BW Parent Newsletter

Welcome back! Breaks never seem long enough, but I hope this one gave you the time to rest, recharge, and do something that brought you joy. Whether you traveled, caught up with family and friends, or just enjoyed a slower pace, I hope it was a good reset before we dive into the final stretch of the school year.

Spring always brings fresh energy, and we will put that to good use with upcoming projects, events, and celebrations. For our students, this is a great time to set goals and finish strong. For families and staff, it’s a time to continue working together to support them every step of the way.

Thank you for being part of our school community. Let’s make the most of these next few months!

Every year, to highlight the district's commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all, Austin ISD hosts its own Pride Week. We believe that when students feel safe and can show up as their full selves at school, they’re better able to engage in learning and achieve academically.

This year, all AISD pride-themed activities will take place outside instructional time such as before or after school, during morning meetings, or during lunch.

Our campus Pride Week committee has planned the following activities aligned with the districtwide theme “beYOUtiful”:

• Monday - All are welcome! During morning meetings, students will share work, pictures, stories and items that represent their family, things they are proud of, and what makes them feel connected.

• Tuesday - Affirmation Station During morning drop-off, there will be a station where students may write kind words to themselves or to each other.

• Wednesday - I am beYOUtiful! During morning meetings, students will share ways that they feel confident and proud of who they are.

• Thursday - Our community is beYOUtiful! Classes will take the opportunity to support our school community by doing a campus service project like picking up trash during recess, helping to clean the cafeteria during lunch, or writing and posting positive affirmations around the campus during morning meetings.

• Friday - Peace is beYOUtiful!! On this day, we come together to celebrate the power of global unity in building a peaceful, sustainable world and upholding the ideals of peace.

  We hope this event sparks meaningful conversations among our students and community about peace, unity, and the impact we can make in creating a better world. We hope you can join us for our third annual March for Peace from 8:15-9:45!!

We understand that families have different perspectives, and we respect every parent’s right to make decisions for their child. All of the activities above are completely optional. Find out more by viewing the AISD Pride 2025 FAQs.

March 24-CAC Meeting

The IB Learner profile aims to develop students who are principled. Students who are principled act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them.

Here are some discussion questions that help reinforce what it means to be principled:

• How would it feel to compromise your principles?
• Tell me how [character, or person you know] showed integrity.
• How do you think it made [character] feel to stand up for their principles?
• Do you think it was difficult for [character] to be honest? why?
• What was the effect of [character] actions?
• What words would you use to describe [character] actions? (true, liar, responsible, fair, trustworthy, reliable, principled, loyal, respectful, just)
• How could [character] be more principled?

Austin ISD invites all Gifted and Talented students to participate in a district-wide showcase! Projects may be entered into the showcase through April 11, 2025. This year's theme is "This is Our Story!" Please see the flyer below for more information and click on the button for the Showcase Website!

Austin ISD trustees approved the calendars for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years during its Regular Voting Meeting Dec. 19.

The final calendar version for both school years were developed by the Calendar Task Force and include faith based and cultural observances and staff development days:

• This includes Spring Break aligning with the University of Texas calendar (the third week of March).

• For the 2025-26 school year, the first day of class for students will be Aug. 19 and the last day of class will be May 28, 2026.

• For the 2026-27 school year, the first day of class for students will be Aug. 18 and the last day of class will be May 27, 2027.

• The total number of student instructional days is 169.

We need your help in ensuring that students arrive at school on time each morning. Our tardy bell rings at 7:40 a.m., and students are considered tardy if they are not with their homeroom teacher when the bell rings.

Lately, we’ve seen an uptick in tardies, and even a few minutes late can mean missing out on important parts of the school day—classroom community-building, academic learning, and key morning routines that help set students up for success.

Please plan for extra time in the mornings to help your child arrive on time and ready to start the day. Thank you for your support!

The 2023–24 Texas Academic Performance Reports (TAPR) for all Texas schools and districts are now available on the TEA’s public TAPR website. The TAPR Glossary and TAPR Guidelines are also available. This initial TAPR is published without A–F ratings, Distinction Designations, or Special Education Determination Status. The issuance of the A–F ratings under the 2024 rule is pending and subject to change.

• Link to TEA website that provides access to campus and district TAPRs.

Federal Report Cards for SY 2023-24 can be accessed online. These report cards provide information about student performance on the STAAR test, enrollment, class size averages, and financial expenditures.

• Link to TEA website that provides access to the federal report cards.

All Bryker Woods volunteers who will be in contact with children must complete a background check. Background checks are good for one year. If you’re a new volunteer or haven’t done a background check in the current school year, please click the link and follow the directions below. It’s quick and easy!

To begin the volunteer approval process, please click on the link below.

Austin ISD Volunteers

Please see information below on the AISD Student Success Guide for the 24-25 School Year:

Education in this community represents a significant commitment of financial and human resources. The benefits a student derives from this investment depend very much on the student's attitude toward learning and the student's adherence to high standards of behavior.

The Student Code of Conduct that follows is the district's specific response to requirements of Chapter 37: Discipline; Law And Order of the Texas Education Code. The law requires the district to define misconduct that may or must result in a range of specific disciplinary consequences.

This code is an outgrowth of collaboration among district and campus staff, parents, and other community members and was adopted by the AISD Board of Trustees. It provides information and direction to students and parents regarding standards of behavior as well as consequences of misconduct. In the case of conflict between the Student Code of Conduct and board policy, the Student Code of Conduct will prevail.

Use this button to access the attendance reporting form

The Recognizing All Valuable Employees, or "RAVE" Program, was created to honor those who take the extra steps to provide equitable and exceptional experiences. If you had an exceptional experience interacting with a Bryker Woods teacher or staff member, please nominate that individual by completing the form below.