Bulldog Bulletin Wk of 10.20

Leaves are falling, learning’s calling! As we dive into a new quarter, let’s spice things up like a pumpkin latte—strong, warm, and full of energy. The first stretch of the year was all about finding our rhythm, and now it’s time to lean into the groove we’ve built together.

This new quarter is our chance to reset, recharge, and refocus on what matters most—our students. Let’s keep the momentum going, celebrate the small wins, and sprinkle a little extra joy into the season. Here’s to fresh starts, bright ideas, and a fall full of purpose and positivity!

Yours truly,

T

🌟 Staff Shout-Out 🌟

Shout out to Jaime and Mariah for creating such a supportive and joyful environment for Noah to thrive in! Your consistency, care, and teamwork are helping him shine—thank you for setting him up for success every day.

- T

Shout out to Bre for planning an amazing Fall Festival! 🍂🎉
A huge thank-you to all the staff who supported with setup and ran stations — Alejandra, Leanny, Elian, Chelsea, David, and Mr. Q!
Your teamwork and energy made the event such a success for our students and families! 💛

Big shoutout to our Teacher of the Month, Ms. Vasquez! Thank you for your grit, determination, and compassion for our scholars—your dedication makes a difference every day.

Here’s a look at what’s ahead over the next two weeks.
Please be sure to review the full calendar linked at the bottom for complete details.

ADA

Please see photo below:

• Finally, we’re excited to share that Ariana Juarez will be moving into the SPED Co-Teacher role starting October 27, 2025! We’re so thrilled to see her continue making a strong impact through her passion, knowledge, and care for our scholars. Congratulations, Ariana — we can’t wait to see you shine in this new position!
• Anna Carrejo’s first day back is October 22, 2025! We’re so excited to have her rejoining us, please help welcome her with open arms and support her as she transitions back to campus. 💛
• Please read about our newest staff member, Mr. Webster! We are so lucky to have you at our school!

Red Ribbon Week

• Date: Monday, October 20 – Friday, October 24
• Details: Read Below:

Team,

The TEA will be on campus to observe our safety measures. As always, please ensure we are following all safety protocols with fidelity:

• Keep all exterior doors locked at all times.

• Do not place large items near any exterior doors.

• Ensure internal doors remain locked throughout the day.

• Support substitutes in maintaining safety expectations.

• Remind students that they should never open doors for anyone.

Thank you for consistently modeling and upholding our safety standards to keep everyone on campus safe.

• Date & Time: Monday, October 20 | 4:15–4:45 PM
• Location: Room 103
• Details: All staff are expected to attend. We will be learning about the 3–5 Mock STAAR exam testing plan for students. This exam is ELA only.

Team,

Please be prepared and ready to engage with Chelsey Rios for our Staff Culture Reset PD in Room 103 at 4:15 PM. This is in place of content meetings.

Thank you for bringing your focus, positivity, and commitment to growing our team culture!

Team,

There will be no GTL or grade team meetings on Wednesday, October 22nd, as all staff are required to attend Report Card Night on Thursday, October 23rd.

Thank you for your flexibility and commitment to connecting with our families!

• Tuesday, October 21st- Reading and Writing 2nd-5th Grade
• Wednesday, October 22nd- Listening and Speaking 3rd Grade
• Thursday, October 23rd- Listening and Speaking 2nd Grade
• Tuesday, November 4th- Listening and Speaking 4th Grade
• Wednesday, November 5th- Listening and Speaking 5th Grade

Team, Please note that there has been a change to the L&S testing date for 2nd and 3rd grade due to the unavailability of cafeteria and updated Non-EB #. Thanks for your support!

• GRPI- Read Attachment

Team,

Please be ready to engage in our all-staff Data Conversation PD.

• Half of the staff will attend the 3–5 Data Conversation pre-work session.

• The other half will unpack GET 1A and 1B.

Thank you for coming prepared and ready to learn together!

• Grades 3–5 will be shut down for testing and complete the ELA Mock STAAR. Please maintain a quiet campus and limit hallway transitions during testing hours.
• Monday, October 20th – TC Training for IA
• All staff will participate in training for the upcoming 3–5 ELA Mock STAAR. Please ensure you are on time and bring your laptop for review of procedures and testing expectations.
• All staff are permitted to wear jeans on testing days.

Team,

Please plan to engage in the DDI Cycle PD with Chelsey Rios on Tuesday, October 28th, from 4:15–4:45 PM.
This session is in place of content meetings, and all staff are required to attend.

