Community Connection

5th Grade Math Teacher: Mrs. Russell!!

Mrs. Russell excels in the art of facilitating her students' learning through high-level questioning. She creates a classroom community that ensures all students know they can be successful in math through a growth mindset. Her commitment to meeting students at their current level allows them to see growth all through the year. Mrs. Russell has been a teacher for 33.5 years and taught a wide variety of grade levels including Dual Language.

We couldn't be more proud for Mrs. Russell to represent us this year for Teacher of the Year!

The School Board voted to approve February 11 and March 4 to be student and staff days off. All campuses will be closed these days to give some time back to campus staff. The central office will remain open and in full operation these days.

I am so excited to introduce our new librarian!!

Mrs. Larson is coming to us from Eanes ISD. She impressed the interview committee with her opening activity that had our brains churning trying to figure out her puzzle and her enthusiasm with book recommendations. She shared with us amazing lessons that had students engaged in deep thinking and collaborative work. I can't wait for her to start working with our Zilker Panthers.

A special shout-out to Mrs. Thompson and Mrs. Hallmark for giving up extra time to sit on the interview committee for this important position.

It is time to register for the 2022-2023 school year!! These numbers are tracked very closely and allow us to make staffing decisions. The more accurate the numbers, the more informed decisions we can make as a campus that benefits everyone.

ALL STUDENTS (new and returning) need to register at https://www.austinisd.org/enroll

For new students, If you are not in the Zilker attendance zone, you will need to submit a transfer request online at https://www.austinisd.org/transfer or through your parent portal.

During Valentine's Week (2/14-2/18) Zilker will help SHARE THE LOVE by supporting organizations within the Austin community.

All grades will collect items to donate, and some grades will complete an additional project in class. Specific project information will be provided by your teacher or room parent this week. Zilker will be supporting the following organizations: Austin Diaper Bank, Caritas of Austin, BookSpring, and the Mary Lee Foundation. Donations will be collected prior to service week. This is Zilker's 3rd Annual Service Week and it is a great way to instill in students the value of giving back to our local Austin community!

We will play from approximately 5:30-6:00 (or until we run out of fun)! Join us at the Zoom Link below. We can't wait to see you all on Thursday!

Join Zoom Meeting

https://austinisd-org.zoom.us/j/91954927996?pwd=VFRoWWQyWklodmFYSThSY3Z2MGlvUT09

Meeting ID: 919 5492 7996

Passcode: Zilker

You can share your thoughts now by filling out the Budget Feedback Form on AISD's website.

You can join a community meeting in February to discuss the budget. Sign up for those here:

• Thursday, February 3, 2022, 6:00-7:00 p.m. Families and Community Members register at https://bit.ly/AISDBudget-Community1
• Saturday, February 5, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Families and Community Members register at https://bit.ly/AISDBudget-Community2

If you want more information, you can read a post about current budget challenges from AISD online, explore the FAQs on the budget page, read the 2019 Budget Stablization Task Force Report, learn about the impact of recapture for AISD, or dig into past budgets if that's your thing.

February 11: School Closed - new date approved by School Board

February 8: CAC Meeting at 4:00

February 17: PTA General Session and Special Parenting Workshop Presentation from Creative Action

February 21: Student Holiday - Teacher/Parent Conferences

March 4: School Closed - new date approved by School Board