Online Learning for all HISD students will continue for the remainder of the Spring semester. Make sure that your child checks his/her email and our new website (below)
for information about upcoming assignments!
*
Some browsers will shorten this newsletter
- if so, be sure to click "view entire message" at the bottom so that you can see all of our news!
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Important Upcoming Dates & Deadlines
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Weekly - Make sure all class assignments are submitted on time. There are only a few weeks left in the semester and this 9 weeks is a great way to boost grades! Let's finish this semester strong!
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We Love Our Energy Teachers!
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This week was Teacher's Appreciation Week. Below you can see a collection of some of the kind things that our students have to say about our wonderful teachers. As some of you may have experienced in person with your children since the pandemic - teaching is hard work! Energy is so thankful to have such a dedicated and caring group of individuals who love educating students! If you haven't done so and would like to, let your teachers know how much you appreciate them!
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AP Exams begin Monday May 11
th with the AP US Government Exam at 3 PM. 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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Student Shout Out: Kinsley Blair
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This week Cohort 5 wants to give a shout out to Kinsley Blair who has gone above and beyond during online learning.
Kinsley shows up to office hours every week and always inquires how her teachers are doing. She has been highly successful at setting her own schedule and completing her work on time. During her free time, she is building a playhouse for her siblings. The Cohort 5 teachers have been impressed with her maturity and growth during this time.
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Student Shout Outs: Advik & Kal
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This week we would like to highlight two students in Cohort 5 who have gone above and beyond during online learning.
Advik Vinsentini
Advik Vinsentini, a superstar Cohort 2 student is offering free tutoring for homeschooling parents. Here's his webpage:
Houston Relief Tutoring
Cohort 2 & Kal Parham
Tuesday evening, several Cohort 2 students joined me to listen in on a crowdcast guest lecture by Dr. Lents from the Teacher Institute for Evolutionary Science on
Human Errors
(aka why humans haven't evolved to be perfect organisms). Shoutout to Kal Parham for engaging in discussion with other participants and the speaker!
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Wednesday evening Ms. Weller and Ms. Lim hosted a watch party for "Before the Flood," a documentary on climate change by Michael Moore, starring Leonardo di Caprio.
Shoutout to the 30 students who joined us and engaged in learning about and discussing these issues.
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Cohort 2 created a fun little video to keep spirits high and to remind all of us not to rush.
Seen on Tik Tok and YouTube, there is a "Don't Rush Challenge" occurring, and the Cohort 2 teachers thought it would be fun to join!
To check out their end result, click to the right!
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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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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 1:
Saturday, May 9th
Courses offered: Chem, Gov't, AB Calc, Eng Lit, Physics, Human Geo, US Hist
Session 2:
Saturday, May 16th
Courses offered: Bio, Env Sci, Macroecon, Spanish Lang, English Land, World His
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Financial Aid Meeting Recap
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What could students be doing now to start the college process? We recommend that students start researching schools and thinking about potential future careers. Students and parents should have a conversation about finances for college. Naviance has many resources that can help you find colleges and careers.
If you missed the live session, you can click here to review the
video recording.
One question we received after the call was: What could juniors be doing now to start the process? We recommend that students start researching schools, costs, and admissions deadlines. Students and parents should have a conversation about finances for college.
If you have any follow-up questions, send them to Ms. Merino and she will pass them on to Ms. Lodewyk.
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Student of the Week - Jimmy Recinos
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Jimmy was selected for his success and dedication in distance education throughout these difficult times.
Hello my name is Jimmy Recinos, I was born and raised in Northside Houston. My hobbies are singing, playing video games and doing karate.
When I first attended this school in freshmen year I was really scared because for one the learning there was project based learning and I didn’t think I would be able to learn in that PBL way.
I had a good first year experience with Energy, I mean it did take me a while to get use to the new way of learning there, but I eventually got the hang of it and I knew that after freshmen year I was 100% sure I wanted to attend sophomore year at Energy and it was kind of like this isn’t my first rodeo type thing.
