BISH Welcome Guide HR by NAETA

We’re delighted to welcome you to BISH and invite you to read this guide as you plan for your relocation and to help you settle into your new city and school.

WELCOME!

On behalf of the BIS Houston family, we’re excited to extend a warm welcome to you! We’re thrilled to have you join our team and become an essential part of our amazing community. At BIS Houston, we believe that our people are the heart of our success. It’s through the dedication, passion, and talent of our staff members that we’re able to deliver the best education and create a transformative learning experience.

Here’s what you can expect from your time with us:

• When you join our school, you become part of our vibrant international community, where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and supported.

• Our school’s outstanding facilities and environments inspire out students to learn and grow. You’ll enjoy our learning state-of-the-art learning spaces, advanced technology, and beautiful green spaces.

• At BIS Houston, we attract and hire the world’s best teachers – and support them in their development, fostering student learning and personal growth. We continually invest in our teachers and offer professional development programmes that are second to none. This ensures we’re always innovating, and that our quality assurance and safeguarding measures are first class.

We can’t wait to welcome you to our Bulldog community.

Warmly,

The BIS Houston Community

Welcome to the British International School of Houston, where our mission is to transform the lives of learners. My background in education spans over 20 years of teaching and leading schools. I have the privilege of leading an exceptionally qualified team of educators as they create a community which fosters student learning and personal growth. There is no limit to what can be achieved, and with our student-centered approach to learning for every child, our students thrive now and throughout their lives. I am proud of our academic outcomes and the balanced support we provide to students.

I look forward to the opportunity of getting to know your families and welcoming you to BIS Houston.

-Barrie Scrymgeour, Principal.

I have been at BIS Houston since 2007 and am passionate about the education, wellbeing and social-emotional health of children. In addition to Head of Primary School, I have held the positions of Deputy Head of Secondary School, Director of Wellbeing, Learning Support Coordinator, and Assistant Head Teacher.

One of the areas I value the most about being part of the school has been the opportunity to work with students of all ages and the stages of their development across the entire school. Nothing gives me greater pride than watching graduates who I’ve worked with since their primary years walk across the stage. I see the wonderful young adults they have become and their desire to make a difference in the world.

-Gemma Averette, Head of Primary

I’m delighted you’re joining BIS Houston. For over 25 years, I’ve been a passionate teacher at heart and am driven by the moral responsibility to ensure that students are empowered to meet their full potential

My love for helping others has given me a range of experiences and roles over the years including training and developing teachers across regions in the UK, developing school district initiatives, and building school partnerships.

-Helen Morgan, Head of Secondary

OUR HISTORY

Established in 2000 in Katy, Texas, the British International School of Houston has been offering a personalised international education to students between three and eighteen years old for over 23 years in the Houston areva.

This is an exciting time to join our community. We have a new, state-of-the-art facility, that is one of the world’s pedagogically advanced campuses. We are a successful, growing school with a highly committed and motivated team of teaching professionals at our heart. Our welcoming school community strives to empower every student to discover their greatest potential and achieve more than they ever imagined.

ABOUT NORD ANGLIA

As one of the world’s leading international schools organisations, we’re shaping a generation of creative and resilient global citizens who graduate from our schools with everything they need for success, whatever they choose to be or do in life.

Our strong academic foundations combine world-class teaching and curricula with cutting-edge technology and facilities, creating learning experiences like no other. Inside and outside of the classroom, we inspire our students to achieve more than they ever thought possible.

No two children learn the same way, which is why our schools around the world personalise learning to what works best for every student. Inspired by our high-quality teachers, our students achieve outstanding academic results and go on to study at the world’s top universities.

OUR SCHOOLS

With across the globe and tens of thousands of students worldwide, we are a truly global community that span both continents and cultures. By joining us, you become part of our international family.

OUR MISSION AND VISION

Our mission is to be the most forward-thinking, technologyenabled educators in the world, using our global reach and world-class teachers to create a learning experience like no other.

