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Hello Families! 👋🏻🌱
We welcome the 🗓️ month of March and soon spring. 🐝
And…we have kicked off the celebration 🎉of Women's History Month ♀️ speaking off, read about political pioneer 🗳️ Ann Richards.
After Spring Break, Austin ISD will be conducting its annual survey of students, family and staff to hear about your experiences in the district. Families have until Friday, March 10 to choose to have their students opt out of the survey.
📣📣📣
☎️ Public comment and testimony has changed please note that when you call the 414-0130 phone line you will be connected with an Austin ISD 🍎representative. If for any reason you are not able to reach a live Austin ISD representative please try again. More information here.
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Family Newsletter
By Nayeli Santoyo & Collaborators ● Mar 03, 2023
Smart Brevity® count: 4 mins...1052 words
Hello Families! 👋🏻🌱
We welcome the 🗓️ month of March and soon spring. 🐝
And…we have kicked off the celebration 🎉of Women's History Month ♀️ speaking off, read about political pioneer 🗳️ Ann Richards.
After Spring Break, Austin ISD will be conducting its annual survey of students, family and staff to hear about your experiences in the district. Families have until Friday, March 10 to choose to have their students opt out of the survey.
📣📣📣
☎️ Public comment and testimony has changed please note that when you call the 414-0130 phone line you will be connected with an Austin ISD 🍎representative. If for any reason you are not able to reach a live Austin ISD representative please try again. More information here.
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1 Big Thing: Austin ISD 🍎 Kicks off Superintendent Search 🔍with Community Town Halls🏫
🍎 Austin ISD is offering virtual and in-person opportunities for our families, staff and communities to tell us qualities they’re hoping to see in the next Superintendent.
Why it matters: The guidance from our board of trustees while in this interim phase has been to remain stable, not static.
📶💻Everyone is invited to participate in one or more districtwide town halls:
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Saturday, March 4, 11 a.m.–noon., Zoom registration
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Tuesday, March 7, noon-1 p.m., Zoom registration
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Tuesday, March 7, 6–7 p.m., Webb Middle School
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Wednesday, March 8, 6–7 p.m., Ann Richards YWLA
What they’re saying: Our board of trustees is strongly invested in making this a collaborative decision.
You can also share your thoughts by completing the Superintendent Profile Survey by Wednesday, March 15.
Next Steps: The search firm will develop a superintendent profile informed by the feedback gathered over the next few weeks.
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2. Austin ISD's 2024 budget: your participation counts 💵
You can influence the budget for your student’s school 🏫 and the whole district for 2023-24. How?
By participating in the community conversations about Austin ISD's budget, taking place now through May.
Why it matters: 🍎Austin ISD is working hard to create a balanced budget for the 2023-24 school year. Family input can determine school priorities and plans.
Some of the challenges for this year’s budget are:
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Higher wages for teachers and staff
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State funding and recovery (often referred to as “Robin Hood”)
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Staff vacancies, replacement and retention
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Number of students enrolled in the district
What they’re saying: "I didn't know that more than half of the district's budget goes back to the state," said Joy Diaz, Assistant Director of Community Engagement.
What's next: Mark your calendar for the next in-person session, Wednesday, March 8 from 6 -7 p.m.
Go deeper.
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3. Austin ISD 🎉Celebrates Pride Week 🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈 March 20-25
🏫🍎🏳️🌈 Austin ISD Pride Week is a time to highlight the district's commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all.
Why it matters: Promoting an attitude of acceptance supports a positive environment where students can show up as their full selves and focus on learning.
📅 The details: This year's week-long celebration is March 20-25, 2023, which aligns with the National LGBT Health Awareness Week.
What to expect: Our counseling team has compiled a list of age-appropriate activities and resources that families and staff can access in the Pride BLEND course.
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Families should hear from their schools before Spring Break about the activities they have planned.
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❔❔ If you have any questions, please reach out to your principal.
What’s next: Pride Week activities wrap up with the districtwide "Pride Y’all!" Community Event!
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All are welcome to enjoy exhibitors, performances, activities, books, swag and breakout sessions on Saturday, March 25, 5–9 p.m. at the Austin ISD Performing Arts Center.
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4. Austin ISD Celebrates 🎉 the Life of 🗳️ Political Pioneer Ann Richards
This is the first in a month-long profile series spotlighting women leaders and trailblazers for whom Austin ISD schools are named.
🏫🍎 As Austin ISD begins celebrating 🎉 Women’s History Month, we profile former Texas Governor Ann Richards.
Texas trailblazer: Richards grew up near Waco in the small town of Lakeview and began her career in Austin ISD as a teacher at what is now Lively Middle School.
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✅ Richards entered politics in 1976, becoming the first woman to serve as a Travis County Commissioner and then State Treasurer.
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She became a household name following her keynote address 🎙️ at the 1988 Democratic National Convention, followed by her successful 1990 bid to become Governor of Texas.
📣 Ann in her own words: “If you give [women] a chance, we can perform,” Richards told convention-goers. “After all, Ginger Rogers did everything that Fred Astaire did. She just did it backwards and in high heels.”
📅 What’s Next: The Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders hosts their annual fundraising gala 🎉this Friday.
Go deeper
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6. Rounding up the news 📰
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The ⚽ MLS season is here, and Nayeli is hoping for a win for Austin FC this weekend. 🟢🌳
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