HAPPY WEDNESDAY, THUNDERBIRDS!
It’s hard to believe, but our 1st nine weeks are almost up. Thank you for being such great students and being so committed to learning! Thunderbirds really ROCK!
SAVE THE DATE – HALLOWEEN DANCE PARTY
Thursday, October 29, 7pm-8pm
Details coming soon for our next virtual dance party. Get your costumes ready!
PTA Meeting for EVERYONE!
Thursday, October 22, 6-7pm
Please join your Travis Heights Elementary PTA for an online meeting. Principal Navarro will do a short presentation about our Title 1 status and what that means for the school, and there will also be a presentation on Thunderjoy (see details below). Merrrideth Jiles, PTA President, will update on where we are this year and what we are looking forward to. We will also leave time for some general questions and possibly even some grade-level breakout rooms for parents to chat with one another. You DO NOT need to be a PTA member to attend, but we would love for all of our members to attend and for the rest of you to join.
Zoom Meeting ID: 850 0956 2742
Passcode: 989817
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85009562742?pwd=TkpQamxhVDl2UVFHdFEvc3g1ZEVCQT09
Dial by your location
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 850 0956 2742
Passcode: 989817
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbgmVUDNOw
REPORT CARDS & PARENT CONFERENCES
The first grading period report cards will be emailed on Thursday, October 29th. Teachers will hold a minimum of one conference with the parent(s) or guardian(s) of each student each semester. Teachers will be reaching out to families to hold a parent-teacher conference by the end of the semester. If you have not received your child’s report card or have any questions regarding progress reports or teacher conferences, please contact your child’s teacher directly.
MASKS
As a reminder, if you are coming to campus, please be sure to bring your masks. We have masks here but invite parents to send students with a mask and also a backup mask. Thank you!
FREE FLU SHOTS FOR STUDENTS
October 26 – 30
Because #AttendanceMatters you are invited to join Austin ISD in knocking out the flu! Nurses from Health Heroes will be on campuses administering free influenza vaccines to students. Complete your child’s consent form today and help us #KnockOutFlu.
The parental consent form is required to be submitted before receiving services.
- Please submit the consent form at the clinic site where you plan to take your child at least three (3) school days before the scheduled clinic date.
- Please bring a copy of your insurance card with the consent form if the student is insured. Students do not need insurance to participate.
- Students need to be ages 4 and older and an AISD student to participate.
Please contact your campus the school day before the clinic to learn approximate start times. Please visit THIS LINK for a full schedule of flu vaccines.
ADMIN + PARENT ZOOM & COFFEE CHAT: CAMPUS UPDATES
Friday, October 23, 10am
Join Principal Navarro for coffee and campus updates. This brief meeting will go over the current status of our reopening and any important Information going forward. There will also be an opportunity for Q & A.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/96476232276?pwd=d2xsYlhGb3U0NVVXR2hsdXVlWllMQT09
Meeting ID: 964 7623 2276
Passcode: joinus
FACE TO FACE PHASE IN PLAN
Week 8: Oct 26-Oct 30 (Facility Capacity 50%)
The phase-in process during weeks five through eight is designed to align with the Austin Public Health (APH) Interim Guidance on Reopening for Austin-Travis County Schools and with the district’s commitment to the health and safety of all students, staff, and families in mind.
The four-week transition is planned so that, to the greatest degree possible, each facility remains at the same percentage of facility capacity for two weeks before increasing to the next allowable level based on guidance from APH. In Austin ISD, we will phase-in as follows:
- Week 5: 25% of facility capacity (aligns with stage 4 of APH Risk-Based Stages and Dr. Escott’s recommendation that we continue to behave as if we are in stage 4)
- Week 6: 25% of facility capacity (Up to 50% if Needed)
- Week 7: 50% of facility capacity (aligns with stage 3 of APH Risk-Based Stages, the current stage for Austin Travis County)
- Week 8: 50% of facility capacity
Campuses will plan for the return of students who choose on-campus learning following the building capacity guidance outlined above. In addition, students from each campus that have chosen on-campus learning will be welcomed back to campus in small groups over the course of the four weeks. Consideration for which groups of students to bring back each week will be based on factors such as support services being received, grade level, newcomer and refugee status, and status as a child of an Austin ISD staff member.
For all staff and students that return to campus, we are committed to strong implementation of hand hygiene, masking, and social distancing. Per CDC guidance, our goal is 6 feet social distance whenever feasible. Social distancing measures implemented at each campus will be dependent on the number of students that return for on-campus learning and the size of the classroom(s).
We will continue to monitor updates from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and local health authorities to inform our decisions to keep students, families, and staff safe. Please know that the plans may change in the coming weeks.
RETURNING TO CAMPUS
As we move forward, here are tips that will help the process continue according to plan:
- Please take your child’s temperature before heading out the door to the bus stop or to campus. If they have a temperature of 100.0 degrees or higher, please keep them home for the day.
- If your child qualifies to ride the bus, please accompany them to the stop. Bus drivers will be conducting temperature screenings and if your child has a temperature of 100.0 degrees or higher, we ask that you take them home.
- Make sure your children have their masks, as wearing one is required at all AISD campuses and on all buses. Students should also bring their fully charged iPads and Chromebooks to engage in blended learning.
- If you prefer to continue with remote instruction and keep your child home, we are here to support your choice. Austin ISD will offer a 100 percent remote, off-campus learning option to all families for the school year.
For more info visit the AISD Phase-in Period or the THES Reopening Plan.
