Zilker Elementary School

Community Connection

December 8, 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 Tuesday, December 10. 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.

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 Season of Giving virtual "Wish Lists" are here! This is a place where you can help a Zilker family during the holiday season by choosing gifts or gift cards to donate to a Zilker family. 

Please click on the link below which will take you to the virtual Wish Lists! Here you will find the directions on how to sign up and the wish list items.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1iyJUFBG_9MnI8pJD9YBjwidRdX7eEDOPlPxYhIFfMj0/edit?usp=sharing

Thank you in advance for everything the Zilker community does to support our students and families. 

Protecting Children Online Workshop

The Center for Child Protection is offering 2 sessions of their Protecting Children Online workshop to Zilker parents and caregivers. Both sessions will be on Thursday, December 12. One will be in the morning at 8:30AM after the PTA Meeting and one that evening at 7:30PM via Zoom.

Any Parents of Pre-K to 5th grade students
Location: Zilker Elementary - 1900 Bluebonnet Ln. Austin, TX 78704
Date: 12/12 at 8:30 AM (in person after PTA Meeting) or 12/12 at 7:30 PM on Zoom 
Zoom link: https://events.zoom.us/e/view/mD9O17nXRMOKWk6LxmPwKA

If you plan on attending in person at 8:30AM, please use the Mobile Check-In app to RSVP.

CPC Workshop Flyer

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

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

Dear Art Families,

I’m excited to share that I will be sending home your child’s art twice this year: once at winter break and again at the end of the school year. If you'd like to see your child's artwork sooner, please consider registering for Artsonia. I’ve included a picture to guide you through the registration process.

Artsonia not only allows you to view your child's art, but you can also purchase it to support our art program. Additionally, a special feature of Artsonia is that it creates a keepsake book of your child's artwork!

I’m doing this for my son, who is in 5th grade this year, as a graduation gift. I hope you’ll join me in celebrating your child’s creativity!

Thank you,
Traci Sullivan 

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

Artsonia QR Code
Clipart of brown paper bag
Banner for Music News from Mrs. Hughes

ZILKER PANTHER CHOIR TRY-OUTS THIS WEEK AND NEXT - 4TH & 5TH GRADE
The Zilker Panther Choir will pause rehearsals for the next two Tuesday mornings and will resume on January 7th. We need more members to join us for the spring musical. Anyone interested in singing as part of the Ensemble in Shrek the Musical Jr., must prepare 30-60 seconds of any song to sing during Music class for the try-out. 

CAP10K UPDATES & FEE SCHEDULE:
There are 122 registered members on our school team, Zilker Panthers! Here is a current roster (updated December 6th) to check for your names. I can add anyone who registered as an individual to our team. Send me an e-mail daniella.hughes@ausitnisd.org and I'll add you! Thanks to all for committing to this event. The registration price is now $50 through January 12th. You can click here to join! 

Odd Duck Fundraiser

Flyer for Odd Duck Fundraiser

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 Tennis Time and Soccer Time
Flyer for Zilker Sports and Fun
Flyer for Wicked Workshop

Upcoming Events!

December 9 - Zilker Spelling Bee @ 1:30
December 11 - Fall Photo Retakes
December 12 - PTA Meeting @ 7:45
December 20 - Last Day of Semester
January 7 - First Day of Spring Semester
January 16 - Science Fair/STEAM Night

Zilker Calendar of Events
Graphic of Zilker Sponsors