Our vision is to shape a generation of creative and resilient global citizens that will change our world for the better.

33+ Countries 87+ Schools

86,000+ Students worldwide

BISH GENERAL INFORMATION

SICK DAYS

You’re eligible for 10 sick days fully paid and 20 ½ days at 50% pay. The policy establishes that if you are off sick for 3 days, you must provide a return-to-work letter provided by a doctor to Human Resources and your Line Manager.

PERSONAL TIME OFF POLICY

At BIS Houston, employees aren’t eligible to take personal days off with regular working hours. If a personal day is required due to unforeseen circumstances, permission must be obtained via email at least 5 days in advance from both the Principal and Head of School and will be unpaid.

We’ll be sharing the detailed policy with more information upon arrival, during the induction process.

PAY PROCESS

You’ll be paid bi-weekly (26 pay periods in the academic school year) and will receive your shipping allowance on 9th August 2024.

Your first paycheck for the 2024-2025 Academic school year will be on 23rd August, 2024 and deposited into your Advancial bank account.

WORKLOAD EXPECTATIONS

• Most teachers have 1-2 preps and 1-2 planning periods.

• Grade level and area meetings take place throughout the week.

• The teacher may undertake an after-school club/activity 1 hour per week as directed by the Head of School.

• Teachers are expected to help with other duties such as lunch, breaks, arrival & dismissal, etc.

SCHOOL CALENDAR

You can find our 2024-2025 School Calendar by clicking HERE

• All new hire expat teachers will arrive in Houston on 1st August in order to allow a few days to get settled in.

• All remaining staff will begin school 5th August when we will begin INSET week.

TRANSPORTATION

Depending upon availability, our campus provides the use of a shared pool car for your first academic school year for our staff members to travel to and from school.

Most staff members will purchase their own car within 3 to 6 months of arriving in Houston by either financing a car loan with either a car dealership or bank. You may of course purchase a car on arrival using cash.

Houston has a metro bus service but unfortunately this is not a viable option to travel to our school, you will need the use of a car or Uber service.

HOLIDAYS

• Jan 15th: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

• Mar 29th: April 1st Easter

• May 27th-May 28th: Memorial Day

• Jun 19th: Juneteenth

• July 4th: Independence Day

• First Monday in September: Labor Day

• Fourth Thursday in November: Thanksgiving

• Dec 25th – Dec 26th: Christmas

• December 31st-Jan 1st: New Year

SCHOOL HEALTH INSURANCE

• Life insurance is provided to you as part of your benefits and your coverage will begin on your first day of employment. You will have the opportunity to complete the enrolment using HR Connect during you first few days on campus.

• Health Insurance will be provided by our Cigna Benefits Plan and covers you for Medical, Dental and Vision.

• We’ll have an informative session about the insurance policies, coverages, and further details during the first weeks of school.

BANKING INFORMATION & SSN

We have an established relationship with a local credit union in Katy, Advancial Bank.

• It’s essential in the US to hold a Social Security number to be able to open a bank account. Advancial bank can assist in opening a bank account initially without your Social Security number. You’ll receive your SSN approximately 10-15 days after your first day of employment.

• Advancial Bank will reach out to you with the account application several weeks before you are due to arrive in Houston. Advancial Bank will reach our and work directly with you supporting with the account application several weeks before you are due to arrive in Houston.

• Upon arrival, we’ll have your bank account packet containing both a debit and credit card in your name.

• Please note after the first initial deposit, funds may not be available for up to 7 days, therefore, we recommend that you bring US dollars or another form of credit card to use during your first few weeks in the US.

