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Staff Weekly
By Christina Burbank & Collaborators ● Mar 07, 2024
Smart Brevity® count: 4.5 mins...1139 words
Hello Austin ISD Staff,
It’s March and it’s time for many celebrations.
🏛🎨🎵 It’s Women’s History Month! It’s Youth Art Month and Music in Our Schools Month! And… it’s time for Spring Break! Our countdown ends this week. If your plan is to vacation, stay at home, visit family, get some sun or go to SXSW… enjoy your time off, stay safe and we’ll see you back at school for the 2024 Austin ISD Pride Week.
💖 It’s also National School Social Worker Appreciation Week! Thank you to our team members who provide academic support while helping students with mental health challenges. School social workers, along with teachers and families, help students to achieve academic success and emotional well-being.
🍎 And finally, it’s Austin ISD Parent Support Specialist Appreciation Week! ICYMI, the city of Austin proclaimed February 15, 2024 as Austin ISD Parent Support Day! The Family and Community Engagement Team supports 73 Title I campuses across the district. Learn more about what this team is doing with and for families and shout a big THANK YOU to your campus Parent Support team members!
🎭 Break a leg!
Burbank
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Addressing Affordable Housing Needs in Austin
Austin ISD staff are invited to share insights into their current and future housing needs to help the district better understand the specific resources we can provide to address the rising cost of living in Austin.
Why it matters: Affordable housing can be challenging for many of us here in the capital city, but Austin ISD is committed to unlocking every possible option to reduce that burden on our staff.
Take our anonymous survey by Friday, March 15 to let us know.
Yes, and…after completing the survey, you will have the chance to enter a drawing to win a $50 HEB gift card.
Go deeper…with our Housing Resources webpage for current partnerships and housing resources for both renters and homeowners.
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McCallum student named “Texas Journalist of the Year”
McCallum High School Senior Alice Scott has been named Texas Journalist of the Year by the Texas Association of Journalism Educators.
“I’m so grateful that I’ve come to a high school where having a strong journalism program is valued,” Scott said.
What she’s saying: Her portfolio, described as "well-rounded" by judges, stood out among applicants from across the state. From powerful storytelling to captivating writing, Alice has proven herself as a leader in student journalism.
Background: TAJE serves more than 275 members and works closely with the Journalist Education Association to provide scholastic journalism teachers and their students with the best resources and opportunities.
What is next: Scott will represent Texas at the National High School Journalism Convention in Kansas City where she'll compete for the title of National Journalist of the Year.
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The Impactful Work of Austin ISD Social Workers
Social workers in Austin ISD are the unsung heroes, weaving through our schools, providing many types of support to our students and families. Their impact is profound, and this week we’re celebrating Austin ISD School Social Worker Appreciation Week. But what exactly do they do
They're not just counselors, According to the School Social Work Association of America (SWAA). They're trained mental health professionals, offering a range of services from behavioral support to academic guidance. They're the backbone of our Austin ISD community, working tirelessly to bridge the gap between home, school, and community.
These change makers wear many hats in Austin ISD. From Mental Health Specialists to Wellness Counselors, they're the driving force behind countless initiatives. The district's social workers work closely with AISD's migrant population, homeless students, at-risk students, teen parents and other groups. They serve as special education counselors and behavior specialists and help coordinate family resource centers and disciplinary alternative education programs.
The district's social workers ensure that every student has access to the resources they need to succeed. This week provides our school community with the opportunity to take time to recognize their significant contributions. Take time to thank your school social worker, this week and every week.
Curious to learn more about how Austin ISD social workers are making a difference? Visit our School Mental Health website and see for yourself the services and impact they're having on our community.
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Get ready for Austin ISD Pride Week
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 18-23, 2024, which aligns with the National LGBT Health Awareness Week.
What about Pride Month and the Pride Parade? June is National Pride Month and takes place during our summer break. The Austin Pride Parade is a local city event that takes place in August before students have returned to campus.
What to expect: Our team has compiled activities and resources for both the elementary and secondary classrooms. Families and staff can take a look at the Pride Week 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 campus principal.
What’s next: Pride Week activities wrap up with the districtwide “Pride Community Event: A Decade of Pride in Austin ISD.”
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All are welcome to enjoy exhibitors, performances, activities, books, swag and food trucks on Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Austin ISD Performing Arts Center located at 1500 Barbara Jordan Blvd.
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Have a great spring break! 🥳
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