Widén Elementary News Blast
Weekly Update March 1, 2021

Weekly Update February 22, 2021
You all have been in our prayers! The last week was incredibly challenging, and many of us continue to face challenges with water, power, and access to food and shelter. In this newsletter we will do our best to share welfare and safety information, as well as school re-open information. Please be patient with us this week. Many of our teachers are still without water and internet in their homes, and some without power, but we will do our best to get back online this week so that we can provide online instruction for any families who are able to connect. We will get through this together!
With love,
Jennifer Pace & Patricia Williams

School Schedule & Re-open Plan
Many families are still recovering from the winter storm, and many AISD schools are in need of plumbing repair. Therefore, we will implement the following schedule:
Monday, Feb. 22nd - NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, Feb. 23rd - NO SCHOOL
Wednesday, Feb. 24th - 100% REMOTE
Thursday, Feb. 25th - 100% REMOTE
Friday, Feb. 26th - ASYNCHRONOUS (work on your own day)
Please keep your children safe at home this week. No students should report to campus. No school buses will be running. Wi-Fi bus service will be provided in high need areas.
March 1st - Optional face to face classes resume.




Water Distribution Sites

Free Water
Many breweries and other private businesses in Austin are providing water for free. All you need is a container to fill. Here's a list sorted by location in Austin. Note: Click the links for updates, as availability and weekend hours may change.
Dove Springs
Meanwhile Brewing Co, 3901 Promontory Point Drive, Austin, TX, 78744, are offering free potable (drinking) water at the brewery today, February 19, 2021, starting at 10am. You must bring your own containers.
North/Northwest Austin
4th Tap Brewing Co-op, 10615 Metric Blvd. – 4th Tap is offering 5 gallons of water per household from noon to 6 p.m. Friday. The brewery says you should boil the water before drinking.
Adelbert's Brewery, 2314 Rutland Dr. #100 – The brewery says it has a limited ability to provide water to those who need it. Bring your own container between noon and 6 p.m.
Austin Beerworks, 3001 Industrial Terrace – The brewery will fill up your container of water from 12-5 p.m. Friday, and 12-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.
Celis Brewing, 10001 Metric Blvd. – Offering free water to people starting at noon Saturday
Circle Brewing Company, 2340 W. Braker Lane Ste B – Drinking water available from 12 to 4:30 p.m.
Hopsquad Brewing Co., 2307 Kramer Ln. – Potable water fills limited to 5 gallons per household
Natural Grocers, 10515 N. Mopac Expy – Natural Grocers' locations will fill 2 gallons of water per customer. Open hours 8:30 a.m. to 8:05 p.m.
South/Southeast Austin
(512) Brewing Company, 407 Radam Lane – Filling up containers of drinking water from noon to 5 p.m.
Last Stand Brewing, 7601 S. Congress Ave. – Bring your containers to fill up with tap water. (Will need to be boiled before consuming.)
Pinthouse Brewing, 2201 E. Ben White Blvd. – Limited supply of water. Bring your own container until 8 p.m.
St Elmo Brewing Company, 440 E. St. Elmo Rd. – Potable water fills from 12 to 5 p.m. Limit of 5 gallons per household.
Central Austin/Downtown
Black Star Co-op, 7020 Easy Wind Dr. – Open at noon for water fills.
The Brewtorium Brewery & Kitchen, 6015 Dillard Circle, Suite A – Potable water fills from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Central District Brewing, 417 Red River St. – Drinking water available starting at noon. Brewery says park in tour bus spots to run in and get water.
Natural Grocers, 4615 N. Lamar Blvd. #304 – Natural Grocers' locations will fill 2 gallons of water per customer. Open hours 8:30 a.m. to 8:05 p.m.
East Austin
Batch — Craft Beer and Kolaches, 3220 Manor Rd. – Pick up potable water from 12 to 6 p.m.
Lazarus Brewing Company, 1902 E. 6th St. – Potable water filling from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
West Travis County
Infamous Brewing, 4602 Weletka Dr., Suite 100 – Potable water filling from 12 to 6 p.m.
City of Austin Shelters (open 24x7)
People with pets will not be rejected. Pets will receive accommodation through Animal Services.
Del Valle High School (Southeast), 5201 Ross Road, Del Valle, TX 78617
Mendez Middle School, 5106 Village Square Drive, Austin, TX 78744
Reilly Elementary School, 405 Denson Dr, Austin, TX 78752
AFA Union Hall, 7537 Cameron Rd, Austin, TX 78752
Church Shelters (open 24x7)
The Austin Stone, 1150 McNeil Rd., Round Rock, TX 78681
Point Community Church, (Pet accommodations - must be crated), 11300 Old San Antonio Road, Manchaca, TX 78652
Mosaic Church, (No pet accommodations), 12675 Research Blvd., Austin, TX 78759
Friendship Creekside, (Pet accommodations - must be crated), 14455 FM 1826, Austin, TX 78737
Hill Country Bible Church, (Pet accommodations - must be crated), 12124 Ranch Road 620 N., Austin, TX 78750
University Ave Church of Christ, (Pet accommodations - must be crated), 1903 University Ave., Austin, TX 78705
Hope Chapel, (Pet accommodations - must be crated), 1508 Ruth Ave., Austin, TX 78757


American Red Cross
RESOURCE FOR FAMILIES: "Call 512 928 4271 American Red Cross. They are helping relocate people without electricity! They will come and pick you up." Choose the "disaster related issue" option.
SNAP Recipients
Recipients can also download the form to apply on the HHSC website. Applicants can mail those completed forms to the following address:
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
P.O. Box 149027
Austin, TX 78714-9027
You can also fax the form to 1-877-447-2839.
For more information, visit the HHSC website by clicking here

Free Meals
Widén will also provide free meals for children and their caregivers on Monday, Feb. 22. from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Families may also find available food resources on the Central Texas Food Bank's website or by calling 2-1-1 (1-877-541-7905) for assistance.

