In the Loop

Emily Burk, AHS Maker Space Integration Technology Specialist, saved the holidays for our employees. Every year Mr. Comeaux gives every employee an ornament made in the maker space. This year, however, we ran into a few obstacles. The laser engraver machine we use for the ornaments broke after we made about 200 ornaments. We needed 750. Emily went above and beyond by taking the machine apart, cleaning it from top to bottom, and learning how to put it all back together. AISD leadership appreciates Emily's determination and willingness to become an engineer to ensure every employee received their anticipated annual ornament.

Ranz Nelson and Brayden Bunting have worked to support students in roles above and beyond the duties of instructional coordinators. Mr. Nelson supported the AEC in an administrator intern capacity and assisted in various aspects of the campus multiple days a week during the fall semester. Mr. Bunting stepped in and performed the duties of two teachers in two science vacancies at AHS. Both of these gentlemen continued to support teachers in their role as Instructional Coordinators.

The AISD Technology Team has taken on some big projects over the past 12 months outside of the standard work orders. The team is working with our growing community to keep equipment updated, and add new campuses and equipment to meet district growth.

Jerod Rollins- Technology Director - Since beginning as Tech Director at AISD in Sept 2021, he has worked to create a priority list for district upgrades. Focused efforts include Newline Screens in classrooms, wifi upgrades, new Chromebooks, and opening new facilities (Rosamond-Sherley Elementary, AHS Indoor Facility, AMS Addition, and Clemons Creek MS 2023).

Stephanie Underwood- Organized and executed the purchase and distribution of 1500 Chromebooks over a 3-week period. She organized the efforts to inventory, configuration, and distribution. This included directing the tech staff, district staff, and AHS practicum students on the distribution of these devices.

Nicholas Bert, Justin Montgomery, Derek Nugent, and Randy Powell- Provided integral support in the Chromebook project.

Phillip Stowers and Chris Anderson- Opening new facilities and transitioning staff into these new facilities.

The Anna ISD Curriculum & Instruction Department is currently looking for educators to present at this year's Anna ISD Learns on Monday, February 20, 2023, a day of breakout sessions FOR teachers, BY teachers. Each year, we design our event focused on accelerating learning and connecting educators with powerful instructional strategies and techniques - and with each other. The sessions will be 45-50 minutes long and will showcase your best instructional strategies. Teachers representing all academic disciplines, levels & all phases of technology education are invited to submit presentations. Presentation sessions will be chosen based on their interest in attendees and relevance to current trends and best practices. Session proposals must be submitted by February 3, 2023. Presenters will be notified of decisions on February 6, 2023. The Anna ISD Learns schedule will be published no later than February 13, 2023. Submit your presentation by visiting https://bit.ly/annaisdlearnspresenters2023

For questions about Anna ISD Learns, please contact Mindi Vandagriff, Coordinator of Professional & Digital Learning, mindi.vandagriff@annaisd.org

For the most up-to-date information about the event, please visit: http://bit.ly/annaisdlearns

Did you know we have a dedicated webpage for you to learn about Anna ISD employeee discounts in the Staff Portal? If you know of any additional ongoing discounts offered to Anna ISD employees, please email Melane Woodbury.

As a Thank You for all you do in our community, the Allen Americans would like to extend a special offer to all Teachers & Staff for select upcoming Allen Americans' home games.

Tickets are as low as $20!

Tickets will go fast - so click this link today!

The Anna ISD police department has a new TIP email address. If you hear or see something suspicious, please email the Anna ISD PD at safetyandsecurity@annaisd.org. This email is a one-way communication tool; you will not receive a response.

Additionally, you can download the iWatch Texas app. The tips on the app are anonymous and will help keep schools safe and secure by alerting the appropriate personnel of any potential threats.

"To me, it's the people. District faculty and staff work hand in hand to serve students, families, and the community. Everything we do is directly related to our desire to see our students become successful and independent adults who will, in turn, pour back into this community when they have the opportunity." - Kerry Bedgood, Coordinator of Intervention Services