November 2022

Thank you to everyone who supported the Fall Symposium. It was a pleasure to have stakeholders from many districts around central Texas support this valiant effort. Official district partners and corporations include:

Students had a blast in the Digital Escape Room led by Ms. Bianca Becker and team while parents had opportunities to speak with different School Board Trustees representing multiple school districts. Additionally, educators were able to add tools to their toolbox regarding SEL, math and reading instruction. Thanks to Hutto ISD for having the broadest range of participation. They brought in parents better than any other district! At the end of the day, students completed a leadership activity with Mr. Donald Bosier, Principal of Round Rock Opportunity Center while the adults learned about the Power of One from Ms. Statia Paschel who reminded us that we have power within us to make a difference. What a day we had! We look forward to continuing this work and reaching more families and educators. Thank you to our CAABSE membership for showing up and making the day happen! Thank you to Greater AABSE for your continued partnership!

To View More Pictures, Click Here.

Thank you to Mike at: Your Memories Made Better™ - Keep it Digital® ( www.keepitdigital.com )

Thanksgiving is nearing and this image from A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is a great conversation starter regarding race, equity, and inclusion. Linked is some background information around Franklin’s development as a character in Schulz’s Peanuts. By the way, Franklin is the Black boy on the one side of the table by himself. Regarding this image, some argue that this 1973 cartoon was doing the right thing by trying to create diversity in the comic strip when adding Franklin as a part of the storyline. Others disagree saying the segregation of the only Black character was not okay in 1973 nor today. What do you think? Do you think the illustration is appropriate because it could be an accurate depiction of race and segregation for that time? Some even argue that Franklin himself was okay because segregation is what he was used to. If one knows no different way of life, is it okay to continue with said treatment? Could Franklin be replaced with a student in a wheelchair, homeless, or identifies LGBTQ and represent a situation you may have been responsible for? What about if Franklin was a woman or a member of a political group you opposed? How we address inequity, racism, and exclusivity is up to us as victims and victors! Happy Thanksgiving!

For the 2021 - 2022 School Year, our own Latrese Smith was named the TASSP Assistant Principal of the Year. We wish her luck as she advances to the National level and continues to compete. Latrese now serves as the Principal of Mott Elementary and we are very proud of her as she is a founding member of CAABSE. Go get 'em Latrese!

Lacey Ajibola, Principal of Dessau Middle School, has been named as the TASSP Middle School Principal of the Year for Region 13. She is preparing to compete at the state level and we wish her luck as well. We are proud of Lacey as a CAABSE member who represents our students and organization well as an instructional leader at DMS and as an advocate for inclusion, engagement, and equity!

Congratulations Dr. Natalie Nichols! Natalie is the new Senior Chief of Schools and Innovation for Round Rock ISD. We are proud to have her represent executive leadership in a role that will affect the lives of students and educators. Natalie’s expertise in instructional leadership will be an asset to the district. CAABSE is thrilled to support the accomplishment of one of our founding members!

● Teachers who paid their CAABSE dues by October are now receiving their school supplies made possible through the United Way. Thanks United Way for always making our jobs easier through your support of CAABSE!

● It’s time to vote! In Texas we have the opportunity to vote on a Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and more. Some school districts also have the opportunity to vote for School Board Trustees. Many issues are being decided on that are consequential to our communities and education. Do not miss out on an opportunity for your voice to be heard. Early voting is open now until November 4th. Election Day is November 8th!

● Stay Tuned for details regarding our Winter Party! We plan to have a good time celebrating our work and accomplishments thus far. We also plan to celebrate with the Greater Austin ABSE who has been a work partner in many of our recent endeavors.

● In addition to State and Local elections, TABSE is accepting nominations for the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators Executive Board. Nominations are due by 11/11 and you must be a paid member to nominate someone. Candidates must be a financial member of a local affiliate, TABSE and NABSE for the last 2 consecutive years. Click HERE for the nomination form.

● We are looking for members to help us with grant writing. Please let Dr. Traci Wright-Bloodworth know if you are interested CAABSE President-Elect

● Congratulations to CAABSE for our popcorn sales! We made over $1000 selling Double Good popcorn last weekend. Our top sellers were Reshanta Stewart at 1st Place and Traci Wright-Bloodworth at 2nd Place. Thank you ladies!