Weekly Update February 15, 2021


Winter Storm Warning
Monday, February 15th - Student Holiday
Retention Warning for Low Attendance
Parent Survey Contest: 3rd Grade Leading...
Chat With Principal & Assistant Principal
Zoom Meeting Link: bit.ly/WidenCoffeeTalk
Meeting ID: 873 6146 6170
Passcode: 1234
Register Now!!!

SEL: Kelso's Choices
Parent Conference Time
Weekly Update February 8, 2021

Retention Warning for Low Attendance
Valentine's Day Safety
Students may bring pre-packaged, individually wrapped treats to share with friends, but the teacher will set these aside and distribute them at the end of the day to prevent students from taking masks off to eat candy. Please DO NOT send cupcakes or cookies from the baker, or cookies that are not individually wrapped, so that we do not cross-contaminate items. Examples of acceptable treats are individual bags of chips, individually wrapped lollipops or candies, individually wrapped hostess snacks or fruit snacks, etc.
Thank you for helping us keep our community safe!
No School Friday 2/12 & Monday 2/15
February 12th is a District of Innovation Day for all of the schools in the Travis High Vertical Team.
February 15th is an AISD Professional Development day.
We hope you enjoy the 4-day Valentine's weekend.
Happy (early) Valentine's Day!
Parent Survey Contest: 1st Grade Leading...
Register NOW!!!
Parent Conference Time
Mental Health Matters!

Weekly Update February 1, 2021
Registration Time
Please take the AISD Parent Survey!
Parent Conference Time
This is Healthy Heart Week!
Nominate a staff member for an AISD Salute Award. | Click above to access our school's state report card. | Click above to access our school's federal report card. |
100% ATTENDANCE SUPER STARS
Be part of the Widén Wildcat Family! Register Now!

Weekly Update January 25, 2021

COVID Cases Decreasing
Because of the improvements we are seeing on our campuses and in our community, and in consultation with Dr. Mark Escott of Austin Public Health, beginning Monday, Jan. 25, every family who selected on-campus learning will be invited to return to campus once again.
Please note:
The return to campus is not mandatory. Remote off-campus learning will continue to be offered for the rest of the school year. Families who selected remote off-campus learning, please contact your campus if you desire on-campus learning so that campuses can best prepare and provide a timeline for the arrival of more students.
For more information about this return as well as data used in the decision-making process, please read Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde’s letter.
ASYNCHRONOUS-WORK ON YOUR OWN DAY-FRIDAY JAN 29
Parent Survey Contest
Parent Survey Link: https://tinyurl.com/AISD-Family-Survey-2021
Registration Time Get registered to help us keep our teachers for next year! Call 512-414-2556 for assistance. | Photo Pick-Up Time is running out for curbside photo pick up! Call 512-414-2556 to request send home with student. | Salute Awards Want to nominate a staff member for a Salute Award? Click the button above! |
Registration Time
Photo Pick-Up
Reminder: On-campus students must quarantine for 14 days if they are in close contact with a member of the household or other person who tests positive. Call our office at 512-414-2556 to confirm return date and excuse absences.

Weekly Update January 18, 2021
Student Holiday Monday
Remote Learning From Home January 19-22
Time is running out for drive-through photo pick-up!
Campus Advisory Council Meeting on Wednesday
Event Planning: Black History Month, Career Day, CATCH Night
Sustainability Team Planning
Staff & Student Healthy Challenge Ideas
Fall MAP Assessment Results
AISD Asynchronous Days
COVID Updates
Zoom Meeting Link: http://bit.ly/WidénCAC
Meeting ID: 956 3302 9281
Passcode: 1234
Parent Chat With Principal
Zoom meeting link: http://bit.ly/WidenCoffeeTalk
Meeting ID: 873 6146 6170
Passcode: 1234
It's Time To Register For Next Year!
We are here to help you get registered! You can register online using the parent portal at https://my.austinisd.org or you can call our office at 512-414-2556 to make an appointment to come in. We will have a registration space set up with protective plexiglass where our registrar and a parent can be six feet apart while completing the online registration process together. Call now to make an appointment!


Weekly Update January 11, 2021
Remote learning only on Monday, January 11th, due to weather conditions. Families may drive through to pick up student devices beginning at 8 am.

Drive-Through Photo Pick Up
The fall picture packages have arrived! Parents can select and purchase the pictures they want and return the pictures they don't want. Please use our curbside drive-through service Monday-Friday from 8am-2:30pm to pick up and purchase photos. Or call our front office at 512-414-2556 to request that we send photos home with your child.
It's AISD Parent Survey Time!
Survey Link: https://tinyurl.com/AISD-Family-Survey-2021

COVID-19 SAFETY
COVID spreading rapidly and hospitalizations are up, especially at Dell Children's Hospital.
To help stop the spread our nurse is reminding everyone to
• Continue Masking at all times
• Social Distance
• Wash your hands
• Complete the COVID screening app before coming to campus
• Stay home if you are experiencing symptoms
• Limit large social gatherings
• Follow health department guidelines
• Reach out to your healthcare provider or school nurse (414-3590) if you have questions or want to learn more on how to protect yourself and your community

Neck & Spine Screenings

Register NOW for next school year!
Online registration for the 2021-2022 school year is now open in the Parent Portal.
For additional information regarding online registration, please visit our Parent Portal website at www.austinisd.org/enroll. And if you need assistance, please call the Parent Support line at 512-414-9187.
If you are interested in submitting a transfer for the 2021-2022 school year, visit the transfer website at https://www.austinisd.org/transfer. If you need assistance, please submit your questions through Let's Talk: https://www.austinisd.org/letstalk (Student Transfers).
You can also call our front office at 512-414-2556 for registration assistance.


