Zilker Elementary School

Community Connection

November 17, 2024
Clipart of turkey

Thanksgiving Feast

The Zilker Thanksgiving Feast will take place on Thursday, November 21. Lunch times for each class can be found here. *Lunch times have been updated!*

If you plan on attending, please RSVP at this link. If you already have the mobile check-in app set up, no need to RSVP! Just schedule your visit!

If you are interested in purchasing an ADULT Thanksgiving lunch, you may purchase a meal ticket at any time prior to the feast via this link. Adult tickets will NOT be sold the day of the event. You will NOT be able to purchase an adult meal via your student's lunch account.

HSR Lessons - Opt-In Forms

The updated K-12 HSR lessons will be implemented this Fall! The Human Sexuality and Responsibility lessons that were approved by the Board of Trustees in June 2022 will be offered to all district students from kindergarten through high school.

As a reminder, only students who have written permission from a parent or guardian will receive these lessons. Parents/guardians will have the option to opt-in to all lessons or opt-in to individual lessons. Below are forms for each grade level to complete for any students that would like to opt-in to the lessons. Each student must have their own form completed. Due date for all forms is Friday, December 6. Lessons will be taught starting the week of December 9 and continue through December 20 depending on grade level scheduling.

All HSR lessons, including scope and sequence and teaching materials, can be found under the K-HS Lessons page.

We will be hosting an on campus exploration session on campus if you would like to come to campus and explore any lessons through the website above and ask questions. This will take place on Wednesday, December 4 at 12:00.

Kinder Opt In Form: https://forms.gle/mv8wLNH4Xc3gCsAS9

First Grade Opt In Form: https://forms.gle/FVXKizAePHETm8dY8

Second Grade Opt In Form: https://forms.gle/TwwSk3hcHpjSkBZE7

Third Grade Opt In Form: https://forms.gle/CdEw6ZqSMMkKxSuE6

Fourth Grade Opt In Form: https://forms.gle/budbadEvnm3EDNCy8

Fifth Grade Opt In Form: https://forms.gle/4Jyb1KV9mtq3hcN86

One School, One Book

We're excited to be finishing our One School, One Book selection with our Zilker Panthers, Legends of Lotus Island: The Guardian Test. Students each received a copy of the book to read at home.

11/18 Finish chapters 24-27
11/20 Finish the book, Family Night at Book People 5-7 PM

QR Code for listening to the book by Zilker teachers and staff!
QR Code for listening to the book by Zilker teachers and staff!
QR Code for Family Activities for our book!
QR Code for Family Activities for our book!

Book People Family Night

Book People Family Night will be this Wednesday, November 20th at Book People from 5-7 PM.  Come in your pajamas for the milk & cookies and to hear your favorite Zilker staff members read aloud.  20% of proceeds from sales will be donated to the Zilker library, NOT a 20% discount off total purchases, and this only counts towards in-person purchases the week of November 18-24.  Hope to see you there!

Picture for Book People Family Night
Flyer for Book People Fundraiser
Season of Giving Clipart

Season of Giving

The Zilker Neighborhood Association and Zilker Elementary partner together to provide gift assistance to Zilker families during the upcoming holiday season.

If your family is currently in need of financial assistance during the winter holidays and you are interested in receiving gifts for your family, please complete the form below. 
https://forms.gle/LD4yys9DfQ2dRq9g9

Our Zilker community is here to support one another.  Please contact Ms. Vreeland or Ms. Shaw if you have any questions. Thank you!

Banner for Holiday Lights Around the World

Volunteers Needed!

Zilker's multicultural and holiday event, Holiday Lights Around the World, is Thursday, December 5th 5-6:30 and we need your help to make this community event amazing. Share your culture through an activity or dessert. Use the link below to sign up or email meredithsbutterfield@gmail.com.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0B4CA4A629A6F85-53266397-holiday

News from Mrs. Sullivan

Fifth Grade Families,

We are going to be creating illustrative lanterns next month in art. We are going to need 2-liter bottles, one for every fifth-grade student. 

Please start saving them and bring them in by the end of the month. 

Thank you so much,

Traci Sullivan 

Picture of 2 liter bottle
Picture-Music News from Mrs. Hughes

HOLIDAY LIGHTS AROUND THE WORLD - Pre-K - 5th GRADE
Save the date for Thursday, December 5th from 5:00-7:00 pm. All Panthers are invited to sing 4 songs from different countries (Kenya, Indonesia, Italy, & Dominican Republic) for this annual multicultural event. Any student may perform at 3 different set times: 5:00 PM, 5:30 PM, and 6:00 PM.  These performances are not required and there is no limit to how many times a student can perform on stage. 

***Try-outs for the Italian solos will take place during Music class this week only! (November 18-22)***

The Zilker Panther Choir will sing the 4 songs plus 2 additional songs (Ukraine & U.S.A.) at 6:30 PM. You can access the practice page here. 

CAP10K UPDATES & FEE SCHEDULE:
We now have 104 registered members on our school team, Zilker Panthers, with 5 months to go! Here is a current roster (updated November 14th) to check for your names. I can add anyone who registered as an individual to our team. Send me an e-mail and I'll add you! Thanks to all for committing to this event. The registration price is now $45 through November 24th. See the fee schedule below for future rates. You can click here to join! 

Flyer for Team Zilker Panthers Cap 10k
Picture of Italian Song Solo Try-outs
Flyer for Holiday Lights Around the World

The Recognizing All Valuable Employees or RAVE Program was created to honor those who take the extra steps to provide equitable and exceptional experiences. If you had an exceptional experience interacting with an Austin ISD employee, please nominate that staff member by completing this form. 

Rave logo

AISD Family Empower Hour Sessions

AISD is Austin's home for inclusive learning: high expectations for all children and high outcomes for every student. We prepare every student with the knowledge and skills to thrive in college, career, and life.

AISD is providing sessions over various topics which provide valuable information and support regarding Special Education and 504 services. Click here to learn more!

Flyer for Family Empower Hour

Want to Volunteer?

We are excited to announce that our school is now using Voly, a new volunteer management system! If you are interested in volunteering on campus, please visit austinisd.voly.org to complete a quick background check.

This process is required for all volunteers, field trip chaperones, etc. and will help us ensure a safe and secure environment for our students. Thank you for your support and participation!

Logo for Voly
Flyer for Wicked Workshop
Flyer for Sticky Fingers Cooking

Upcoming Events!

November 20 - Family Fundraising Night @ Book People
November 21 - Thanksgiving Feast
November 21 - PTA Meeting @ 7:45
November 25-29 - Fall Break
December 5 - Holiday Lights Around the World @ 5:00
December 9 - Zilker Spelling Bee
December 11 - Fall Photo Retakes
December 20 - Last Day of Semester

Zilker Calendar of Events