From The Admin Team 5/25/2021
Bernice Kiker Elementary School
Upcoming Events
May
26 - High School Senior Walk - 1:00 - 2:00 PM on the Blacktop
27 - Last day rapid testing is available on campus
28 - Last day to complete AISD's HSR survey for K-2nd grade
31 - No School / Memorial Day
June
1 - Our last Admin News/Kiker Comments for the 2021-2022 School Year
2 - 2 PM - 5th Grade Hallway Parade
3 - 5th Grade Ceremony 8:30 AM; Car Parade at 10 AM
3 - Last Day for Students
4 - Staff Day
24 - Book Bus at Kiker 10:30 - 12:30
August
17 - First Day of Classes
A Fond Farewell
While there will be other staff members who are off to new adventures for next year, we wanted to acknowledge our two retirements in this newsletter.
FROM THE PTA
Kiker PTA General Membership Meeting - May 27
Kiker Comet Brick Paver Sale!
Order School Supplies for 2021-2022 School Year!
Families of Students Who Receive Special Education Support
We would like to invite all parents/caregivers of children who receive support through SPED and/or 504 services to join our caregiver support group on Facebook. This is a supportive group where you can ask questions, take part in educational and supportive programming, and connect with other parents.
Here is the link, https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734011260202262
Lost and Found
Ask your children to swing by the lost and found rack this week before all items are donated.
The rack will be set outside the school on Thursday, May 27 so families can take a peek.
Repeated Information and Reminders
Technology Return for Anyone Leaving AISD
AISD Device Information
To provide ongoing learning opportunities for students during the summer months, students will keep the AISD devices they have been using for classes during the school year for use during the summer. For students who will not be returning to AISD next year, devices need to be returned to their campus. Additionally, we ask that students return hotspots at the end of the school year. If students need hotspots for Summer School, they should keep and use the hotspots for any remote access summer school needs.
Please contact Kristi Samon at kristi.samon@austinisd.org with any questions.
Summer Reading: 5 Book Dive
Kiker will have the book bus on 6/24 10:30-12:30
A program of Austin ISD Library Media Services, Buford the Book Bus is on a mission to keep students reading throughout the summer by providing free, high-interest books. This summer, Buford is partnering with the Austin Public Library's Bookmobile to visit campuses where AISD Food Services will be distributing free weekly meal packs.
Free books will be available for ALL kids of ALL ages from babies to teens, regardless of where they attend school. ALL are welcome! (Distributions will take place outside, either drive through or walk up, and current safety protocols will be followed.)
Nurses' News
On the last day of school, inhalers will be sent home in students’ backpacks. All other medication (epinephrine, antihistamines, daily pills, etc.) must be collected by a parent on June 3rd. Please call or email the health room team to schedule a time to get your child’s medication. Pick up and drop off times are, unfortunately, too hectic so we ask that you arrange a medication pick up appointment outside of these busier times.
Thanks for your support this year. We hope you all have a happy, healthy summer!
Cristy Coffey, RN and Cheryl Villarreal, Clinical Assistant
Cristy.coffey@austinisd.org Cheryl.villarreal@austinisd.org Health room phone: 512-414-5359
K-2 Updates to HSR Curriculum
The feedback will be used to make any necessary changes to the draft K-2 lessons over the summer. The survey will include all documents presented at this meeting and will be open from May 10 - May 28. Your child’s Student ID number is required as the login. Click on K-2 Human Sexuality Parent Survey to begin the survey.
Last Day for Rapid Testing on Campus
The last date that COVID-19 rapid testing will be available through campus health rooms for this school year 2020-2021 will be Thursday, May 27. This deadline will allow time for Health Services to coordinate with health room staff to collect testing materials. If individuals need testing after this date, they can find resources through Austin Public Health.
From the Counselors:
PEACE, LOVE & ART REMIX: ART CONNECTS US!
