
Hornet Herald
October 1, 2023
Hello Hornet Families!!!
Last week was a fun, event field experience for students and staff at the Hornets Nest. Our wonderful students and staff contributed to our school's culture by participating in Spirit Days and the many events that took place throughout the week. I was able to witness contagious laughter and relationships being built between students and staff who may not have otherwise interacted.
This week will be just as busy as last week. We have several athletic events taking place including AISD's volleyball tournament. Our Band and Orchestra programs will also be in action, performing at Huston-Tillotson and the PAC. If you are free, come out and support our students.
There are two weeks left in the grading period. Please talk with your students and encourage them to finish strong. Remind your student to turn in any missing assignments, study for upcoming exams or quizzes and attend Office Hours if needed. There is a button towards the bottom of this newsletter if you or your student need to know a specific teacher's Office Hours.
Have a great week!
Mr. Estes
Campus Information
Upcoming Dates
- October 2-6 - Custodian Appreciation Week
- October 2 - Football vs. Lamar @ House Park
- October 3 - Band Concert @ Huston-Tillotson
- October 4 - Orchestra Concert @ PAC
- October 5 - Volleyball vs TBD @ Kealing
- October 9 - NO SCHOOL/STAFF DEVELOPMENT
- October 10 - Football vs. O'Henry @ House Park
- October 11 - PSAT (8th grade students only)
- October 12 - PTA Meeting
- October 12 - Fall Picture Retakes
- October 12 - Hallway Dance Party
- October 13 - End of the 1st Grading Period
STINGER SALUTES
From Ms. Randolph: Harvey Bankson has been displaying loyalty and respect in US History class. Since being moved into my advance academics class, Harvey has been regularly attending office hours and putting his full effort into class everyday. He always participates in class discussions and blows me away with his insight and commentary.
From Ms. Randolph: Catliya Yan goes above and beyond and always gives 100%. She has demonstrated mastery of argumentative writing, analysis, and evaluation of sources. Catliya follows expectations and really takes charge with her learning!
From Ms. Tasneem: Elijah Rodriguez has been doing such an awesome job of staying loyal to Hurdle House in advisory by coming to class on time and participating everyday.
From Ms. Crouch: Kye Perez always shows respect to his classmates, himself, and the learning environment. He works hard in class and goes above and beyond to help set up and clean up the classroom.
From Ms. Krumrey: I am thankful to have Milana Reddy in my ELA class because she is always so polite and attentive. Milana participates in class by offering thoughtful responses to questions and always completing her work.
From Ms. Krumrey: Camilla Crenshaw is a joy to have in my ELA class because she is such an eager learner! She is always kind, bright-eyed, and attentive. Camilla is actively engaged in our class discussions and takes risks in answering questions for the sake of discussion even when she’s not completely sure about the answer
CONGRATULATIONS to this week's Stinger Salute recipients!!!
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 - October 15. We observe National Hispanic Heritage month by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
Each week, AISD will focus on specific themes. This week's theme is Unidad y Diversidad - Unity and Diversity.
AISD will conduct a monthlong profile series spotlighting Hispanic heroes and path breakers who have influenced Austin ISD in some way. Here is this week's spotlight.
CRPBIS DANCE HALL PARTY
Kealing needs volunteers to help chaperone an "Afternoon Dance Party" in the halls on Thursday, October 12 from 2:00-3:00. If you're able to help, please fill out the Volunteer Sign up.
Students earned this schoolwide celebration by collectively earning more than 500 Hornet Tokens for demonstrating our school values and meeting and exceeding our behavioral expectations during this first grading cycle. Next 9 weeks there will be a new schoolwide goal and a new schoolwide celebration.
See the sign up for more details about volunteer roles. They are also happily accepting any donations of streamers, crepe paper, decorative signage, battery-powered disco balls and lights, etc.
Please reach out to Mr. Kent, Humanities Instructional Coach, with any questions or concerns! zachary.kent@austinisd.org
ORCHESTRA CONCERT
The Kealing Orchestra wants to invite you to join us to our annual fall concert which will be next Wednesday, October 4th at 6:00 at the AISD Performing Arts Center.
Our students have been working hard (and smart) for this concert and we are so excited to show you what amazing playing the Kealing Orchestra can do. Our beginner students have been playing for less than two months and will be performing their first ever concert while our other groups are performing Fall/Halloween themed pieces.
Join us at the PAC on Wednesday, October 4th for a fun filled evening.
ALL CITY ORCHESTRA CONCERT
- Ms. Riley & Mr. Gmitter
2023-24 HOMECOMING
I want to personally thank all our parents and staff who attended the various events to support our football and volleyball players, our cheerleaders and our amazing Kealing band. I would also like to thank Ms. Hodges and the Lively community for their sportsmanship and willingness to share their homecoming game with us.
