November 4, 2024
Dear AHISD Families-
I love November! This month highlights the importance of practicing gratitude, and I certainly have much to be grateful for. In addition to the blessings of my incredible family, I am blessed to serve in this school district that is home to the most talented teachers and staff as well as the most outstanding students. When I visit our campuses or attend our school community events, I’m reminded of the magic that our teachers work in their classrooms every day. I see the way our sponsors and coaches share their talent and heart with our kids. I see the way our bus drivers greet our students in the morning and bid them farewell at the end of the day. AHISD is a very unique and special district, and I can’t help but share my gratitude with all of you this month.
Academic Celebration
Grateful for the high level of academic rigor in our classrooms across the district. . .
This past month we celebrated a record number of National Merit Scholars at AHHS and will recognize them at this month’s regular board meeting. One in ten of our current seniors achieved national recognition from the College Board!
69 students scored in the top 20% of national seniors
28 students scored in the top 10% of national seniors
24 students scored in the top 5% of national seniors
11 students scored in the top 1% of national seniors
1 student scored in the top ½ of 1% of national seniors and is designated as a National Merit Semi-Finalist.
Veterans Day
Humbled and deeply thankful for the service of the men and women in our military. . .
In AHISD, we celebrate our veterans in a big way across all of our campuses and events will take place all throughout the day on Monday, November 11th. You’ll find more information at the bottom of this message. My family has military roots as my father served as a Marine during Vietnam and both of my grandfathers served in World War II (one in the Marines and one in the Navy) and I’m proud of the way our campuses highlight their service, valor, courage and dedication to our country. I encourage you to participate in the events at your child’s campus that day.
Budget Advisory Council
Grateful for community members who serve and provide feedback and input as we walk through a time of challenge. . .
We have one more meeting later this month with our Budget Advisory Council. The task of this council is to provide community feedback on programs and positions for possible cuts to reduce our 2025-2026 budget by $5 million to make up for the gap in funding from the lack of state support for public education. I am so grateful for our Council members - teachers, staff and parents - as they have provided critical feedback for our Trustees to use if we do not see additional funding this upcoming session.
Upcoming Legislative Events
Thankful for the opportunity to share our voices regarding the importance of public schools that educate 5.5 million children across the state of Texas. . .
As I’ve said before, this upcoming legislative session will be critical for public schools and public education. In order to help our community be informed and engaged, we are hosting 2 events, one this month and one in December.
The first event is a Community Legislative Update on Nov. 12 in the AHHS Oaks at 6 p.m. Our guest speakers are Dr. Brian T. Woods, from the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA), and Sophie Torres from Raise Your Hand Texas.
The second event is a Legislative Lunch and Learn on Dec. 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Barbara and Alan Dreeben Auditorium Foyer at AHHS. We will welcome a guest speaker, Missy Bender, from the Texas School Coalition- an organization that represents recapture districts across the state- and a light lunch will be provided by the Alamo Heights School Foundation. This meeting will offer attendees a brief work session to determine the next steps for engagement of our community in the upcoming session.
I ask that you please reach out to friends and neighbors and invite them to attend. I don’t think there has ever been a more important time for the AHISD community to speak about the importance of funding our public schools adequately. Our students and our staff are looking to you for your support and your engagement.
On Location Video of the Month
Appreciative of our character education program in AHISD. . .
Watch my latest On Location video which highlights a character education initiative at our elementary campuses- Morning Meetings. I was able to sit in on a morning meeting with Jasmin Ramzinsky’s class at Cambridge, and I was so impressed with their conversation and the relationships they’ve built as a class through this practice.
Finally, I send best wishes for a very Happy Thanksgiving! May each of you celebrate the blessings of the season- good food, cooler weather, time with family and friends, and time for rest. I’m grateful for our Alamo Heights ISD community and the opportunity to serve as your superintendent.