Community Connection

Last week our Teacher of the Year, Ms. Russell and Teacher of Promise, Ms. Baez represented Zilker Elementary at the Austin ISD Salutes Celebration. They were recognized for their achievements this school year.

Ms. Russell is our 5th grade math teacher! She has been teaching for 34 years across AISD. Her skills this year have propelled her students into advance levels of flexible math thinking. However, it does not stop there she has also committed to increasing her focus on SEL in the classroom with a morning meeting each day using guiding questions for kids to share experiences - growing their personal development as a team. Ms. Russell not only pushes her kids to grow each day, but also herself. Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, next year she has plans to make it even better.

Ms. Baez is a 1st grade teacher completing her first year of teaching. And WOW, what a year she has had. Her students are always actively engaged in the learning process and with huge smiles on their faces. She keeps them moving from one activity to the next which creates a fast paced lesson so students are never bored. She has focused this year on instilling a growth mindset in her students which allows them to tackle new challenges without fear. The learning process in her class, truly is joy for all students. Her love for her students is evident in the extra effort she gives each day.

Not only do these teachers have an impact in their classrooms but also to the whole school. They both have served countless hours on our interview committee this spring finding the best talent to bring to Zilker for next year!!

Thank you Ms. Russell and Ms. Baez for your commitment to Zilker!

You make us #ZilkerProud each day!

All year my plan has been to host In-Person Community Connection events. All year that has not happened. So this summer is the time, and we are making it happen!

These sessions will focus on hearing from you, getting to know me, and uniting our visions for Zilker Elementary. We will organize our time and conversation around a SWOT analysis to ensure we are looking at all sides of our school, honoring its traditions and looking into the future.

Here are the dates for these events! Next week there will be a sign up for you to RSVP for an event. I am hoping to keep the numbers small so deeper, richer conversations can be had mutually between everyone. As signups occur, if more events are needed those will be added to the calendar.

June 6 @ 1:00 at Zilker Elementary

June 9 @ 1:00 on Zoom

June 14 @ 9:00 on Zoom

June 14 @ 1:00 at Zilker Elementary

June 14 @ 5:00 at Zilker Elementary

Zilker Elementary Application for Service on Campus Advisory Council (CAC)

The Campus Advisory Council is a committee of teachers, administration, parents, business and community representatives, and other campus staff. The mission of CACs is to promote excellence in education for all students through broad-based representation.

CACs provide valuable input to principals, who ultimately have decision-making responsibility for their campuses. Specific functions of CACs include providing review and comment on:

· Campus Educational Program

· Campus Performance

· Campus Improvement Plan

· Campus Staff Development Plan

· Campus-Level Waiver Requests to the State

· Campus Budget

For more information on CACs, including CAC bylaws:

https://www.austinisd.org/advisory-bodies/cac

Teachers always have a heavy job and a lot to do. The end of the year brings in another added level of tasks to be completed. We would love to give teachers some time back to work on these things. We would like volunteers to join us at recess in order to allow teachers that extra time. Volunteers would be outside with the grade level and still have one remaining teacher to assist as needed. We would like 4 volunteers per day per grade level.

Please sign up using this Google Sheet!! We appreciate your volunteering!!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1jPJPZUrtx8WHMdR_Y0Oi2555Xaso5CLcLq-iHsOrvdA/edit?usp=sharing

If you have questions, you may reach out to AJ (aj.pitts@austinisd.org)!

I'm hoping to put together a group of about 7 volunteers to help me tend to the garden over the summer. The goal is to keep the garden manageable so we don't have to do a massive clean-up at the beginning of the school year & the kids can start visiting the garden as soon as school starts!

Volunteer tasks will be mostly weeding & watering. As a bonus, volunteers can harvest for themselves throughout the summer. Last year I had so many cucumbers!

The time commitment will be about an hour, one day a week. If you can't make every week due to vacation, etc., that is not a problem. We can cover as necessary.

Please use this link to sign up: https://forms.gle/nTxHrC7KB7NQrFyt9

Thank you!!!

The PTA has created an Amazon list to help fill our school supply closet with needed items to finish this year and start next school year. All purchases will be delivered straight to school so we can immediately have accessible to staff.

https://a.co/cF7JJHP

Pack 14 is inviting you to join Cub Scouts!

In Cub Scouts, your child will have lots of fun and learn new skills in a friendly, safe (outdoor), non-competitive environment. Activities include hiking, camping, biking, community service, and learning through doing. Cub Scouts is family-oriented, so parents and siblings are welcome to attend all events.

Cub Scouts is for boys & girls in K - 5th grades.

We will host a brief information meeting Wednesday, 5/18, from 6-7 pm at the Zilker Elementary playground picnic tables.

Contact:

Michael Baird 512-827-7859

pack14atx.com

AustinPack14scouts@gmail.com

Upcoming Events:

5/31 COTA Bike Night

7/4 4th of July Parade

7/23 Greenbelt Hike and Clean-up

9/3 Overnight on the USS Lexington

Please reach out to Kelsey Baird (St. Edward's assistant coach & Zilker Mom) with any questions! Kyeatts@stedwards.edu

Link for more details & to register

May 17: CAC Meeting at 4:00 - Zoom Link above

May 19: PTA General Session

May 25: Lion King Performances for students and cast members' families

May 27: Last Day of School / 5th grade Celebration