AISD Info: Summer Vision 2020 06/04/2020

Need to Know: Our Weekly Update 

In the weeks ahead, we want to update you on the most important and relevant news, particularly in our rapidly changing environment. We also realize many of our Austin ISD families, stakeholders and staff might be in summer mode, and we hope you thoroughly enjoy the break! "Summer Vision 2020" is a weekly update designed to convey significant information in a brief and easy-to-digest format. We hope you find the design and messaging beneficial. 

More in-depth information is always available at austinisd.org, austinisd.org/covid19 or by reaching out to your school's administrators. 

Need to Know: School Starts Aug. 18

Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020, will be Austin ISD's first day of school of the fall semester. This is in line with the previously released 2020–21 academic calendar, selected through community input and approved by the Board of Trustees in January. The AISD reopening task force—which is composed of teachers, parents, staff and community members from a variety of backgrounds—evaluated the possibilities of earlier or later start dates. 

Further task force recommendations will be made with guidance from health officials and in consideration of aspects such as school capacity and social distancing. Coming into the fall semester of 2020, we may see in-person learning, an extension of continuous learning practices, or a blend of both approaches. If there is at-home learning in the fall, we will continue to gather and share information, as well as best practices to support student learning.

We do know that the task force is actively discussing possibilities, developing standards and working to make the best determinations for students, teachers and families. Please stay tuned to this newsletter as well as austinisd.org as decisions around reopening are made. 

Good to Know: Graduation 2020

Austin ISD is going to celebrate the achievements of the class of 2020! We are excited about our virtual graduations, and we want you to know that we are continuing to look for ways to celebrate the class of 2020. Our virtual ceremonies will be held Monday, June 15, and Tuesday, June 16. Families can view the ceremony live on AISD.TV and the district’s Facebook page. The programs will be posted online following the celebrations. For a schedule, visit www.austinisd.org/graduation or call your local high school.

Get in the Know: Conversation Circles

Your voice is an essential part of our considerations as we examine the many possibilities for the 2020–21 school year. The district is hosting a series of eight virtual Conversation Circle events to help us understand:

• What do you need to feel comfortable returning to work or school?
• What would you need to be successful if the district must continue some form of distance learning?
• What we might not be thinking about?

Participants will also receive an update on where we are in the reopening planning process, and what we do and do not know for 2020–21.

Event details and information to join via Zoom are listed below. We hope you will join us and share your valuable perspectives. 

Event Schedule

*Events are planned for the intended audience to ensure we capture multiple perspectives, however, all are welcome to attend at a time that is most convenient.

Information to join all meetings via Zoom:

https://zoom.us/j/92847208844?pwd=Smw2cDZKVGJYTVJxQW5rUVhLd2R6QT09

Meeting ID: 928 4720 8844

Password: AISD

Join by phone: 1 346 248 7799 

(Please note, to access the interpretation feature you will need to download the free Zoom app on your phone or computer.)

Click to Know:

AISD in 3 is Austin ISD’s exclusive, three-minute current events newscast. View the latest episode for the week of May 25.

We’re proud of our staff for their resilience during this time, watch our video tribute to them!

Statement: AISD Superintendent and Board of Trustees on the Killings of George Floyd and Mike Ramos.

Information for the 2020 Summer Learning options is now online.

We’ve revised and expanded our COVID-19 resource page. Please visit the website for information and updates.

Edition 1, 6/4/2020
A publication by the AISD Dept. of Communication and Engagement