Hope you are having a great first week of February!
Current events and the news cycle have created a lot of uncertainty and questions lately. Check out this video from Superintendent Matias Segura on how we’ll manage new state and federal policies.
A huge shoutout to our amazing counselors during School Counselor Appreciation Week. Thank you for your dedication to all of our students!
…and Austin ISD received a generous donation of 200 bikes and helmets for elementary students! Huge thanks to Highstreet Insurance Partners and Build-A-Bike for teaming up to make this happen.
Now, let's get started with this edition…
Students see history come alive in East Austin Crawl, Huston-Tillotson University Tour
Tour stops included the African American Cultural Heritage Facility, Reflections Mural, Dedrick-Hamilton House, George Washington Carver Museum, L.C. Anderson Yellow Jacket Conference Center and Huston-Tillotson University.
Black History Month has officially kicked off at Austin ISD with the raising of the Pan-African Flag. All month long we are celebrating Black History Month with special events, student projects and a panel discussion.
This week some of our students from LBJ, Northeast and Eastside early college high schools took part in the East Austin Crawl and Huston-Tillotson University Tour, learning about some of our historic businesses, education centers and cultural assets of East Austin then and now.
The event was held in partnership with the L.C. Anderson Yellow Jacket Alumni Association, Austin Ed Fund and the Austin ISD Black History Month inclusion group as part of our Black History Month activities.
Introducing Early Bird Pre-K
Early birds get the worm, or in this case, a spot in the brand new Austin ISD Pre-K4 lottery.
Why it matters: Historically, Austin ISD hasn’t opened up Pre-K until April 1 because of state regulations on free Pre-K eligibility. But this year, we’re opening tuition-based seats early so families can secure their seat for high-quality affordable Pre-K4.
The details: Through March 7, in-district families who have a child turning four on or before September 1, and would not qualify for free Pre-K, can apply to up to three Pre-K4 campuses.
After the Early Bird Pre-K enrollment period closes, seats will be chosen by a random lottery.
Yes, and…don’t be discouraged if your family is not selected for Early Bird Tuition-Based Pre-K4. When General Enrollment opens April 1, you’ll be steps ahead on your application and can apply for Pre-K4 with just a few clicks in Enroll Austin! At this time, enrollment will also open for all free and tuition-based Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 seats.
Families who qualify for free Pre-K are guaranteed a seat for their child. These spots have been reserved and will open for applications on April 1.
First athletic field to kick off construction this spring, full construction schedule released
Ahead of football’s biggest game this weekend, we have some big news from the 2022 Bond as we lay the groundwork for the future of athletics in Austin ISD.
LBJ and Northeast early college college high schools will be the first of many fields to be renovated with artificial turf.
Let’s go back: As part of the 2022 Bond Program, Austin ISD comprehensive high schools will receive artificial turf and other athletic field improvements.
We originally aimed to complete the first few fields by the end of Summer 2024, but design challenges and permitting took longer than expected.
We’ve worked with the City of Austin for the last year and a half to resolve any issues and get permits to move forward.
The bottom line: We now anticipate the majority of fields to be complete by the end of 2025, with a few wrapping up in early 2026.
Check out the latest schedule for all comprehensive high school campuses.
Go deeper: For the latest information on the projects, including timelines and FAQs, please visit AISDfuture.com.
Join a virtual information session about the Austin ISD Summer Internship Program and how to apply on Wednesday, February 12, from 7-8 p.m. on Google Meets. Find out more information.
The weather’s looking perfect for this weekend. If you don’t have any plans, join us for the Black History Month Kickoff at Rosewood Neighborhood Park. Bring the whole family! It is going to be fun with kickball, local vendors, delicious food and much more. Best part– It’s free!
On a personal note, I’m anxious and excited –just one more month until my baby girl arrives (if she decides to wait until her due date). Wish me luck!
Have a great weekend!
Nayeli 💛
For questions or comments please email me at nayeli.santoyoflores@austinisd.org
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