Stinger and Mr. Estes
Stinger and the Cheer Power demonstrating their spirit
Wyatt showing off his sign
7th Grade Football Hyping the Student Section
8th Grade Volleyball encouraging students to attend their next game
Owen & Mr. Estes/Senior Citizen & Dress Like Students Day
Math Department/Barbenheimer Day
Henry reminding Ms. Pfeiffer to stay off her cell phone
A few members of the student section
We've Got Spirit Yes We Do
The Phenomenal Kealing Band
HORNET VOLLEYBALL
Congratulations to our 8th grade Hornet Volleyball team. Not only did they take down O'Henry in two sets this past week, that win also earned them the North Zone Championship. We want to congratulate all of our volleyball players, especially our B team players who concluded their season Thursday. Our student athletes have worked really hard since August, and we want to recognize their efforts.
This week, will start AISD's Volleyball Tournament. Our 7th grade team will take on Gorzycki Middle School at 6:00 and 8th grade will face Bailey Middle School at 7:30 on Thursday, October 5th. Both matches will take place at Kealing.
Come out and cheer on our student-athletes.
- Coach Brynie
KEALING FOOTBALL
What a great pair of games against Lively Middle School this past Tuesday. Our 7th graders won 36-6 behind a strong run game. The 8th grade team also won by a score of 14-0.
This week our football teams will be in action against Lamar Middle School at House Park.
PAINT THE DAY AWAY
Thank you to all that came out to paint. Your work not only assists our campus with navigation and safety, it also helps beautify our hallways.
GARDEN WORKDAY
Thanks to all the students, families, Ms. Kelsey and Mr. Speed for dedicated a portion of their Saturday to make this event take place.
AISD'S: LET'S WORK TOGETHER
- Mental health support and resources;
- Preventing and responding to critical incidents; and
- How we’re investing in school safety and mental health.
Events will take place at the following locations:
- Tuesday, Oct. 3, 6–7:30 p.m., Travis ECHS
- Tuesday, Oct. 10, 6–7:30 p.m., Eastside ECHS
- Wednesday, Oct. 11, 6–7:30 p.m., LBJ ECHS
- Tuesday, Oct. 17, 6–7:30 p.m., Anderson HS
- Wednesday, Oct. 18, 6–7 p.m., Join via Zoom (English)
- Wednesday, Oct. 18, 7–8 p.m., Join via Zoom (Spanish)
All events will have ASL interpretation, and in-person events will have small groups facilitated in English and Spanish.
UT WORLD OF ENGINEERING
World of Engineering is a free, open house-style outreach event for K-12 students and their families. Attendees can participate in engineering-based activities led by current UT Engineering students.
To find out more information and RSVP for the event, click here.
GIFTED & TALENTED NOMINATIONS
Does your child continually ask questions, head stuck in a book, take things apart then possibly put them back together? Then your child should go through the GT nomination process.
GT Nomination window is from September 18-October 6
Students, parents, administrators, and staff can nominate students
A committee will be put together and they will go through a specific process to determine eligibility
Reason for identifying GT students is to make sure students are provided with the opportunity to experience high achieving academic courses
Please complete the form below if you would like to nominate your student to be screened for the GT process.
For more information on Advanced Academics please visit the link below or contact Ms. Williams, rolanda.williams@austinisd.org:
MAKE IT in TEXAS
The Make It Movement is inviting all high and middle school campuses in our district to participate in the inaugural “Make It in Texas” week celebration on October 2-6, 2023.
The goal of the week is to help young Texans start to discover their purpose, learn more about the fast-growing skilled career opportunities across the state, and connect them to resources -- while they are in school -- that will help them Make It In Texas.
Our CTE courses will participate in the Make It in Texas and will spend time this week focusing on:
Monday, 10/02
CELEBRATE YOUR BRIGHT FUTURE
Tuesday, 10/03
WHAT DO YOU LOVE TO DO?
Wednesday, 10/04
THE MANY WAYS YOU CAN MAKE IT IN TEXAS
Thursday, 10/05
START NOW, WHILE YOU'RE IN SCHOOL
Friday, 10/06
MAKE IT IN TEXAS SUMMIT LIVESTREAM
GET INVOLVED! KEALING CONNECTS SEEKS VOLUNTEERS
KEALING PTA
KEALING'S PTA
Some of the ways the PTA has helped Kealing students, staff, and administration get the year started include:
- Partnered with Kealing administration to support New Student Orientation.
- Purchased “Thrive in the Hive” staff shirts.
- Hosted two Teacher Appreciation luncheons.
- Hosted Welcome Back Sunset Cruise for teachers.
- Partnered with administration to support Back to School Night.
- Kicked off the Secret Pals Program
- Purchased Spanish software subscriptions.
- Purchased classroom supplies for teachers.
- Purchased tools and novels for ELA classrooms
Your membership empowers us to continue these efforts. Join us today and help make a difference in your child's education.