (Friday!) until Tuesday at 11:59pm each week. All late submissions will roll into the nominations for the next week. Use the buttons on the right and start your nomination today!
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Special Fundraiser: Energy Food Fund
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The Energy Institute PTO is collecting donations to create an Energy Food Fund to help support families who have been affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic. If you are interested and your family is in a position to be able to assist, please use the links below to make a monetary donation. The money will be used to purchase grocery gift cards and allocated by Energy administration to families in need.
For PTO website:
For Venmo:
For PayPal.Me:
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Helpful Updates, Resources, & More
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Counseling
:
Please use the following link for the most current updates from TEA regarding counseling services:
Parenting Support:
Free online parenting class:
Other:
The links below were provided by BakerRipley:
Utilities Support
:
Rent Support
:
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Safety Reminders & Benefits
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- Be sure to visit our website for additional COVID resources and updates
- View HISD health updates HERE
- View Texas State health updates HERE
- If you qualify for SNAP benefits, you might qualify for additional benefits. To find out more, click HERE
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The time is right to start thinking about how you will spend your summer! Read below for more information on summer programs accepting applications now. You can also view more opportunities on the Energy Institute website.
Click here.
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HISD Intern Opportunities
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Do you have interest in being a PAID intern this summer for HISD? Interns will virtually work this summer Monday through Thursday (dates TBD).
Perks:
- Attend weekly virtual leadership development workshops
- Gain real-world experience
- Earn $14.00 / hour
- Boost your resume and "test drive" a potential career in education
- Acquire new skills and help a student in need
Openings:
- Computer Science, English/Language Arts, Fine Arts, Instructional Technology, Math, Reading, Science, Social Studies, and more!
How do I apply?
- Priority deadline is May 25th
- Apply HERE - use the position name "Student Worker (HISD Virtual Student Leadership Program)
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Hyundai Women in STEM Scholarship
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The Hyundai Women in STEM Scholarship is currently open for the United States female high school seniors who are engaged in a STEM-related field of education.
Application Deadline: 30th June 2020
Award Amount: Five Scholarships of $10,00
0 each
For more information and to apply, click here:
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Are you a student looking for work? There are lots of CTE opportunities for students. Texas Workforce Solutions has set up a way for students to get help accessing employment to some of the essential jobs in the city by texting
#GETPAID2020 to
40691.
How it works: Students register via the number above. A Texas Workforce employee will reach out to the student shortly to see the students' interest, what part of town they are looking to work in, etc.
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Houston Urban Debate League Camp
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The Houston Urban Debate League still plans to have Summer Camp! If an in-person camp is not an option, there have been discussion of moving it to a virtual platform.
The Institute will be held at the University of Houston with check-in on
July 12th
, and check-out on
July 17th
. The Institute is open to all HISD and CASE Debates students who will be in High School during the 2020-2021 academic school year. There will be advanced labs for Lincoln Douglas Debate, Policy Debate, Public Forum Debate, and Worlds Schools Debate as well as a general track for beginners.
Students can find out more information
HERE
If you're interested in applying, click
HERE
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The Young Leaders Institute (YLI) is a week-long program to prepare high school students for leadership roles in a world more interconnected than ever before.
Students will learn the value of collaboration as they work in teams researching, debating, and presenting solutions for the challenges facing our world. They will be mentored throughout the week by Asia Society staff and experts in their respective fields.
This opportunity will take place online in three sessions offered M-F, 9-12P
July 13 - 17th: Energy and the Environment
July 27 - 31st: Food Security
August 10-14th: COVID-19 - Reflections & New Realities
Applications are now open and close May 25th. Apply
HERE!
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Greetings EIHS Family,
I hope this letter finds everyone safe, physically healthy, and emotionally well!
The time has come, and we are at the end of the 2019-2020 academic year. It has been an unprecedented year, marked by a global pandemic, but we have made it through the last 2 months of school together! Congratulations to all of our students, teachers, administration, staff, and parents for a job well done! To our graduating seniors, congratulations on all of your accomplishments during your high school years and best wishes for your future endeavors!
Be sure to check out the Energy Home Learning Page
HERE
for end-of-year school news and updates, as well as teacher and admin contact info. For COVID Resources from the CDC and HISD, follow this
LINK
.
Virtual PTO General Meeting: Thursday May 21, 2020 at 7pm
Our last PTO General Meeting for the 2019-2020 academic year will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2020 at 7pm. The meeting will be an online, virtual meeting. Everyone is invited to attend! A link to join the online meeting will be posted on our PTO Website closer to the date.
Thank You to PTO Membership
Thank you to all who participated in our PTO and helped make this another successful year! It has been an honor to serve as PTO President for the 2019-2020 academic year and I have genuinely enjoyed the opportunity to work with so many EIHS parents!
A special thanks for all their work throughout this year to our PTO Executive Board Members: Sarah Levit (President-Elect), Arva Dearborne (Treasurer), Anne Geyer (Acting Secretary), Maha Allaham (Parliamentarian), and Virginia Lozano, and to our PTO Committee Chairs: Julie Garcia and Anna Ponce (Membership / Volunteers), Paul and Martha Jacob (Hospitality/Teacher Appreciation), Susan Rakestraw (Spirit Store), and James Asbury and Daniel Rodriguez (PTO Website) and all of our supporting committee members and general PTO membership.
