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In celebration of the 2021 World Teachers' Day, TASA displayed our #TeachersCan ribbon in front of the Johnny L. Veselka Building (TASA HQ). It's shown here with our very own Vanna White — longtime TASA receptionist Marita Rogers.
Next Wednesday: Celebrate World Teachers' Day with #TeachersCan
TASA is among the many organizations and businesses across the state that supports #TeachersCan, an effort led by TASA partner Raise Your Hand Texas to thank teachers and elevate the profession. Next Wednesday, October 5, is World Teachers' Day, and we are encouraging schools and districts to celebrate our state's many dedicated educators, who deserve recognition now more than ever. Visit the #TeachersCan World Teachers’ Day webpage to learn how your school or district can participate in the celebration. (Also be sure to see/share this PDF list of "Ways to Support Our Teachers for World Teachers' Day, and All Year Long.")
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TODAY: Deadline to Vote on Midwinter Concurrent Sessions
The concurrent session proposals for the 2023 TASA Midwinter Conference scheduled for January 29-February 1 in Austin are in, and now it's time to vote on the sessions you want to see offered. Through September 30, you may vote on the sessions you want to see at the conference! Vote here.
9 a.m. Tuesday, October 4: Midwinter Conference Housing/Registration Opens
At 9 a.m., Tuesday, October 4, housing and registration will open for the 2023 TASA Midwinter Conference, to be held January 29-February 1 in Austin.
- You do NOT need to be registered in order to book housing. There is plenty of time to register! Early-bird registration runs through December 2.
- All housing reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card at the time of booking; they cannot be reserved with a PO.
- There are 17 hotels with room blocks. There is limited space in the TASA headquarters hotel, Austin Marriott Downtown, and the Hilton Downtown Austin. If you do not get the hotel of your first choice, you may email the housing bureau at [email protected] and asked to be put on the waiting list for your preferred hotel.
- If the housing blocks fill and you would like to be added to the waiting list for rooms within the housing blocks at Midwinter Conference hotels, please call Key Bookings at 877.205.2871.
- Do not contact the hotels directly for reservations in the room blocks.
- Find hotel information and the housing reservation link here. THE HOUSING LINK WILL NOT WORK BEFORE 9 A.M. TUESDAY.
Sign Up for School Finance Template (formerly Budget) Boot Camp When You Register for Midwinter
It may have a new name, but TASA’s School Finance Template (formerly Budget) Boot Camp has long been considered a valuable asset to administrators. House Bill 3 and the financial challenges school districts are facing as a result of the pandemic make attending the 2023 Boot Camp more important than ever. The next one will be conducted in conjunction with the 2023 TASA Midwinter Conference, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Sunday, January 29. Boot Camp facilitators include TASBO's Amanda Brownson, Janét Spurgin, Karen Wilson, and Al McKenzie, alongside Omar Garcia of BOK Financial Services. Get the details. When registering for the Midwinter Conference (registration opens October 4), choose the boot camp option to add it to your Midwinter registration (full conference registration is required).
TASA's Aspiring Superintendents Academy to be Offered in Conjunction with Midwinter Conference
With nearly 14 hours of content that focuses on both how to get the job and how to be successful in the job, plus more than 30 sitting superintendents and representatives from multiple search firms, TASA’s Aspiring Superintendents Academy is always a must-attend for those who aspire to become superintendents. The next academy will be offered in conjunction with the 2023 TASA Midwinter Conference. Kicking off on the afternoon of Sunday, January 29, the academy will meet several times throughout the conference (exact times TBA). Learn more. When registering for the Midwinter Conference (registration opens October 4), choose the academy option to add it to your Midwinter registration (full conference registration is required).
October 4: 2023 TCWSE Annual Conference Registration/Housing Open
The 2023 TCWSE Annual Conference will be held January 28-29 at the Austin Convention Center in conjunction with the TASA Midwinter Conference. This year's theme is "Making History! Writing HERstory!" Registration/housing open October 4. Learn more.
October 12: Live Virtual Event for TASA Members on Teacher Retention & Morale
TASA-member school leaders are invited to join us for a Live Virtual Event Wednesday, October 12, 8:30-10 a.m. on teacher retention and morale. TASA Deputy Executive Directors Jill Siler and Charles Dupre will share results from the latest Charles Butt Foundation 2022 Texas Teacher Poll then lead an informative discussion with Terrell ISD Superintendent Georgeanne Warnock, whose efforts to support her district's teachers were the subject of Siler's recent article, "Teacher Morale and Wellness," published in the August 2022 issue of AASA School Administrator. There will also be time for sharing ideas and best practices. An event access link and other details will be shared with registrants via email the day before the event. There is no charge for this event; register online by October 7!
