January 2012

Graham Elementary Nominated for Blue Ribbon Award

Graham Elementary has been selected for recognition as part of the 2012 Blue Ribbon Schools program. The prestigious award honors schools for academic excellence and for significant progress in closing achievement gaps and sets a standard of excellence for all schools striving for the highest level of achievement. Graham is of one of the 26 public schools nominated in Texas. The number of nominations varies from state to state depending on size and population.

Diversity Fair

The district is hosting a Diversity Fair at Austin High School on Saturday, Feb. 4 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The event will celebrate the amazing diversity found amongst the district’s student body which represents over 90 languages. Parents and students are invited to host booths and share information about their culture with event guests. The fair will also include cultural performances that you won't want to miss. Come out and learn something new about another culture!

WHERE: Austin High School, 1715 W. Cesar Chavez

Diversity Fair Calls for Participants

The district is hosting a Diversity Fair from 9:00 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 4 at Austin High School, 1715 W. Cesar Chavez. The event will celebrate the amazing diversity found amongst the district’s student body which represents more than ninety languages. Parents and students are invited to host booths and share information about their culture with event guests. The fair will also include cultural performances that you won't want to miss. Come out and learn something new about another culture!

Performance schedule:

Teacher of the Year Nominations Now Open

It’s time to begin the search for the 2012 Austin Teacher of the Year. As we ponder the accomplishments of exceptional teachers at the campus, area, and district levels, we recognize exemplary teaching happening in each of our schools. In selecting the Teacher of the Year, we distinguish individual excellence, and we also gain appreciation for the dedication and ability of numerous talented teachers.

As a tribute to teaching excellence throughout the district, the process begins at the campus level, where teachers will be selected as Campus Teachers of the Year.

Join "We Give Books" Campaign and Support Literacy at Lucy Read Pre-K

Lucy Read Pre-Kindergarten Demonstration School has partnered with the Austin office of Pearson for a We Give Books campaign, an initiative focused on building awareness in the community about the importance of reading to young children. Parents, students and community members are encouraged to participate in the campaign by reading a free book online at www.wegivebooks.org.

Austin ISD Schools Honor the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Austin, TX— Austin ISD schools will come together to honor civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at an “Empowerment Through Education” celebration which will feature student perspectives and a musical tribute by the Bedichek Middle School choir.

Who: Pearce Middle School, Bedichek Middle School and McCallum High School students

What: 2012 MLK Celebration “Empowerment Through Education”

When: 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 13

AISD Earns Meritorious Budget Award

The Association of School Business Officials has awarded AISD its Meritorious Budget Award for excellence in budget presentation for the second year in a row. The award is conferred only to school entities that have met or exceeded the MBA criteria for school districts, which guide school business officials toward quality school-budget presentations by enhancing the business officials’ skills in developing, analyzing and presenting a school system budget.