Hornet Herald

What a phenomenal week it was as we returned from spring break! It was great to see students and staff alike come together to make it truly memorable.

We kicked off the week with Pride Week, filled with vibrant energy and enthusiasm. Each day, our campus was beautified with colorful attire and decorations as we celebrated diversity and inclusion through daily dress-up themes. The highlight was undoubtedly our Pride Parade during Advisory, where our community proudly showcased their support and solidarity.

As the week ended, spirits remained high as we enjoyed the magic of our "Once Upon a Lifetime" spring dance and karaoke extravaganza. It was a night filled with laughter, music, and unforgettable moments, as students showcased their talents and celebrated the joy of being together.

I want to extend my gratitude to our students, staff, and community members who contributed to making this week a success – from the organizing committee to the enthusiastic participants. Your dedication and enthusiasm truly showcased the spirit of the Kealing community. Let's carry this momentum forward as we continue to create memorable experiences and foster a supportive and inclusive environment for all.

Wishing you all a fantastic weekend ahead!

Mr. Estes

• March 26 - State Archery Tournament
• March 27 - Tennis @ Small
• March 28 - Track @ Murchison
• March 29 - NO SCHOOL
• April 3 - Track @ Ann Richards
• April 3 - Tennis @ Anderson HS
• April 8 - Total Solar Eclipse
• April 9 - 6th Grade Reading STAAR
• April 10 - NO SCHOOL
• April 11 - 7th Grade Reading STAAR
• April 11 - Tennis @ Bailey
• April 12 - 8th Grade Reading STAAR
• April 17 - 8th Grade Science STAAR
• April 18 - 8th Grade Social Studies STAAR
• April 18 - Track @ Paredes
• April 18 - Tennis @ Austin HS
• April 23 - 6th Grade Math STAAR
• April 24 - 7th Grade Math STAAR
• April 25 - 8th Grade Math STAAR & Algebra I EOC
• April 25 - Track @ Gorzycki
• April 29 - Boys Track Championship @ Burger
• April 30 - Girls Track Championship @ Burger

Each week, we will recognize our fellow Hornets who exemplify our campus-wide values and who have been MEETING and EXCEEDING our campus-wide expectations. We are ALL working hard each day to show each other and our school community kindness, respect, loyalty and safety. Here are this week's salutes.

From Coach Brynie: Mariah Nichols is super helpful in PE. She encourages teammates and is kind and inclusive to all students. Keep up the strong work Mariah!

Congratulations to this week's Stinger Salute recipients!!!

Kealing teachers will be teaching the Human Sexuality & Responsibility curriculum in May. You can find more information on the content covered or family resources, visit Austin ISD's Human Sexuality & Responsibility website.

Our science teachers will send out permission slips this week and request that your student return them by May 3, 2024.

Mark your calendars for the incredible opportunity we have to witness. The solar eclipse on April 8th. To ensure all of our students have a chance to witness this awe-inspiring event, AISD will be in session that day. Our dedicated science team is designing engaging lessons that focuses on the science behind the eclipse, as well as safety precautions for observing it. We have secured enough eclipse glasses for all students and staff.

Additionally, we invite any interested volunteers to join us for the occasion. If you are interested in being a part of this event, please take a moment to fill out this volunteer form.

Good luck to Kealing Archery as they compete in the state tournament on Tuesday, March 26th. We are proud of each of you and wish you the best of luck.

Congratulations to Ainsleigh Andrews, Leland Flores, and Livio Wang who represented Kealing at the Texas Science Fair this weekend at Texas A&M. A special shout out to Ms. Shultz, Ms. Taylor, and Mr. Burgess for their dedication in preparing our students. And a BIG round of applause to Livio Wang who secured 2nd place at the fair!

Good luck to our tennis athletes who will participate in their first math this Wednesday, March 27th at Small Middle School.

After some clarification, we have determined that we can open up cheer tryouts to current 6th AND 7th graders. Applications are due March 28th to room 217, and you must have a current physical (dated after April 15, 2023) on file to tryout on April 2-4. More info here: tinyurl.com/kmscheer24-25

The dance this past Friday was a hit. From lively dance moves, back flips, to impressive karaoke performances, the energy was contagious, and everyone had a fantastic time. Moments like these truly bring our school community together, creating friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.

This event would not have been possible without the dedication and support of our incredible staff and volunteers. Their hard work and enthusiasm made the evening enjoyable for our students. We sincerely thank everyone who contributed to making the evening a success.

All 8th-grade students who have applied and been offered seats to application-based high school programs, just a reminder to complete all paperwork by the end of the day Tuesday, March 26th. This is also required of 5th and 6th-grade families who applied to application-based middle school programs.

Please contact Ms. Williams, rolanda.williams@austinisd.org, if you have any questions.

The 2024 Latino Academic Achievement Awards ceremony will be held in person at the AISD Performing Arts Center. Please save the date for April 19, 2024 6 p.m. This event recognizes latino student accomplishments and community members who have supported AISD’s Latino students, schools or district programs while promoting Latino culture.

Austin ISD will participate in the Annual ¡Sí Se Puede! César Chávez March & Day of Action! Saturday, March 30, at Parque Zaragoza, 2608 Gonzales St., Austin, TX 78702.

Students, staff and families are invited to march along with the Akins ECHS Drumline and the Crockett ECHS Ballet Folklorico. Austin ISD participants should meet no later than 9:30 a.m. The march will begin at 10 a.m. and will end at approximately 10:45 a.m. and will be followed by speakers, performances and exhibitors at Parque Zaragoza until 1 p.m. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and to bring water.

We are pleased to announce our Middle School Newcomer Summer School program for current 6, 7, and 8 grade newcomer students (coded ESL or Dual Language). The criteria to participate in this program is the following:

• Students enrolled in a U.S. school for 3 years or less, and;

• TELPAS reading rating of beginning or intermediate

The goal of the Middle School Newcomer Summer Program is to accelerate students’ English and literacy skills through Science, Math, and Reading project-based learning activities. The program will be held at Bedichek MS and Webb MS. Classes will run Monday through Thursday each week from June 3 - June 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Eligible students will be offered transportation, breakfast, and lunch.

Summer School registration will begin on Monday, March 4, 2024 and forms will be due by Friday, April 5th, 2024.