Eagle Express

Wow! What a great first week of the school year. Teachers and students have been learning all about each other, building class routines and expectations and learning schedules. As a whole school we have been doing the same - setting our routines and expectations in common areas and arrival and dismissal.

On Thursday, August 27th we invite you to our Parent Information Night/Back To School Night. Teachers will be sharing class/grade level curriculum information. We will offer grade level sessions from 5 to 5 :30 and then again from 6:30 to 7:00. In between, from 5:35 to 6:15, we will have a PTA meeting and principal updates. This is a parent information evening and no child care will be available.

We will have our first school-wide Monday assembly on Monday, August 24th. All students will come to the cafeteria at 7:30 and all Eagles will start the day together. Parents will be invited to join the following week. Other notable information/links in this weeks newsletter:

• Rainy Day Dismissal (we can be hopeful it will rain again)
• AISD Student Code of Conduct Links
• Safety Drill Information
• Our Character Strong Kindness Kick Off
• Arrival and Dismissal reminders
• AISD Gifted and Talented Referral Process is Open (info in the repeated info section)
• Annual AISD Asbestos and Pest Management Notification
• Friday, August 29th is our first Spirit Day! It's College/Career T-shirt Day
• Flyers for after-school programs and Earth Kids

Have a great weekend and we look forward to seeing you on Monday.

Kati Achtermann, Principal

August 27 - Parent Information night/Back to School Night 5:00 - 7:00

August 31 - 7:40 Morning Assembly (Price Homeroom leads Pledges)

September 4 - College Colors Day

September 7 - School Holiday - Labor Day

September 8 - 7:40 Morning Assembly (Alvarez Homeroom leads Pledges)

September 10 - 3:30 CAC

September 14 - 7:40 Assembly (Patel Homeroom leads Pledges)

September 15 -

• BHE Spirit Day - International Dot Day
• Hispanic Heritage Month Begins

September 21- Student Holiday

September 22 - 7:40 Assembly (Purcell Homeroom Leads Pledges)

September 28 - 7:40 Assembly (Tso Homeroom Leads Pledges)

October 8 - Vertical Team Night at House Park (more details forthcoming but always a fun event)

October 9 - Student and Staff Holiday (Bad Weather Make-Up Day)

We've had a great first week and I wanted to highlight some arrival and dismissal procedure reminders:

• When dropping students off in the front circle drive (morning) or picking up in the afternoon, do not get out of your car. Please have students exit and enter on the passenger side of the car. We will have 5th grade Safety Patrol and staff to assist with car doors.
• Students should have everything they need when they exit the car.
• Please make sure students can buckle/ unbuckle their seatbelt and are ready to exit! We work hard to keep that car line moving so everyone makes it to class on time.
• Do not park in the staff parking lot at arrival or at dismissal.
• Keep all dogs/pets at home.
• Do not go around cars in the front drive.
• Do not use the front drive as a turn around zone! It is one way only.
• Do not use the back parking lot as a drop off zone. It is for staff parking only.
• Adhere to the NO PARKING zones - even when there are no orange cones to remind you.
• Stay off cell phones/devices in school zones (and yes, our front drive is included). No conversation/call is more important than our students safety.
• Always cross at crosswalks

In the event of inclement weather (significant rain, lightening, etc.) at dismissal time, we will implement our Rainy Day Dismissal procedures. Parents will receive a text alert and/or email (depending on the notification settings you selected for AISD notifications) as soon as the decision is made to alter our dismissal plans and locations. We try to make the decision by 2:00 pm. A rainy day dismissal means all students are dismissed through the front of the building - there is no dismissal from Briarcrest Drive. This includes walkers and bikers. All students come to the cafeteria and we will have staff in the front of the building to collect student names and then we call them from the cafeteria to go out for pickup. Earth Kids staff meets students in the cafeteria as well and then head to their bus/van. While it does take some extra time, we utilize these procedures to keep students and staff safe. We thank you in advance for your understanding and extra patience on those days.

For the first two weeks of school, we will kick off our Character Strong lessons with a focus on Kindness. Please see below for more information:

The District is mandated by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) to provide written notification to all parents, teachers, and employee organizations regarding the availability of asbestos management plans for District facilities. This notification is required even if our facility does not have asbestos-containing building materials.

The Texas Structural Pest Control Act mandates the District, which requires chief administrators of schools, educational institutions, and daycare centers to provide written notifications of the types of pesticides used and their scheduled application to parents or guardians of children attending the facility.

Attached are the two notification letters. One notification letter is required by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), and the other letter is required by the Texas Structural Pest Control Act.

AISD prioritizes campus safety by implementing The "I Love U Guys" Foundation’s Standard Response Protocol (SRP), which establishes clear, uniform language and actions across all schools. Through this framework, students and staff build crisis-response muscle memory by routinely practicing five core drill actions:

• Hold (keeping hallways clear for localized issues),
• Secure (locking all external doors for potential hazards outside the building),
• Lockdown (locks, lights, and out of sight for threats inside the building),
• Evacuate (moving safely to designated rally points), and
• Shelter (taking cover during severe weather or hazmat situations).

