Eagle Update: April 12, 2024
Barton Hills Elementary
Hello BHE Families:
Happy Friday and the end of an eventful week! I hope everyone had an opportunity to experience the eclipse on Monday. Despite the cloud cover, we had a great time here at the school, and we cheered as often as possible. Thank you all for coming to our Student Showcase last evening. It is always fun to share student work with parents and see all the fantastic learning throughout the year. This upcoming week, we start STAAR testing for grades 3 - 5. On Tuesday, all 3rd - 5th graders will be STAAR testing, and the campus will be closed to visitors (volunteers, lunch visits, etc.). We will do the same on Wednesday the following week. Small changes in the PE, Music, and Art schedules will also be made for all grade levels to accommodate testing.
Mark your calendar now for one of the most entertaining evenings of the year. Yes, planning has started for the Teacher Talent Show! We will be on stage the evening of Thursday, May 16th, beginning at 6:00 PM in the Barton Hills Performing Arts Center (the cafeteria). We are bringing back some favorites and debuting some new acts - you never know what these teachers can do!
Here are the other highlights of this week's newsletter
- Check out the Coach's Corner for important information about Field Day and FitnessGram testing
- Our P2 focus will be Purpose: you have beliefs about the meaning of life and your life’s purpose
Thank you, as always, for being a part of our Barton Hills Community!
Kati Achtermann
Our Goal Mosaic Progress
April 16 - STAAR ELAR Grades 3 - 5
April 17 - STAAR Make-Up Day ELAR Grades 3 - 5
April 18 - STAAR Science Grade 5 only
April 19 - STAAR Science Make Up Day Grade 5 Only
April 24 - STAAR Math Grades 3 - 5
April 25 - STAAR Math Make Up Day Grades 3 - 5
April 26 - Field Day!
May 3 - BHE Spirit Day - Star Wars Day
- Kinder Rodeo
May 10 - Spirit Day - Hawaiian Shirt Day
May 16 - Teacher Talent Show 6:00 PMCoach's Corner
Notes from Coach Mueller and Matson
PE ‘s Focus for Next Week:
Monday: Marathon Kids, Focus Marathon Kids, Track Day (Weather Permitting, may move throughout week).
TUESDAY- Soccer. . . Mini Team Games to help with passing and moving, Soccer Skills. Kicking Control. Preview/Warm Up to Fitness Gram Testing (3rd-5th Grade Only).
Wednesday- Soccer. . . Mini Team Games to help with passing and moving, Soccer Skills. Kicking Control. Preview/Warm Up to Fitness Gram Testing (3rd-5th Grade Only).
Thursday- Fun Thursday, K-5th Grades Student Lead activities and games inside and outside. (Weather Permitting, may move throughout week)
Friday- Hybrid Fun Friday, Grades will have Fun Day activities, with mini soccer activities on the soccer field. K-5th (Weather Permitting, may move throughout week)
Quick note/reminders:
- Field Day is scheduled to be on Friday April 26th. Most of the activities and events will be just as exciting and fun as last year. Parents are encouraged to come during their students’ time. Just head out to the track, but if you are wanting to take them home afterwards you will still have to sign them out with the office.
- For Field Day we are looking for some parent volunteers to help supervise station areas, if you're available. There will be two different blocks for students. K-2 the first half of the day, and 3rd-5th the second half. So, if you are only available for one, any help is appreciated. If you are interested, please click on this link(HERE) for a google form link to sign up if you are interested in volunteering. Bring on the fun. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1mVdKLjXRsB8nzgboN1Ke9XMZBY3Z8gzNFaJCw5YX4fM/edit
- For grades 3-5th Fitnessgram testing window is from Apr 22nd – May 10th. Please attached letter for description of activities and process.
- Something to work forward to is Walk and Bike to school is May 8th. We will take a survey and see the results. The Golden Shoe may make an appearance this week.
- With spring weather/temperatures now in the forecast, students are encouraged to dress accordingly for outside temperatures. Jackets/sweaters are encouraged to be worn. Water Bottles with sealable lids can be brought to PE too. Students need to remember to take them after PE is over.
- If your student has a Doctors/parents note that requires them not to participate in PE. Please email their classroom teacher, me (philip.mueller.@austinisd.org) and cindy.reyes@austinisd.org (front office). "
Autism Acceptance Month
April is International and National Autism Acceptance Month. Autism refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and communication.
In honor of Autism Acceptance month, families, community members, and staff are invited to attend a three-part, virtual learning series focused on Autism hosted by VELA. Please see these flyers for more information (Autism Learning Series (Eng), Autism Learning Series (Spn)).
