Weekly Updates - June 25th, 2020

Dear Parents, 

I hope everyone had a great week.  Please see the following for a quick mid-week announcement.

1. Join the HISD Career Readiness team for "Summer Bridge Story Time," a new interactive hour where students can engage in Career Ready concepts and conversations!  Lessons and activities will be hosted online!  VISIT: https://rb.gy/uybrf0 for links and book titles! Happy reading, #HISD!  Please see the attached flyer here for more details.

2. While much of next year is still unknown, we are going to continue to plan and prepare for the 2020-2021 school year the best we can.  The district is eagerly and happily listening to your feedback.  Please take a minute and complete the following survey here to help us make the most informed plan for your child for the 2020-2021 school year.

3. We have received 180 free backpacks to give away (see below for picture).  On Monday, 6/29/20 you may stop by the school and pick up a free backpack for your child (one backpack per student) between the hours of 8:00 to 3:00. 

• We only have limited supply - this is first come first serve

• Ms. Obando will check off your child’s name – please be sure that Ms. Obando sees you and check off your child’s name

• Please wear PPE and maintain social distancing.  Please note that the building is closed to parents and students at this time.

4. Over the years our school has partnered with Asia Society for various learning opportunities.  This summer, they are offering virtual summer camps for our students.  Below is their virtual summer camp information. 

Manga Digital:

Our highly popular Manga camp is back — all online! Join us virtually in Manga Digital to learn how to create your own comics inspired by the Japanese manga style. Beginner to Advanced students will learn new skills to bring comics to life on the web. Camp includes access to a digital comic software, Comic Life, and a manga drawing kit that will be mailed or available for curbside pickup. All students will show off their work at the virtual camp Comic Con on the last day of camp!

Manga Digital is recommended for students ages 9–14. We recommend that students use a tablet and stylus for camp, and recommend this tablet. Students without tablets can use paper and camera phones.

Register here: https://asiasociety.org/texas/events/exploreasia-culture-camp-kids-37

Writing for Social Justice:

Teen voices are powerful forces for social change. This camp, in partnership with Writers in the Schools (WITS), offers writing activities and customized exercises designed to help teens develop the literary tools to be in conversation with what they see in the world. With the help of a professional writer, students will explore a range of essays, poetry, prose, and creative nonfiction from Asian American and other community voices. They will use their writing to interrogate and examine issues that are important to them and share a student-led interactive showcase on the last day of camp.

Recommended for students ages 13–16. This camp is open to students of all backgrounds. Daily activities from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. include live Zoom meetings and feedback sessions, small group time, and sharing sessions. This camp takes place in an entirely virtual setting.

Register here: https://asiasociety.org/texas/events/exploreasia-culture-camp-teens

Adventures Along the Silk Road

Journey across Asia as a globetrotting adventurer! Experience the arts, drama, music, and food of different cultures along the Silk Road from the comfort of your home. Explore legends and true stories of the historic Silk Road through a one-hour daily Zoom and at-home craft kits.

During the daily Zoom meeting, campers will interact in real time with an education staff member who will teach about the Silk Road through interactive activities, stories, and games. All other activities can be done at home based on the schedule of the family. Students can share their work with their families on the last day of camp during our Silk Road Bazaar!

Recommended for students ages 6–9. Families will be mailed a Silk Road Adventure Kit one week prior to the start of camp, or they can pick up the kits curbside at Asia Society. Camp will consist of a one-hour live Zoom call each day, 10–11 a.m., plus activities to do at home.

Registration: https://asiasociety.org/texas/events/exploreasia-culture-camp-kids-36

Dancing Through China

Join us for a week of fun exploring China! Daily warm-ups, and art and craft activities mix with a variety of different dance forms and Chinese language lessons to provide exciting, fun-filled days in a virtual setting.

During daily Zoom meetings, campers will interact in real time with an education staff member or instructor who will teach dance, arts and crafts, and more through interactive activities, stories, and games.

Presented in collaboration with Dance of Asian America.

Recommended for students ages 6–9. Families will be mailed a Dancing through China kit one week prior to the start of camp, or they can pick up the kits curbside at Asia Society. Camp will consist of a live Zoom call each day, plus activities to do at home.

Registration: https://asiasociety.org/texas/events/exploreasia-culture-camp-kids-38