Weekly Update January 4, 2021
Our First Week Back

Report Cards Available Wednesday, January 6th
Awards Ceremony Friday, January 8th
Join Our Zoom Meeting: bit.ly/WidenAwards
Meeting ID: 919 6005 2769
Password: 1234
Let's Get Healthy & Stay Healthy Together!
ACE After School Provides Limited On-Campus Programming
We are excited to share information with you about our "Dare to Dream" ACE After-School Hybrid Program! ACE After School is excited to offer limited on-campus programming for the spring semester, for families who need that extra support during the afternoons. Please visit the ACE After School Newsletter to learn more:
It's AISD Parent Survey Time!
Survey Link: COMING SOON

Weekly Update December 14, 2020
It's Holiday Dress Up Week
PTA Board Elections
Zoom Meeting Link: bit.ly/WidenPTA2020
Meeting ID: 956 3302 9281
Password: 1234
River City Youth Toy Giveaway
Due to the pandemic, they will be conducting a Sleigh Stop event over the course of four days (Dec 16. 17, 18, and 19) instead of one big day with thousands of kids and families, as they have done in past years. Please note the eligibility requirements that are stated on the flyer. Families must pre-register by requesting an appointment by calling 512.440.1111 or texting to 254.307.7202. Appointments are limited so call fast!
Campus Advisory Council Meeting Wednesday 12/16 at 3:30 pm
Zoom Meeting Link: bit.ly/WidenCAC
Meeting ID: 956 3302 9281
Password: 1234
Virtual Winter Wonderland Event
Zoom Meeting Link: bit.ly/WidenWinter
Meeting ID: 972 1567 8011
Password: 1234
IMPORTANT AISD PARENT SURVEY
Austin ISD sent out a survey to our parents to better understand their interests. If we do find the need to return to remote only instruction, AISD will have to adjust the calendar to comply with Texas Education Agency requirements. Your opinion and preferences are important! If you haven't already, lease take a moment to complete the survey. The survey closes on Thursday, December 17th.

COVID-19 Cases Increasing
Free In-Home & On-Campus COVID-19 Testing
Rapid tests will continue to be offered at all of our campuses. And now, in partnership with Austin Public Health, AISD has rolled out in-home testing for staff and students at Widén and other qualifying Title I schools. Austin Public Health is able to come to your home to administer rapid and PCR COVID test for FREE!!! They will test you with the rapid test and then the PCR immediately after, regardless of the result. You will need to quarantine for 3-5 days until you receive the PCR result. If you have COVID like symptoms and no underlying diagnosed condition for the symptoms, it is best to stay home and call Austin Public Health to come and test you.
Coffee Talk With Principal & Assistant Principal
Zoom Meeting Link: bit.ly/WidenCoffeeTalk
Meeting ID: 873 6146 6170
Password: 1234

Free Meal Service During The Holidays
AISD food service will partner with the Central Texas Food Bank to provide access to healthy food while campuses are closed for the winter break.
Thursday, Dec. 17th: Pick up a free, seven-day meal packs before the break at Widén from 7:00-9:00 am.
Monday, Dec. 21st: Families may pick up seven-days worth of meals from 9 a.m. to noon at Nelson Field, 7105 Berkman Drive.
Wednesday, Dec. 30: Families may pick up seven-days worth of meals from 9 a.m. to noon at Nelson Field, 7105 Berkman Drive.
Parents or caregivers may receive seven-day meal packs without children present by providing documentation (e.g., birth certificate, student ID card, report card, attendance record) at the point of meal service. Food Service will resume weekly seven-day meal pack distribution at curbside meal sites on Thursday, Jan. 7. Meals are available until all packages are distributed.

Sign Up Now

Weekly Update December 7, 2020

Fall Picture Day - Tuesday December 8, 2020
Winter Wonderland Recording This Week

Paramount Theater Story Wranglers Present Widén 3rd Grade Plays - Friday, December 11th at 1:30 pm
Moving On Up!

Weekly Update November 30, 2020

REMOTE LEARNING ONLY 11/30-12/4
The YMCA/Extend-A-Care is prepared to offer low cost, full day, childcare at Blanton and Dawson Elementary on Tuesday - Friday during the week of closure.
Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $160; Fee Assistance available; $75 fee to current EAC Y after school participants
If you are currently an EAC Y participant, then log on to your account to enroll.
If you are new or returning to EAC Y, then log on here to register.
For more information about EAC Y, please visit us at www.eacymca.org. For questions, please email us directly at eacy@austinymca.org.
FREE MEALS
Widén will continue serving free curbside 7 day meal packs every Thursday from 7-9 a.m.
Free produce boxes are coming back to Widén Elementary on Thursday, December 17th. Pick one up during curbside giveaway, 7-9 a.m. The Food Services Department has had to discontinue the grab & go take home after school meals.

COVID-19 TESTING
Mass COVID testing will be offered at Mendez Middle School- 5106 Village Square Dr, Austin, TX 78744 this week.
Wednesday, December 2nd from 9:30am-6:00pm
Thursday, December 3rd from 8:00am-4:30pm
Friday, December 4th from 8:00am-4:30pm
Use this link to register for rapid testing: https://forms.gle/TJvp9y4B/2komgpMF7

After School Program This Spring?

