Hello Families,
We know there's a lot happening across the district. This week's Board Bulletin gives you a recap of last night’s board meeting which includes discussions on Student Achievement and an update on Dobie Middle School. You may read the bulletin on our website.
This week was Assistant Principal and School Librarian Appreciation Week! We hope y’all have taken the time to show our APs and Librarians some TLC and to thank them for all their hard work at the district.
Reminder: Next Friday, April 18, is a Student Holiday, Staff Development day and Good Friday.
Let’s get started….
Volunteer Spotlight: How Sarah Syma Swantner makes an impact, one copy at a time
April is Volunteer Appreciation Month and Austin ISD is excited to celebrate the incredible contributions of our volunteers.
Volunteers like Sarah Syma Swantner play an essential role in enriching our students’ educational experiences and supporting our teachers. Their time and talents help us fulfill our mission to prepare every student for success in college, career, and life.
Meet the volunteer: Sarah Syma Swantner’s journey into volunteering at Cunningham Elementary School started with her passion for education. As a former fifth-grade teacher and a mom of two, Sarah’s experience has fueled her desire to help lighten the load for teachers so they can focus on what matters most—caring for students. Whether it’s making hundreds of copies or helping with communications for the PTA, Sarah's hands-on approach has made her a beloved part of the school community.
For Sarah, volunteering isn’t just about the tasks—it’s about the connections she makes with teachers, staff, and students. It’s about showing up with a positive attitude, knowing that even the smallest tasks can make a significant impact. "I just want to help in any way I can. Even if it’s something small, it makes a difference," she said.
What they’re saying: “Working with Sarah is extraordinary,” Parent Support Specialist Citlali Rodriguez said. “I have never met someone so willing to do whatever it takes for our school. Whether it's making copies or decorating, she's always ready to help. We're truly grateful to have such an amazing volunteer on our campus. She's a great example of what a volunteer should be.”
Advice for new volunteers: Sarah encourages anyone considering volunteering to jump in and find something they enjoy.
Get involved: Inspired by Sarah's commitment? You can also make an impact and volunteer at Austin ISD! To get involved, visit our volunteer registration page.
Autism Acceptance: Amy Hardin in 5 Questions
Editor's note: This article was featured in this week's Leader Letter.
April is Autism Acceptance Month.
Why specialize in Special Education and particularly in Autism?
Amy Hardin says she developed a love for people with disabilities because she grew up surrounded by THEIR love — her aunt’s love, her cousin’s love — and specially, the love of a child who had Down Syndrome and whom she babysat for years.
But, when it came to deciding how she’d make a living, Hardin went to business school.
Remember what it’s like deciding how to choose a career? It can be confusing, overwhelming. The question often is — should I follow my heart? If I do, what’s the job market for my skill set?
Hardin ended up getting a degree in business, but her heart kept tugging. Should she become a nurse? Or a teacher? And if she was to become a teacher, she knew she’d specialize in Special Education. Fast forward to today and Hardin is now a veteran educator with 17 years of service and more love than she can handle from the many students she has served.
What’s your favorite story about Autism?
There are two. One is an actual story book, David Small’s 1985 “Imogene’s Antlers” which is about a girl who wakes up one day to find she grew antlers overnight and, as you may imagine, there’s a lot of adjustments that need to take place.
The second story happened in the hallway of Hardin’s school. A parent-volunteer witnessed a child with Autism going through an episode. Hardin overheard the parent say, "I need to invite that child over for a playdate." The story is simple, but it moved Hardin because “that’s exactly what kids with Autism need! They need to be included in social activities and often they are not.” Maybe because Autism is still misunderstood by many.
If Autism were a color, which color would it be for you?
Green! Because it combines blue and yellow (two of Hardin’s favorite colors!) Hardin, however, doesn’t use the word “combine," she says “include." For her, teaching children with Autism is all about being inclusive.
If Autism were a song, which song would it be?
It would be Rachel Platten’s 2015 “Fight Song”
If you don’t know it, here’s a sample of the lyrics. You’ll understand why this is her Autism song.
This is my fight song (hey)
Take back my life song (hey)
Prove I'm alright song (hey, ha)
My power's turned on (hey)
Starting right now, I'll be strong (hey)
I'll play my fight song (hey)
And I don't really care if nobody else believes (ha)
'Cause I've still got a lot of fight left in me
Anything else?
“Yes! Everyone needs to know that ALL PEOPLE have special needs” Hardin says. “Whether you have a disability or not. We need to embrace that and teach our students with Autism that they are no different. All people have special needs.”
//Joy Diaz
Austin ISD marks new era as Dr. Stephanie Hawley retires and transformation efforts continue across district
Austin ISD will turn a new chapter in its equity journey as Chief Officer of Organizational Transformation Dr. Stephanie Hawley retires and her team integrates into other areas of the organization.
Why it matters: The Office of Organizational Transformation, formerly the Equity Office, was created in 2019 to integrate equity-minded practices into the organization, especially for decision makers at Central Office. After more than five years, we’re at a point where equity practices are built into many systems and how the district operates.
The details: During the five years a number of systems and trainings were implemented guided by Dr. Hawley’s leadership, including:
More than 1,000 individuals trained through capacity-building sessions with Central Office staff, assistant principals, advisory committees, vendors and community groups
Re-establishment of the Ombuds Office
Implementation of Equity by Design for Austin ISD for the Long Range Planning Process and the historic 2022 Bond Package.
Establishment of the Equity Advisory Committee.
These practices will continue on as integrated parts of Austin ISD.
What they’re saying: “At this point, we also have both a superintendent and a chief of staff who have engaged in many more hours of equity-focused learning experiences than any other leaders in the history of the district,” Dr. Hawley said. “They have both led and participated in a number of the high-impact initiatives.”
The bottom line: While the Office of Organization Transformation will close, we remain committed to implementing organizational change to improve staff and student experiences and academic success across the district.
The Annual Latino Academic Achievement Awards celebrates nominated students, community members, and Dual Language seal of bi-literacy graduates every April.
Wednesday, April 16, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Austin ISD Performing Arts Center, 1500 Barbara Jordan Blvd, Austin, TX 78723
Mark your Calendar
The Austin ISD Early College Programs team will host two 45-minute virtual sessions, one at 12 p.m. and another at 6 p.m., for everyone who is interested in learning about Early College High School (ECHS) & Pathways in Technology (P-TECH) Programs.
Austin ISD In the News
Happening this weekend is the Annual Holi Party Friday, April 11 from 5-7:30 p.m. at the Ann Richards School's Courtyard. Enjoy good food, dance, and the festival of colors!
Have a story idea?
Got a great story about an Austin ISD student, staff, parent, or community member? Share it with us! It could be featured on our website, in our newsletters, on social media, or even on the news!
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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