This week is Teaching Assistant Appreciation Week! Be sure to read this newsletter all the way through as Superintendent Segura awarded Golden Raves to a few of our special TAs! Thank you to all of our Teaching Assistants who do amazing work day-in-and-day-out.
ICYMI…The National Association of School Nurses visited the Rosedale School. The visit highlighted the amazing work happening on the campus.
Deaf Awareness Week in Texas is happening now through Sept. 29. Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Texans play significant roles in shaping the personality of our great state. This week recognizes the contributions of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community as they bring valuable perspectives and give innovative input in the workforce, schools and at home.
Now, let's get started…
1 big thing: Benefits Open Enrollment begins Oct. 1
It’s officially fall, which means cooler weather (hopefully), fall festivities and our annual Benefits Open Enrollment starting Oct. 1! This year, we have some new providers, so open enrollment has an earlier deadline of Oct. 15, 2024, for plans starting January 1, 2025.
Why it matters: Health insurance and benefits don’t roll over from year to year so enrollment is required for all eligible employees.
How it works: Want to enroll early and in-person? Visit https://bit.ly/aisdbenefits2025 to see when we'll be at a campus or facility near you!
If you’re a new employee who enrolled in Benefits when you were hired, you will still need to enroll again to be covered in 2025.
The big picture: Austin ISD is committed to investing in the health and well-being of our team. A comprehensive and competitive benefits package is part of that commitment to help our staff and their families live healthy, balanced and fulfilling lives.
Learn more: We have new Medical, Dental & Vision providers, new wellness programs and resources and more. Explore your options on the Austin ISD Benefits website.
For 2025, we’re offering plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, which provides access to quality, low-cost health providers, prescription coverage and preventative care at 100%.
If you're expecting or planning to expand your family, the Maternity/Paternity Toolkit is a valuable resource as you consider your benefits options during Open Enrollment.
What’s next: Join us Oct. 4 at Central Office for our annual open enrollment event, Benefest. Enroll with a benefits counselor, meet with our vendors, visit our wellness rooms and be entered into awesome prize drawings.
District and community continue work of evaluating budget reductions
The Ad-Hoc Joint Community Budget Committee continues its work to identify opportunities to reduce costs.
As cost-saving opportunities are found, the administration will evaluate the potential budget reductions using the newly developed equity rubric.
Why it matters: The district is making every effort to leave no stone unturned in the process to reduce its deficit over the next three years. This includes the committee’s work while also asking voters for $41 million through a tax rate election, on the ballot as Prop A.
What’s new: The district developed an equity-based rubric in collaboration with the committee to evaluate budget cuts.
How it works: The Equity Impact Rubric measures whether reducing a budget line item disproportionately impacts historically underserved students.
It also measures whether it will have an impact on campus leadership and teacher’s ability to support historically underserved students.
Considerations also include whether any cuts will negatively impact district literacy, numeracy goals, and special education goals for historically underserved students.
Driving the news: The Ad-Hoc Joint Community Budget Committee met Sept. 24 to discuss the Operations and Police Department budgets.
What’s next: The committee will continue meeting weekly to evaluate department by department.
Austin ISD invites you to learn more about Prop A
Raves awarded to Teacher Assistants for TA Appreciation Week
This week Superintendent Matias Segura surprised four Teacher Assistants with Golden Rave Awards in recognition of Teacher Assistant Appreciation Week.
Why it matters: Teaching assistants are essential to Austin ISD’s success, providing critical support for students and teachers alike. They play a vital role in Austin ISD, creating inclusive and nurturing environments where every student can succeed.
The winners: Four TAs received the awards recognizing their dedication, creativity, and student advocacy. Check out how they’re making an impact on their campuses:
Meghan Zenchyshyn, Rosedale School: Meghan, who is in her first year as a TA, sets high standards in the TLC Green classroom. “She’s firm but warm, fostering independence,” said Principal Matthew Nelson.
Diocelina Balaguera-Bandak, Sunset Valley Elementary School: With three years in Austin ISD, Diocelina supports a new teacher and a student with medical needs, ensuring they feel safe and supported.
Ruby Garcia, Harris Elementary School: New to Harris this year, Ruby’s student-centered approach and dedication have made a significant impact on the school community.
Kennya Clark, Rosedale School Medical Wing: Kennya, who is in her fifth year as a TA, works in the bilingual elementary classroom, advocating tirelessly for her students and fellow TAs. Her kindness and care shine through in everything she does.
Congratulations and thank you to all our TAs in the district!
September is Attendance Awareness Month, so it’s only appropriate that we close out the month by giving a shoutout to Sandy Castro at Ortega Elementary School! Read how Sandy, also known as the Attendance Fairy, is making a difference at her school and within the district.
For questions or comments you may email me at jorge.maldonado@austinisd.org
This document has been translated using an AI-powered machine translation tool through Thrillshare. As a result, it may contain inaccuracies, errors or inconsistencies that do not reflect the original content accurately.