IT DEPARTMENT

As we’re an Apple Accredited school, you’ll be provided with an Apple MacBook already set up for you upon arrival. You’ll receive an email from us with your personal IT Welcome Letter. This contains your credentials to access your school email, Intranet, and other important Apps used within Nord Anglia. Allow us to introduce our wonderful I.T. Team, Pattrick Vecchio - IT Director, and Ali Adnan - IT Technician. They will be able to assist you with any IT issues you may have and can be found on campus between the hours of 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

USEFUL INFORMATION TO CONSIDER BEFORE ARRIVING

GENERAL SUGGESTIONS

• Have a copy of your passport with visa with you (either digital or physical).

• Scan personal documents and save the files for future reference, as many travel locations or businesses require passport verification.

• Check that your current phone is activated to travel internationally with your cellphone company/provider.

HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS

When traveling to a new country, it’s important to consider the following recommendations:

• If you have any medical treatments / diagnostics that need specific and/or continuous medication, we recommend that you bring enough for the first couple of months in Houston (2-3 month’s worth) until you’re able to obtain prescriptions from a local healthcare provider.

• Please bring any relevant medical prescriptions, exams, diagnostics, results, etc. as well.

• If you’re travelling with children, it’s recommended that you bring your current vaccination records with you so you’re able to provide them to your Primary Care Physician upon enrolment.

PETS

• If you’re bringing pets with you, please reach out to the airline you’re traveling with so that they can provide information regarding requirements and documents needed to transport your pet. Some airlines have restrictions on travel for pets during the summer months as the temperature in Houston is too hot, exceeding temperatures over 90 degrees.

• Please note it is the employee’s responsibility to cover any costs associated with relocating your pets to Houston, including the flight.

• You’ll be required to pay a pet deposit fee (often nonrefundable) when renting homes or apartments. This can include vaccination records, health evaluations, etc. Some breeds are easier to transport thhan others, so make sure you have enough time to gather everything you’re going to need for your pet before your flight.

PACKING AND SHIPPING

If you’re planning to ship any furniture or large items to Houston, we suggest you coordinate with an international shipping company

If you’d like to ship any small boxes or suitcases to have in Houston upon your arrival, you may do so by shipping them to our campus where we can store them for you ready for collection.

SUGGESTED SHIPPING COMPANIES FOR SMALL ITEMS

www.ParcelHero.com

www.Sendmybag.com

www.DHL.com

OUR SHIPPING ADDRESS

British International School of Houston

2203 N. Westgreen Blvd. Houston, TX 77449

Tel: 713-290-9025

ARRIVAL

WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?

Clothing & Accessories

• School appropriate attire is “business casual”. Everyday clothing - T-shirts, shorts, jeans, sweaters, jackets, raincoats, etc.

• Outdoors clothing - Sneakers, bathing suits, hiking equipment, etc. Accessories - Hats, sunglasses, backpacks, purses, etc.

Additional Items

• Prescription contact lenses and/or glasses (if needed).

• Personal devices - Laptops, tablets, phones, headphones, etc.

• Any specific medications that aren’t sold in Houston under the same commercial name (i.e.: Peryton, paracetamol, etc).

ACCOMMODATIONS

New Expat Hires are expected to arrive in Houston in 3 to 7 days to allow you to settle in before our INSET week begins. We endeavour to have everyone arrive on the same flight, it’s a great way to connect with your fellow colleagues.

• Houston’s arrival airport is George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

• The school may provide a coach at the airport to meet our new staff upon arrival.

• If you have secured your own accommodation, we offer an option for our new expat-hire teachers to stay at a hotel located in Katy for the first few nights until you are ready to move into your home. This is organised by the school but paid at your own cost.

Please let us know ahead of time if you would like to opt-out of the hotel-stay and have other accommodations ready.

WHAT NOT TO BRING?

• Large amounts of personal/sentimental items that may be damaged or lost during your move.

• Antiques with intricate mechanisms and/or woodwork because they may be difficult and expensive to import.

• Food/perishables items.

HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS

There are many Doctor’s offices in and around the Katy/ Houston area, which can be found on our health care provider’s website and will be provided to you during INSET week.