Free ESL Classes for Parents Online
Lively Magnet and Dual Language Program Parent Information Night 12/1/20 @ 6pm
The Lively Magnet and Dual Language Program Parent Information Night has been rescheduled to Tuesday, December 1st, 2020 at 6 p.m. Please use the link below to join the presentation.
Click here to join the Lively Parent Information Night
Meeting ID: 993 9110 2907
Passcode: 958702

Sadler Means MVP Middle School Program
Sadler Means is excited to provide our future parents, students, and community members with opportunities to engage with our school leaders to learn about our Advanced Academics, Dual Language program, Media, Visual, and Performing Arts Academy (M.V.P).
We will be holding fall virtual informational sessions on December 1st and December 8th for prospective students and families to share specific details about our application process, district-wide transportation, and distinctive programming. Click here to register for an informational session. Check out our video links to learn more about our vibrant school community before your informative session. Sadler Means Highlights and Sadler Means Informational Video


Moving On Up!

Weekly Update November 16, 2020
LAST CALL TO SEND IN FOOD ITEMS FOR COMMUNITY POTLUCK

Coats For Kids
Coats for Kids is so excited to provide warm winter coats to students across the district!
To receive a coat, AISD students who qualify for free and reduced lunch services can register by filling out this form in English or Spanish. No documentation is needed. The form is open and will close on Friday, Nov. 20. Ms. Salinas, Parent Support Specialist is prepared to help students and families fill out the form. Please remember to complete one form per child.
Coats will be delivered to AISD campuses before winter break.
The Coats for Kids program accepts new and gently worn coats, and they need volunteers. For more information on the 34th annual Coats for Kids event, please visit the Junior League of Austin website at https://www.jlaustin.org/coats/.

Free COVID-19 Rapid Testing

Free PPE Kits for Families

Blue Santa
Are you in need of assistance during the Christmas Holiday Season? Or are you able to donate toys for families in need of assistance during the holiday season? Operation Blue Santa can help! Visit the website to learn more at www.bluesanta.org.
Campus Advisory Council Meeting
Meeting ID: 956 3302 9281
Passcode: 1234

Weekly Update November 9, 2020
PTA Board Meeting
President: Almalleli Rebollar
Vice President: Claudia Jackson
Treasurer:
Secretary: Mandy Castano
Historian: Lizeth Rodriguez
Parliamentarian:
Legislative Chair:
Membership Chair:
If you are interested in joining our PTA Board, please join our meeting on zoom Monday, November 9th, at 3 pm
Join Zoom Meeting: http://bit.ly/WidenPTA2020
Meeting ID: 956 3302 9281
Passcode: 1234

CATCH Kickoff
Thanksgiving To-Go Community Dinner November 19th

Magnet Presentations for 5th Grade
Kealing: https://youtu.be/8NC8Uzlww74
Lively:
Part 1: https://www.loom.com/share/fd520a7bff05491d9b357ae30c947474
Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTOwoGtpMK8&feature=youtu.be
Ann Richards: https://vimeo.com/466589861
After watching the videos, teachers will have students join the live Magnet schools presentation at 10 am. Parents are welcome to join also!
Join us on Zoom:
https://zoom.us/j/93912912504?pwd=ZXBKcjI2aFQxbE9rcVJMbnJzR0JrQT09
Passcode: 124246
Virtual Coffee Talk With The Principal
Join us on Zoom:
Meeting ID: 873 6146 6170
Passcode: 1234

Blue Santa
Are you in need of assistance during the Christmas Holiday Season? Or are you able to donate toys for families in need of assistance during the holiday season? Operation Blue Santa can help! Visit the website to learn more at www.bluesanta.org.


Weekly Update November 2, 2020

Parent Conference Week

Student Holiday - Tuesday, November 3rd
Virtual Awards Ceremonies
Join our Zoom Ceremony: bit.ly/WidenAwards
Meeting ID: 919 6005 2769
Password: 1234
Coming Soon: Thanksgiving Community Potluck To-Go Meals Event

Blue Santa
Are you in need of assistance during the Christmas Holiday Season? Or are you able to donate toys for families in need of assistance during the holiday season? Operation Blue Santa can help! Visit the website to learn more at www.bluesanta.org.
AISD Technology Information Website
AISD’s technology team has launched a webpage that allows school communities to check the status of district systems such as the cloud and portal, as well as Accelify, School Messenger, and Zoom, at www.austinisd.org/technology/status.
Computer Literacy Class for Parents

Meals for Students & Families



Magnet Schools Presentation for 5th Graders
Kealing: https://youtu.be/8NC8Uzlww74
Lively: Part 1: https://www.loom.com/share/fd520a7bff05491d9b357ae30c947474
Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTOwoGtpMK8&feature=youtu.be
Ann Richards: https://vimeo.com/466589861
Students and parents can submit questions about the schools and programs here on this Google Form: www.tinyurl.com/magnetquestion
Parents are also invited to join in on the live webinar on 11/12 at 10:00 am
Webinar link:
https://zoom.us/j/93912912504?pwd=ZXBKcjI2aFQxbE9rcVJMbnJzR0JrQT09
Passcode: 124246
Use this link to apply to a magnet program: https://lively.austinschools.org/our-programs/magnet/enrollment
Please find important events and deadlines below for families interested in applying to the Lively Magnet Program below.
- Tuesday, November 10th: : Virtual Parent Information Night Session 1: 6:00-7:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, December 8th: Virtual Parent Information Night Session 2: 6:00-7:00 p.m.
- Lively Open House: The Evening of Wonder: Tuesday, January 12th: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
- Magnet Admission Testing Session 1: Saturday, January 16th
- 8:30 a.m. -10:00 a.m. Last Names A-L
- 11:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Last Names M-Z
- Magnet Admission Testing Session 2: Saturday, January 23rd
- 8:30 a.m. -10:00 a.m. Last Names A-L
- 11:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Last Names M-Z
- Magnet Admission Testing Session 3: Wednesday, January 27th
- 4:00-5:40 p.m.
- Application Deadline: February 5th at 4:30

