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Hello Austin ISD Staff, As we say ‘goodbye’ to October and ‘hello’ to November, I have three thought
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Staff Weekly
By Christina Burbank & Collaborators ● Nov 01, 2023
Smart Brevity® count: 4 mins...1027 words
Hello Austin ISD Staff,
As we say ‘goodbye’ to October and ‘hello’ to November, I have three thoughts to share.
First, to remember. 🕯 Today, November 1, is the Day of the Dead or Día de los Muertos—a chance to remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones who are no longer with us. I hope that you feel peace as you reflect upon your memories today.
Second, to learn. 📖 November 1 marks the beginning of Native American Heritage Month—an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the cultures, traditions, achievements, and contributions of our nation’s indigenous peoples. Throughout the month, we’re aiming to amplify voices from the Austin ISD Native American community. If this is you, we invite you to reply to this email and share your photos, traditions, stories and ideas to support Austin ISD’s continuous journey to learn more about the Native American cultures within Texas and our district.
Third, to give thanks. 🧡 November 1 also marks the beginning of the month of thankfulness. Austin ISD takes a full week off for fall break. Between now and then, we encourage you to find something to be thankful for each day. I’ll go first. I am thankful to be a part of Team Austin ISD and to work on initiatives that drive inclusion and connection within our community.
Here’s to remembering, learning and giving thanks!
🎭 Break a leg,
Burbank
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1 big thing: Have your say in the 2024-25 school calendar
The District Calendar Task Force—composed of families, staff and community partners—have developed two calendar options for the 2024-25 school year and we need your feedback.
Why it matters: We have some flexibility in details like when the district goes on break and when the school year starts and ends and these choices affect your plans for the year.
The details: The calendar summary outlines the key differences between option A and option B.
Tell us your preference by completing the calendar survey by Friday, December 1.
Next Steps: The board will consider the results of the survey before voting on the final calendar at their December 14 board voting meeting.
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New Enrollment System Streamlines Registration Process
Austin ISD’s new unified enrollment system, Enroll Austin is set to launch on November 8, 2023!
Why it matters: The new system will make registration more accessible and equitable by:
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Simplifying the registration process,
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Saving families time, and
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Helping families better understand and access their school options.
The details: For the 2024-25 enrollment cycle, the new system will consolidate the following applications into one streamlined system: Online Registration (Frontline), Online Student Transfer Request, Common Application and Pre-K Application.
What’s new: Students who are considering more than one school option—including school transfers and application-based programs—will be able to rank up to seven programs or campuses.
Registration will be split into Priority and General registration periods.
Next Steps: Help our students and families understand what’s new by getting familiar with the new enrollment website.
Please note: Families will continue to use Online Registration, Online Transfer Request, and Pre-K Application for the current 2023-24 school year.
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There’s still time to weigh in on the Superintendent Hiring Process
The board is resuming conversations about the superintendent profile and hiring process.
Why it matters: The board needs your help determining if the profile developed last spring still reflects what our community would like to see in a long-term superintendent and if there is a need for a nationwide search process in the spring.
What they’re saying: A lot of people are wondering if Interim Superintendent Segura is eligible to apply for the long-term role.
“Interim Superintendent Segura would be eligible to apply for the long-term position, " says Board President Arati Singh. “We are listening closely to what our families and staff have to say and are committed to making the best decision for our district at this unique moment.”
Have your say: Campus staff have three opportunities to participate in a virtual conversation. Log in to the Austin ISD portal to join via Zoom:
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Thursday, Nov. 2, 4–5 p.m. and 5–6 p.m.
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Monday. Nov. 6, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
You can also share your thoughts and see what others are saying by participating in our online forum, Thought Exchange.
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Día de los Muertos- Nov. 1& 2, 2023
Native American Heritage Month- Nov. 1, 2023
Beginner String Festival—Nov. 2, 2023
Community Organizations/Members Conversation - Equity Assessment—Nov. 2, 2023
Austin ISD Fall String Fest—Nov. 2, 2023
Superintendent hiring process conversations—Nov. 2, 2023
Superintendent hiring process conversations—Nov. 6, 2023
Family Empower Hour-Guardianship and Alternatives to Guardianship—Nov. 7, 2023 (12pm)
Family Empower Hour-Guardianship and Alternatives to Guardianship—Nov. 7, 2023(6pm)
Environmental Stewardship Advisory Committee's Meeting—Nov. 8, 2023
Board Information Session—Nov. 9, 2023
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Let’s close out with an important question… how much Halloween candy did you eat? Just kidding, y’all! No judgment! 🍬
I want to give a shout out to a few group costumes. The Talent Strategy team dressed up as La Lotería or “Mexican Bingo.” Each person wore a different card and accessorized appropriately. The Office of Innovation and Development dressed up as food condiments with one person wearing a yellow dress and umbrella as the Morton Salt Umbrella Girl. Such creativity!
🚔 The pics above are from the Austin ISD Police Department Trunk or Treat event on Saturday, Oct. 28. Over 2,000 costumed family members came out for candy, community resources, and to connect with our incredible Austin ISD police officers.
Goodbye October! Hello November!
Have a great week!
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