HAPPY SUNDAY, THUNDERBIRDS! 
December 6, 2020
I bet you are as busy as we are! Many thanks for your patience as our volunteers work hard to keep you informed of events and news from the school. Can you believe we only have two short weeks until winter break? Can you believe 2020 is almost over?
Resume F2F
We will resume face to face instruction for those who had been previously attending in person starting the week of December 7th. If you would like to change from remote to face to face, please communicate with your teacher and they will arrange for that transition within five days.
DUAL LANGUAGE INFO SESSIONS
Thursday, December 10, 6pm (English)
Did you know that your student has the opportunity to be bilingual, bi-literate and bicultural? Austin ISD is proud to offer multiple, innovative dual language and multilingual programs in the district. AISD will be hosting one-hour virtual sessions in both Spanish and English for families to learn more about various language programs offered by AISD. Interpretation will be available upon request for both sessions.The sessions will go over a some frequently asked questions that families have about our bilingual program, such as:
- What does the Dual Language program look like in AISD?
- What can parents and caregivers expect?
- What does it look like when your child is developing literacy in two languages?
- What questions do I ask about my child’s bilingual program so that I may support my child and the school?
The purpose of the session is to educate parents and students on bilingual programs and encourage students to take bilingual programs. Please visit this site to register for the virtual session.
THES PROSPECTIVE PARENT TOURS (VIRTUAL)
Thursday, December 10, 11:30am
Tuesday, December 15, 6pm
Travis Heights Elementary is a proud, community led In-District Charter School. Meeting and hearing from our current families are the best way to share great news about our school. We have exciting events coming up that we would love for you to invite your friends, neighbors, or coworkers to attend and learn more about THES. Join us for our first ‘Virtual Campus Tour’ through Zoom. No RSVP is needed to attend any of these events. Enjoy a cup of coffee, visit with friends, neighbors and school leaders as you learn about and take a virtual tour through Travis Heights Elementary!
Parent Tour Zoom Link
https://zoom.us/j/98776043856?pwd=ZzdNb1QzUHNtQnEzTVo1MENFQ1hoQT09
Meeting ID: 987 7604 3856
Passcode: welcome
DYSLEXIA INFORMATION SESSION
Friday, December 11, 10am
Join us for an informational session to learn more about dyslexia, its warning signs, and what you can do to help a struggling reader learn to read and thrive in school and life! Ms. Maupin, our school reading specialist, will share characteristics of dyslexia and how you can request support for your students if you are concerned with their reading. Stay tuned for the ZOOM link to join!
ASSEMBLY
If you missed our first December Assembly, you can see a recording here: https://youtu.be/gXewecifweA
CULTURAL FESTIVAL
In order to allow for maximum participation, we have decided to postpone the event until the spring. Check back for details. To find out more about this annual tradition, you can read about it and other events at our school here: https://www.travisheightselementary.com/events/
FREE COVID TESTING
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.
- https://www.austintexas.gov/covid-testinfo
- View APH testing site locations HERE.
Free COVID-19 Testing Information Flyer
https://www.travisheightselementary.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Free-COVID-19-Testing.pdf
PHASE II OF COVID TESTING AT THES
Phase 11 of COVID-19 Rapid Testing will be available the week of December 7th. Phase 11 will include the following:
- Students and staff that are displaying COVID-19 symptoms
- Students and staff that have had close contact with someone that has tested positive for COVID-19 (recommended testing for days 5-7)
- Students and staff that have returned from traveling.
In addition to the Phase 11 testing rollout, campuses will also provide testing to asymptomatic staff (not showing symptoms) that want to be screened after returning from Thanksgiving Break. This testing is not required. Staff will need to sign a consent form and bring their driver’s license.
Please reach out to your school health staff to schedule a COVID-19 test at your campus.
BRAG ON YOUR TEACHER!
In Austin ISD, we are committed to building transformational relationships that lead to a sense of trust and belonging for all. We welcome the opportunity to hear the stories that make AISD feel like home! Please help us recognize our dedicated staff members by submitting a RAVE. The Recognizing All Valuable Employees or RAVE Program was created to honor those who take the extra steps to provide equitable and exceptional experiences.If you had an exceptional experience interacting with an Austin ISD employee , please nominate that staff member by completing the form below. RAVE about someone who has served you well! https://www.austinisd.org/hr/customer-service/rave
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. For more info, please visit https://www.austinisd.org/openforlearning
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 back up mask. Thank you!
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 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.
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
- Extend-A-Care YMCA
- Third Base
- VICTORY Tutorial Program
- Twilight Evening School Program