Weekly Update October 26, 2020
More Students In Classrooms
This week we welcome back students in 5th grade who's families opted to return to campus. Please remember that return to campus is based on the response to the family survey, and all families returning should have received a confirmation call from campus administration before returning. If you have not received a confirmation call, you will need to contact the campus to confirm your child's return prior to returning (512-414-2556).
It is also important to note that this week we may have to reduce the distance between students in some classrooms to 3-5' depending on the number of students who opted to return. Remote learning will continue to be available to families all year long, so you do NOT have to return to on-campus learning if you prefer your child(ren) to remain at home.
STUDENTS RETURNING TO CAMPUS MUST BRING DEVICES BACK TO SCHOOL (ALONG WITH PERSONAL WATER BOTTLES)!
Red Ribbon Week Is HERE!
This week is Red Ribbon Week! Red Ribbon Week is an alcohol, tobacco, and other drug and violence prevention awareness week observed nationally, and we always celebrate this event with a week of dress up themes. We love to Tweet pictures and post pictures to our @widenelementaryschool FB page, and we hope you will share in the fun with us, whether your child is on campus or doing remote learning. Please text your pictures to Ms. Bryant at 1-602-809-4110.
The upcoming theme days are:
Monday 10/26: Red Ribbon Kick Off Day… Wear red.
Tuesday 10/27: Team up against drugs… Wear sports gear.
Wednesday 10/28: Eat healthy & colorful foods… Wear rainbow colors.
Thursday 10/29: Be who you want to be… Wear your costume. No Halloween masks or toy weapons.
Friday 10/30: Follow your dreams… Wear pajamas.
Widén Election Day / VOTE 2020
This Tuesday, October 27th, our students and families can participate in a mock election using an electronic ballot link. We will meet on Zoom in the morning at 8:30 am to kick off the election, and we will announce the results on Zoom that afternoon at 2 pm. For additional questions contact our community school facilitator, Danielle Bryant at danielle.bryant@austinisd.org or 512-414-2556.
Meeting Link: bit.ly/WidenElectionsKickOff
Meeting ID: 951 9859 0786
Passcode: vote
We also want to share resources with you for the actual election coming up on November 3rd. Early voting ends on October 30, 2020, and the official election day is Tuesday, November 3, which is a student holiday.
English: https://lwvaustin.org/votersguide/LWVAA-VG-2020-11-ENG-web-final.pdf
Spanish: https://lwvaustin.org/votersguide/LWVAA-VG-2020-11-SPN-web-final.pdf
Creepy Curriculum Night: THIS Thursday, October 29th, 5-6 PM
No tricks! This night will be a treat! Even though we can not have events in the building right now, due to COVD-19, we found a creative way to still have a fun Halloween/Curriculum Night. Put on your costumes and come on over for a walk-by trick-or-treat! We will be dressed up too and giving away candy, as well as a math & reading game or activity for you to take home from 5-6 pm on 10/29.
The walk through will take place in the small front office drive through lot, where buses enter. Families can park in the lot or along the street and then walk to the drive-through entrance, visiting tables collecting treats, and then walk out through the exit of the drive through. We do ask that you remain a safe distance (6 feet or more) from other families, and masks are still required (even if you are wearing a Halloween costume).

Report Cards & Awards
Our first Awards Ceremony for K-5th will take place on Friday, November 6th. It will take place during the day in classrooms (for on-campus students) and on Zoom for parents and remote students. We will share a flyer with the schedule and zoom link soon!

November 3rd Holiday & Parent Conference Week

Weekly Update October 19, 2020
More Students In Classrooms
It is also important to note that this week we may have to reduce the distance between students in some classrooms to 3-5' depending on the number of students who opted to return. Remote learning will continue to be available to families all year long, so you do NOT have to return to on-campus learning if you prefer your child(ren) to remain at home.
STUDENTS RETURNING TO CAMPUS MUST BRING DEVICES BACK TO SCHOOL (ALONG WITH PERSONAL WATER BOTTLES)!

Caution! Shifting from on-campus to remote…
We are happy to continue to accommodate students in the building and students who choose at home learning. While it is okay to change your mind about how your child will participate in instruction, all requests to come back to the campus must be approved by campus administration and parents will be notified of a start date. Parents may switch back to remote learning at any time, but must communicate this to teachers to avoid being counted absent. If a second request is made to return to on campus learning, the start date will be delayed until the next grading period.
If you child needs to miss a day of on campus instruction for health reasons, but he/she participates in online instruction, the student will NOT be counted absent.
As students change their mind an switch from home to campus or campus to home, please be aware that this creates a hardship for the teacher in terms of planning for the amount of time for individual and small group instruction on zoom, and on campus, and creating the appropriate number and types of materials and resources for on campus and online. Parent changes result in teacher schedule changes. We hope that we all settle into a routine and can become more consistent with our schedules.

We apologize, please be patient with us…
It has been really hard on our teachers trying to adjust to teaching students in the classroom and at home at the same time. This is a brand new experience for us. As we navigate this simultaneous teaching experience, we are having to adjust our schedules as challenges arise. Attending to our kids in two different places at the same time is not an easy task, but we are getting better at it each day. We will most likely continue to make adjustments to schedules as more students return to the school. Teachers will continue to communicate schedule changes with you. We realize that schedule changes are a challenge for our remote learners. Please know we are doing our very best to settle into a schedule that allows us to serve our at-home and on-campus students to the best of our ability. This is a new world, and we are learning as we go!