HOSPITALS / URGENT CARE IN THE KATY AREA

MAIN PHARMACIES / DRUG STORES

Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital

Address: 23900 Katy Fwy, Katy , TX 77494

Hours: Open 24 hours

Phone Number: 281-644-7000

Houston Methodist West Hospital

Address: 18500 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77094

Phone Number: 832-522-1000

Next Level Urgent

Address: 18500 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77094

Phone Number: 832-522-1000

Houston has a vast array of Pharmacies also known as Drug Stores in the US, you will find one every few miles. They will stock everything from over-the-counter pain medication to groceries, some even sell wine! The most popular are:

You can also find Pharmacies located within major retail stores such as:

LIFE IN HOUSTON

RENTING/HOUSING IN HOUSTON

For those seeking accommodation in Katy and nearby areas, we suggest visiting different neighborhoods to explore their offerings.

Considerations for apartment or house hunting:

• Leases typically last one year.

• Expect to pay a security deposit equal to one month’s rent, along with the first and last month’s rent (usually equal to two months’ rent). The deposit is refundable if there are no damages.

• Internet services may not be included; popular options include Xfinity.

• Some rentals may not cover utilities; clarify with the owner which payments you’re responsible for.

Popular website to visit for renting or buying housing: www.har.com www.zillow.com

Popular website to visit for renting apartments: www.apartments.com

The list below summarises the most popular areas chosen by our international and local teachers.

KATY AND HOUSTON SUBURBS REPRESENT AN ARRAY OF NEIGHBORHOODS

OTHER POPULAR NEW DEVELOPING PURPOSE-BUILT:

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHILE APARTMENT OR HOUSE HUNTING

• Most renting agreements and contracts have a length term of one years lease.

• Most owners/realtors will ask for a security deposit equal to the first months rent, along with the first and last months rent). You will get the deposit money back at the end of your contract period if the apartment or house doesn’t have any damages; otherwise, the owner will use this money to cover any repair expenses.

• Some rented apartments or houses may not include internet services, so you will have to sign contracts, the most popular being Xfinity.

• Monthly payments may or may not include the cost of utilities (water, gas or electricity), so make sure to ask the owner what payments you should make directly to each company.

Cinco Ranch

Elysson

Energy Corridor

Cane Island Bridgeland Memorial City

Cross Creek Ranch

EXPERIENCE LIFE IN HOUSTON

Houston is a large metropolis in Texas, extending to Galveston Bay. It’s closely linked with the Space Center Houston, the coastal visitor centre at NASA’s astronaut training and flight control complex.

The city’s relatively compact Downtown includes the Theater District, home to the renowned Houston Grand Opera, and the Historic District, with 19th-century architecture and upscale restaurants.

AROUND TOWN

There are endless ways to explore your new city. Here is a sampling of what Houston has to offer:

• Shopping: The Galleria shopping mall draws 26 million visitors a year to its 400 stores, ranging from Gap to Gucci to Tiffany. It also houses a full-size ice rink, 12 beauty salons, a post office and a video arcade. Nearby Uptown Park includes fashion boutiques, spa services and upscale restaurants.

• Dining: Houston is a foodie’s paradise, serving up an array of award-winning restaurants. It’s especially known for Tex Mex food and Barbecue. Every ethnicity and price range are available in all areas of town from local to high-end upscale restaurants.

• Arts and culture: Houston offers professional performing arts, including the Houston Grand Opera, Houston Ballet, Houston Symphony Orchestra and Alley Theater. The Houston Museum District comprises 19 museums within a 1.5-mile radius.

• Sports and outdoors: Tailgating is a favourite Houston pastime for fans of the NFL’s Houston Texans. Houston also is home to the NBA’s Houston Rockets, MLS Soccer Houston Dynamo’s and Major League Baseball’s Houston Astros. For outdoor enthusiasts, Houston provides almost 50,000 acres of park space.