Drill schedules range from monthly evacuation exercises to per-semester Lockdown, Secure, and Hold drills, ensuring everyone on campus can react swiftly and calmly during a real emergency. We will have our first drill this week which will be a Lockdown Drill. For more information, please see the parent handout below:

Please click on the button below to access the AISD Student Success Guide (Previously known as the Student Code of Conduct.):

Please click on the button below to access the AISD Student Responsible Use Policy (Please note changes in consequences for deliberate damages.):

Austin ISD is excited to participate in College Colors Day, scheduled for Friday, September 4, 2026. Across the United States, students, parents, family, faculty, fans, and alumni celebrate College Colors Day every year on the Friday before Labor Day. This year, it takes place on September 4, 2026. You show spirit and school pride by rocking your college colors and apparel.

Manga Marvels and Morsels, a community-centered celebration of art, creativity, storytelling, food, and pop culture welcomes Austin ISD families to attend their upcoming festival.

As part of their partnership outreach with local schools, they’re offering a special family promotion - Students attend FREE with a paid parent/guardian admission. This offer allows students to experience a fun, inspiring, and family-friendly event alongside their parents or guardians.

Event Highlights Include:

• Manga and anime-inspired art experiences

• Local artists and creative vendors

• Interactive activities and workshops

• Cultural food experiences

• Family-friendly entertainment

• Opportunities to encourage creativity, literacy, and artistic expression

Event Information:

Event: Manga Marvels and Morsels

Date: August 21-23rd

Location: Travis County Expo Center

Tickets & Information: www.mangamarvelandmorsels.com

USE CODE: “AUSTINISD“ at checkout for credit

Requirements: Bring AISD Identification to confirm affiliation (Student ID, t-shirt, swag, etc.)

Promotion Details:

• One free student admission per paid adult ticket

• Parent or guardian attendance required

• Valid for Austin ISD students

• Additional student tickets may be available for guardians over +21

Their goal is to create an engaging space where families, students, artists, and the community can connect through creativity and culture.

Manga Marvels and Morsels appreciates Austin ISD families for supporting local arts and educational experiences and hope to see you at the festival.

Welcome back! I'm Steve Nichols, your café manager here at (School Name). I’d like to share some updates about school meals this year at AISD.

Menus & Nutrition: Menus, as well as nutrition information, allergens, ingredients, and carb counts are available at SchoolCafe.com/AustinISD or via the SchoolCafe app. Meals are made daily in our school kitchen and meet or exceed federal nutrition standards. Our menu includes healthy versions of student favorites, scratch-prepared items, plant-based options, and global flavors, featuring local and sustainable ingredients.

Check out our new Introduction to School Lunch Video in English or Spanish to learn more!

Food Allergies & Special Diets: We can accommodate students with documented food allergies and dietary needs with a completed Dietary Accommodation Form (English / Spanish).

Meals for Elementary Students: Breakfast: $1.90 / Lunch: $3.40 - View full price list.
Families may apply at any time for free or reduced-price meals through their SchoolCafe account, by completing a PDF application (English / Spanish), or a paper application available in our front office. Thanks to state funding, all students who qualify for reduced-price meals this year will receive free breakfast and lunch.

Meals for Parents/Adult Guests: Breakfast: $3.50 / Lunch: $5.25
We’re happy to welcome parents to enjoy meals with us! Unfortunately, federal regulations prevent us from offering free or reduced meals for parents/adult guests.

Wellness Policy: AISD policies govern food served outside the cafeteria. Please review our Wellness Policy Overview for guidelines on classroom celebrations, food fundraisers, and food rewards. Celebrations of any kind may not interfere with a students’ regular meal times.

Please reach out with any questions. I look forward to seeing you in the cafeteria this year!

Hello Parents/Guardians,

Gifted and Talented Nominations will open on August 18, 2026.

If you are interested in referring your child, please click on this link for information:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VYKiglm4EJ0wTbdTL7s_MKnXIWJzT6fe/view?usp=sharing

Nominations will close on October 16, 2026.

Please note that all second graders will be pre-screened, and there is not a need to fill out this form for them.

I advise you to speak to your child's teacher about whether or not a referral would be appropriate for your child this year.

Kindly,

Stephanie K. White, M.A., MEd., LPC

Counselor and GT Advocate, Barton Hills Elementary School

In the past, many parents have asked me about the qualities seen in gifted learners vs high achievers. This chart is from "The Gifted and Talented Child" by Janet Szabos.

The H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards are currently accepting nominations through September 30th, offering a fantastic opportunity to lift up and recognize Austin ISD for its exceptional dedication to serving students. You can submit nominations across several categories—including Teachers, Principals, School Counselors, School Districts, and Early Childhood Facilities—to highlight the outstanding educators and programs making a difference every day. The H-E-B Excellence in Education program awards cash grants to finalists, winners, and their schools.