Click Here to Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 878 6371 9741
Passcode: uTBe8J

End of 1st Nine Weeks & Report Card Correction
The first report card grading period ends this Friday, October 23rd. Time flies! Report cards will be ready on Thursday, October 29th. This year the district will distribute report cards electronically. All parents will receive report cards through email. Parents can request a hard copy (curbside) by calling our front office at 512-414-2556.
Campus Advisory Council Meeting
All parents are welcome to join our Campus Advisory Council Meeting on Wednesday, October 21 at 3:30 pm. We will discuss our Creepy Curriculum Night, our Campus Improvement Plan, and the COVID-19 Response Quick Reference Guide.
Meeting ID: 956 3302 9281
Passcode: 1234
One tap mobile
+1346248779
Coffee Talk With Principal
Meeting ID: 873 6146 6170
Passcode: 1234
One tap mobile
+13462487799
Red Ribbon Week Is Coming!
Red Ribbon Week is coming soon (October 26th-30th). Red Ribbon Week is an alcohol, tobacco, and other drug and violence prevention awareness week observed nationally, and we always celebrate this event with a week of dress up themes. We love to Tweet pictures and post pictures to our @widenelementaryschool FB page, and we hope you will share in the fun with us, whether your child is on campus or doing remote learning. Please text your pictures to Ms. Bryant at 1-602-809-4110.
The upcoming theme days are:
Monday 10/26: Red Ribbon Kick Off Day… Wear red.
Tuesday 10/27: Team up against drugs… Wear sports gear.
Wednesday 10/28: Eat healthy & colorful foods… Wear rainbow colors.
Thursday 10/29: Be who you want to be… Wear your costume. No Halloween masks or toy weapons.
Friday 10/30: Follow your dreams… Wear pajamas.
Widén Election Day / VOTE 2020
Presidential election day is coming up, and this is a great opportunity for our students to learn about the election process and the importance of participating in democracy. On Tuesday, October 27th, our students and families can participate in a mock election using an electronic ballot link. We will meet on Zoom in the morning at 8:30 am to kick off the election, and we will announce the results on Zoom that afternoon at 2 pm. For additional questions contact our community school facilitator, Danielle Bryant at danielle.bryant@austinisd.org or 512-414-2556.
Meeting ID: 951 9859 0786
Passcode: vote
We also want to share resources with you for the actual election. Early voting ends on October 30, 2020, and the official election day is Tuesday, November 3, which is a student holiday.
English: https://lwvaustin.org/votersguide/LWVAA-VG-2020-11-ENG-web-final.pdf
Spanish: https://lwvaustin.org/votersguide/LWVAA-VG-2020-11-SPN-web-final.pdf

Creepy Curriculum Night: Thursday, October 29th, 5-6 PM
No tricks! This night will be a treat! Even though we can not have events in the building right now, due to COVD-19, we found a creative way to still have a fun Halloween/Curriculum Night. Put on your costumes and come on over for a walk-by trick-or-treat! We will be dressed up too and giving away candy, as well as a math & reading game or activity for you to take home from 5-6 pm on 10/29.
Last Call: Free Flu Clinic
This is a last call to submit your flu shot consent form to our front office no later than this Thursday, 10/22, if you want your child to receive a free flu shot on October 29th. Please drive through if you want us to bring you a consent form, or use the link below to print a copy of the form.


Weekly Update October 12, 2020
Phase-In & Remote Learning
STUDENTS RETURNING TO CAMPUS MUST BRING DEVICES BACK TO SCHOOL!
FREE FLU SHOTS FOR STUDENTS
PTA Board Meeting
Meeting ID: 956 3302 9281
Passcode: 1234

To Go Meals & Weekend Meals
Students who are attending on campus will receive free breakfast and lunch daily. They will also be able to take home to-go snacks for the weekend.

FREE COVID-19 TESTING
FREE COVID-19 Testing is available through Austin Public Health (APH).
COVID-19 testing is recommended for those who:
● have COVID-19-related symptoms
● have had close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19● have traveled in the last 14 days
Schedule free testing by using this link: https://www.austintexas.gov/covid-testinfo Click here to view APH testing site locations here.

Weekly Update October 5, 2020
Change to Meal Pick Up System
Building Reopen Begins!
REMOTE LEARNING will be provided all year for those who want it. Once your child returns to school, you may switch back to remote learning at any time. If you opted for remote learning and wish to switch to on-campus learning, you will need to contact the campus to make a request. Administrators have up to 5 days to accommodate the request, if it is a first request to switch back to on-campus learning. After a first request is accommodated, a second request will only be available at the beginning of the next grading period.
ON-CAMPUS STUDENTS MUST BRING CHROMEBOOKS & IPADS BACK TO SCHOOL!


Afternoon Dismissal
Help Us Keep Free Meals For All
English Form Link: https://forms.gle/7iSXtcB3siPVdHaTA
Spanish Form Link: https://forms.gle/CFFss4zBxSCozPHL7
WE DO HAVE SCHOOL ON OCTOBER 12th, BUT TUESDAY NOVEMBER 3rd - ELECTION DAY- IS A STUDENT HOLIDAY
AISD Text Messaging System
Austin ISD is expanding its capabilities to text families important information promptly via the School Messenger platform. Families will receive the following text message from 67587: “You’re registered 4 SchoolMessenger messages. Txt STOP to quit, HELP 4 help. Std msg/data rates may apply. Freq varies. schoolmessenger.com/tm”. We hope you will allow these text messages, as it will be a great way for us to get important infomration to you quickly!