With a “remix” of our theme from last year, AISD's virtual exhibit reflects how artwork acts as a mirror, allowing us to see other’s lives reflected in our own. The student work in this virtual show reflects the lives of our young artists, families, and teachers who have continued to use their creative skills to share glimpses into their worlds during a pandemic. We look forward to standing in awe before actual student artwork again soon. In the meantime, our 2021 celebration of student artists are on display at the link below: https://www.austinisd.org/arts/visual
School Hours 2021-2022
The following start and end times will be implemented across AISD campuses:
Elementary School Hours of Instruction: 7:40 am – 3:10 pm
Middle School Hours of Instruction: 8:20 am – 3:50 pm
High School Hours of Instruction: 9:05 am – 4:35 pm
*ALC, Ann Richards, Garza, LASA, Lively, Kealing, and Rosedale will have separate schedules.
This schedule provides 450 minutes of instruction per day. This is different than the hours of operation,which are when teachers and staff are asked to report to campuses.
AISD Will Provide Free Summer Meals at Kiker
Dear Kiker Families,
AISD will continue to provide free curbside meals for children and caregivers this summer at Kiker Elementary. Beginning June 10, Kiker will serve weekly meal packs each Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., or until all meals are distributed.
As a reminder, meals are free for any child younger than 19 as well as those older than 19 who utilize special education resources or who are enrolled in school to complete the requirements for a high school diploma. Free meals are available for all children, regardless of household income.
Parents or caregivers may receive meals without children present by providing documentation — such as a birth certificate, student ID card, report card, or attendance record — at the meal service site. Children do not have to be enrolled in AISD to receive meals.
Meals feature foods that are cooked and prepared by staff in AISD kitchens. The healthy meals include protein, grains, fruits, vegetables, and milk.
AISD will also continue to provide free caregiver meals, prepared by local restaurants, for adults with accompanying children or with the documentation listed above, at weekly curbside meal sites.
Meals feature foods that are cooked and prepared by staff in AISD kitchens. The healthy meals include protein, grains, fruits, vegetables, and milk.
Families may text FOOD or COMIDA to 512-229-9110, or visit the AISD website for help finding meal sites in their area.
Questions? Explore the Summer Meals Frequently Asked Questions, or contact AISD Food Service through Let’s Talk by sending a text to 512-229-9110 or submitting a message online.
Technology for 2021-2022
Our current second graders will be 2021-2022 third graders. These students will turn in iPads and get issued a Chromebook in August.
iPads will be available to incoming PK thru 2nd graders for each elementary school at the start of the new school year.
2021-2022 Voyager
Interested in Voyager for the 2021-2022 school year? Register here:
Summer Planning
Kiker After School Activities and Summer Camps!
Did you know our Comets have a variety of after school activities and summer camps to participate in?
For a full listing, please visit our website to learn more and see the wonderful variety of classes and programs! https://kikerpta.membershiptoolkit.com/after+school+programs
*The listing is updated as information is made available. Vendors are approved with Administration and offer programs for a fee. Please contact the vendors directly for questions and additional information, not the Kiker office.
Birthdays
June
3 - Carol Markwalter
7 - Christine Johnson
8 - Crissie Dow
13 - Esther Bull
16 - Maegan Zapiain
26 - Jennifer Blake
30 - Emmy Hunt
July
9 - Karen Young
13 - Stephanie Toman
15 - Andrea Pawlonek
17 - Mandy Steen
28 - Shawn Whitehouse
August
7 - Nicole Dean
14 - Penny Considine
25 - Bart McMahon
Bernice Kiker Elementary Administration Team
Alma Chapa Moore - Assistant Principal
Kelly Meyer - Assistant Principal
Email: cory.matheny@austinisd.org
Website: https://kikerelementary.org/
Location: 5913 La Crosse Avenue, Austin, TX, USA
Phone: 512-414-2584
Facebook: facebook.com/CMathenyPrincipal
Twitter: @KikerComets