Strength of our SAISD community!

Volume 1 | Number 4 | November 8, 2023

The district has completed 37 community meetings regarding rightsizing. At the meetings, district staff have shared the historical context for the rightsizing package, and transparently discussed the specifics of how each facility was determined to be part of the recommendation package. District staff have also documented community questions and feedback about how the framework criteria were applied in creating the package. Questions from each meeting have been answered and documented on the rightsizing website. The SAISD Board of Trustees is scheduled to vote on the district’s rightsizing recommendation Nov. 13. 

While saving money is not the driving reason behind rightsizing, the process could end up allowing the San Antonio Independent School District to reallocate funds to provide a better education for every student in the district. This is particularly important because the state of Texas has not increased the basic allotment per student since 2019.

As the moon positioned itself perfectly between the land in Central Texas and the sun on Oct. 14, school parking lots and fields were filled with the SAISD Familia eagerly watching the Ring of Fire emerge from the rare annular eclipse. More than 40 campuses across the district hosted Eclipse Watch parties, filled with educational materials for families created by the Science and STEM departments. Pictured are community members from the gathering at Democracy Prep at Stewart. 

SAISD was well-represented at the 11th annual Muertos Fest at Hemisfair on Oct. 28-29. The event, which brings together traditional art and culture with live music and entertainment to celebrate the Day of the Dead, included music, original artwork, a dance, and the largest open altar exhibition in San Antonio. Nine schools were represented in the altar exhibitions with thoughtful remembrances of those departed — both with personal and community-wide significance. Three mariachi groups played at the event in honor of the recently departed Belle Ortiz, mariachi educator credited with beginning mariachi education in San Antonio ISD. Pictured is the altar created by the International Club at CAST Tech High School. 

SAISD, in partnership with the San Antonio Food Bank, is hosting a drive-through food distribution event to help SAISD families in need before the holiday break.

We are excited to announce that the Person-Centered Thinking Training sessions, provided by the Family and Community Engagement Department, has seen remarkable progress. With over 115 district employees from various departments and campuses, this initiative is making a significant impact on our district's commitment to exceptional customer service

The training program aligns perfectly with the district's Always Learning Plan, which emphasizes continuous growth and development. By fostering a person-first culture, the training empowers employees to understand and meet the unique needs of students, families, and the community. This approach recognizes the importance of building meaningful relationships and delivering customer service that goes beyond expectations.

Through the Person-Centered Thinking Training, SAISD is investing in the professional growth and development of its employees. By equipping them with person-centered approaches, the district is fostering a culture of person-first, empathy, understanding, and exceptional service. This initiative serves as a testament to SAISD's commitment to excellence and its dedication to providing the best possible educational experience for students, families, and the community.

To accommodate the diverse schedules of staff members, the training sessions were thoughtfully designed to offer multiple options. This flexibility allowed employees to participate based on their availability, ensuring maximum attendance and engagement.

One of the most notable aspects of this initiative is the partnership between SAISD and the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG). This collaboration has allowed the district to provide its employees with an internationally recognized curriculum at no additional cost. By leveraging the expertise and resources of AACOG, SAISD can offer high-quality training that meets global standards.

Furthermore, the Family and Community Engagement Department has taken an active role in supporting the training sessions. The department has a certified Person-Centered Thinking trainer on staff who plays a vital role in facilitating and enhancing the training experience. Their expertise and guidance contribute to the overall effectiveness of the program, ensuring that participants gain valuable insights and practical skills.

Here are a few quotes we have collected from surveys regarding the Person-Centered Thinking Training:

“The training helps see things in a different way allowing for a different, better approach.”    

– Vanessa, Sr. Administrative Assistant, Office of Academics

“Useful because it helps you think through how you can be supported and then how you can support students.”

– Harrold, Teacher, YMLA

“We are all people who deserve to be treated with empathy and compassion. Sometimes we have to take a step back or a deep breath and really listen and try to come up with a solution or understanding.” 

– Pricilla, Data Clerk, Madison Elementary

“It reminded me to embrace differences of those around me and to be aware of others' perspectives.” 

– Crystal, Internal Auditor, Internal Audit

“This teaches empathy through self-reflection.”

– Derrick, Principal, YMLA

“The best training I've been to provided by the district.”

– Suzanne, Sr. Administrative Assistant, Integrated Student and Family Support

These quotes reflect the positive impact the Person-Centered Thinking Training program has had on our participants, reinforcing the value and effectiveness of this program in our district.

For the month of November, SAISD is highlighting all of the FREE community holiday resources and events for parents and families across the city.

In August, the San Antonio ISD Board of Trustees approved a change to the 2023-2024 District Instructional Calendar, adding early release days. Those days are: 

• Friday, November 17 

• Wednesday, December 13 

On these early release days, students will have 4.5 hours of instructional time.

Be sure to check your school's calendar for their specific academic schedule.

When Special Needs Route Coordinator Sandra Herrera showed her coworkers in transportation the KSAT-12 story about a costume drive for hospitalized children with the Stay Strong Foundation, the team was moved. The story, which ran on Oct. 10, featured Herrera's grandson, Gilbert, who had been treated for leukemia and is now in remission. Wanting to support a cause so close to a team member, Director of Operations Katelyn Saenz messaged the Foundation to find out if SAISD could be part of the costume drive. Their official donation box was delivered the next day. In a little over a week, the department collected more than 20 costumes, filling the box, plus other additional online donations. Herrera (left) poses with the routing team and some of the costumes they have collected. 

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

November 13, 2023

The SAISD Board of Trustees is scheduled to vote on the district’s rightsizing recommendation.

Other board items will be discussed as scheduled on the published agenda.

SAISD HOLIDAY FOOD DISTRIBUTION

November 15, 2023

SAISD, in partnership with the San Antonio Food Bank, is hosting a drive-through food distribution event to help SAISD families in need before the holiday break.

Alamo Stadium

110 Tuleta Dr., 78212

9 a.m.

CHOICE APPLICATIONS OPEN

December 1, 2023

The Choice application window for 2024-2025 will open on December 1, 2023. All students in the San Antonio area can apply, no matter where they live. Free transportation is provided from hubs around the district.

Follow @SAISDChoice on Facebook and/or @SAISD_Enroll on X for updates.

STRIKE! Our Special Olympians had so much fun demonstrating their bowling skills at Bandera Bowl last month. The joy and accomplishment our students experience in Special Olympics are contagious. The bond our students have with their teachers and coaches is evident, and part of the commitment SAISD has to providing the best services to the members of our Familia who receive Special Education services. The district recently received the results of our Special Education audit from the Council of the Great City Schools, informing us as we plan even better service to these important students and families in our community. 

Copyright © 2023 SAISD, All rights reserved.

SAISD Familia is a publication of SAISD's Office of Family & Community Engagement Department.

Questions/comments? Contact the SAISD Familia editor here.