Cougar PRIDE Families,
It’s going to be another great week at Casis! Our annual ‘Author Visit Day’ was a rousing success! The teacher preparation, student assemblies, teacher luncheon, book signing session, and Author interview, were all outstanding and memorable parts of our day. Special thanks to Candace Fleming, Eric Rohmann, Courtney Ewing, PTA Coordinators, and our entire Cougar PRIDE family for a job well done. March is here and Spring is upon us. As we continue our work together this second semester, there is still much to learn, to do, and to look forward to. We will also continue to focus on student learning growth and enrichment opportunities, as well as on safe and secure practices. Please see important information for the week below.
Mr. Tinnon
LATEST SCHOOL & PTA NEWS
STAFF NEWS
We would like to welcome Grace Johnson, Lunchroom Monitor, to Casis! Ms. Johnson recently was a Lunchroom Monitor in another school district (Hays ISD) and retired a couple of years ago from an administrative job with the Texas Department of Transportation. Her employer references were so complimentary of her, citing her professionalism, great communication skills, caring personality, and strong organizational skills. We’ve been searching and waiting for this position to be filled since the beginning of the school year, so you can imagine how ‘over the moon’ excited we are for her to join our school family. So glad you made it to Casis Ms. Grace Johnson!
SILVER RAVE AWARD PIN FOR FEBRUARY
The RAVE (Recognizing All Valuable Employees) program exists to recognize AISD employees who take the extra steps to provide equitable and exceptional experiences for our students, families, staff, and community members. Campus Principals have been provided with ‘Silver Rave’ pins to acknowledge local staff members each month. The recipients for the month of February are Gail Jones and Gloria Ealey, Lunchroom Monitors. These two ladies have been a part of our school family for many years. They have both seen us through some very challenging times and have always had the very best attitudes about their work. Our children are well-taken care of when they come to the Cafeteria for lunch everyday and it’s because Ms. Gloria and Ms. Gail are there. We can’t thank each of them enough for the level of service and dedication that they show us everyday, just by showing up. They certainly don’t get paid nearly enough, but we all know that neither of them come to Casis for the compensation. It’s a labor of love and we don’t know what we’d do without them. Kudos to the sweetest and most caring Lunch Monitors in AISD – we love you Ms. Gail & Ms. Gloria!
GLOBAL COMMUNITY WEEK
Monday, March 6 – Friday, March 10, will be ‘Global Community Week’ at Casis Elementary. This local event will be the first attempt in a collaboration between our parents and teachers that will highlight the fact that, while we may all come from many different places, we are all globally connected to one another in so many ways. This week will be full of activities and happenings that showcase our individual origins, while bringing us together as a school community. We’re so very excited to participate in this inaugural (and hopefully annual) event. More detailed information will be communicated about this special week.
SPRING PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
Elementary Parent Conference Days are scheduled on the AISD School Calendar to take place on the evenings of Wednesday and Thursday, February 15 – 16. At Casis Elementary, these important meetings will be scheduled between Monday, February 13 – Friday, March 10. Most conferences scheduled in the Spring will either be student-led or optional, based on the grade level and student progress/performance concerns. Teachers will still share information about student progress/performance for all students, but most Spring meetings will be optional, unless requested by Teacher or Parents. If scheduled, meetings will occur during the day and/or after school. Parents can then expect the ‘3rd 9-Weeks Report Cards’ to be available in your Parent Portal by Friday, April 7.
FAMILY & STAFF ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS
The AISD Special Education Department offers families and staff members learning opportunities around goal setting and positive behavior support in Power Hour Sessions. Although the sessions are set up for families with students receiving special education services, any parent or caregiver is welcomed to attend. Presenter, Dan St. Romain, is a national education consultant with roots in special education support and development. He will present virtually on goal setting and positive behavior supports. There are two different sessions in February and March, which are repeated with lunchtime and evening virtual offerings. See information below.
| Date | Time | Zoom Link | Topic & Flyer | RSVP Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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|
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| Thurs.,
Mar. 30, 2023 |
12-1 pm
6-7 pm |
Zoom Link | Avoiding Power Struggles. English / Spanish Flyers | RSVP Link |
NEWS FROM THE PRINCIPAL
2023 – 2024 REGISTRATION INFORMATION
The online registration process for both the current 2022 – 2023 and next year’s 2023 – 2024 school years will be open concurrently, starting in January, 2023. Families enrolling in the current school year will be able to continue to do so. This process will also apply to out-of-district transfer families as well.
Following are important links, regarding enrollment, registration, and transfers:
All current and prospective families are encouraged to begin the registration process as early as possible. This information allows the school district to make impactful and accurate decisions in the areas of school budgeting, staffing, and student services to all campuses in the district.