Thank you for your commitment to continuous growth and learning!

GTLs,

Please plan to attend a GTL meeting with Dr. Williams on Tuesday, October 29th, from 4:15–4:45 PM in Room 121.

Thank you for your continued leadership and collaboration!

• Wednesday, October 29th – Friday, October 31st – TCP Conversations with Managers
• During these dates, managers will meet individually with teachers for TCP conversations. In these meetings, you’ll review your current TCP level and the specific goals and numbers needed to reach your end-of-year assessment targets.

• TCP Award Ceremony & Staff Faculty Meeting
• We will celebrate our TCP Level-Ups during this special award ceremony, followed by our Faculty Meeting. Please arrive on time as we recognize the hard work and growth of our teachers!

✅ Calling Out & Sub Coverage

• If you are out for any reason (including ARO trainings), you must submit for a sub.

• CSI and SPED teachers cannot be expected to continue supporting scholars in your absence.

✅ Testing Materials

• All testing materials must be returned directly to Jk’s office after use.

✅ PBIS Points & Bodega

• PBIS points only have meaning if scholars can use them.

• Please ensure your class is shopping at the Bodega regularly, this is a system we invest in for scholar motivation.

✅ ADA Transportation Chats

• Check ADA chats daily for updates on how scholars are getting home.

• If a child is listed as riding the bus, this must be verified by Minia before dismissal.

✅ Doors Locked at All Times

• All internal and external doors must remain locked 100% of the time.

• If you have a sub, please remind them of this expectation to ensure scholar safety

✅ Grades Tracking & Accountability

• Grades are being tracked twice a week.

• You are held accountable to the discipline matrix, ensure grades are updated accurately and behavior interventions are implemented as outlined.

Please update your bulletin board star work with student exit tickets.

I. Lesson Scope

• Novice: Purpose noted, some alignment, 2 parts of objective.

• Proficient: Strong alignment, includes 3 parts of objective + EL domain.

• Advanced: Full alignment, documented milestones, all 4 objective parts, 3+ EL domains (2 are speaking/writing).

II. Exemplars

• Novice: Assessment done, criteria for success named.

• Proficient: 80–89% mastery shown.

• Advanced: 90–100% mastery, all tasks tied to objective.

III. Plan for Ownership

• Novice: 70% engagement.

• Proficient: 80%+ engagement, clear strategies (turn & talk, boards, etc.).

• Advanced: 90%+ engagement, all tasks build mastery.

IV. Pacing

• Novice: Plans for all minutes.

• Proficient: Fits lesson in class period with alignment.

• Advanced: Maximizes time, no mastery loss.

V. Plan for Feedback

• Novice: Feedback opportunities, mostly whole group.

• Proficient: Key-point feedback, criteria planned.

• Advanced: Criteria, anticipated misconceptions, scripted responses, error correction steps.

(linked here)

Any student who walks home must have a parent-signed walker form on file. These forms are available in the front office—please direct parents there. Completed forms should be turned in to Marie.

(linked here)

PBIS guidance (1).pdf

Clipboard Trackers linked here

Accommodations Template

Please see linked here

Team,

Linked you will find the Master Schedule (linked here):

• Cohort schedule

• Teacher schedules

• Bell schedules

• Specials schedule

• Lunch and recess schedule

• First Day of School min-by-min

• Yearlong arrival schedule

• Yearlong lunch and recess schedule

• Dismissal min-by-min

Dismissal minxmin

Arrival MinxMin

Lunch and Recess MinxMin

Linked below is the Employee Guide we reviewed this week.
This document outlines the vision and expectations for how we engage with staff, students, and families. It serves as our foundation for adult and student culture on campus. Please review it closely and refer back to it as needed throughout the year.

Linked here is the Montopolis Academy Student Culture Handbook.
This document outlines our shared approach to student behavior, expectations, routines, and systems. It serves as a guide for creating a safe, consistent, and joyful learning environment for all students.

TCP

In T’s session, you reviewed the teacher career pathway—linked here for your reference.

Linked here is the MTSS system for MAC.
This tracker will be used for all MTSS-related operations this year. A separate training will walk you through how to enter data and use the tracker effectively. The session you received during BOY PD served as an introduction to MTSS, including a review of the tiers and overall framework.

Here are the links to the PBIS Trainings that are due on September 12th, 2025.

