Stay In-the-Know: This Week’s Top News You Can’t Miss
- No school next Monday, January 19th
- Congratulations Ms. deYoung for being selected as Teacher of the Year!
- Make sure to purchase your Yearbook. Link in the PTA section below
- Get moving! Join the Casis Commuter Club and walk, bike, or scooter to school
- Interested in serving on the PTA Nominating Committee? See more info below
Cougar PRIDE Families,
It’s going to be another great week at Casis! Our first week back from the Winter Break was successful and it was so nice to see everyone again. We have an upcoming holiday (MLK Day). So soon! As we continue our work together this second semester, there is still much to learn, to do, and to look forward to in 2026. 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
NEWS FROM THE PRINCIPAL
TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Allison deYoung, Dyslexia Interventionist, has been selected by her peers as our AISD Teacher of the Year. Ms. deYoung, in her capacity as an Interventionist, has made deep and meaningful impacts in the lives of students identified with dyslexia. The research-based and intensive support that she provides to students on a weekly basis is immensely valuable and will serve students well throughout the rest of their lives. Ms. deYoung is not only a skilled Teacher, but she is one of the most caring individuals there is. Allison deYoung builds strong and trusting relationships with both students and families that lasts a lifetime. She is so very deserving of this recognition. Allison deYoung is simply the best!
Ms. deYoung will be honored in the ‘AISD Salute Awards’ ceremony in May and we couldn’t be more proud of her, as our school representative. Two other staff members, Jessica Garcia (2nd) and Jaynelle Nestle (4th), were also nominated as campus finalists for Teacher of the Year. We recognize and appreciate these excellent teachers as well.
BOARD APPRECIATION MONTH
January is School Board Appreciation Month. The theme for 2026 is “Our Future Is Public”. We thank and celebrate all of our AISD Board Members for their work and commitment to public school education. These elected officials play a vital role in our communities and schools. Our District 5 Trustee, Lynn Boswell, has strong Casis community ties and is a valued partner with our school, as our area representative. Please join me in recognizing Ms. Boswell and the entire Board in the role that they fulfill in our school district!
SCHOOL HOLIDAY (MLK DAY)
The next upcoming school holiday will be Monday, January 19 (MLK Day). Whether you plan to participate in some service-oriented event or just relax with family, I hope that everyone will take the opportunity to think about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the fundamental human rights and values that he represented, and the legacy that he left behind. Happy MLK Day!
2ND 9-WEEKS REPORT CARDS
All Elementary report cards will be available to parents via the parent portal by Friday, January 23, 2026.
PROSPECTIVE PARENT TOUR
Prospective Parent Tours are great opportunities for families to get to learn about our school culture and programming, as well as take a tour of our new facility and amazing outdoor learning spaces. School Administration and PTA Leadership will lead these adult only tours. We look forward to sharing and showing all of the things that make Casis Elementary such a stellar educational choice for their children. The next tour of this school year will take place on Tuesday, January 27 at 9am – 10am. Can’t wait to show these potential new families our amazing school community!
ADMINISTRATIVE COFFEE CHAT FOR JANUARY
Casis Administration will host a series of meetings during the school year, to engage with parents about various school topics and happenings. During these informal meetings, Mr. Tinnon, Ms. Beckham, and Ms. Davis will share school information and dialogue with parents about school topics of their choice. The goal of this platform is to build our shared knowledge and make community connections. Our next ‘Administrative Chat’ will take place on Friday, January 30 at 8:00a.m. in the Casis Community Room. We look forward to having some very authentic conversations with our learning community.
2026 – 2027 ENROLLMENT DATES & DEADLINES
Enrollment for the 2026 – 2027 school year is about to begin. Austin ISD’s goal is to re-register all 64,000+ PK-11th grade students who are currently enrolled students, as well as to register all new students by the end of May, 2026. Please see the following enrollment windows, by rounds/programs:
- Round 1 (Special Programs Enrollment): 1/12/26 – 2/6/26
- Round 2 (General Registration & Transfers): 2/16/26 – 4/10/26
- PK3 & PK4 (Pre-Kinder Registration): 4/1/26 – 5/22/26
- Round 3 (General Registration): 4/13/26 – 5/27/26
If families have questions, you may go to the enrollment website (Enroll Austin Website).
CHARACTER STRONG IMPLEMENTATION & PRACTICES
This year, AISD and Casis Elementary are implementing a new Character Education and Behavioral Support program called Character Strong. This program is meant to provide students with the necessary skills and strategies to be the very best humans that they can be in the world. Students will hear morning messages and receive lessons from their teachers about topics like respect, gratitude, honesty, courage and more. Teachers will be providing weekly lessons and sending home monthly information to families about the different program topics learned each month. The lessons derive from a program called, “Purposefull People”. Here’s a Family Introductory Letter about Purposefull People. Each month we will cover a different Character Strong topic and resources will be shared to help families have meaningful conversations at home about the learned trait. Here’s an Overview of the monthly topics that will be taught. The Character Strong trait for the month of January is Perseverance. Here’s the Family Connection Newsletter – Perseverance for this month’s theme. We are so excited to be ‘Character Strong’ at Casis Elementary!
IMPORTANT DATES
January – School Board Appreciation Month
Tues., Jan. 13 – CAC Meeting – CANCELLED!
Mon., Jan. 19 – School Holiday (MLK Day)
Mon., Jan. 26 – Fri., Jan. 30 – Holocaust Remembrance Week
Tues., Jan. 27 – Prospective Parent Tour at 9am
Fri., Jan. 30 – Administrators’ Coffee Chat at 8:00am (Community Room)
TRAFFIC SAFETY PROCEDURES
Please adhere to the guidelines in your particular arrival/dismissal area (Front Circle Drive or North Parking Lot). See 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 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 safely by-pass the ‘Circle Drive’ vehicles to enter the parking lot.