This program honors outstanding Texas educators with significant cash grants for both individuals and their schools. Two of our very own Austin ISD educators took home top honors last year. Megan Vasquez from Becker Elementary, who won the Leadership Award, received $10,000 for herself and a $10,000 grant for her school. Alasin DeVeny from Joslin Elementary, who earned the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, received $25,000 for herself and a $25,000 grant for her campus.

Please help spread the word by sharing this recognition opportunity with your students, families, staff, and community members, and submit your nominations directly at https://heblovesteachers.com/.

Maintaining a safe and positive learning environment for our students is our top priority. It is important to us that our safety protocols are in place AND that our students, families, and staff continue to feel a positive and welcoming environment each day. Please help us keep everyone safe.

Arrival:

• We will continue to have a secure morning arrival with families/caregivers saying goodbye before students enter the building. Parents/Caregivers may walk students to the front walkway during car drop off/walking drop off. Staff members will be outside and inside ready to greet, welcome, and support our students as they enter the building at 7:30. Parents will not be allowed to walk students to the classrooms and portables.
• The front doors will open for breakfast at 7:15 am. At 7:30 am, all students will enter the building.
• The first week our Kinder students will meet their teachers in the cafeteria before going to class. The teachers will be there to meet them and then walk together to the classroom.
• IMPORTANT: There is NO parking in the drive in front of the school between 7:00 - 8:00 am. This lane is reserved for drop off only. If you'd like to walk your child to the front door, please park in the neighborhood and walk to school together. Thank you!
• If you need to bring something to your child after they have entered the building, please leave it in the secure vestibule cubby with a clearly marked label. Please call the front office to let us know you are leaving an item (lunch, water bottle, device, etc.) and we will get it to your child.

Exterior Doors and Gates:

• All exterior doors will remain locked at all times during the school day. Portable classroom doors will also remain fully locked all day.
• Staff will check each exterior door weekly to ensure they close and lock as intended.
• The playground access and back parking lot gates will be locked at the start of each school day. We will unlock gates after the completion of dismissal The playground and grounds are closed to visitors during the school day.

Dismissal:

• All kindergarten students will be dismissed with their homeroom teacher at 3:05pm.

• 1st- 5th grade car riders, walkers, and bikers will be dismissed from specific outdoor locations with their homeroom teacher at 3:10pm.

• Older siblings may join younger siblings at the younger sibling location.

• *See map below for dismissal locations by grade level.

• Students must leave by 3:20 at the latest.

• Please see map below and note that areas in RED are NO Parking Zones - even for drop off and pick up.

Visitors:

• Visitors are welcome at Barton Hills for the purposes of student support. This may include scheduled parent teacher conferences and meetings, registration, pre-arranged volunteer opportunities, and other scheduled events.
• Lunch Visitors: You may come have lunch with your child. You must sign in at the office prior to going to the cafeteria. Please note that if you plan to have lunch with your students, you will need to plan to eat outside or at a separate designated table. Provide lunch only for your child. Do not arrange to purchase lunch for a group of students and then have your child pass it out. You may only have lunch with your own child - please do not invite other students to join you. *No lunch visitors for the first three weeks of school so we can work on routines and expectations.
• The main front doors are the only entry doors to the campus for visitors. The door buzzer/office communicator is on the right side wall by the front doors. Please push the button to communicate with the office and, once verified, we will buzz you in to the secure vestibule and then into the office.
• All visitors MUST sign in at the front office upon arrival AND sign out at the front office when leaving. Please remember to bring your photo ID with you when visiting campus.
• IMPORTANT: Families, please do not ask a staff member to hold a side or back door open for you to enter the building. All students, parents, and visitors must enter through the front entry doors. Thank you!

Staff Training, Campus Drills, and Threat Assessment

• Our staff will be trained on safety prior to students entering the building.
• We will review safety plans and practices throughout the year.
• We will continue to hold all required safety drills with our students. Most of the drills will be announced drills so our students aren't surprised or alarmed by them.
• Barton Hills has an established threat assessment team comprised of administration, counseling and teaching staff. All members of the team have received Threat Assessment training from Texas State. Licensed Mental Health Providers and School Resource Officers are on call to assist when needed.

Phew! I know that's a lot to digest, but wanted everyone to know we're prepared for a strong, safe, and productive year.

We love volunteers and have many volunteer opportunities throughout the year.

All volunteers—new and current—are required to complete an annual, no-cost background check.

How to Get Started:
-Sign Up through VOLY
-Complete Your Application
-Start Volunteering!

Join the Austin ISD Volunteer Program! http://austinisd.voly.org

AISD Weather Guidelines

• Temperature guidelines have been established in order to provide a safe and healthy environment for students participating in outdoor activities at Austin ISD.

• The listed temperatures, heat indexes, and wind-chill factors are designated figures for terminating and/or modifying outdoor activities including: Athletics, Fine Arts, PE, and recess.

• AISD_Temperature Weather Guidelines

Website: bartonhills.austinschools.org/school
Location: 2108 Barton Hills Drive, Austin, TX, USA
Phone: 512-414-2013
Facebook: facebook.com/BartonhillsPTA
Twitter: @bheeagles

Instagram: bheeagles