ONE MILLION MINUTES READING CHALLENGE
Dr. Anthony Mays, Interim Superintendent, is challenging PK – 12th Grade students in AISD to read one million minutes this school year. Book titles and genres of interest will be recorded as well, to see and understand what our various learning communities are most interested in reading by age level. See the following information to participate: (1) Students should Log Minutes Here [Elementary Teachers/Parents should walk students through completing this form.], (2) Follow the reading competition on the Website Here, (3) See Flyer Here with QR code to post and log minutes as well. This healthy reading competition will result in the top school receiving a prize and a traveling trophy. This challenge will run through April 30, 2023.
MORNING ARRIVAL WINDOW REMINDER
A noticeable amount of our families are arriving to school right after the 7:40a.m. school bell rings. Please remember that students are considered ‘tardy’ if they arrive after this time. We purposely have a 30-minute window of time for all students to arrive at school everyday (7:10a.m. – 7:40a.m.). This window of time gives families ample time to plan their arrival. If you are a family that typically arrives right at 7:40a.m., please consider adjusting your morning routines by 5 – 10 minutes to ensure an ‘on-time’ arrival to school. It’s so very important that students have enough time to settle into their classroom and begin their day of learning. Consistent and timely routines help ensure that students are at their very best and able to be the most successful student that they can be for the school day. Thanks in advance for your compliance and cooperation with this request.
2022 SCHOOL BOND PASSED
Austin Voters recently passed all three of Austin ISD’s bond proposals, an investment of $2.44 billion in local schools. The 2022 Bond will fund capital projects, such as upgrades to safety and security, repairing failing building systems, new facility construction and renovations, technology upgrades and other improvements. Nearly every AISD campus will receive improvements with these bond funds, helping the district to save money on repairs and maintenance, thereby freeing up money that can be used to increase teacher pay. This new work on bond projects will begin in Summer 2023, starting with safety upgrades to keep students and teachers safe. While Casis has just completed a fully modernized facility (2017 Bond), our school is also included in the 2022 Bond package and will receive additional bond items. Please see the following link for more information about its impact for our campus: Casis ES Facility Project Sheet. For more information about the 2022 Bond Program, visit AISDFuture.com.
SEL & EQUITY PRACTICES
In Austin ISD and at Casis Elementary, we believe that Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is at the heart of equity-centered systems and structures. Our goal is to use and grow our social and emotional skills, while creating brave, respectful, collaborative spaces that support all students, staff, families and communities throughout our district and in our learning community. Throughout the school year, we will teach specific skills-building strategies to our students, in order to develop important character traits, like respect, empathy, compassion, and friendships. Mindfulness strategies and principles will also be a common core of this instruction as well. Administration, Teachers, and Support Staff will all be working with students throughout the school year to develop a strong social/emotional foundation, that includes building a lense of fairness and equity for all, no matter the differences among us.
The SEL word for the month of March is Accountability. Accountability means you are responsible for your own actions. When you make a mistake, it means being honest with yourself and others. You can own your mistake by naming it, apologizing, and making a plan to do better next time. Taking accountability is an important part of living in a community.
The Equity word for the month of March is Belonging. Belonging means you belong to a family, group, neighborhood or school. At Casis, we work hard to make sure everyone feels a sense of belonging. You can help others feel like they belong by honoring their unique identities, welcoming them to your space each morning, and including them during games. How do you feel when you belong? How do you create belonging for others in your community?
Following is a resources sheet for the month of March that will help support these two important concepts, both at school and at home. MARCH RESOURCES SHEET
IMPORTANT DATES
February – National African American Heritage Month
February – Career and Technical Education Month
Mon., Feb. 13 – Fri., Mar. 10 – Casis Spring Conference Window
March – Women’s History Month
March – National Youth Art Month
Thurs., Mar. 2 – 3rd Grade Choir Concert at 5:30pm (Cafeteria)
Sat., Mar. 4 – Campus Clean-Up Day at 8am – 12Noon
Mon., Mar. 6 – Fri., Mar. 10 – Casis Global Community Week
Tues., Mar. 7 – CAC Meeting at 3:30pm (Community Room)
Mon., Mar. 13 – Fri., Mar. 17 – School Holiday (Spring Break)
Mon., Mar. 20 – Sat., Mar. 25 – Austin ISD Pride Week
Mon., Mar. 27 – Thurs., Mar. 30 – Casis Math Week
Wed., Mar. 29 – Prospective Parent Tour at 9am
Fri., Mar. 31 – School Holiday (Cesar Chavez / Delores Huerta Day)
TRAFFIC SAFETY PROCEDURES
Please adhere to the guidelines in your particular arrival/dismissal area (Front Circle Drive or North Parking Lot). See our Arrival & Dismissal Plan here. We continually ask for your patience and cooperation in exercising safe practices in your area.