Weekly Update September 28, 2020
On-Campus Instruction Information
STUDENTS RETURNING TO CAMPUS MUST BRING THEIR OWN AISD DEVICE (IPAD OR CHROMEBOOK) BACK TO THE SCHOOL WHEN THEY RETURN. THESE WILL BE USED DAILY DURING INDEPENDENT WORK TIME.
Health Screenings
Using the screen & go feature on the AISD Mobile App (pictured above) will speed up the health screening process, and students who get the green checkmark on that app will only need a temperature check at the screening station.
In order to be on the campus you must meet the following criteria:
- Temperature below 100 in the last 24 hours
- No OCVID-19 symptoms within the last 24 hours
- Nobody in the household tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days
- No direct or close contact with anyone that has tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days
- Not currently awaiting results of a COVID-19 test
If your child meets any of the above criteria, he/she may not come to school. Please report any positive COVID-19 cases to our school office so that we can determine whether students or staff were exposed and distribute any notifications.
New Schedules for Online & On Campus
Also please note that due to the size of classrooms, the number of students returning, and the number of teachers returning, some students may not get to work with their own teacher when returning to school. We will do our best to keep all students with their current teachers, but some exceptions may need to be made. We will notify you of any needed adjustments as we move along.
STUDENTS RETURNING TO CAMPUS MUST BRING THEIR OWN AISD DEVICE (IPAD OR CHROMEBOOK) BACK TO THE SCHOOL WHEN THEY RETURN. THESE WILL BE USED DAILY DURING INDEPENDENT WORK TIME.

Masks & Protective Equipment and Procedures
Breakfast and lunch will take place in the classroom. Clear view desk shields will be used during lunches so that masks can be removed while eating.
All classrooms will have hand sanitizer, wipes, masks, and gloves. Students will be encouraged to wear gloves or wipe down bathroom/sink surfaces they need to touch before and after use to reduce the spread of germs.
Water fountains will not be used by students, but adults can assist students with the refilling of water bottles as needed. Please be sure your child has his/her own water bottle.
Classes may take an outdoor recess break; however, play equipment will not be used due to the inability to keep children safely distanced and to keep the equipment properly sanitized. Students will remain distanced by 6' during outdoor breaks.
Each child will be provided with a large 3-gallon plastic ziplock bag to keep his/her own supplies in inside the classroom. No supplies will be shared. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT STUDENTS RETURNING TO CAMPUS BRING THEIR OWN AISD DEVICE BACK TO THE SCHOOL.
Students will be seated 6' apart while the school is at 25% capacity. We will do our best to place students with their own teacher, but adjustments may have to be made to comply with the 6' distance requirement. When we increase capacity to 50% on October 19th, students will be seated 3-6' apart, depending on the number of students who return.
Help Us Keep Free Meals For All
English Form Link: https://forms.gle/7iSXtcB3siPVdHaTA
Spanish Form Link: https://forms.gle/CFFss4zBxSCozPHL7
How Can Make Sure You Feel Valued?
Victory Tutoring
VICTORY Tutorials has partnered with ACE Austin to provide 1:1 academic assistance for students in need of extra support in Math, Reading Writing and Science. Please share the sign-up form link with your parents.

Weekly Update September 21, 2020
Back To School Night
Virtual Coffee Talk With The Principal
https://austinisd-org.zoom.us/j/87361466170?pwd=WEc1ZkY3VE4zUU1uU1dGV1pJWDNFdz09
Meeting ID: 873 6146 6170
Passcode: 1234
PTA Membership Time
If you are interested in doing a little more, we do need to establish a new PTA Board, to include a President, a Vice President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. If you are interested in being a board member, please email Ms. pace or Ms. Salinas.
Is Your Child Gifted?
To learn more about this program, please click here.
To submit a nomination, please click here.
Dove Springs Proud COVID-19 Relief $
If a person needs help with rent or medical bills as a result of COVID-19 and lives in 78744, you can apply for relief money from DSP (only 1 application per household, and application does not guarantee assistance, amount of assistance varies) To apply follow the steps below and email all information below to dovespringsproud@yahoo.com.
First join Dove Springs Proud Facebook group, then accept DSP President Friend Request on Facebook.
Submit proof that you have or had COVID with your name.
Submit a government-issued ID that matches your current address with your name and your address in 78744.
Submit proof of medical bill from COVID, and/or proof of electric or rent/mortgage bill for DSP to consider paying due to COVID such as loss of job
Post DSP logo on your personal FB page and tag DSP President.
Create Paypal.me account online to get $ online with your debit card or bank account linked to it. Send link.
With thanks from Ricardo Zavala, President of Dove Springs Proud

AISD Phase-In Plan


September 14, 2020

Work On Your Own Wednesdays
Can we have 30 minutes of your time?
Click HERE to join the meeting. Meeting ID: 956 3302 9281 Passcode: 1234
What will you do when schools reopen?
AISD sent a survey to parents (on Thursday, September 10th) via email and text message to collect information about whether your student(s) will return to school or continue to do remote instruction when campuses reopen. If you have not completed this survey, please do so as soon as possible, so that we can prepare. You will need your child's ID number for the survey. If you do not know your child's ID number, please contact your child's teacher or our front office at (512)-414-2556.
Click HERE to take the survey.
If you have questions regarding the survey, please submit them using the AISD Let's Talk site.
At Your Service Hour
Meeting ID: 555 667 8471
Password: 1234
For your information...
Would you like to get text messages from Widén Elementary? Click here to join the Widen Elementary Remind App
Curbside meals will continue to be free for any person under the age of 19 years old. Drop by to pick up a to-go meal between 10:30 am and 12:30 pm.
Click HERE to learn about AISD Community Learning Spaces.
Let your child join the FREE ACE online enrichment club! Click HERE to register.
Have you lost your device? Broken Device?
**NOTE: Reporting the device as lost/stolen authorizes us to use location tracking to identify the device’s location.
Student devices in need of repair: Families can take iPads, Chromebooks, and hotspots in need of repair to either your school or to one of the Curbside locations, where they can be swapped out as long as supplies allow.
Dove Springs 78744
What type of art should the City put up on East William Cannon in 78744? Use your voice to direct public art near you! Complete an Art-on-the-Corridor survey in English or Spanish. Tell us where the street meets your story.
Art-on-the-Corridor is working with the City of Austin’s Corridor Program Office and neighborhoods to identify public art or cultural spaces along nine designated roadways in Austin. The Art-on-the-Corridor Project is gathering stories from community members to express the culture and spirit of each corridor. These stories will help create public art to support each community.
Thank you. Ricardo Zavala, MPA
Dove Springs Proud (DSP) Founder/President for 78744

