Panda Newsletter
Building a Brighter Future. Vol.2 #21
January is School Board Recognition Month
Monday 1/15
- Staff & Student Holiday
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Tuesday 1/16 Counting towards 100 days of school: Day 89
CLI (MOY) Wave 2 - 1/16-2/13
- Kinder PLC
- ARD Day
- PK4 PLC
Wednesday 1/17
- PK3 PLC
- Principal Meeting
Thursday 1/18
- PK4 PLC
- Brighter Bites Distribution
Friday 1/19
- Kinder PLC
- Instructional Coach Training
Week at a Glance
Looking Ahead
January is School Board Appreciation Month
Monday 1/22 Counting towards 100 days of school: Day 93
Holocaust Remembrance Week
CLI (MOY) Wave 2 - 1/16-2/13
- PK3 PLC
- Kinder PLC
- Team Leader's Meeting @ 3:30 pm
Tuesday 1/23
- ARD Day
- PK4 PLC
Wednesday 1/24
- PK3 PLC
Thursday 1/25
- PK4 PLC
- Lockdown Drill @ 9:30 am
- CAC Meeting @ 3:30 pm
Friday 1/26
- Kinder PLC
- Parent Coffee Chat @ 8:30 am
What's Happening at Anita Uphaus
Welcome Back Pandas!
Winter Bulletin Art
Our staff & scholars didn't miss a beat!
Special Visit!
We had a wonderful visit from Texans Care for Children, Libby Doggett, The Moody Foundation, AISD Early Childhood Director Mr. John Green-Otero, & Mrs. Claudia Santamaria.
Posting Attendance -10:30 am Sharp
It is extremely important to post attendance as close to 10:30 am as possible. We can't post too early or too late. Posting too early/late affects funding. Thank you in advance for your help in this regards.
Welcome Mrs. Elia Diaz-Eskew! Our New Assistant Principal!
We want to welcome Mrs. Elia Diaz-Eskew! She has officially accepted the role of Assistant Principal for our campus. Ms. Eskew was currently serving as a substitute Assistant Principal. She has worked in various capacities for the district such as Principal, Assistant Principal, Reading specialist, Literacy coach, and teacher. Mrs. Diaz- Eskew comes to us with over 29 years of experience in education. We are so happy she is here and we want you to help us welcome her to our Panda Family! Welcome Mrs. Diaz-Eskew!
Welcome Ms. Charlotte Ward!
We would like to take a moment to welcome Ms. Charlotte Ward to our Panda Family! Ms. Ward is our new ESL PK4 teacher. She will be in the blue pod. She is a recent graduate from Texas State University! We are so excited she is here. Please stop by and say hi!
Spring CLI Refreshers: 1.5-hour Afterschool PD for AVID, GT and PLED credits
SUMMARY:
This spring, the Creative Learning Initiative is offering 1.5-hour Creative Teaching Across the Curriculum Refreshers open to all elementary educators. Please share this information with your colleagues.
Refreshers are eligible for GT Update and PLED credit with principal approval; and documentation of Creative Teaching strategies in the classroom also counts as AVID documentation.
Refreshers are held at campuses across Austin ISD for greater accessibility. Register in HCP (links below).
This spring, CLI is holding experiential, face-to-face Creative Teaching across the Curriculum Refreshers, open to all elementary educators. Refreshers are great opportunities for new teachers and/or teachers or instructional coaches wanting to “refresh” their Creative Teaching strategy skills. Participants will take away ideas to implement the next day!
Each Refresher counts for 1.5 credit hours of GT Update and PLED credit with principal approval. Additionally, all documentation of Creative Teaching in the classroom counts as AVID documentation. Please share with your colleagues. We also have flyers to share digitally or print and hang in the teachers’ lounge.
Upcoming Refreshers (all are 4-5:30 p.m.):
Date: Jan 29
HCP Section #104648
Location: Houston Elementary
Date" Feb. 5
HCP Section # 104649
Location: Wooten Elementary
Date: Feb. 27
HCP Section #: 104650
Location: Dawson Elementary
Date: March 6
HCP Section #: 104651
Location: TBA (looking for a host campus)
Date: March 20
HCP#: 104652
Location: TBA (looking for a host campus)
If you have any questions or would like to host a Refresher at your campus, contact CLI Instructional Coach Laura Clay (laura.clay@austinisd.org).
