| Welcome to the first Staff Weekly of 2022! The Austin ISD CARES team is back with another customer service tip. Check out the video to see Webb Middle School Assistant Principal Michael Coyle share his experience! |
|
| Staff Weekly |
| By Cristina Nguyen ● Jan 12, 2022
Smart Brevity™ count: 5.5 mins... 1453 words
|
Welcome to the first Staff Weekly of 2022!
The Austin ISD CARES team is back with another customer service tip.
|
|
1 big thing: Central office staff are heading into the classroom
|
 |
|
We don’t often have Dr. Elizalde take the top spot in the newsletter, but this issue has affected staff so widely that we’re diving right into what matters to you.
This week’s question to Superintendent Stephanie S. Elizalde asks about how we’re supporting campus staff absences.
What are we doing about the teacher and sub shortage?
Answer: There’s not an easy solution, but we’re focusing on being flexible, including having around 450 of our Central Office staff step into the classroom.
Go deeper: We know Central Office staff serving as subs isn’t a fix-all solution.
-
We’re continuing to recruit teachers and substitutes by reaching out to families and community members who want to make a difference with our students.
-
We’re also looking at how we can provide additional substitute compensation and hope to bring forward a recommendation soon.
Cristina’s thought bubble: This isn’t just an Austin ISD challenge.
-
Districts across the state–and nation– are experiencing a shortage of teachers and substitutes.
-
With the added pressures of COVID-19, filling day-to-day teacher absences has become a puzzle that’s constantly shifting.
-
Hundreds of Central Office staff are jumping in to help and that includes me. I’m subbing on Fridays! Shoot me some tips you think I should know before heading into a classroom.
|
|
|
2. An update on COVID-19 testing supplies
|
 |
|
The national supply-chain challenges are now affecting the third-party vendor that runs the Austin ISD campus-based testing hubs. Supply will ebb and flow based on daily demand. If tests run out, students and staff can still get tested by the school nurses, at the community testing hub at Burger Stadium, or at one of the community resources on our website.
Why it matters: The Omicron variant is the most contagious we’ve seen yet, but often the symptoms present as a common cold. Testing is one of the best ways to quickly stop the spread of COVID-19.
Go deeper: We’ve processed 5,400 tests in the past six days, which is not a sustainable pace based on available supplies.
-
We’re working with one of our third-party vendors, Quest Diagnostics, to resupply the testing hubs.
-
For some perspective, we processed 3,579 tests in the entire month of January 2021.
How to get tested: Another of our third-party partners, NOMI, is still testing at Burger Stadium, 3200 Jones Road.
-
NOMI is not affected by the supply issues and is not expecting any interruption to its testing.
-
Testing is available through NOMI Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Big picture: This won’t affect the supply of tests in our school health rooms since they’re provided by the Texas Education Agency.
|
|
|
3. We’ve updated our athletic activity guidelines
|
 |
|
We’ve updated how we manage our athletic programs, including mask requirements and limits on spectators at indoor athletic events.
Why it matters: We have athletes and spectators coming from outside of Austin for games and we need guidelines in place for everyone to follow.
Mask requirements: Students, staff, and spectators will be required to wear masks at indoor athletic events unless they’re participating in vigorous activity.
-
Student-athletes will be masked at all times except when they’re playing the sport. That means masks are required in the locker room, in meetings, or on the sidelines.
-
The masking requirement will extend to any visiting team and spectators.
Capacity limits: Two people per player will be allowed into all indoor activities and are required to wear masks.
What you can do: Encourage and promote your peers and students to get the COVID-19 vaccine and their booster shots, if eligible.
-
Send any student who isn’t feeling well to get tested through a testing hub or the school health room.
-
If you need additional PPE, connect with your campus bookkeeper.
|
|
 |
|
We’re in the midst of long-range planning and now it’s time for you to let us know what you think.
Why it matters: The long-range planning process sets the foundation for academics, facilities, athletics, safety, and the important services for our community, such as transportation and food service.
Go deeper: Over the last few months, the Austin ISD long-range planning committees have been poring over information, data and feedback from community members, students, staff and parents.
-
They boiled that feedback down to develop “Unmet Needs Statements,” which basically identify some of our current issues the district needs to address.
-
From here, they’ll start digging into the causes of these unmet needs before trying to establish goals and solutions.
-
We want to be sure we’re addressing the root of the problem with our solutions.
What’s next: We need you to review the Unmet Need Statements and answer the questions in the Public Input portal.
-
By sharing your perspectives, we’ll be able to refine the plan and be sure we’re not missing anything.
-
The portal is open until Jan. 22.
|
|
|
5. COVID cases spike amidst Omicron surge
|
 |
|
The Omicron variant is spreading rapidly across the United States and we’re now seeing that within the Austin community.
This week: We logged 1,289 COVID-19 cases, including 504 staff members.
Yes, but: These cases weren’t all in our campuses and facilities.
Moving foward: The COVID-19 dashboard will now be updated weekly by the close of business on Tuesday.
-
We will continue to accurately contact trace, identify close contacts, and communicate news of any cases to the campus community.
-
You will still get letters with any information on a COVID case reported at your campus or facility.
The bottom line: I know these numbers seem scary, and we’re not letting our guard down. We’re going to do whatever it takes to make classrooms safe, and we’ll continue to follow the guidance of public health officials.
-
We’re still committed to our mask requirement, including the ongoing legal fight to keep it in place.
-
We’re testing more than any other organization in Austin.
-
If Austin Public Health thinks it’s no longer safe to have schools open, we will listen to their guidance.
|
|
|
6. Maplewood teacher among the top physical educator teachers in USA
|
|
Congratulations to Rebecca Lambdin-Abraham from Maplewood Elementary School who was named one of the top physical education instructors in the United States!
The details: Lambdin-Abraham received the 2022 Southern District Teacher of the Year award for elementary education. The recognition was given by The Society of Health and Physical Educators, also known as SHAPE America.
What they're saying: ‘I am humbled by this award and know that I could not have come this far on my own,” Lambdin-Abraham said. “The support from our amazing physical education department has helped me grow and become a better teacher to serve the students of Maplewood Elementary.”
What’s next: SHAPE America will honor Lambdin-Abraham in April at its national convention and expo in New Orleans.
|
|
|
6. 1 fun thing: Employee perks
|
|
The Student Support Services team is looking for feedback on the Austin ISD Code of Conduct so they can make it easier to read and understand. Review the document and share your feedback!
A reminder that we’re off on Monday. Enjoy the three-day weekend!
|
 |
|
Like this style and format? Request access to Axios HQ — the tool and templates you need for more engaging team updates.
|
|
|