Additionally, please see the following reminders/updates:
- Walkers should use crosswalks at all times.
- Bikers should park bikes at bike racks and walk bikes through crosswalks.
- Drivers should ALWAYS be aware of our foot and bike traffic.
- Drivers should consider TURNING OFF ENGINES when not moving forward.
- Avoid Parking in the Casis Village, if conducting school business.
- Front Circle Drive & Hillview are available for parent parking during the day.
- The North Parking Lot is designated for staff parking only.
- Vehicles using the North Parking Lot during arrival and dismissal (3rd – 5th) should be aware of all walkers who are using the parking lot crosswalks.
- Vehicles cued on Northwood for Circle Drive afternoon pick-up should TURN ON THEIR HAZARD LIGHTS and remain in one moving line to avoid double-parking.
- Vehicles who need to enter the North Parking Lot for morning/afternoon drop-offs/pick-ups of 3rd – 5th graders may by-pass the ‘Circle Drive’ vehicles to enter the parking lot.
We ask that everyone exercise extra caution and patience. Adherence will help to maintain safety for all. We truly appreciate everyone’s compliance with the above requests.
GLOBAL COMMUNITY WEEK
Get ready for a fun-filled week of events 3/6 to 3/10 to celebrate our Casis Global Community. We need volunteers to decorate and craft the hallways and classrooms for this fun week of enrichment – click here to sign up!
GLOBAL COMMUNITY NIGHT PICNIC – THURSDAY, 3/9
Please join us for a Community Night Picnic on the Casis grounds on Thursday, March 9th, 5:30 to 7:30. Bring your blankets, picnic baskets, lawn chairs and water. We will have a family-friendly movie on a big screen and the kids can enjoy the playground. Please plan to bring an Internationally interesting snack/dessert to share – a Global Potluck of Desserts! Pizza will be provided by the PTA at no cost to attendees. RSVP HERE!
Have questions or would you like to help with this event? Contact our chairs: Cara Forsyth or Alli Stinson.
CELEBRATE CASIS – April 15th
We are going BACK to the 80’s on April 15th at The Spiderhouse Ballroom! Sponsorships and ticket sales will be available on the Casis website beginning Friday, March 3!
If you are interested in joining a Celebrate Casis volunteer committee or helping in other ways please reach out to Sarah Webster.
CELEBRATE CASIS SILENT AUCTION ITEMS NEEDED
We’re looking for silent auction donations for the “Back to the 80s” Celebrate Casis Spring Gala. If you’re interested in contributing or know any businesses that would love to participate by donating fun items or cool experiences, please submit a donation form by Friday, March 10th. Any questions? Reach out to Hillary Deck or Elle Langston. Thanks for helping to support our incredible school!
FIFTH GRADE TO DOS
Many exciting happenings are ahead for our 5th graders, and want to be sure you have the following dates saved. Please keep an eye out for more details and information in the coming weeks. Remaining Deadlines are: Baby Photo Submission: Deadline Has Passed – Contact Your Homeroom Rep. Pride Line Purchase Deadline: Extended to Feb 27; Slideshow Submission: Deadline April 15. 5th Grade Port Aransas Trip: Trip Dates: May 15 + 16 – Batiansila / Bickel: May 16 + 17 – Springer / Old. Click Here for more information. Questions regarding 5th Grade happenings? Contact Kate Waitzkin.
5th GRADE PORT ARANSAS TRIP INFO MEETING – 3/29
Attention 5th Grade Parents! Save the date for the Parent Informational Meeting on Wednesday, March 29th at 3:30 in the Casis Community Room. We will be discussing details on the overnight field trip to Port Aransas scheduled for May. Trip Dates: May 15 + 16 – Batiansila / Bickel: May 16 + 17 – Springer / Old. Click Here for more information. Please email PTA Port A Chair: Lindsay Majors with questions.
CAMPUS CLEAN UP DAY – MARCH 4th
Help keep Casis beautiful by pitching in on our Campus Wide Community Clean Up Day from 8 am to noon on Saturday, March 4th. We’ll be tackling some maintenance projects and basic clean up so bring a friend (or two) and join us! Sign ups coming soon.
LUNCHROOM VOLUNTEER HELP -URGENT NEED
The lunchroom needs volunteers! Please consider signing up for a shift. It’s a great way to see your kiddo during the day and help the school! Please sign up here or here.
CASIS DADS POSSE
Want to meet some more Casis Dads in this community and help out our school from time to time? Please consider signing up for the Casis Dads Posse mailing list. Being on this list does not commit you to any work – just jump in when you can – and we might have a meet up here and there so please sign up so you can get that info as well! Thank you for your support! Sign up here.