Communications Tools Survey and Engagement Session
SUMMARY:
Help Austin ISD streamline communications with families and staff by completing the Communications Tools Survey.
Austin ISD is working to streamline communication and simplify the tools staff and families must access to get the information that matters to them most. We’re currently exploring options to replace School Messenger for the 2024-25 school year and need your help thinking through the implications.
Complete the Communications Tools Survey to help us understand the tools your school uses and the features you value or would like to see in the future.
Upcoming Professional Learning Opportunities
SUMMARY:
The 3rd 9 Weeks Professional Learning Catalog is now available. Please share this catalog of upcoming learning opportunities with staff members.
The Catalog has listings by job assignment, providing department, requirements, and additional libraries available in HCP.
HCP also contains a calendar view of all offerings linked here.
Thank you for your partnership to support developing the amazing talent in AISD. A PL Review Committee with representation from Talent Strategy, the Office of Teaching Learning & Leading, Technology, as well as campus staff have worked to assist teams with providing a set of PL offerings that are aligned with the district's mission, vision, values, and priorities.
Holocaust Remembrance Week
SUMMARY:
SB 1828 was passed in 2019 in acknowledgement of the Holocaust’s ongoing significance.
Holocaust Remembrance Week is January 22-January 23, 2024.
5th and 6th grade students will engage in a book study as part of the district’s observation of Holocaust Remembrance Week.
Elementary and secondary campuses should use these resources to help teach about the Holocaust. These resources have been updated to include a link to the virtual performance for Willesden Reads.
SB 1828 was passed in 2019 in acknowledgement of the Holocaust’s ongoing significance. SB 1828 calls for each district to determine age-appropriate instruction for students on the Holocaust. All campus principals should share the list of approved resources for teaching about the Holocaust with their staff. Please note, these resources have been updated to include lesson plans for Hold on to Your Music and the link to the virtual performance.
Students in grades 5 and 6 will participate in a book study. Students in 5th grade will read Hold on to Your Music and students in 6th grade will read The Children of Willesden Lane. Please view the Unit Planning Organizer and Instructional Resource Guide for more detailed information. Staff who need a professional learning refresher or want more information should click here to sign up for a 60 minute on-demand webinar.
Please direct additional questions to Jessica Jolliffe (jessica.jolliffe@austinisd.org).
Staff and Principal Focus Groups - Equity Assessment
SUMMARY:
WestEd, the firm leading the districtwide equity assessment, is hosting focus groups for staff, students, and parents in mid-January through February 2024.
There will be six staff focus groups - two for principals, two for teachers, and two for all staff.
$50 gift card incentive for every focus group participant. Complete this form to be selected for a focus group: bit.ly/EA-focusgroup
2024 ¡Adelante!Conference Update
SUMMARY:
The Multilingual Education Team is a proud sponsor of the 2024 ¡Adelante! Conference
Link to flier from the Austin Area Association for Bilingual Educators (AAABE)
Complete the Self-Nomination form to attend the ¡Adelante! Conference on Saturday, February 24, 2024
Multilingual Education will be covering the registration fee for 150 Austin ISD Instructional Staff and attendance completion is PLED eligible
The ¡Adelante! Conference, Bridging Cultures, Empowering Minds: El poder transformador de la educación bilingüe for Bilingual Educators is a teacher-led and hosted conference, by bilingual teachers, for bilingual teachers. We will have powerful Keynote speakers and a panel of experts on the Science of reading in Bilingual Education.
As part of our efforts to provide high-quality, professional learning, Multilingual Education will cover the registration fee for up to 150 AISD instructional staff (Teachers, Coaches, Specialists, Interventionists, Teacher Assistants and Elementary Librarians). Sign up early to secure a spot. Breakfast and lunch are provided. Parking is paid for. Instructional Staff are eligible for up to 6 PLED hours for attending the full-day conference.
Educators are encouraged to fill out a self-nomination form as a possible representative for their campus. If more than 2 educators sign up from a particular campus, names will be placed on a waitlist according to the order the nomination forms are received. To provide an equitable opportunity for all campuses, please submit your nomination by 3:00 p.m. on January 17, 2024. Those on the waitlist will be notified of their eligibility for the paid registration by January 22, 2024.
