| Happy September! Check out what’s new this month… |
|
| Staff Weekly |
| By Cristina Nguyen ● Nov 17, 2021
Smart Brevity™ count: 3 mins... 835 words
|
Happy September!
Check out what’s new this month…
|
|
1 big thing: Cooler air is coming
|
|
Students and staff will get relief from the heat as soon as district crews repair our aging and stressed AC systems.
Why it matters: We’ve seen hotter-than-normal classroom temperatures in some facilities this summer — it’s uncomfortable and interferes with learning.
Driving the news: Crews are dealing with aging infrastructure in many schools as well as longer-than-normal wait times for parts because of the pandemic.
Also in older schools, more classrooms are opening windows to increase ventilation, which puts extra strain on the system.
What you can do: If your classroom or school is having HVAC issues, or you need an air purifier, ask your principal to put in a service ticket.
|
|
|
2. District will begin monitoring staff social media
|
 |
|
Twice a year, social media accounts of current employees and applicants will be screened for content that violates board policy.
Why it matters: Our vision is focused on inclusive learning and high expectations for all children. That work starts with our staff’s behavior, both inside and outside the classroom.
-
Board policy: "As role models for the district’s students, employees are responsible for their public conduct even when they are not acting as District employees. Employees will be held to the same professional standards in their public use of electronic media as they are for any other public conduct."
The big picture: Content that could lead to workplace safety issues will be flagged, including:
-
Illegal activity.
-
Violent, threatening, or sexually explicit posts.
-
Racist, bigoted, or discriminatory behavior.
What's next: Social Intelligence, a third-party vendor, will begin screening public social media accounts twice a year on a rotating basis.
-
If the content is flagged as violating policy, Employee Relations will review and, if necessary, connect with the employee’s supervisor to determine next steps.
Go deeper: Learn more about this new policy and what it means for you in the FAQs on the Human Capital Staff Resources Page.
|
|
|
3. Staff COVID cases are down 21 percent
|
|
The numbers prove our mask requirement and vaccine push are working.
By the numbers: The district had 220 COVID-19 cases this week, or about 0.25% of the district’s students and staff.*
Yes, but: We’re still seeing a lower percentage of cases compared to surrounding districts that don’t have a strict mask mandate.
The bottom line: Vaccines work, and masks are especially important for people who aren’t able to get the shot yet, like our younger students.
*The data is calculated with the sum of students and staff listed on the Austin ISD website.
|
|
|
4. Dr. Elizalde: Masks required at all athletic events
|
|
Fall sports season is in full swing, and Superintendent Stephanie S. Elizalde has recently gotten questions about how we’re keeping our community safe outside the classroom.
This week’s question: What are the safety precautions at athletic events?
Answer: All visitors at Austin ISD athletics venues have to wear their masks and follow the clear bag policy. Families and spectators are encouraged to social distance when they can.
|
|
|
5. Bottled water available as we install refill stations
|
|
Austin ISD crews are replacing drinking fountains with water-bottle refilling stations all across the district.
Why it matters: The filling stations are easier and more sanitary than traditional drinking fountains, which have been shut off since the pandemic began.
By the numbers: Crews have replaced about 230 water fountains so far and are getting to 60 each week.
-
For the water bottle delivery, on average, most schools are getting about six cases per week. More can be provided if needed.
-
Refillable water bottles are also available by request.
|
|
|
Don’t forget, the district is closed Monday for the Labor Day holiday.
Enjoy your three-day weekend!
|
|
 |
|
Like this style and format? Request access to Axios HQ — the tool and templates you need for more engaging team updates.
|
|
|