September 7, 2020

September Parent Calendar
At Your Service Hour
Click Here to Join The Meeting
Meeting ID: 555 667 8471
Password: 1234

Technology Trouble?
In addition to paper Learning Guides, consumable textbooks can be provided for special circumstances. Textbook pick-up requests must be made by contacting our front office at 512-414-2556.
Curbside Cookies
Parent Handbook for Blend & Seesaw
There is also an Early Childhood Checklist for parents to help with at home learning.

August 31, 2020
Free Curbside Supplies To-Go
Free curbside meals are provided in the to-go drive through lane on the cafeteria side of the building Monday - Friday from 10:30 am - 12:30 pm!

Last Call To Get Your Device!
Widén Elementary device pick up 9 am - 3 pm
If you need technology assistance please contact the AISD Technology support line at 512-414-9187 or submit an electronic request for assistance by clicking here.

Please Let Us Know How We Can Help!
Principal: jennifer.pace@austinisd.org
Assistant Principal: patricia.williams@austinisd.org
Registrar: jessica.bustamante@austinisd.org
Front Office Support: brenda.gill@austinisd.org
Meet Our Teachers!

August 24, 2020
IT'S TIME!!!!! Virtual Meet The Teacher!!!!!
Can we help you prepare for online school?
Curbside Meals Available NOW!
Still needing a device for your child?
Grades 3-12: Families who need a Chromebook can now go to one of the Computer Curbside locations to pick up a device. The Technology Department will be reaching out about deliveries and campus-based distributions once the iPad deliveries are successfully up and running.
PreK3-2nd: Families who missed the assigned iPad pick up days last week or who register late, will be able to pick up an iPad at one of the Computer Curbside locations. We will soon expand to seven.
Curbside School Supply Giveaway

August 17, 2020
iPad Distribution
Widén Parents of registered PK, Kinder, 1st, and 2nd Grade students can pick up an iPad for your child at Mendez Middle School on:
Monday, August 17th from 2pm-7pm
Tuesday, August 18th from 7:30am-1:30 pm
Wednesday, August 19th from 7:30am-1:30 pm
You will need their child’s student ID number. You can find this in the parent portal or in the email you should have received from the AISD technology department on August 12th.If you miss the distribution dates/times please contact our office staff for assistance requesting a device, or submit a request through the Parent Cloud.
Virtual Meet The Teacher
Curbside Supply Giveaway
For families without technology or internet access, we will be providing textbooks to use at home during the online only instruction weeks from September 8th through October 2nd. Materials will be distributed through the front office drive through lane.

Free Curbside Meal Service
ACE Virtual After School Program - FREE
Please sign up today and reserve your child's virtual spot in our program. We will offer both "Anytime" and "Live Virtual" activities! You can now choose what works best with your schedule at home!
Please read the instructions carefully and submit your completed registration when done. You will need to do one registration for each child in your household.
ACE After-School Activities will begin on Tuesday, September 8, 2020. All activities will be available from 3:30 - 6:00 pm, a schedule of activities that are grade level specific, will be emailed to you.

Weekly Update August 10, 2020
September 8, 2020 is the First Day of School

Technology for All Students
The Austin ISD Parent Technology Help line is 512-4149187.
VIRTUAL MEET THE TEACHER COMING SOON! MEET YOUR CHILD'S TEACHER ON ZOOM August 25th & 26th. MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!

THE SCHEDULES ABOVE WILL BE FOLLOWED MONDAY, TUESDAY, THURSDAY, & FRIDAY. WEDNESDAYS ARE RESERVED FOR ONLINE ACTIVITY PLANNING & PREPARATION AND STUDENT INDEPENDENT WORK COMPLETION. TEACHERS WILL CHECK IN WITH STUDENTS INDIVIDUALLY ON WEDNESDAYS AS NEEDED.
CAMPUS REOPENING SAFETY PLAN COMING SOON!
Valentine's Safety Precautions
We also do not want to bring food products that involve open containers or handling items that touch the other items in the package. We will allow students to bring individually wrapped, pre-packaged items (like bags of individual chips, hostess treats, small individual packs of candy, etc.). Snacks will be distributed by teachers at the end of the day for students to take home.
Thank you for helping us keep our community safe!
4-Day Weekend
Monday, February 12th is a District of Innovation Day for schools in the Travis High School Vertical Team.
Monday, February 15th is an AISD Professional Development Day for teachers.
We hope you enjoy the 4-day VAlentine's Day weekend! Happy (early) Valentine's Day!
Parent Survey: 1st grade is in the lead!!!!
Parent Conference Time
Retention Warning for Low Attendance
Mental Health Resources
Widén Elementary School

Last 2 weeks for parent survey!
Parent Survey Link: https://tinyurl.com/AISD-Family-Survey-2021
Register Before May!
The AISD Family Engagement Newsletter has helpful information and resources for anyone experiencing challenges after the winter storm.

Staying healthy & fit includes mental wellness!

MAP Testing
Coming Soon: Black Lives Matter Week of Action!