Registration Process
Complete the Self-Nomination form
Receive confirmation to attend or receive notice of being added to a waitlist
Complete the conference registration information for AISD teachers
If you have questions, please contact crystal.prado@austinisd.org.
AISD Calendar Toolkit- Updated Information
SUMMARY:
Austin ISD values the heritage and culture of our community. Our district calendar reflects the diversity of our community and we want students, staff, and families to be aware of why AISD choses to observe certain holidays.
The AISD Calendar Toolkit provides campuses with information to share with families and students about the holidays we observe.
The AISD Calendar Toolkit has been updated with resources and communication about Martin Luther King Day.
Austin ISD values the heritage and culture of our community. Our district calendar reflects the diversity of our community and we want students, staff, and families to be aware of why AISD choses to observe certain holidays. This toolkit provides resources to support understanding the significance of the observances and holidays celebrated by our AISD community. The table below reflects dates formally observed through a student or student/staff holiday. Campus should communicate information about each observance to parents and students. This toolkit will be updated monthly and communication regarding updates will be shared through the Principals Weekly.
Please reach out to Jessica Jolliffe with additional questions.
Million Minute Challenge 2nd 9 Weeks Winners
SUMMARY:
AISD students read over 1 million minutes during the 2nd 9 weeks!
The Million Minute Challenge for the 3rd 9 weeks begins January 9, 2024.
Please encourage your students to participate in the Merry-Minute Challenge, December 21-January 8.
AISD students read over 1 million minutes during the 2nd 9 weeks! The Million Minute Challenge winning campuses are:
1st place Secondary and Overall Winner: General Marshall Middle School
1st place Elementary: Oak Springs Elementary School
The students on the 1st place secondary campus will receive bracelets. The students on the 1st place elementary campus will receive croc charms. The top three campuses at elementary, middle and high school will receive a certificate.
Congratulations to all participating students and campuses for their participation in the challenge during the 2nd 9 weeks! In order to keep up the reading momentum, students are encouraged to participate in the Merry-Minute Winter Break Reading Challenge, December 21-January 8.
The 3rd 9 weeks Million Minute Challenge begins January 9, 2024.
Please direct additional questions to Jessica Jolliffe (jessica.jolliffe@austinisd.org).
Million Minute Challenge information at bottom of this smore.
Congratulations to the Bright Green Future Grant Recipients! YAY Uphaus!
SUMMARY:
This update contains an update about the City of Austin Bright Green Future Grant for school sustainability projects.
SY23-24 Bright Green Future Grants Awarded:
Congratulations to the recipients of the SY23-24 Bright Green Future Grants! 33 AISD schools have been awarded grants up to $3,000 for sustainability projects. Funded projects include outdoor classrooms, bicycle clubs, rain gardens, food gardens, wildlife gardens, and tree planting. View the full list of AISD recipients and their projects!
Since launching in 2012, the Bright Green Future Grants Program has offered grants in increments of up to $3,000 to 96 schools, totaling $1.13 million in funding! The grant program recognizes and supports innovative projects that inspire K-12 students to become lifelong environmental stewards.
The Bright Green Future Grant application period opens in August of each year and closes around late September. If your school would like to apply for funding for SY24-25, follow the AISD Sustainability Department on Twitter and Instagram for updates and/or keep an eye on the Bright Green Future Grants webpage at the start of next school year.
TA to Teacher Pipeline - Elementary School Special Education
SUMMARY:
The application window is now open for the TA-to-Teacher pipeline. Please share this link with TAs who are interested so they can access the application.
Austin ISD has developed a new partnership with Region 13 to create a TA-to-teacher pipeline in which participants will earn their Elementary School Special Education Standard Teaching Certification and an elementary school special education teaching position in AISD for SY24-25.
Qualifications
Candidates must have a conferred Bachelor’s degree earned from an accredited institution of higher education that is recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).
Candidate’s grade point average (GPA) is determined in one of the following two ways: 2.5 on all coursework (includes all courses from all institutions) OR 2.75 in last 60 semester hours of completed coursework.
