I hope everyone enjoyed the long Labor Day weekend! I want to recognize all of our hard working staff members in Austin ISD for their labor of love. They pour out their hearts day in and day out to ensure our students receive an exceptional education here at Austin ISD.
This past week, I got to speak with a couple of dedicated staff members. Jake O’Brien has worked for the after school care program at Cowan for the last 10 years. He comes in early to help out as a cafeteria monitor, which is where I spoke with him; his presence creates such a fun and comfortable environment for students during lunchtime. He’s so dedicated to Cowan that he and his wife, Brett, a teacher at Cowan, took their wedding picture in front of the school.
While at the Taco Bowl Shack last Thursday, I caught up with the amazing Carol Nelson, McCallum High School’s Director of Bands. This is her 44th year at McCallum! Countless students have been impacted by her teaching and leadership.
As a part of our commitment to highlight the work of special education, I wanted to include here the eight principles of inclusion that guide our work on each campus. These principles have been developed by a committee of parents, community members and Austin ISD team members. And of the eight principles, the first one is having an inclusive mindset, which is foundational to effectively supporting our almost 14,000 students who receive special education services and approximately 7,500 students who receive Section 504 services.
Fun news! Last Friday, Austin ISD’s Parent Support champion, Joy Diaz, was honored by City Council with a proclamation, announcing August 29, 2024 as Joy Diaz Day! I am so thankful for her fierce passion for supporting our Austin ISD families so their children can thrive in our schools and for her vision to bring Parent Support to all Austin ISD campuses.
Tuesday, September 3
I will start the work week meeting with Senior Staff. We’ll be discussing the district’s Scorecard, high school graduation dates and enrollment, among other things. In the afternoon, I have a phone call with Dr. Jim Terry, Chief of Finance and Business Services at Houston ISD, followed by a collaboration meeting with the Anti-Defamation League. The rest of my afternoon is full: a meeting with the Texas Urban Council of Superintendents, update from the Enroll Austin team on enhancements for next year and a coaching conversation with Sonia Beatty at New Leaders.
This evening, I’ll meet with the principals who lead the Austin Association of Public School Administrators (AAPSA) to support them in their work to co-create solutions to pressing matters. After that, I’ll meet with Noah Galton at Jackson Walker, LLP.
Wednesday, September 4
Today, I’ll be traveling to South Texas to attend the funeral services of my great aunt, and I will return late to Austin in the evening. My great aunt was 92 years old and she had such a zest for life that I really admired. I’ll take a break in the afternoon to join our board of trustees via Zoom for our Governance Meeting.
Thursday, September 5
This morning, I’ll attend the Austin Chamber of Commerce’s State of Talent & Education event and serve on the superintendent panel. In the afternoon, I’ll meet with Leana Mann, Travis Central Appraisal District’s Chief Appraiser. After that, I’ll meet with our communications team to discuss social media plans for the school year. I’ll end my work day with a one-on-one meeting with Trustee Andrew Gonzalez. Right after, I will be rushing to my 8th grade daughter’s volleyball game to cheer on her team from the stands.
Friday, September 6
As you know, I spend Fridays in the office, to wrap things up for the week and plan for the week ahead.
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