Hello Families,
Hope you're having a great week! Can you believe we're almost through the first month of the year? Time is flying!
Reminder: Next week is another short week for Austin ISD students. Wednesday, January 29 is a Student Holiday/Staff Development in observance of Lunar New Year.
Also…today is the last day to sign up to become a volunteer male mentor for second grade students!
Don’t miss the final Tools for Success Session of the month. This session will explore the diverse Career and Technical Education programs and resources that are available in Austin ISD.
ICYMI: Superintendent Matias Segura shared a message on immigration and student support, FAQs and resources on how we’re supporting our students. To echo his sentiments, our focus remains on our students’ academic success, mental health and well-being.
Now, let's get started with this edition…
1 big thing: Congratulations to the Teachers of the Year, Teachers of Promise for 2025
Check out the full list here and be sure to congratulate your campus' honoree!
Salute Awards Ceremony is happening on May 7, 2025, where we will also recognize campus Teachers of Promise and Teachers of the Year for their extraordinary contributions.
Bryker Woods becomes first elementary IB school in Austin ISD
Before we dive in, have you ever heard of an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program Campus? I didn’t know much about it at first, but let me share what I’ve learned.
An International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program campus is a school that focuses on helping young students grow into curious, creative, and thoughtful learners.
The program encourages kids to explore big ideas, ask questions, and connect what they’re learning to the world around them, all while developing important skills for the future.
What they are saying: “We live in a very challenging time and this program helps our students be aware of the world around them, open-minded to differences and just embracing the idea that we have to work together to survive and thrive,” Bryker Woods Principal Alicia Hill said. “We have the power to make the world a better place.”
The process: It’s a long journey that began with conversations among teachers, staff and the Bryker Woods community about applying for IB recognition.
Once the campus becomes a candidate school, the process continues with hours of planning, training, collaboration and hard work to earn the authorization.
Then IB representatives visit every classroom to make sure everyone is committed to the program.
IB in Austin ISD: Bryker Woods is the first elementary school to be recognized as an IB campus. Murchison Middle School and Anderson High School are also part of the IB program in the district.
What’s next: In five years, Bryker Woods Elementary School must reapply and meet all the requirements to keep their IB campus status.
The 2022 Bond is in full swing
Over the last year, a lot of progress has been made on the 2022 Bond. Check out the headway here!
Last year, Austin ISD celebrated 10 groundbreakings and construction kick-offs.
In November and December, we broke ground on three full modernizations —Travis ECHS, Pecan Springs and Houston elementary schools. The schools celebrated with performances from students and remarks from Superintendent Matias Segura.
All three schools will feature flexible spaces, outdoor learning opportunities, educator collaboration areas and security upgrades.
Of Note: The Pecan Springs community has temporarily relocated to portables at Winn Montessori during their construction.
Zoom In: Full modernizations are underway!
Sadler Means YWLA demolition was completed in December 2024. New construction began in January 2025.
Harris construction is underway and on schedule for opening Spring 2026.
Wooten Elementary School demolition is complete and on schedule to open Fall 2026.
Allison Elementary School construction is underway.
What’s Next: Over a dozen schools are expected to start construction this spring. Check out the project schedule to find your school.
Go Deeper: To learn more about the projects planned at a specific campus, check out the 2022 Bond Book or visit bond.austinschools.org/bond-projects. For updates on the 2022 Bond, visit AISDFuture.com.
Become a male role model! Volunteer to MENtor 2nd- grade students. Sign-up here.
Virtual Gifted and Talented (GT) information sessions: Wednesday, Jan. 19 & Thursday, Jan. 30.
Mark your Calendar
Summer internship program for students: Deadline is Feb. 28
Austin ISD In the News
It was a short, but super productive week!
I've been with the district for 2.5 years and I feel like I'm always learning something new.
Last week, I got to meet the awesome Cheer Team from Sunset Valley Elementary School—the “Cheetah Cheer Team.” It’s made up of third, fourth, and fifth graders, and as far as I know, it’s the only elementary cheer team in Austin ISD. They’ve got their first state competition tomorrow, so I’m wishing them the best of luck, but most of all, I hope they enjoy the experience! Here are a few pics from their practice.
Have a great weekend!
Nayeli 💛
For questions or comments please email me at nayeli.santoyoflores@austinisd.org
For languages other than English and Spanish, we use an AI-powered translation tool. As a result, there may be some contextual inaccuracies or other errors. We apologize for this. Please email translation@austinisd.org if you are in need of clarification. To change your preferred correspondence language, contact your school's front office.
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