Please Note: Any applicant who does not meet the 2.5 GPA requirement must provide a passing score on a TExES Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT) in the area of teaching certification to be considered for admission. (Scoring for this test can take up to 28 days.)
The above expectations will be reviewed by Austin ISD initially and then confirmed by Region 13 prior to acceptance into the program.
Monetary Obligation
Austin ISD will pay all Application, Pre Service, and In Service Fees ($3,913/candidate) to Region 13.
Candidates will be responsible for costs to apply for their Intern Certificate ($78 - anticipated payable in summer 2024), their Standard Certificate ($78 - payable in summer 2025), and all TExES exam fees ($116 per exam).
Elementary Multilingual Education Support & Resources
SUMMARY:
The Elementary Multilingual Education Team is sharing information about types of support available to elementary campuses serving students identified as emergent bilingual, students participating in an ESL program, and/or students participating in the Dual Language program.
While the following information has been available in various places since the beginning of the year, we wanted to collect it in one memo for ease of reference.
Austin ISD Instructional Resources
Imagine Learning professional learning options (including student practice for STAAR and TELPAS) and Imagine Learning Guides
Professional Learning from the Multilingual Education Team
Understanding Language Acquisition and Biliteracy Development (in Spanish)
BLEND Asynchronous
Dual Language Data Collection Tool (required for all Elementary Dual Language teachers)
Book Study of 7 Steps To A Language-Rich, Interactive Classroom
Certification Preparation
FYI-TEA Monitor Site Visits and Request for Documents
SUMMARY:
Beginning on December 1st, our TEA monitors will conduct unannounced classroom observations and attend campus Child Study Team meetings.
Please link the following documents to the Google Form listed below: Child Study Team meeting day, time, and location; Master Schedule; and, Bell Schedule (Bell Schedule Secondary only) by Wednesday, November 8th.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Starting December 1st, our TEA monitors will visit campuses to observe classroom and Child Study Team meetings.
To streamline this process, we request your assistance in linking the following documents to the Google Form provided below: Child Study Team meeting day, time, and location; Master Schedule; and Bell Schedule (bell schedule secondary only).
Our TEA monitors have emphasized the necessity for precise information concerning each campus's Child Study Meeting day, a crucial component of the MTSS process focused on student intervention discussions. The monitors will rely on this schedule to coordinate their school visits and participate in meetings. We request that you ensure the meeting times are up-to-date and submit all requested documents by Wednesday, November 8th.
These visits will be unannounced and are scheduled to begin on December 1st, extending throughout the second semester.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for All Staff: Duo (Two-Step) Portal Login Required
SUMMARY:
Additional password protection via Duo MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) is required by February 2nd (extension) , for all Staff.
Similar to logging into a bank account, Duo MFA is a two-step portal login process that requires additional account verification to greatly reduce fraud and data risks.
Duo MFA options and training formats are available (and listed below).
As part of the district’s commitment to fundamental cybersecurity practices, all staff are required to enroll in two-step login verification, or also known as Multiple Duo MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication), by February 2nd 2024.
Duo MFA is a two-step portal login process, similar to logging into a bank, that greatly reduces email scams and increases the safety of employee and student information.
For Duo MFA instructions, please see the options available below:
Instructions for enrolling and installing our Duo MFA software can be found at bit.ly/aisdmfaguide.
A Duo MFA video is available in this YouTube video link.
Three Ways to Use Duo MFA:
Touch your phone (This requires a phone app.) ✅
Text to your phone (This is not recommended.)
USB stick to insert into your PC (You will need to request a security key from the Help Desk.)
AISD Million Minute Challenge
SUMMARY:
The AISD Million Minute Challenge is a friendly reading competition between schools. The Million Minute Challenge will begin on October 16, 2023.
All reading counts and minutes for students should be logged using this google form.
Read more about this year’s challenge here.
The AISD Million Minute Challenge is a healthy reading competition between schools, and all students in grades PK-12 are encouraged to participate by reading and logging minutes using this form.
Please review the information on this link to learn more about the Million Minute Challenge and to review some important changes for this year’s contest.
