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Hi friends, 

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. 

  • If needed, don’t forget our FREE Employee Assistance Program services are available 24/7 and confidential for all employees. 

  • Contact 1-833-515-0762 to access any of the EAP services.

And…a huge shoutout to our amazing counselors during School Counselor Appreciation Week. Thank you for your dedication to all of our students!

Now let’s get started…

Students see history come alive in East Austin Crawl, Huston-Tillotson University Tour

East Austin Black History Month Crawl
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.

East Austin Black History Month Crawl
East Austin Black History Month Crawl
East Austin Black History Month Crawl

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

Austin ISD PreK

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.

  • Austin ISD staff are guaranteed a seat at their preferred campus.

Of note…general enrollment opens on April 1. 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.

For more information on Early Bird Tuition-Based Pre-K4, visit austinisd.org/early-bird.

First athletic field to kick off construction this spring, full construction schedule released

Bond Banner

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.

  • You can also submit feedback through the Questions & Comments form. 

Summer Internship Program

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.

Mark your Calendar

calendar

National African American Heritage Month - Feb. 1 to Feb. 28

Special Education: Alternatives to Guardianship Law Clinic - Feb. 8

Kick off with Kickball: Black History Month Community Event - Feb. 8

School Resource Officer Appreciation Week- Feb. 10-14

Advocacy Advisory Committee (AAC) Meeting- Feb. 10

District Advisory Council Meeting- Feb. 11

Equity Advisory Committee (EAC) Meeting- Feb.11

School Safety & Security Committee Meeting- Feb. 11

Community Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC)- Feb. 11

Burnet Middle School Community Dinner and Conversation- Feb. 11

Tools for Success / Herramientas para el éxito- Feb. 12

Summer Internship Info Session- Feb. 12

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

Kick off with Kickball: Black History Month Community Event

Join us from 12 - 4 p.m. on Saturday at Rosewood Neighborhood Park, 2300 Rosewood Ave, Austin, TX 78702, for a community-oriented event that promotes wellness through food, games, and resources for all!

Austin ISD In the News

news anchor

Austin ISD given 200 bikes by Highstreet Insurance- KVUE

Austin school district seeks budget savings through centralized magnet pickup model - Statesman

JJ Maldonado

This week we received a donation of 200 bikes, which will be used as an attendance incentive at a summer school program! Thank you to the Office of Innovation and Development, Highstreet Insurance Partners and Build-A-Bike for teaming up to make this happen for our students. 

200 bikes donated to Austin ISD
200 bikes donated to Austin ISD

Have a great weekend everyone!

-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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