FRIENDLY REMINDERS
- Download the AISD App today for iPhone and Android.
- Keep up with what’s happening in the District by watching this week’s AISD in 3.
- Visit the Austin ISD’s Community Learning Spaces webpage.
- BLEND is Austin ISD’s online learning platform. Tutorials are available in English and Spanish.
- Austin ISD is now offering free seven-day meal packs at curbside sites.
- Follow Austin ISD on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
TRANSPORTATION INFO
Austin ISD is committed to providing safe, reliable transportation to our students. As we transition back to in-person learning, we wanted to outline a few things all families can do to make our buses operate as smoothly as possible. Watch our video and see our flyer to learn more about our new procedures!
TRANSITIONING BETWEEN REMOTE & ON-CAMPUS LEARNING
Austin ISD is proud to offer a choice between remote learning and face-to-face instruction for the 2020-21 school year. The timeline for switching from one instructional model to another is as follows: Transitioning from on-campus learning to remote off-campus learning will occur when a student/parent or guardian chooses to do so. Transitioning from remote off-campus learning to on-campus learning will occur as soon as possible, but not to exceed five school days. The next request will occur at the beginning of the next grading period.
CHECK OUT E-BOOKS THROUGH AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY
Due to the Austin Public Library currently being closed to the public, we are emailing students who already have a 2019-2020 APL Student Card account in our system, their card number, and password.
Your APL Student Card number (user ID) and password (PIN) can be used to access the online learning resources on the APL Homework Help page here: https://bit.ly/2wAqGSv
Have a question about the Student Card and/or online learning resources? Ask us
here: https://bit.ly/2UriuwX
You can reset the password (PIN) here: https://bit.ly/2QNfybJ
STILL HAVING ISSUES WITH YOUR DEVICES? GET HELP!
Families may call the Family Support Line at 512-414-9187; support is available weekdays from 7 a.m.–5 p.m. OR Click on this LINK to submit a question or request help. You can also submit a parent support form. The form is received by the AISD help desk and will be assigned to a specialist who will contact you. https://www.austinisd.org/technology/help/parent-support
AFTER SCHOOL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Austin ISD knows the value of high-quality after-school learning opportunities. After-School programs provide students with safe, enriching and structured learning environments. To support Austin families and staff, a variety of afterschool programs are available. Please note this list is not comprehensive and some programs may only accept students from certain schools. For more information on the various after-school offerings and enrollment requirements, please visit the following websites or reach out to your campus.
Programs
Boys and Girls Club of the Austin Area
Circle C Child Development Center
Twilight Evening School Program
UNDERSTANDING ATTENDANCE
Parents, please watch this video clip to better understand student attendance in AISD. If you have any questions please reach out to the THES registrar Ms. Gio Montalvo at giovanna.montalvo-sanchez@austinisd.org or (512) 414-4495.
SPECIAL AREAS ATTENDANCE
Please make sure your student is attending P.E., Art, or Music every day. Special Area teachers are looking forward to working with your student. Students are responsible for the assignments and are being graded. If you have any questions please reach out to the classroom teacher.
IMMUNIZATIONS
Texas requires that all students in grades K-12 meet the minimum state immunization requirements. This applies to students receiving both in-person and virtual learning.
It is important to note that there have been no exceptions made to these immunization requirements, due to COVID-19, by the State. All immunization requirements should be met by families by October 30, 2020, for both in-person and remote learners.
You can find more information about the minimum Texas Immunization Requirements here: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/immunize/school/school-requirements.aspx.
Please reach out to your Campus Health Room Staff for more information on resources that can be given to families and any questions you may have.
AISD TO CONTINUE FREE MEALS & FARM BOXES THROUGH DECEMBER
Starting the week of October 5, AISD will change from daily to weekly (seven-day meal packs) curbside service. On Thursdays, the team will distribute components for 14 meals (seven breakfasts and seven lunches). Meal sites will be closed Monday through Wednesday and Friday. This change responds to community feedback to provide a more efficient and convenient meal pick-up option for families. To review meal information, please visit austinisd.org/openforlearning/meals.
THUNDERBOARD PARENT MEMBERS NEEDED
The Thunderboard serves as the primary governance and decision-making body for campus-based programming at Travis Heights Elementary. Parents that serve on the Thunderboard help shape the current programming and the future of THES. All parents and guardians that live in the district and have a child at THES are welcome to apply for one of these positions. Download and fill out the Standard Membership Application here and return it to the THES office by 10/30/2020.
If you have any questions, or are interested and would like some help with the application due to language or technology issues, please speak with Mrs. Navarro or email thunderboard@travisheightselementary.com.
OPERATION THUNDERJOY
Many of you have asked about Operation Thunder Joy, the holiday assistance provided by generous THES parents and their friends. This year, the operation is selecting families who have never been served previously. If you have received assistance in the past, you are not eligible this holiday season. Students will be selected by the PSS, with recommendations from teachers and THES staff. The selection process begins on October 8th.
Families can apply HERE!
If you have questions or you need help with the application process, please call the Travis Heights Elementary Parent Support Specialist Sura Jasim at 512-943-7763 / 512-841-0855 or email at sura.jasim@austinisd.org
FREE COVID TESTING
NEW RESOURCE! FREE COVID-19 Testing is available through Austin Public Health (APH). COVID-19 testing is recommended for those who have COVID-19-related symptoms, have had close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, and have traveled in the last 14 days
Staff and students can schedule free testing by using THIS LINK.
View APH testing site locations HERE.
Free COVID-19 Testing Information Flyer