All reading counts! See some of the examples below:
Books
Audiobooks
MackinVIA
eBooks
IXL
Graphic novels/comics
Newspapers/magazines
Epic Books Online
Read aloud
Also, to provide ease of access for students, a tile has been added in the portal.
Teachers and principals are asked to share pictures of their students reading via social media using the following tags and hashtags:
@AustinISD
#AISDReads
#millionminutechallenge
Last year, AISD students logged over 2.5 million minutes during the AISD Million Minute Reading Challenge and we hope to break that record during this year’s challenge.
What are some ideas to address challenging behaviors?
HCP Asynchronous Course: Understanding the Dual Language Data Collection Tool
SUMMARY:
Professional Learning sessions for Understanding the Dual Language Data Collection Tool were offered in July and August 2023 during designated professional learning days
An asynchronous course was initially created to serve as a resource and can be used as an alternative for make-ups or for newly hired teachers and instructional support staff
The goal remains that 100% of dual language teachers, dual language partner teachers, and instructional support staff receive this foundational and required training
The Elementary Dual Language Data Collection Tool was launched in August 2023 and in-person professional learning sessions for Understanding the Dual Language Data Collection Tool were offered in July and August 2023 during designated professional learning days. According to HCP attendance records, approximately 70% of classroom dual language teachers participated in this required foundational session as of September 29, 2023.
In order to reach the goal of 100% participation, the following asynchronous course can be used as an alternative for make-ups, for newly hired teachers and instructional staff, or as a campus resource.
Session Title: Understanding the Dual Language Data Collection Tool (asynchronous)
Audience: Elementary dual language teachers, dual language partner teachers, instructional support staff, administrators
1.5 hours PLED eligible with Principal approval
Campus Visits
SUMMARY:
The Early Learning Specialists started visiting campuses to introduce themselves to administrators, if available, and classroom teachers. They’ve also collected broad level data to inform the team’s work/campus support.
Data gathered is focused on classroom environments and curriculum. Teacher names are not included.
Principals and teachers have the opportunity to provide us with additional data through a feedback survey linked below.
Campus Visits:
The Early Learning Specialists started conducting brief campus visits to introduce themselves to campus administrators, if available, and classroom teachers/TAs.
The Early Learning Coordinator and Director/Sub Director will visit some campuses to help us achieve our goal of having all campuses visited by Friday, November 3rd.
Data Collection through Campus Visits:
Data on classroom environments and curriculum is being gathered during initial campus visits to inform the Early Learning Team’s work and campus support.
No teacher names are included in the data collection.
Data collection is not evaluative so feedback is not being provided.
Teacher/TA does not need to be present for data to be gathered.
TEA and Austin ISD Required Professional Learning Series
IMPORTANT
Immediate action steps for staff:
All campus instructional staff, including teaching assistants will be automatically enrolled in the following HCP courses:
2023-2024 District Required Learning Series for Instructional Staff - HCP course SPE.46677
2023-2024 District Required Learning Series for Teaching Assistant & Job Coaches - HCP course SPE.46683
By Oct. 9, complete the HCP course #SPE.46671; 2023-2024 District Required Series for Campus Administrators: Iris Center Professional Learning Series that you accessed on 9/13/2023 during the Principal Meeting.
Hours will be reserved on October 9th PL Day for campus instructional staff to complete HCP course #SPE.46677; 2023-2024 District Required Series for Instructional Staff: Iris Center Professional Learning Series in HCP/Blend.
By Oct. 1, create your TEA Learn account.
Optional technical assistance: Watch and distribute 4-minute video on How to Create TEA Learn Accounts for additional support.
Campus instructional staff need to create their TEA Learn Accounts on or before October 9th
Essential area teachers are encouraged to enroll sooner to utilize Sep. 25th for their training day
Campus instructional staff should access HCP course #SPE.46677; 2023-2024 District Required Series for Instructional Staff: TEA Learn Tier Learning Series
*Staff must download a certificate of completion from the TEA Learn course then upload to the AISD Blend course. Instructions are provided in the AISD Blend course. Grade levels- one module per month dedicated for completion. Longer modules may require additional time/pacing.
Update & Information Guide 11/12/23
Please review and share this helpful information with campus staff members to support the completion of the November 13th TEA required Professional Learning. The information guide includes technical assistance options, troubleshooting tips, and Spanish language support.
