This week, the American Girl Company announced that AISD’s Patton Elementary School is one of 13 across the nation to receive the Elevate the Arts grant. The grant contest asked elementary school art teachers and their students to creatively illustrate—verbally and visually—the importance of having art in their schools. The catch was that contestants had to incorporate the theme of a hot air balloon into their entries. Winners were selected based on efforts, artistic merit and effective expression of the theme.

Austin High School Theatre Arts Director Billy Dragoo was recently named Theatre Educator of the Year by the Texas Educational Theatre Association. Dragoo will be honored at an annual conference hosted by the organization in January.

Dragoo has served the students at Austin High School for 20 years and has directed more than 90 shows throughout his career.  He led the Austin High School students to the UIL 5A One Act Play State Finals a total of six times, a conference record, and won three of the last five state championships.

The second episode of Season 2 of Inside AISD is scheduled to premier Thursday, Oct. 3 at 6:30 p.m. on AISD TV Channel 22. 

Dear Team AISD, 

Today kicks off our AISD Gives campaign; Austin ISD and Charitable Funds Inc. are excited to partner with United Way for Greater Austin to bring you a robust and exciting campaign. Our goal this year is to reach 75% participation. Every donation you give, no matter the amount, makes a huge difference in the community.