HoweEnterprise.com
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August 10, 2020
Howe ISD staff prepares for most unusual school year
Howe ISD teachers receive technology training to provide high quality instruction to remote learners for the upcoming school year.
Most teachers would much rather be in the classroom with their students, but in the upcoming unusual year of education, teachers are already preparing for a different kind of year. Last week, they spent training sessions at Summit Hill Elementary learning how to educate their students through online instruction. As of now, about 85 percent of students will be in attendance at school while 15 percent will be staying home and learning through online instruction. Bryan Brandon, the director of technology at Howe ISD has had a very busy summer trying to work out the bugs and prepare for a much different fall than the makeshift situation that COVID-19 forced upon the district last spring. “Unlike the spring, remote learners will engage in online activities and assignments on a daily basis,” said Brandon. “Paper packets will not be sent home, all assignments will be accessed and submitted through the Canvas learning management system.” Canvas is a learning management system often used by universities. It allows for teachers to post content and assignments in a single location for both their in-person and remote learners. In addition, the ISD purchased document cameras for every classroom that are able to record and upload classroom lessons directly to Canvas, thus closing any divide in instruc-
tional quality between online and traditional learners. The content and instruction in any classroom will be the same as those taking the class online. Brandon says the IT Department developed targeted professional development for their teachers and instructional staff to train them specifically on how to get the most out of online learning management system. This included teaching staff how to record and upload video lessons, transforming traditional assignments into digital content, and more. “The IT Department has worked diligently this summer to ensure student devices are ready for the new school year,” said Brandon. “On Wednesday, over 300 devices were deployed to high school students, and later this month we will be deploying the remaining 600plus (devices) to our middle and intermediate school students. Additionally, we are working with TEA on Operation Connectivity to purchase additional iPads to expand our 1:1 program so that every student in grades PreK - 12 will have a mobile device and access to internet at home if needed.” While the 2020-2021 school year will be most likely be the most difficult year since the first graduating class 112 years ago, Howe ISD and their technology department have prepared their staff for the rigorous challenges that lay ahead.
Job Title STAFF
CUSTODIAL
workintexas.com Posting ID 14151909 Location
Van Alstyne
Posting Close Date 09/30/2020 Posting Link bit.ly/2PsqSJa
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Description A local company is looking for CUSTODIAL STAFF. Experience preferred, but not required. Willing to train. Description This position requires a High School Diploma or Equivalent.
Job Title DRIVER
DELIVERY
workintexas.com Posting ID 14147206 Location
Sherman
Posting Close Date 08/27/2020 Posting Link bit.ly/2XA6OZE
https://
Description A local company is looking for a DELIVERY DRIVER who will deliver flowers in Denison, Sherman and Howe. Must have a good driving record. Description This position requires a High School Diploma or Equivalent and a minimum of 6 months of related experience.