Thank you,
The Austin ISD Special Education Team
Maximizing MAP Growth data via MAP Accelerator, DreamBox, and IXL (Kindergarten)
SUMMARY:
Campuses and classrooms now have access to the following literacy and numeracy digital
supports that connect MAP student data to the following programs:
MAP Accelerator for MATH (available in Spanish), DreamBox (available in Spanish), and IXL (available in Spanish)
Background
AISD has several digital tools to support literacy and numeracy:
***NEW***MAP Accelerator for MATH: goes LIVE this Thursday, 9/21. Look for the MAP Accelerator tile in the AISD Portal. Administrators and teachers will receive welcome emails from Khan Academy (no-reply@khanacademy.org). Students will not receive emails.
DreamBox - directions for setting up assignments in DreamBox connected to RiT score
IXL - working w/ vendor to upload AISD student data; sync happening soon.
Please reach out to Jennifer Abramson and your Academic Coaching Specialists for support getting students logged into these digital learning platforms.
Sustainable Schools: Professional Development for Teachers & Staff
SUMMARY:
Take the Sustainable Schools course, available on-demand on BLEND (PLED eligible), to learn about the sustainable features and resources available to AISD staff and students. (Enroll here!)
Learn how to transform your school building and grounds into a hands-on learning lab for sustainability education, and how this impacts student wellbeing and learning outcomes.
The AISD Sustainability Office is proud to offer Sustainable Schools, an asynchronous course available on-demand on BLEND (PLED eligible). This course, designed for teachers and staff, will provide you with the information, guidelines, and resources you’ll need to maximize the sustainability of your school and transform your building and grounds into a hands-on learning lab for sustainability education. Topics include sustainable transportation, food, nature and outdoor learning, water and energy efficiency and conservation, zero waste, and indoor environmental quality. Each module connects to free, TEKS-aligned, K-12 lesson plans that are ready to use in your classroom.
After completing this course, you will be able to implement changes to create a healthier learning and work environment, reduce your building’s negative impact on the environment, encourage energy efficiency and resource conservation, and foster student learning about the environment. We encourage you to complete the course in small groups or share your learnings with your colleagues in a staff meeting or PLC for wider impact!
PPfT Training
SUMMARY:
For the 23-24 SY, teachers completed this required training on their campus, August 8th.
All teachers should have received the orientation on your campus.
So far we’ve received over 3,500 teacher feedback responses!
Overwhelmingly teachers have indicated they prefer the in-person orientation.
Thank you all for assisting in the effort to clarify and communicate the information!
Teachers who were hired after or who did not attend the orientation, will complete the online orientation in BLEND.
Teachers will verify completion of the training in their 23-24 PPfT Appraisal plan in HCP.
Employee Effectiveness will enroll teachers hired late in the online orientation.
ALL teachers must receive the annual training per TEA guidelines.
Employee Effectiveness is tracking and enrolling new hires.
If you have any questions, please contact your assigned district Coordinator, or email ppft@austinisd.org.
AISD Employee Handbook - Action Required
** Action Required **
2023-24 Employee Handbook
Team Austin ISD,
We are so excited to have you back for the 2023-24 school year and are ready to kick off a successful year of teaching, learning, and growing together as an Austin ISD family.
The Austin ISD Employee Handbook is updated annually to reflect any changes to District, state, or federal policies and is shared with all employees as an important resource.
A link to the 2023-24 Employee Handbook is available below. It is the responsibility of each employee to review, understand and comply with the Employee Handbook as a condition of their employment with Austin ISD. Once you review the Employee Handbook, no further action is needed.
If you have any questions regarding the 2023-24 Employee Handbook, please don’t hesitate to reach out through Let’s Talk.
Thank you,
Austin ISD Office of Talent Strategy (Formerly the Office of Human Capital)
AISD Professional Resource Library for Staff
SUMMARY:
The Professional Resource Library (PRL) provides professional books and materials to support teaching and learning; they are available for check out to all AISD staff members.
Staff members can locate resources using the online catalog and request delivery to their campuses using the Materials Request Form, or visit the PRL in person during the hours listed below.