Positivity Project
This week our school community will be focusing on the character strength of Purpose. Purpose means you have beliefs about the meaning of life and your life’s purpose. You seek to be part of something greater than yourself.
Purpose gives individuals the sense that they are put on this earth for a reason and that they are somehow connected with humanity or the universe. People who possess a sense of purpose believe that they were put on earth for a reason. That reason can have all kinds of variety. It could be to create a unique invention, bring joy through art or music, or raise their children to become good people. These people have a true calling.
Having a clear sense of purpose in life and believing that you’re connected to a larger meaning gives individuals strength. It allows them to persevere and find courage in trying circumstances or lead with kindness and love even when it’s not reciprocated. Those with a sense of purpose have more meaning in their life -- and are more fulfilled.
To practice and encourage the character strength of purpose with your child, please visit the Positivity Project’s P2 for Families (password: P2), where together you will watch a video, read a quote, and talk about the answers to three questions.
Have a wonderful week!
Latinitas Conference: Startup Chica
Latinitas is hosting our conference, Startup Chica on Saturday, April 13, 9am - 5pm at ACC Highland. During the conference, students ages 9-14 will be able to work as a team and with the help of mentors will learn how to create their own business. No experience necessary for this event!
At the end, students will have the opportunity to present in front of a panel of judges and the winning team will receive a fun prize! During the conference, we will also have Latina entrepreneurs sharing about their experiences creating their own business with the students.
During the conference, we will offer breakfast and lunch for all students. Latinitas is committed to student safety and will have a parent/guardian sign the student in and out.
We are currently offering all students a full scholarship to attend Startup Chica. Please enter the code Startupchica2024 at checkout for 100% off your student's ticket.
If you are interested in registering any of your students or can help us get the word out for this conference, scan the QR code on the flier or click on the link included in this email!
Family’s Guide to Think College for Students with an Intellectual Disability
Title: A Family’s Guide to Think College for Students with an Intellectual Disability
Presentation Description: Did you know there are now 332 higher education options for students with intellectual disabilities (ID) in 49 U.S. states, including 17 in Texas? With this expansion of programs, there's a growing need for families to learn more about college options and how to prepare. In this presentation, we will review higher education options and share with families the resources to help prepare their child with the skills needed for college.
When: Tuesday, May 7th
Time: 12-1:00 pm or 6:00-7:00 pm
Where: Virtual Meeting
Meeting ID: 847 2521 0712
If you have questions, please contact the transition services coordinator, Regina.Earls@austinisd.org, or specialists, Judith.LeBlanc@austinisd.org, Courtney.Gregori@austinisd.org.
Internet Access Resources
In alignment with our goal to continuously provide an equitable and accessible learning experience for our students, the Information Technology Department, today, has launched Austin ISD’s new Internet Access Resources webpage.
The Internet Access Resources page will provide families who may require additional resources with the following:
List of resources with locations for access to free Wi-Fi
List of options for affordable internet services
Please share the below links with families at your campus:
Summer Camp Flyers
Calling all future Maroons to join us this summer at Jimmy Clay Golf Course for AHS Mini-Maroons Golf Camp. This camp is open to all K-5th grade students and is intended for golfers of all skill levels from beginners to advanced. The dates of the camp are 5/28-5/30 from 9am to noon.
Please RSVP and make payment using one of the methods below. If you have any questions, please see the attached flyer and/or email Head Golf Coach Nick Lebo at nick.lebo@austinisd.org
RSVP: bit.ly/MiniMaroonRSVP
Payment:
Venmo $250 to MaroonsGolfers
Request a Credit Card invoice through Square by emailing Lauren at ahsgolfbooster@gmail.com
Bring a check made out to Austin High Golf Boosters to the first day of camp
Sincerely,
Coach Lebo
ATX Ballers 2024 Summer Camp registration link
Austin Skate Academy
https://www.instagram.com/austinskateacademy?igsh=MW1hM3dkZG8yMWx2bA==
Cell Phone and Communication Devices at School
Many of our students have cell phones and smart watches at school. District policy allows our students to have these devices at school for safety reasons but all devices should be turned off during the school day so as not to be a distraction during learning. Please see the district policy on cell phones and electronic devices linked in our student success guide for more information.
New COVID-19 Guidelines
On Friday, March 1, 2024, the CDC updated their COVID-19 recommended guidelines for isolation to align with their overarching Respiratory Virus Guidance. Excerpt below:
Prior Guidance: The previous COVID-19 guidance recommended a minimum isolation period of 5 days plus a period of post-isolation precautions and was created during the public health emergency.
Updated Guidance: The updated Respiratory Virus Guidance recommends that people stay home and away from others until at least 24 hours after both their symptoms are getting better overall, and they have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).
