Dear SAISD Family Member, 
 
Each and every day, we work extremely hard to achieve the vision and mission of our school district. By focusing on every child, every classroom, every day, we are committed to making SAISD a better place to be – one individual at a time.
 
I am so proud and thrilled to announce that our families, friends, and neighbors voted SAISD the top school district in the San Antonio Express-News Your SA Readers’ Choice Awards. Our Young Women’s Leadership Academy also earned the top spot in the Charter School category. We are honored to be held in such high esteem across San Antonio and Bexar County, and it is because of your exceptional commitment to excellence that we are able to celebrate this outstanding achievement.
 
It is also fitting that we acquire this wonderful news just as Fiesta commences in San Antonio. The talents of so many of our students will be on display during this year’s festivities, and I can’t wait to see SAISD showcased throughout the San Antonio landscape. From marching bands to mariachi ensembles, and from JROTC battalions to cheer and spirit groups, SAISD will provide a primary presence of accomplishment and continue to make us all – “SAISD PROUD.”
 
Spring is also the beginning of prom season and reminds us of how our own high school traditions filled us with marvelous memories, anticipation, and joy. I would like to introduce you to one of our very own SAISD Family Members who is a fierce protector of this milestone event. 
 
Ashley Johnson, application analyst clerk with Child Nutrition Services, is the founder and president of Project Prom Dress San Antonio. For eight years and counting, she has played the role of fairy godmother to young women and men in need of formal attire to participate in a rite of passage that so many others are fortunate enough to take for granted. 
 
High school juniors and seniors throughout San Antonio, who might not otherwise be able to attend prom, are gifted garments and accessories because of Ashley’s generous spirit and huge heart. 
 
Since 2014, she has collected thousands of dresses, suits, shoes, and accessories and distributed them to teens through word-of-mouth, social media, and pop-up shops. The teens are also matched with hair stylists and makeup artists who have donated their services to finish off the look, and the whole experience is meant to take away any worry of cost. With a fairy godmother’s magical touch, Ashley makes our students dreams come true.  
 
While prom may be just one night, it’s a night that can bring a cherished lifetime of memories for our students. Whether they realize it or not, prom is also educational. It is a ceremony that bridges teens into adulthood, teaching them how to navigate formal settings and practice social graces. These are skills that will benefit them as they move forward in building a successful life and career. 
 
Mary Kay Ash once stated, “Ideas are a dime a dozen. People who implement them are priceless.” Please join me in acknowledging Ashley Johnson for her exemplary efforts in serving as a difference maker in the lives of our students and for the priceless gift of hope that she provides to us all. 
 
Have a fantastic Friday and a wonderful weekend.
 
We truly appreciate you and all that you do!
 
"Dr. J"

Robert Jaklich, Ed. D.

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever."
~Mahatma Gandhi