Zilker Elementary School

Community Connection

December 1, 2024

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

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 Special Education Staff Appreciation Week

Special Education Staff Appreciation Week is December 2-6! We are so grateful for all of our wonderful Special Education Staff, and we appreciate their hard work and dedication to keeping Zilker a great learning place for all! If you would like to participate in honoring the Special Education Staff at Zilker Elementary, please feel free to join us in expressing your gratitude to them.

School-wide Family Newsletter - Empathy

December Character Strong Focus: Empathy

Empathy is understanding and connecting with other people’s feelings

2025 Science Fair

The 2025 Science Fair will take place on Thursday, January 16. Students in any grade level can participate, though participation is optional.

Exhibits will be on display during the school day on January 16 for students to visit and in the evening at STEAM Night for the community.

Click here for your Science Fair Packet!

Science Fair Packet
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

Clip Art - Parking

Morning Drop-Off Reminders

When dropping off or picking up your kids, please keep in mind the following: 

-Morning Drop-Off Line: Stick to the drop-off lane and stay in your car while letting your kids out. It’s meant to be quick and easy, so please don’t park or linger—it helps keep the line moving for everyone!

-No Parking Zones: Don’t park in areas marked "No Parking." These spots are off-limits for a reason, like keeping crosswalks and corners clear for safety.

-Loading Zones: The loading zones are for deliveries only, please don’t park there—it’s not a drop-off spot.

By following these simple steps, you’re helping make Zilker a safer, more organized place for everyone. 

Nominate for the Salute Awards!

Salute is Austin ISD's annual event recognizing some of the district’s outstanding team members for their continued dedication to student excellence and achievement in our schools. 

All AISD staff, students, family, and community members are invited to nominate Austin ISD staff members in the following categories:
-Campus Clerical/Office Support Staff of the Year
-Teaching Assistant of the Year
-Custodial/Facilities Maintenance Staff of the Year
-Transportation Staff of the Year
-Food Service/Warehouse Staff of the Year
-Campus Safety and Security Staff of the Year
-Librarian of the Year
-Counselor of the Year
-Assistant Principal of the Year
-Principal of the Year

Please submit nominations using this form. Nominations close on January 15, 2025.

Last year, our own Irma Escobar De Beltran was a finalist for Custodian of the Year!

Salute Awards Graphic
Picture for Author Visit

Author Visit!

Zilker PreK-2nd grade will have their first author visit on Friday, December 13th with local author Cate Berry.  To order her newest book through BookPeople and have it signed by the author, Scorch and the Hedgehog of Doom, please visit this link.

Picture of Yearbook Cover

Order Your Yearbook!

Please use the link to complete the online ordering process. There are two purchasing options. One is a standard yearbook for your child. The other OPTION is to purchase a book to donate. Purchase early as books are $27.00 per book until January 7th!

All users will have to Register the first time they access the site.

This is the link will take you to the online pay site: Online Pay Site
Our school code is 188785M 
ORDER HERE

News from Mrs. Sullivan

Art 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. 

We are also starting to put together student portfolios. Please bring brown grocery bags, as many as you have! Thank you so much!

Thank you so much,

Traci Sullivan 

Picture of bottle and bag
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. 

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. See the fee schedule below for future rates. You can click here to join! 

Flyer for Team Zilker Panthers Cap 10k
Flyer for Holiday Lights Around the World

Texas Book Festival

Last Saturday Zilker students had the opportunity to participate in two author presentations at the 2024 Texas Book Festival! 2nd grader, Poppy Walker and 1st grader, Francis Jiao did an amazing job speaking in front of a tent full of people to introduce local children’s authors Breanna Carzoo & Liz Garton Scanlon. In addition to building on their public speaking skills and joining in on fun festival activities, they got to meet authors and receive free autographed books for their contributions!

Pictures from Texas Book Festival
Pictures from Texas Book Festival
Pictures from Texas Book Festival

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
Flyer for Wicked Workshop
Flyer for Zilker Sports and Fun
Flyer for Sticky Fingers Cooking

Upcoming Events!

December 5 - Holiday Lights Around the World @ 5:00
December 9 - Zilker Spelling Bee
December 11 - Fall Photo Retakes
December 19 - PTA Meeting @ 7:45
December 20 - Last Day of Semester
January 16 - Science Fair/STEAM Night

Zilker Calendar of Events