In light of this update, Austin ISD will be changing the district policy for staff and students to align with the updated CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance. As such, effective Monday, March 18, 2024, AISD Health Services and Nursing will recommend (but not require) students and staff who test positive for COVID-19 to be out for 24 hours after the date of test positivity. Masking upon return to school will remain optional, but recommended for 5 days if symptomatic.
AISD Calendar
AISD Student Success Guide
The Austin ISD Student Success Guide (Student Code of Conduct) is now available on the Austin ISD District website for students, parents, and guardians to review. One important legislative update is that ALL e-cigarettes (THC and Tobacco) are prohibited. 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, sells, gives, or delivers marijuana, THC, or an e-cigarette (new) 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. Parents and guardians are strongly urged to talk to their students about this new policy and review the Student Success Guide to help keep our schools safe for students and staff. For resources to use when talking with your student about the harmful effects of e-cigarettes visit https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/.
School Safety
Maintaining a safe and positive learning environment for our students is our top priority. This means that we'll continue with some of the practices we put in place last year. It is important to us that our safety protocols are in place AND that our students, families, and staff continue to feel a positive and welcoming environment each day.
Arrival:
- We will continue to have a secure morning arrival with families/caregivers saying goodbye before students enter the building. Parents/Caregivers may walk students to the front walkway during car drop off/walking drop off. Staff members will be outside and inside ready to greet, welcome, and support our students as they enter the building at 7:30. Parents will not be allowed to walk students to the classrooms and portables.
- The front doors will open for breakfast at 7:15 am. At 7:30 am, all students will enter the building.
- The first week our Kinder students will meet their teachers in the cafeteria before going to class. The teachers will be there to meet them and then walk together to the classroom.
- IMPORTANT: There is NO parking in the drive in front of the school between 7:00 - 8:00 am. This lane is reserved for drop off only. If you'd like to walk your child to the front door, please park in the neighborhood and walk to school together. Thank you!
- If you need to bring something to your child after they have entered the building, please leave it on the labeled cart outside the front doors with a clearly marked label. Please call the front office to let us know you are leaving an item (lunch, water bottle, device, etc.) and we will get it to your child.
Exterior Doors:
- All exterior doors will remain locked at all times during the school day. Portable classroom doors will also remain fully locked all day.
- Staff will check each exterior door weekly to ensure they close and lock as intended.
Dismissal:
All kindergarten students will be dismissed with their homeroom teacher at 3:05pm.
1st- 5th grade car riders, walkers, and bikers will be dismissed from specific outdoor locations with their homeroom teacher at 3:10pm.
Older siblings may join younger siblings at the younger sibling location.
Extend-A-Care/YMCA After School Care students will go to the cafeteria.
*See map below for dismissal locations by grade level.
Students must leave by 3:20 at the latest.
Please see map below and note that areas in RED are NO Parking Zones - even for drop off and pick up.
Visitors:
- Visitors are welcome at Barton Hills for the purposes of student support. This may include scheduled parent teacher conferences and meetings, registration, pre-arranged volunteer opportunities, and other scheduled events.
- Lunch Visitors: You may come have lunch with your child. You must sign in at the office prior to going to the cafeteria. Please note that if you plan to have lunch with your students, you will need to plan to eat outside or at a separate designated table. Provide lunch only for your child. Do not arrange to purchase lunch for a group of students and then have your child pass it out. You may only have lunch with your own child - please do not invite other students to join you. *No lunch visitors for the first two weeks of school so we can work on routines and expectations.
- The main front doors are the only entry doors to the campus for visitors. The door buzzer/office communicator is on the right side wall by the front doors. Please push the button to communicate with the office and, once verified, we will buzz you in to the building.
- All visitors MUST sign in at the front office upon arrival AND sign out at the front office when leaving. Please remember to bring your photo ID with you when visiting campus. We will be using the RAPTOR system to scan licenses and print out Visitor tags.
- IMPORTANT: Families, please do not ask a staff member to hold a side or back door open for you to enter the building. All students, parents, and visitors must enter through the front entry doors. Thank you!
Staff Training, Campus Drills, and Threat Assessment
- Our staff will be trained on safety prior to students entering the building.
- We will review safety plans and practices throughout the year.
- We will continue to hold all required safety drills with our students. Most of the drills will be announced drills so our students aren't surprised or alarmed by them.
- Barton Hills has an established threat assessment team comprised of administration, counseling and teaching staff. All members of the team have received Threat Assessment training from Texas State. Licensed Mental Health Providers and School Resource Officers are on call to assist when needed.
Phew! I know that's a lot to digest, but wanted everyone to know we're prepared for a strong, safe, and productive year.