Subject Expert: Community input phase of SAISD Bond 2020
  
Expert: Kedrick Wright, Deputy Chief Operations Officer

San Antonio ISD is in the community input phase of Bond 2020 to build a shared vision for the improvement of SAISD schools. Public meetings, hosted by Trustees for their single-member districts, provide an overview for all campuses in a particular feeder pattern. The overview is followed by breakout sessions, which tailor discussions to individual campuses. Four meetings are scheduled the week of Oct. 25 – Young Women’s Leadership Academy, Lanier and Edison high schools, and Longfellow Middle School – and media are invited to attend a session and its breakouts. Wright is available to discuss the importance of gathering and listening to the voices of all constituents and how this community process plays into the final renovation project.

Cultural Tradition: Día de los Muertos altars at SAISD

Tied into the annual tradition of honoring loved ones who have passed, students throughout SAISD are setting out on their journey to reflect upon and create Día de los Muertos altars, or ofrendas. The visual mediums vary by size, shape and influence and are as unique as each student creating them in a loved one’s memory. In some cases, such as at Burbank High School, this will be the start of a year-long cultural celebration observed through this school year, paying tribute to different cultures each month. 

Contact: Ryan Loyd, 210-554-2263 to set up interview opportunities.

Calendar items

Oct. 25-28 (Mon-Thurs) – SAISD Bond 2020 community design “charrette” public meeting
Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe9Ic8urTo94tg2ahdgX1vPWcLM7Ix2kcjdHwnoLyShRQbzgg/viewform 
A series of community design “charrette” meetings (a French word meaning an intense period of design or planning) is scheduled throughout October and November 2021. The meetings allow for public input and review of improvement projects planned for more than 30 SAISD schools as part of the 2020 bond proposal approved by voters on Nov. 3, 2020. Meetings begin with a general session and then dive into more in-depth conversations about project scope and specific campuses.
• Oct. 25 (Mon), 5:30-8 p.m., Young Women’s Leadership Academy, 2123 W. Huisache Ave., 78201
• Oct. 26 (Tue) – 6-8:30 p.m., Sidney Lanier High School, 1514 W Cesar Chavez Blvd., 78207 - Lanier High School, Rhodes Middle School, and Carvajal and Storm elementaries
• Oct. 27 (Wed), 6-8:30 p.m., Edison High School, 701 Santa Monica, 78212 - Edison High School, the Advanced Learning Academy at Euclid, and Neal Elementary School
• Oct. 28 (Thurs), 6-8:30 p.m., Longfellow Middle School, 1130 E. Sunshine Dr., 78228 - Longfellow Middle School and Huppertz and Madison elementaries.

Oct. 26-27 (Tues-Wed) - San Antonio ISD Virtual Family Power Hour - Be Cyber Smart
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month at SAISD. Participants in these virtual meetings will learn more about the importance of keeping safe in today's world of technology. The SAISD Information Technology Department will share guidance on avoiding cyberattacks and securing online experiences when utilizing SAISD technology resources.

• Oct. 26 (Tues), 2 p.m., Session Link: www.saisd.net/parentworkshops
• Oct. 27 (Wed), 10 a.m., Session Link: www.saisd.net/parentworkshops

Oct. 28 (Thurs) – Briscoe assembly and presentation to San Antonio Food Bank
9 a.m., Briscoe Elementary, 2015 S. Flores St., 78204
For the past 12 years the students at Briscoe Elementary have collected stuffed bears and blankets to donate to the San Antonio Police Department to assist their efforts in comforting children in crisis situations. This year, after 32 students volunteered at the San Antonio Food Bank, students are instead collecting food and expecting to fill eight of the food bank's red barrels. The assembly will also include a performance by the Harris Middle School Mariachi Band. As an International Baccalaureate World School, this initiative aligned with the IB curriculum to become globally aware, especially on the topic of hunger and the need in and around San Antonio. community.

Oct. 29 (Fri) - Bus Driver Job Fair
9:30-11:30 a.m., 418 Roland Ave., 78210
Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeEOmuBmeRWNnzVEmPQRlIKBpJByUCtEjPv8x9hETP9kJ-l8w/viewform

SAISD will be hosting a job fair for bus drivers at the district’s main transportation hub. Staff members will be dressed in Halloween costumes and welcoming members of the community who would like to apply. Potential applicants are asked to register in advance.

Oct. 30 (Sat) – Oktobinfest, A San Antonio Celebration
2-7 p.m., Will Naylor Smit Plaza at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, 78205
Bonham Elementary Folklorico and Conjunto students will take part in a celebration of the season with crafts, art and food that highlight the cultural richness of our area. This collaborative and educational event is centered on the historical importance of San Antonio. This is a free event and will explore the relationship between German and Mexican music as Bonham students will demonstrate.