The PRL is now located at Metz, 84 Robert T. Martinez, Jr., St., 78702.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
The Professional Resource Library (PRL) was relocated this summer and is now open at our new location during the hours listed below for in person services, or anytime via the online catalog and Materials Request Form. See the PRL Webpage for delivery and pickup options, checkout policies, and instructions for accessing professional eBooks and journals online. We are excited to offer new hours for this year in our new location!
AISD PROFESSIONAL RESOURCE LIBRARY @ METZ
84 Robert T. Martinez, Jr., St., Austin, TX 78702
—------------OPEN HOURS—------------
Tuesdays | 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Wednesdays | 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Thursdays | 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. AND 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Check the sign at the front door for the librarian on duty and Teams or call for entrance.
RESOURCES AVAILABLE for checkout from the PRL include professional books for educators, class sets of books, audiobooks, kits, makerspace materials, educational games and manipulatives, and much more.
QUICK LINKS:
PRL Webpage (which also has all of the following links)
Online Catalog to search for resources
Materials Request Form to check out resources
Printable PRL Flyer with QR codes for the catalog and request form
Email professional.library@austinisd.org with questions, or contact Shannon Pearce, Library Coordinator.
School Safety & Security Plan Books
2023-2024 Professional Learning Opportunities for Special Education Teachers and TAs
SUMMARY:
Please review and share the following professional learning opportunities (for special education teachers, dyslexia interventionists, administrators, and paraprofessionals).
Please review and add a digital link of the 2023 - 2024 Parent, Family, and Community Learning and Engagement Opportunities to your school’s websites. Also print and share at initial and annual ARD meetings to promote family engagement. Staff are welcome to attend, as well.
2023-2024 Professional Learning Calendar
Please review and share our 2023-24 Special Education PL Calendar with staff. Of note, any Austin ISD staff member who has restrained a student is required to complete the CPI course within 30 days of the event. It is highly recommended that all special education teachers providing SBS, SCORES, and ECSE services attend training.
Dyslexia Intervention
Please ensure personnel who will be serving students with dyslexia (e.g., dyslexia interventionists, special education teachers, and supplemental reading elective teachers) are trained to provide one or more of district supported dyslexia interventions. Please review and share the Professional Learning Opportunities with appropriate staff.
Parent Power Hours
The Special Education Department will be offering monthly family engagement sessions to parents and community members surrounding topics such as the ABC’s of IEPs, Transition Services, Social Emotional Learning, and more! These sessions will be provided virtually or in person, and will be translated for Spanish speaking families. For more information, please review and share the 2023 - 2024 Parent, Family, and Community Learning and Engagement Opportunities English, Spanish. We increase family access to these opportunities when you include them in your newsletters and campus communications. We appreciate your support!Dual Language Expectations
New State Mandates Regarding School Safety and Discipline
SUMMARY:
Please be prepared share the information below regarding new state mandates through your campus socials and newsletters:
1. Last spring, the Texas Legislature passed a new law, HB 3, requiring all Texas school districts to have at least one armed security officer at every campus during school hours.
Austin ISD is NOT considering arming teachers or other district employees outside of Austin ISD Police Department to comply with the law.
We are planning to hire more than 70 new SRO’s to cover all 78 elementary campuses, plus associated support staff, to meet the new requirements.
The board is required to approve the required number of SROs per campus. They are anticipated to adopt this plan at their August 31 voting meeting.
2. A new state law, HB 114, mandates that ALL e-cigarettes (THC and Tobacco) are prohibited at or near public schools and school events.
House Bill 114 requires a student to be placed in the District Alternative Education Program (DAEP) if the student possesses, uses, is under the influence of, sells, gives, or delivers marijuana, THC, or an e-cigarette while on campus, within 300 feet of school property, or at a school-related event.
Under Austin ISD guidelines, this is a 20-day DAEP placement.
3. To further our efforts to protect students from firearms, and as a courtesy to our families, Austin ISD is informing families of the legal obligations to protect minors from negligent gun storage.
Texas State Law 46.13 indicates that a person commits an offense if a child gains access to a readily dischargeable firearm and the person with criminal negligence: failed to secure the firearm; or left the firearm in a place to which the person knew or should have known the child would gain access.
