Hello Austin ISD Families,
My name is Maritza Villela, and I’m the Senior Communications Specialist here at Austin ISD. While Nayeli is out, I’ll be stepping in to bring you the weekly family newsletter. I’m excited to keep you informed and connected with all the amazing things happening across our district.
Earth Week kicks off next Monday, and it's a great time to reflect on how we care for our planet and our community. Check out Earth Week events on the Austin ISD Earth Week page.
Next week we’re also celebrating: Administrative Professionals Week, Afterschool Professionals Week, and School Volunteer Appreciation Week. A HUGE thank you to these incredible individuals who make a big impact behind the scenes and in the lives of our students.
If you know of a great story happening in your school community—whether it’s a standout student, a special project, or a joyful moment—please send it my way. I’d love to help share your school’s shine!
Now, let’s jump into this week’s updates...
2023 State Accountability results slated for release next week
After two years of lawsuits holding up state accountability results, the courts have dismissed the latest effort to block 2023 A-F ratings statewide. The decision allows campus-based grades districtwide to become public for the first time since 2019. As of today, ratings for 2024 have not been released by the courts.
Why it matters: The goal of the A-F accountability system is to easily communicate school performance with families. However, the updated calculations, the updated STAAR assessment and significant shifts in campus ratings could cause more confusion as families try to understand how well their schools are doing.
The details: The Texas Education Agency will release results publicly next week on April 24. Once available, your campus principal will share details on your specific campus grade for the 2023 accountability year and we’ll provide a district overview in next week’s newsletter.
2024 ratings are still withheld due to litigation, but this could change at any time.
2025 accountability ratings based on this spring’s testing cycle are slated for release in August.
Nacho Average Comeback: Austin ISD Food Truck Hits the Road Again
Austin ISD’s Nacho Average Food Truck is back in action, rolling into high school campuses this spring with a revamped menu.
Why it matters: The truck was originally purchased in 2017 with grant funding, but operations were paused in 2020 due to the pandemic and staffing shortages. Thanks to grant funding from No Kid Hungry, the district’s beloved food truck is now back on the road!
How it works: The mobile kitchen offers students exciting, scratch-made meals and helps expand access to fresh, nutritious food.
The truck rotates between Austin ISD high schools, parking at each campus for two days.
Students can use their meal accounts to dine at the truck—whether they qualify for free, reduced-price, or paid meals.
At Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) schools, all students eat free, either in the cafeteria or at the truck.
Campus staff are welcome to purchase meals too.
Next stop: April 21 & 22 at Austin High School and April 23 & 24 at Northeast ECHS!
Learn more about Austin ISD Food Service: austinisd.org/nutrition-food-services
Help us prioritize school attendance
Showing up for school has a huge impact on a child’s academic success, and Austin ISD families play a key role in making sure students get to school every day. Here are some tips to help make school attendance a priority for your child and help them understand why attendance is so important for success in school and their future careers.:
● Talk about the importance of showing up to school every day.
● Help your children maintain daily routines, such as finishing homework and getting a good night’s sleep.
● Try not to schedule dental and non-urgent related medical appointments during the school day.
● Keep your student healthy. If you are concerned about a contagious illness, call your school or health care provider.
● If your children must stay home because they are sick, make sure they have asked teachers for resources and materials to make up for the missed learning time in the classroom. Find more helpful attendance resources for families at austinisd.org/you-count.
ACC is now accepting applications for 2025 scholarships, offering students a chance to secure financial support to help reduce the cost of college! Find more information and apply at students.austincc.edu/scholarships.
Mark your Calendar
Visit austinisd.org/earthweek for fun activities happening all week long!
Austin ISD In the News
As the days get sunnier, I’ve been soaking up the spring weather with outdoor runs, trips to the park with my three dogs, and cheering on my stepson at his baseball games—there’s something special about this time of year!
Coming up this weekend:
The 2nd Annual Eastside Rapid Chess Tournament is happening Saturday at Eastside Early College High School. It’s free for all Austin ISD students in grades 6–12—doors open at 8 a.m., so don’t forget to register!
Wishing you all a restful and joyful long weekend,
–Maritza
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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