I really like Energy - I like my teachers and my friends but that is not the only reason why I like Energy. I like Energy because it offers so many different opportunities- like going to a foreign country and study abroad, I am offered different externships, I am also offered different clubs there like robotics or UIL. I like Energy because it is the land of opportunity and it prepares me well for what I want to do in my career which is to become an Electrical Engineer. Energy is one of the best high schools I have ever came across or seen in HISD and I can’t think of another better school to go to than Energy.
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Staff Member of the Week - Ms. Martinez
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Ms. Martinez was selected as teacher of the week due to her dedication to help students succeed. She has been driving around town to her students' houses in order to drop off art supplies for students to complete their work.
"I am a Houston native who went to HSPVA for visual art, and completed my undergrad at Lafayette College in Easton,Pa. At Lafayette I double majored in Engineering Science and Studio Art. I continued to pursue my masters in industrial design at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia through their Design for Social Impact program.
Something new that I am pursuing is growing as a tattoo artist. Teaching has it’s own challenges, but I am striving to challenge myself artistically by creating other people’s visions on very different surfaces. For me, this is where science, math, and art coincide through the design process, from creating a vision, to changing the scale and deciding how to execute the art, so it can heal to last on an ever changing body.
Being in an environment where I can use my creative knowledge and experiences through my favorite 3 subjects that I loved when growing up, is why I love being at Energy. Like tattooing, I get to design but through project based learning and help students be multifaceted problem solvers."
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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:
Food Donations:
The Houston Independent School District is partnering with the Houston Food Bank to organize a second mass
food distribution site on Saturday, April 25 from 4 to 7 p.m. at NRG Stadium. Next week’s distribution schedule
is also included in the link.
Food Distributions
:
Below for next week’s food distribution schedule.
Parenting Support:
Free online parenting class:
Other:
The links below were provided by BakerRipley:
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! Happy Mother’s Day to all of our EIHS Moms!
In the spirit of Teacher Appreciation Week and Principal’s Day, and to celebrate and honor our teachers, administration, and staff for their commitment and hard work throughout the year, the PTO has sent a letter of appreciation and a gift to each member of our awesome EIHS team! THANK YOU
for all you do! You are all very much appreciated!!
Congratulations to our EIHS Seniors! HISD is celebrating Senior Spirit Week through online activities from May 11-15, 2020. Click
HERE
for more information.
Another heartfelt “ THANK YOU ! ”
to all of you who have continued to donate to our EIHS Food Donation Fund to support our EIHS families in need of food assistance during this COVID-19 pandemic. To date, we have raised almost $4200 for our families! All of the donations will be used to provide food support for our EIHS families. The EIHS Food Donation Fund will remain active and continue to accept donations for the foreseeable future.
EIHS Online Home Learning
We have now completed our sixth week of online schooling at EIHS. Only a few weeks left until the end of this school year! I hope the process has been a smooth one and that you and your family have settled into a new “normal” routine. If your child is struggling or needs help with this, please contact your child’s teachers or Dean for help. Check out the Energy Home Learning Page
HERE
for school news and updates, as well as teacher and admin contact info. For COVID Resources from the CDC and HISD, follow this
LINK
.
PTO Activities To Assist Our EIHS Community During This Time
For the foreseeable future, the PTO will not be holding any in-person events or activities. However, we 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 9-15, 2020
For families needing food assistance, there are several options for this coming week:
May 9, 2020 at NRG
: On Saturday, May 9, 2020, HISD and Houston Food Bank will partner for a fourth week for a large-scale community food distribution effort at NRG. To date, almost 2 million pounds of food have been distributed to 20,000 families during the Saturday events. This Saturday’s event will be from 11am-7pm and 8,500 food packages will be distributed in the NRG yellow lot. For more details click
HERE
May 11-15, 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 11, 2020.
May 9-15, 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 9-15, 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.
2020-2021 PTO Executive Board
Due to the 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 the 2020-2021 Executive Board is at the first PTO General Meeting, which is tentatively scheduled for 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
).
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!
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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