Happy eighth week of the spring semester!
This week is Food Service and Warehouse Workers Appreciation Week at Austin ISD. Educating our students is the core function of Austin ISD, but there is so much that goes on in the kitchen/cafeteria and behind the scenes that supports our central mission. The magic that happens in classrooms can't happen without our frontline food service and warehouse workers, and I'm so thankful for them!
As we wrap up February, I know graduation is on the minds of our seniors and their families. For Austin ISD staff who are parents or guardians of graduating seniors, I wanted to make sure you knew you are invited to join me on stage to personally hand your graduate their diploma! To sign up, please fill out this form by April 4.
Last week, I got to participate in a billboard signing event at Covington Middle School. Thanks to our partners, A+ Federal Credit Union and Reagan Outdoor Advertising, Covington student Lilliana will have her amazing artwork displayed on 10 billboards throughout the city!
Monday, February 24
This morning, I'll be meeting with my team and a TEA auditor to discuss our upcoming TEA District Vulnerability Assessment. Afterwards, I'll be meeting with my senior staff to progress our work on the budget, graduation planning, communication protocols and staffing. This afternoon, I'll meet with various team members to prepare for our Thursday Board Voting meeting. After a one-on-one meeting with Interim Chief of Staff, La Kesha Drinks, I'll have an executive coaching session with New Leaders. I'll visit a couple of campuses after, and then head to Webb MS for a staff meetings and community dinner.
Tuesday, February 25
I'll start off the day with our Teachers of Promise at our annual celebration breakfast. Shout out to the Austin Ed Fund for their sponsorship. The first year in any role can be extremely difficult — especially teaching — and these teachers are crushing it. I'm so excited to spend time with them and hear their stories.
Afterwards, I have an interview with Austin Insight, followed by a brief lunch meeting with a community partner. When I get back to the office, I have a one-on-one meeting with Ali Ghilarducci, Chief of Communications and Community Engagement, and then a meeting with Drs. Angel Wilson and Latonia Amerson, Assistant Superintendent and Executive Director of secondary school leadership. This afternoon, I have a call with Texas Urban Council superintendents. After, I’ll drive over to Sadler Means YWLA for a staff meeting followed by a community dinner. This is my fifth set of middle school meetings, and the feedback we have received has been so helpful as we develop a 5-year initiative around supporting our middle schools.
Wednesday, February 26
I'll be visiting the warehouse to spend time with our warehouse team members and express my gratitude for their hard work. Then I'll attend the Communitites in Schools (CIS) Partner Appreciation Luncheon. This afternoon, I have a few one-on-one meetings with Trustees, first with Board President Boswell, then with Trustee de Urioste, and finally with Trustee Hunter. This evening, I'll be at our Annual African American Heritage Celebration, where we’ll celebrate winners of the essay contests, highlight student achievement and leaders in our community.
Thursday, February 27
The first thing today is my standing meeting with our District Ombudsperson, Beverly Reeves. Then, I'll travel to attend the Austin Chamber Annual Meeting. When I get back to the office, I'll be meeting with my team to prepare for this evening’s Board Regular Voting Meeting. Some of the things on the agenda tonight include the superintendent report highlighting student accolades, budget updated and a board workshop on Lone Star Governance and the district budgeting process.
Friday, February 28
I have a legislative check-in first thing today where I will be briefed on bills and orders at the state and federal levels and their implications for Austin ISD. Afterwards, I'll be hosting Assistant City Manager Eddie Garcia and Homeland Security & Emergency Management Director Jim Redick for a collaboration meeting at the Central Office. The last thing today is a meeting with our operations team to get an update on the progress of our 2022 Bond Program.
Recognize our amazing staff each month by submitting a RAVE!
Follow me on Instagram @matias_aisd. #StrongSchoolsStrongerAustin
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