2020-2021 PTO Executive Board
Per our PTO Bylaws, each member of the Executive Board serves a one-year term, which runs from July 1-June 30 of each calendar year. The PTO typically votes on and elects the new Executive Board at the last PTO General Meeting, which is held in May. However, due to current unprecedented events, our election for the 2020-2021 PTO Executive Board is postponed and the current Executive Board will remain in office through the summer. Our proposed date to vote on and elect the 2020-2021 Executive Board is at the first PTO General Meeting of the 2020-2021 academic year, which will be in September 2020. More details will be forthcoming.
Are you interested in serving on the PTO Executive Board for the 2020-2021 academic year? We are recruiting for the following positions: President Elect, Treasurer, Secretary, and Parliamentarian. If you’d like to learn more about the positions, job descriptions are posted on our PTO website (
https://www.energyinstitutepto.org/forms
). If you are interested in a position or want more information, please email Sarah Levit (
presidentelect@energyinstitutepto.org
).
PTO Activities to Assist Our EIHS Community During This Time
The PTO will continue to support our EIHS Family through our PTO Food Donation Fund to help families pay for groceries, as well as by providing information regarding HISD and community-based food assistance options each week, providing links to helpful coping resources, and reminding our community about the Amazon Smile Program (which provides a portion of sales to PTO for the EIHS community).
EIHS Food Donation Fund
The PTO is continuing to collect donations for the EIHS Food Donation Fund to help support families who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are interested in helping and your family is in a position to be able to donate, please use the links below to make a monetary donation. The money will be used to purchase grocery gift cards and allocated by EIHS administration to families in need.
You can donate using any of these options:
Food Assistance Options for May 16-22, 2020
For families needing food assistance, there are several options for this coming week:
May 16, 2020 at NRG
: On Saturday, May 16, 2020, HISD and Houston Food Bank will partner for a fourth week for a large-scale community food distribution effort at NRG. To date, nearly 2.5 million pounds of food have been distributed to over 27,000 families. This Saturday’s event will be from 8am-1pm in the NRG yellow lot. For more details click
HERE
May 18-22, 2020 at HISD schools
: Each day next week, HISD Nutrition Services will continue food distribution services at various sites throughout the district. Check
HERE
for site locations, dates, and times for the week of May 18, 2020.
May 16-22, 2020 through The Houston Food Bank
: The Houston Food Bank has recently partnered with the YMCA of Greater Houston and Brighter Bites to provide additional fresh fruits and vegetables in their food distributions. Distributions are taking place throughout the city and they expect to serve 2,400 families each day. Check their website (
www.HoustonFoodBank.org
) or call 832-369-9390 for more information. Click
HERE
and enter your location to find the nearest distribution site to you and their days and times of food distribution.
May 16-22, 2020 through The Houston Parks and Recreation Department
: The Houston Parks and Recreation Department is operating a curbside meal program at 50 community centers around the city. For a community center near you, check
HERE
.
Helpful Coping Resources (available by phone or text)
If you need help in coping with the mental or emotional effects of developments related to the coronavirus pandemic, consider contacting the Disaster Distress Helpline (1800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746
).
The Helpline is a free, multilingual, confidential service, and is available 24/7, 365-days a year. Callers/texters will be connected with a trained crisis counselor who can assist callers who have a range of symptoms. For more information on the Helpline, click
HERE
. The Helpline is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which is a department within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Amazon Smile Program
For those of you who are doing your shopping on Amazon.com, please remember that you can use the Amazon Smile program when you place your order and 0.5% of your total purchase price will be donated to EIHS PTO at no additional cost to you. In order for the PTO to receive this donation, you must access Amazon Smile directly (
https://smile.amazon.com/
) and then continue with your shopping as usual. If you do not have EIHS PTO listed as your charitable organization, use the Amazon Smile link, go to “your account”, select the option to “change your charity”, and choose “Energy Institute High School PTO”, and then begin your shopping.
Gentle Reminders for Physical and Mental Health
To help protect yourself and others from COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has specific guidelines on social distancing, hand-washing, face-covering, and cleaning/disinfecting your home, as well as daily life, managing stress, and coping. The CDC also has specific social distancing and other recommendations for your family pets to help protect them from COVID-19. All of these guidelines are available
HERE
.
With all the information on the news and social media regarding current events, a gentle reminder to take some time for yourself and your family members to pause and de-stress from all the COVID-19 news and all the pandemic-related news. Take time to exercise or engage in leisurely activities or learn a new skill. Encourage your children to get into a regular routine for their online schoolwork, and to have time to exercise, relax, and socialize with friends online. Consider creating opportunities for more family time together (family meals, family game night, family chats). Stay connected with extended family, friends, and neighbors through phone calls, video chats, text messages, and social media.
Although this is a challenging time, we can find positive ways to adapt to our current circumstances.
Together, we will get through this!
We look forward to seeing everyone in the Fall of 2020!
Best regards,
Sarah Carpentieri-Asbury
2019-2020 PTO Executive Board
Sarah Carpentieri-Asbury (President)
Sarah Levit (President-Elect)
Arva Dearborne (Treasurer)
Anne Geyer (Acting Secretary)
Maha Allaham (Parliamentarian)
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We hope that you find the information on the newsletters helpful. The best way to stay in the know about all things Energy related is to follow us on one of our social media platforms. Follow us today!
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Do you have information you'd like to share about an upcoming cool event, fundraiser, opportunity, or class news? Use the link button to the right to submit any related information that Energy students and families should hear about!
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Energy is a proud recipient of the 2016 National Merit Awards
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Energy is a public school in the Houston Independent School District
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Energy is an active participant with the district's "HUB" initiative
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A special thanks to our sponsors:
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