ERP Support
SUMMARY:
ERP-related resources for teachers are located in ERP Central, under the Teacher label.
Optional ERP for Teacher training sessions are being offered virtually. View and share this ERP Training Calendar.
It has been a month since the launch of our new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. Since then, we have continued to add and refine step-by-step guides, instructional videos and other resources to help the staff learn how to navigate the system and complete the actions necessary to be successful in their day-to-day responsibilities.
Librarian News
Panda staff,
Just a reminder of our upcoming Spirit Night! See Flyer.
PK4 and Kinder can start checking out books this week. Bring your student ID badges with you each week. Teachers can decide if library books go home or stay in the classroom. Here is a link to the parent agreement in English and Spanish if you would like to send books home. I don't need a copy of the agreement. It is for the teacher to keep.
Borrowing Library Books Parent Agreement (Eng & Spn)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1p5vZl3WXPOi4NAXrLKFPB8QGGh-zCgWC/view?usp=sharing
The Parent Agreement along with the Library Schedule, Library Lesson Plans, New Books In the Library Infographics and more can always be found in the Library folder of the All Staff Google Drive.
Instructional Coach Corner
Hi! How is this IC site working for you? If you have any feedback or resources you want to share with all of us, please let me know. There are vocabulary picture files in the ENG and SPA folders, name "Fall Word Cards" and "Pumpkin Word Cards". You might want to use them for your classes these three coming weeks.
My November calendar is uploaded . Also, a Flowchart about how to upload your certificates from TEALearn to AISD BLEND is uploaded in the "AISD + TEA Partnership" page . Check out that page for more information about this partnership.
As I continue growing into this new role, please reach out to me by TEAMS, email, or the form just below if you need anything. There are three ways I can support you: by providing resources, by co-planning with you, and by scheduling an observation in order to provide you feedback. It does not have to be ONLY teacher observations, it can be STUDENT/S OBSERVATIONS too!
ECSE Spotlight (Tips Corner)
Here is some helpful information on inclusion/co-teaching. Check out the link below for more information.
https://sites.google.com/austinisd.org/aisdspecialeducation/inclusion-co-teaching
Parent Smore Links
The following newsletter and information is shared with families monthly.
October Newsletter: https://www.smore.com/fcnr4a
November Newsletter: https://www.smore.com/69vck
December Newsletter: https://www.smore.com/12yx5
January Newsletter: https://www.smore.com/3pg1z
T-Shirt & Jean Days
- Monday: Campus Panda T-Shirt Day
- Friday: College T-Shirt Day
Photo & Info Request
1. Headshot photo of yourself
2. Name of college (s) and/or universities or school if attended
Thank you to all who have sent their photos so far! Keep them coming!
Updated Weather Guidelines 9/17/2023
HMH Training for Kindergarten Teachers
HMH Memo from Jessica Joliffe:
- All K-3 teachers who teach Language Arts will receive print Foundational Literacy Materials from HMH.
- Click here to view a list of professional learning options on the new materials.
- Click here for these sessions at EDU
- Questions? Contact Jessica Joliffe at jessica.joliffe@austinisd.org
SEL & CP& I Resources
Message from our SEL & CPI Contact: Theresa Garcia
Dear AISD colleagues and collaborators,
The SEL and CP&I Elementary Team has curated a website with resources to support:
- Daily/Weekly lessons (Morning Meetings, Morning Circles, links to the Second Step curriculum)
- Peace Areas & Peace Paths (for Conflict Resolution)
- Mindfulness Practices
- Culturally responsive resources
- PLED eligible BLEND course learning opportunities
- and more
Click here! We look forward to being a source of support as you build classroom community in support of teaching and learning. We value the critical role SEL and CP&I serve in service of academic achievement. Let me know how I can help you achieve your vision and goals.
Staff Birthdays
January
ROSEMARY RAMIREZ (CI) 01/07
GRISELDA NERI (Instr. Coach) 01/14
ORQUIDEA GARCIA (ECSE) 01/18
ILIN GUERRA (TA-PK4) 01/25
DAHLIA FIGUEROA (TA-PK4) 01/28
**PLEASE turn in information sheets in order to add new birthdays!
5200 Freidrich Lane
Austin, Texas 78744
(512) 414-5520