FOLLOW CASIS ELEMENTARY ON INSTAGRAM
Did you know Casis has social media accounts? Please follow Casis Elementary on Instagram or Facebook for announcements, cool pics, and even more info and updates! @casiselementary
YEARBOOKS ON SALE
The yearbook store for 2022-2023 is open online for purchases. The cost is now $35 through February and $40 from March to May. Personalization is $6, and the deadline to order a personalized book is March 3rd. Order Here.
GROUNDS COMMITTEE NEEDS YOUR HELP
Have lunch with your kid and help keep Casis beautiful! We need volunteers every Wednesday — starting at 11:30 AM, for about 30 minutes — to help us remove weeds, plant flowers, and lay down mulch. There is no crew to maintain the campus grounds so we need YOU! Please sign up here. Tools are provided. If this time does not work for you, please email laurelgherini@gmail.com for an alternative time.
ORGANIC GARDEN NEEDS HELP
As the organic garden grows daily with freshly planted vegetation, it will need to be watered daily (during school hours). You do not need to be a gardening guru to volunteer. Sign up for as many shifts that work for you. Ideal for any parents available during school hours and/or who come to school to have lunch. CLICK HERE to sign up or look for the sign-up in the VOLUNTEER SIGN UPS Committee in Konstella.
WE NEED VOLUNTEERS
Whether in the classroom, lunchroom, carnival, or garden, we have a way you can jump in at Casis. Please join the VOLUNTEER SIGN UPS Committee on Konstella or review our Volunteer Page online and let us know how you would like to help. There are already several immediate needs. If you have questions regarding volunteer opportunities, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Ashley Blumoff.
VOLUNTEER BACKGROUND CHECK
IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY COMPLETED YOUR BACKGROUND CHECK – DO IT NOW! All volunteers at Casis must complete a simple background check annually through APIE. If you plan to volunteer in any capacity this year, it is mandatory that you complete this step. This check is FREE. You DO NOT need to donate to APIE in order to complete the background check. Please complete your background check HERE.
FREE MONEY FOR CASIS
Link your Randall’s card to Casis and collect Box Tops…all to EARN FREE MONEY for our school! If you have questions regarding these programs or how to link, please contact Katie Romano.
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR AMAZING VOLUNTEERS!
Amanda Raden and Ashley Hollmig for their help with an incredibly fun and engaging Casis Author Visit Day.
Rachel Rehwinkel, Mary Clipp, Lexi Riemer, Chelsea Combs, Susie Scheffler, Meghan Wolf, Kristin Alexander, Brinker Wolf, Colby Raden, Michelle Green, Hollie Bowen, Stephanie Herndon, Kristen Rother, Nicole Stover, Anne Henderson, Julie Cardillo, Nirupama Hecker and Sarah Webster for their help setting up and breaking down the Author Visit Presentations, Teacher Luncheon and their help sorting and delivering books.
To all the parent volunteers who helped in the classrooms so teachers could attend the Author Visit luncheon.
Hollie Bowen and Stephanie Herndon for planning a delicious teacher’s luncheon on Author Visit Day and to all those who volunteered to help in the classroom so the teachers could gather together.
Alli Stinson and Cara Forsyth for chairing our Global Community Week and Picnic.
Molly Jones, Michele Karp, Lily Lloyd, Ashley Underwood, Lisa Yoch and Rachel Rewhinkel for serving on the PTA Nominating Board Nominating Committee.
Christie Hilliard, Anne Henderson, Laura Fauber, Amanda Box, Anna Smith, Mary Polan, Sara Pitre and Ashley West for their help in the lunchroom.
Kathy Block for watering the Organic Garden last week.
…and to all our Casis Community who helped in the office, in the classroom, and after-school – THANK YOU!
TEXAS PTA NEWS
TEXAS LEGISLATURE RALLY DAY – TODAY
Do you want to make your voice heard on issues regarding budget and school funding? Please consider joining the Texas PTA on February 27, 2023 at the Capitol. Click here for more information.
VERTICAL TEAM NEWS
JUNIOR MAROON GAME DAY
Calling all FUTURE MAROON SOCCER PLAYERS and FANS! The Austin High School Girls Varsity Soccer team is inviting all preschool and elementary students to attend their upcoming district game vs. Westlake High School. All students will receive FREE entry to the game!
Austin High vs. Westlake
Saturday, March 4, 2023 | 10:45 AM
Burger Annex (3200 Jones Rd, Austin TX 78745)
We are also inviting students to join us for the walkout before the game! If your child is interested please complete this form.