The Chirp
December 15, 2025
You've probably seen Officer Ferguson around campus. He is a new officer with Austin ISD PD and his area is Circle C. He stops by frequently to check our campus, so be sure to say hello.
Best Practices
- Teach the Whole Truth: Don't just focus on slavery or the Civil Rights Movement; you can also learn about African kingdoms, highlight Black excellence, inventors, and resistance, and address racism's origins and ongoing impact.
- Center Joy & Humanity: Emphasize Black joy, culture, and strength, not just trauma, to create a more empowering and complete narrative.
- Year-Round Integration: View February as a time to deepen what's taught all year, not as the only time for Black history.
- Challenge Deficit Models: Promote social-emotional safety and value.
- Focus on Liberation: Connect historical struggles to modern anti-racist action, learning from figures like Stacey Abrams
Email sent 12.3.25:
Dear team, December is here and I am so glad it's finally chilly and time for the celebrations that come at this time of year. If this is your first year as a Cardinal, please take a moment to learn about how we approach the winter time with the goal of including and welcoming all students and staff:
With all the holidays that come during this time of year, I really want us to continue to have an inclusive environment for students and staff of all cultural backgrounds. December brings many holidays and celebrations for our community. Every Cardinal deserves to feel that they belong at Clayton.
In your classroom decorations and student materials, it is best to use winter themes during this time, such as snow, snowflakes, snowmen, and winter traditions, in order to be as inclusive as possible. We support teaching holidays around the world, while being equitable in the time spent and types of activities. If you choose to include Christmas in your classroom, please balance it with other cultural celebrations. We want to ensure that students experience a balance of winter holidays when at school.
The reason this is so important is that we all want our school environment and activities to continue to reflect our studentsâ cultural identities. If you have not already done so, this time of year is a great opportunity to seek information about holidays and celebrations that are a part of your studentsâ lives. Thank you for reflecting on this information and using it to consider your classroom decorations and activities. Your work and leadership are so important as we continue to make a supportive environment for kids and colleagues.
With gratitude,
Karen
Our Mystery Staff Member is Connie Murphy, Art Teacher! 12.12.25
1. My sons' names are Benjamin and Laurence.
[rest coming soon!]
Our Mystery Staff Member is Nurse Cassidy Bass! 12.5.25
1. I am from South Texas and recently moved to Austin.
2. My young son's name is Miles.
3. I've been skydiving and would happily go again.
Our Mystery Staff Member is Monique Castillo, PE Coach! 11.14.25
1. I studied abroad in Innsbruck, Austria.
2. I was a member of my high school and college dance teams.
3. I am a former Miss Fiesta San Antonio and also competed in the Miss Texas USA Pageant.
4. I have two daughters.
Our Mystery Staff Member is Ami Cole, 4th grade Teacher! 11.7.25
1. I won a writing contest when I was 10 years old.
2. I won the Miss Port Aransas Beauty Pageant when I was 15 years old.
3. I have traveled to all 50 states.
4. I have 4 children and 8 grandchildren.