Roadmap Session #1

All Teacher Use this Link: PBIS Rewards Teacher Training

Roadmap Session #2:

All Teacher Use this Link:

PBIS Rewards: Behavior Referral System Teacher Training

The Best Practice Library is where you can find resources featuring exemplar teachers teaching on the Hub.

EB PD materials:

Checklist with links: 25-26 First 30 Days EB Observation Checklist.docx

MTW

Linked above is our SEL curriculum's website. below is the roadmap training:

Move This World Roadmap Training: https://roadmap.ideapublicschools.org/paths/68110b3365a85e1fd21624a1/home

New powerschool link

How teachers take attendance and enter grades 🙂

Please fill out this form so we can efficiently order shirts and celebrate our staff.

MAC One Drive:

The linked drive is where you need to submit your weekly lesson plans.

Please remember that blackout dates are not eligible for time off unless they meet one of the following exceptions with proper documentation:

• A family wedding or major family event

• Severe illness (must include a doctor’s note)

• Bereavement (death in the family)

• Jury duty or court appearance (with official documentation)

If you need to take time off on a non-blackout day, please email me your request and specific dates via Outlook. If approved, I’ll respond in writing. Once you’ve received written approval, you must then send a calendar invite to me, your GTL, all assistant principals, and my administrative assistant. After that, you may submit your time off request in Frontline. (Subs required only for 3-5 teachers).

These Outlook calendar invites are essential to keeping our large campus and operations running smoothly—thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Please take time to review the calendar above carefully and make any time-off requests as early as possible. This policy will be reviewed in more detail during Back-to-Year (BOY) PD, but I’m sharing it now so you have early visibility into key dates.

Classroom and Office Assignments linked:

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Please complete this short form if you are interested in earning extra duty pay through teaching accelerated learning, running a club, or supporting morning or afternoon duty. This will help us plan for staffing and programming. Thank you!

Why “Pedal Progress" Is Our Vision This Year

British cycling coach Sir Dave Brailsford led his teams to Olympic and Tour de France success by focusing on the “aggregation of marginal gains”—small, daily improvements that add up to big results. Instead of chasing medals, his athletes learned to be fully present and intentional with every pedal stroke.

Inspired by this mindset, the leadership team chose “Pedal Over Podium” as our theme for the year. We believe real growth happens not in the spotlight, but in the consistent effort, reflection, and grit we bring to each day.

By focusing on the process—not just the outcome—we create a culture rooted in learning, resilience, and joy. Let’s trust the journey and keep pedaling—together.

Team,

Linked below you’ll find the staff-facing calendar for the 2025–2026 school year. This version is final, though—as always—some adjustments may arise as the year unfolds. Please note some of these scanning deadlines are subject to change and will be updated before August 11.

This calendar gives you a full view of the year’s arc, including:

• Our monthly Get Focus themes

• Lead team culture and instructional rounds

• Faculty meetings

• Content meetings

• Grade team meetings

• GTL meetings

• School-wide events

• Designated blackout dates

The GET rubric is how we evaluate our teachers’ performance, with 35% of your rating directly impacting your pay. Each month, we will have a GET focus that we will unpack and explore as a school.

For August, the GET focus is GET 2, which centers on culture. Attached, you will find the PDF of the rubric.

Below, you will find the following calendars for the school year:

• Staff Work Calendar

• Academic Calendar/Parent-Facing School Year Calendar

Below you will find the Leadership Team's contact information.

Corrie Mathias
K–5 Principal
📧 corrie.mathias@ideapublicschools.org
📞 214-554-2957

Alyssa Okoene
Administrative Assistant
📧 alyssa.okoene@ideapublicschools.org

Marie Banzon
Assistant Principal of Operations (K–12)
📧 marie.banzon@ideapublicschools.org
📞 512-887-1305

Chelsey Rios
Assistant Principal of Instruction, Principal of 5th Grade
📧 chelsey.rios@ideapublicschools.org

Dr. Kristen Williams
Assistant Principal of Instruction, Principal of 3rd & 4th
📧 kristen.williams@ideapublicschools.org

Elisabeth Tijerina
Assistant Principal of Instruction, Principal of K-2
📧 elisabeth.tijerina@ideapublicschools.org

Breonta Williams
School Counselor (K–5)
📧 breonta.williams@ideapublicschools.org

Jk Kim
Testing Coordinator
📧 ju.kim@ideapublicschools.org

Website: https://ideapublicschools.org/our-schools/idea-montopolis/
Location: 1701 Vargas Road, Austin, TX, USA
Phone: 512-646-2800
Facebook: facebook.com/montopolisacademy/