Austin, TX—This Thursday, the Austin Independent School District is launching INSIDE AISD, an original television series that highlights the district's people and programs.

The 15-minute monthly series is hosted by three AISD high school students and is designed to showcase students and staff and promote district events, programs and initiatives.

Austin, TX—The Austin Independent School District released the following statement from Donna Martinez, principal at Pease Elementary School, regarding an afterschool, childcare provider’s conversation with a student about the existence of Santa Claus:

AISD teachers deeply respect family traditions and celebrations. We are disappointed to learn, that as the holiday season approaches, any student will enter it with a little less magic.

Draft Annual Academic and Facilities Recommendations (AAFRs): School for Young Men and Garcia and Pearce Middle Schools Program Design, District 1

Trustees reviewed and discussed two of the six AAFRs currently scheduled for board action Dec. 17.

Austin ISD invites community members to learn about and share feedback on potential facility recommendations for the district’s fine arts program.

The potential facility recommendations are being referred to the Citizens’ Bond Advisory Committee for possible inclusion in the scope of work for the next bond program.

When: 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 6

Where: Bowie High School cafeteria, 4103 Slaughter Lane

Child care and interpretation services will be provided.

Choir students at Fulmore Middle School may be taking the stage at Carnegie Hall with the support of the Austin community.

World-renowned composer and conductor Francisco Núñez invited the students to join a performance of his composition, “Music for Treble Voices,” Jan. 20.  The performance is part of the Distinguished Concert Singers International, which brings together choir groups from around the world.

Austin, TX—Recently, three pairs of Austin donors announced their commitment to donate $1 million to the Austin Independent School District to expand its Social and Emotional Learning programming.  The matching grant is designed to call upon community members to help support implementation of SEL in all schools in the district during the next three years.

The U.S. Department of Education has recognized Blaine Helwig, principal at Graham Elementary School, with the esteemed Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding Leadership.

Helwig is among seven principals in the United States to earn the department’s top awards for administrators this year.

Five schools in the Austin Independent School District received six awards—including five first place prizes—during the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce’s seventh annual State of Education luncheon Nov. 28.

AISD schools receiving awards in the following categories are: