From The Admin Team 8/17/2020

We apologize for the repeated requests, however, a new technology survey will be going out today via Messenger. On August 24 we will begin calling families that haven't completed this survey. AISD is requiring all campuses to gather this information at the campus level so that we can make sure all families are ready for remote learning on September 8. We can now assist any family with their technology request locally.

The first four weeks, from Sept. 8 to Oct. 5, will be remote. If your student needs access to technology, see above for how to request technology. If you still don't have a device by September 1, please contact us at 512-414-2584 so we can help.

The next four weeks, from Oct. 5 to Oct. 30, will be a phase-in period. Families will choose if they prefer on-campus or virtual learning for this period and families who prefer on-campus learning will be phased in. We will continue to base our campus and district operations on the advice of health authorities. It is important to note: even students who choose on-campus instruction may have some days where they are still doing remote learning during this period.

· Families will choose if they prefer on-campus or remote instruction within two weeks of returning to campuses Oct. 5 via a form that will be sent to your email.

· Austin ISD families will be able to choose to go back to remote learning based on their individual comfort level.

We are thrilled to welcome some talented educators to join the Bernice Kiker Elementary Team. We are so impressed with them and can’t wait for you to get to know them as well.

Lisa Adams - Counselor (half time) lisa.a.adams

Ms. Adams has been a teacher and an LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor, for more than twenty years working in schools and private practice. She was an army brat and grew up all over the US, Japan, and Germany. She has been a counselor at schools in Houston, Taipei, Taiwan, Doha, Qatar and most recently Seoul, South Korea. Ms. Adams just moved to the area with her dog, Tucker, and she is excited to get to explore Austin. She loves traveling, reading, and baking. She can't wait to get to meet everyone in our Kiker community!

Steven Hemmeline - PE

Coach Hemme has lived in Austin since 1995 and was previously the PE teacher at Pease and Doss Elementary. He is an avid runner and also a marathon coach. His goal as a PE teacher is to influence a life-long love of physical activity. Coach believes physical movement and activity is a key component to overall health. He strives for his students to find joy and feel confidence in their ability to be physically active.

Nicole Kruszona - 3rd grade

This will be Nicole’s 10th year of teaching after wanting to be a teacher her entire life. She has a Bachelor’s in English and French from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a Master’s in Teaching from the University of San Francisco. She also completed her CALT training through the Dyslexia Center of Austin and is dedicated to meeting the needs of all students. When not at school, Nicole enjoys cooking, reading, practicing yoga, and going on hikes.

Abbey Raymond - 3rd grade

Abbey graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in English as a Second Language. This will be her tenth year as an educator. She has previously taught in South Korea, Killeen, Round Rock, and Dickinson. In 2019, she was named the Dickinson ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year. Abbey and her husband are originally from Austin, and they are both very excited to be back and close to family. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, and trying out new restaurants with her family. Abbey is very excited to be joining the 3rd grade team and the Bernice Kiker family.

Andrea Pawlonek - Teaching Assistant

Hi Kiker Comets! My name is Andrea Pawlonek. I moved to Austin five years ago from my hometown, San Francisco. I have a Master of Arts in Teaching from USF and a BA from UC Berkeley. My favorite things to do are to travel and try out new recipes! I live in the neighborhood with my husband, two daughters, and our "grandpa dog," Amigo.

Yasmin Avalos - Teaching Assistant

Yasmin was born and raised in Guatemala City and moved to the United States in 2018. She lived in California for two years and just recently came to Austin Texas. In 2006 she earned her first Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, and in 2012 her second Bachelor’s in Educational Psychology. Ms. Avalos’ experience includes: eleven years working with preschoolers, two years in Special Education, and five years as a middle school assistant principal. She is really excited to start the new school year and have a wonderful time with the kids and Kiker community.

Maegan Zapiain - Teaching Assistant

Meagan is a proud native Austinite and University of Texas graduate. She is also a familiar face to Kiker as she has worked here in multiple capacities over the last six years. Meagan has two kids (ages 11 and 8) who both attended Kiker and a house full of pets including two dogs, a cuddly guinea pig, two turtles, and a beta fish! For fun she enjoys painting,crafting, dancing, and spending quality time with her family and pets.

We are still waiting for HR to confirm the hiring of two special education teachers and one more teaching assistant.

Cory Matheny - Principal

Alma Chapa Moore - Assistant Principal

Kelly Meyer - Assistant Principal

Email: cory.matheny@austinisd.org
Website: https://kikerelementary.org/
Location: 5913 La Crosse Avenue, Austin, TX, USA
Phone: 512-414-2584
Facebook: facebook.com/CMathenyPrincipal
Twitter: @KikerComets