The Connection
November 3, 2023
AHS Coyote Band finished 3rd at the 4A- UIL STATE competition
Our 7th annual Anna ISD Learns is Friday, November 3, 2023. This is an event for Anna ISD teachers, BY Anna ISD teachers. Each year, we design our event focused on accelerating learning and connecting educators with powerful teaching strategies and techniques- and with each other. This year we have more than 100 presenters presenting more than 100 sessions. Anna ISD Learns is a day full of professional learning.
AHS Student Recognition
AHS students Kenneth Bibb and Juliet Bates were named Commended Students in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Corporation. They placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2024 competition by taking the PSAT/NMSQT.
Business Office Update
MySchoolBucks
You may start to see a Fall 2023 Program Fee of $2.50 on your next transaction made on MySchoolBucks. This fee will be charged only in connection with the first payment made during November & December 2023.
Like many other businesses, operational costs to deliver the MySchoolBucks platform and related services have increased. The Fall 2023 Program Fee is intended to help offset increased costs while continuing to provide the highest levels of technology, security, and privacy to parents and administrators using the service.
Student Services
International Stress Awareness Week
In today's fast-paced world, stress is a familiar companion in our daily lives. Stress is our body's natural response to any demand or challenge. In small doses, it can be beneficial, motivating us to take action and stay alert. However, chronic stress can lead to a range of health problems, including anxiety, depression, and physical ailments like heart disease and high blood pressure.
The first step in managing stress is recognizing its signs and symptoms. Stress can manifest in various ways, including:
1. Physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, and fatigue.
2. Emotional symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, and a sense of being overwhelmed.
3. Behavioral changes, like altered eating or sleeping patterns and increased substance use.
4. Cognitive symptoms, like racing thoughts, forgetfulness, and poor decision-making.
With effective stress management techniques, we can reduce the negative impact of stress on ourselves and our interactions and relationships with others.
1. Mindfulness: Simply taking a few minutes to be aware of your emotions, acknowledging them, and refocusing on the present moment can help you stay grounded in the present moment, reducing anxiety and improving overall mental well-being.
2. Exercise: Regular physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. It also helps to relax your muscles and improve sleep.
3. Healthy Diet: A balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support your body's resilience to stress. Avoid excessive caffeine, sugar, and alcohol.
4. Sleep: Prioritize getting enough quality sleep, as sleep deprivation can exacerbate stress. Establish a consistent sleep routine and create a comfortable sleep environment.
5. Time Management: Learn to prioritize tasks, delegate when possible, and set realistic goals. Effective time management can reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed.
6. Social Support: Don't hesitate to lean on friends, family, or support groups for emotional support. Talking to someone you trust can be a great stress reliever.
7. Relaxation: Techniques: Explore relaxation methods like deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or taking up a hobby you enjoy.
8. Limit Technology: While technology is a part of modern life, it's essential to set boundaries and take breaks from screens to reduce stress.
9. Mindshift: Shifting your perspective by focusing on gratitude and the things you can control will help build an optimistic outlook.
10. Seek Professional Help: If these techniques are insufficient and stress becomes overwhelming, consider consulting a therapist or counselor who can provide valuable coping strategies and support.
Human Resources Update
Substitute Orientation
Our November substitute orientation has been changed to Tuesday, November 14. All substitute orientations are held in the Anna ISD Board Room from 9 am- 11 am.
Nominate an Anna ISD employee for a Coyote Salute
WHAT IS A COYOTE SALUTE?
It's our monthly employee recognition program. A Coyote Salute is awarded to individual staff members, and a Collaborative Coyote Salute is awarded to a group of staff members that have done something EXTRA special and beyond their regular job duties.
WHY:
We want to intentionally honor staff members who have gone the EXTRA mile for our students.
WHO:
Think of teachers using innovative teaching strategies or support staff members who go that extra mile to make our children feel safe and loved. This award is not limited to individual recipients. Collaboration encourages professional growth and student success. We would also like to honor teams of staff members who collectively worked on a positive project or had a fantastic outcome on something important to our students.
HOW:
Any Anna ISD employee, parent, or community member may nominate AISD staff members who have gone above and beyond their specific job duties by filling out this form. From your nominations, a recognition committee will select the recipients for a Coyote Salute and the groups for a Collaborative Coyote Salute.
WHEN:
You may nominate staff anytime you see someone or a group that goes above and beyond their regular job duties. Staff members who have been selected for a Coyote Salute or Collaborative Coyote Salute will be notified by the Administration and recognized at an upcoming board meeting.
Anna ISD Education Foundation- Growing Stars
The AEF foundation presented the Growing Stars Awards last week across the district. This is a monthly recognition program in Anna ISD, organized by the Anna ISD Education Foundation and campus administrators. It aims to celebrate exceptional teachers from each Anna ISD campus. These honored teachers receive the Growing Stars Award in a surprise classroom presentation. Each recipient of the award is given a gift along with a $50 office supply gift card as a token of appreciation for their outstanding contributions to education.
Plan to Get Involved & Stay Connected
- Register to be a volunteer at your child's school. Volunteer Application.
- Visit the Parent University to learn about Anna ISD. Parent University
- Join your school PTA or Booster club. AISD is grateful for the support of these parent leaders.
In the know: In addition to this eNewsletter, which typically comes twice a month, there are other ways to keep up with all the great things happening in Anna ISD:
- Ensure your information is current with your school, so you receive text message alerts, phone calls, and emails.
- Visit our website annaisd.org
- Follow AISD and your campus on social media. Facebook Twitter Instagram
- Download our mobile app
Tell us why you 💜 AISD.
Upcoming Dates
November 16 ............... Board Meeting
November 20-24...........Thanksgiving Break