Hello Friends,

Can you believe graduation is only four months away? We're collecting senior success stories to showcase the great work happening in our schools. Do you know a graduating senior with a special story? Let us know!

Don’t forget: Next Wednesday, Jan. 29, is a Campus Staff Development/Student Holiday in observance of Lunar New Year. 

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…

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.

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.

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.

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. 

• Visit the Pecan Springs webpage to learn more about the modernization project.

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. 

• You can submit questions and feedback through the Questions & Comments form located on the homepage.

To find out more and apply visit bit.ly/DreamBig2025

School Board Recognition Month- Jan. 1 to Jan. 31

Special Education Family Advisory Committee- Jan. 27

Head Start Policy Council Meeting- Jan. 28

Summer Internship Info Session- Jan. 28

Staff Development/Student Holiday–Lunar New Year- Jan. 29

Tools for Success / Herramientas para el éxito- Choose Your Career Adventure in Austin ISD- Jan. 29

Gifted & Talented Family Information Session- Jan. 29

Environmental Stewardship Advisory Committee Meeting- Jan. 29

Gifted & Talented Family Information Session- Jan. 30

Board Regular Voting Meeting- Jan. 30

School Board Recognition Month- Jan. 1 to Jan. 31

For more events, please visit the Calendar of Events website.

Squad goals: Austin ISD elementary school cheerleaders hope to bring it on at first competition- KUT- Jan. 23

Recapture reform, more funding on Austin ISD’s legislative priorities- Community Impact- Jan. 22

For more information join the Advanced Academics team at bit.ly/AISDGTSession

Thank you to the principals who took part in the Austin Ed Fund’s Principal for a Day! This event helps deepen our community’s understanding of our district's schools and builds stronger connections! 

Y’all we have so much good happening around our schools, it’s important that as we look ahead we are reminded of our purpose and that we’re here to serve our students and the community. Each week I get to see the work of our outstanding students and teachers and what makes Austin ISD so special. 

Stay positive and take care of each other. 

Have a great weekend!

-JJ

For questions or comments you may email me at jorge.maldonado@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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