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TODAY: Deadline to Register for October 18-20 Level 2 CMAT
The following Level 1 and 2 Curriculum Management Audit Trainings or Curriculum Writing Workshops are scheduled to be offered this fall:
- October 4-6: Level 1: Curriculum Assessment Design and Delivery (In-person at TASA Headquarters, Austin) This training is full; registration has closed.
- October 11-13: Level 1: Curriculum Assessment Design and Delivery (Virtual) Registration has closed for this training.
- October 18-20: Level 2: Curriculum Management Audit Training, Systems Factors—Governance, Leadership, and Support Services (In-person at TASA Headquarters, Austin) Register today!
- October 25-27: Level 2: Curriculum Management Audit Training, Systems Factors—Governance, Leadership, and Support Services (Virtual) Register by October 7
- November 7-8: CMSi Curriculum Management Planning Workshop (In-person at TASA Headquarters, Austin) Register by October 21
- November 9-11: CMSi Curriculum Writing Workshop (In-person at TASA Headquarters, Austin) Register by October 21
Register today!
Breakaway Leadership: For School Leaders Who are Ready to Thrive!
 Earlier this year, TASA launched a different type of leadership development program — Breakaway Leadership. It's a six-month, mostly virtual program intended to help school leaders at both the district and campus levels learn new habits and skills that will enable them to perform at the highest levels of leadership 24/7, setting themselves apart from other leaders. Topics include mental health, social-emotional health, stress management, sleep, time management, weight management, exercise, and how each area affects participants' leadership capacity. By focusing on developing and improving all aspects of their well-being, participants will come to the leadership table with a level of fitness that enables them to lead from a position of strength and clarity – all day every day. Learn more. Register starting October 14 for a January start.
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School Health Grant: Up to 10K Awarded
The Texas Department of State Health Services invites public and charter schools to apply for the Reaching for Excellence (RFE) in Texas School Health Grant, which funds projects that inspire students to live healthier lives. The RFE grant funds new projects or projects operating for less than a year that focus on at least one key component of the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child model. Learn more and apply for a RFE grant by November 14.
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The Regional Advisory Committee meetings listed have been reported to us by the Education Service Centers, and unless otherwise noted will be held at ESC offices. As schedules may change, we recommend that you confirm with the ESC the date/time and format (virtual or in-person) prior to meeting. Changes or additions should be sent to Ann Roland at TASA.
October 4
ESC 4 — 10 a.m.
October 5
ESC 3 — 9:30 a.m.
ESC 11 — 10 a.m.
October 12
ESC 5 — 10 a.m.
ESC 16 — 11 a.m.
ESC 17 — 10 a.m.
ESC 18 — 9:30 a.m.
October 18
ESC 7 — 10 a.m.
October 19
ESC 1 — 8 a.m.
ESC 10 — 11 a.m. (In-person only; Spring Valley site)
ESC 15 — Session (Superintendents Leadership Conference, Fredericksburg)
ESC 20 — 10 a.m.
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7 p.m. Tonight: Televised Gubernatorial Debate
Nexstar Media Inc. will host a multi-market live telecast of a debate between the candidates for Texas governor, Republican incumbent Greg Abbott and Democrat Beto O’Rourke. The debate is the only scheduled face-to-face meeting between the two candidates. The debate will take place on Friday, September 30, at 7 p.m. CT, at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley campus in Edinburg. The debate will be telecast throughout the state on these TV stations.
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ESSER I Liquidation Period Extension
Thursday afternoon, September 29, the U.S. Department of Education released introductory information regarding the CARES Act funding Liquidation Period Extension being offered. TEA is required to gather data from LEAs needing the extension and submit one statewide aggregate request on behalf of those LEAs. NOTE: LEAs may not request the extension directly to USDE. USDE will provide more information to TEA over the next week or two and TEA will determine the process and timeline for LEAs to request the extension. More information will be forthcoming in October.
TEA Approves 1,600 New Teachers for Teacher Incentive Allotment Designation
TEA has announced 1,600 newly designated teachers are being recognized and rewarded for their outstanding performance in the classroom as part of the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA). Read more.
School Based Law Enforcement
A September 29 TEA letter refers back to a June letter from Gov. Greg Abbott that charged the commissioner of education with developing strategies to encourage school districts to increase the presence of trained law enforcement officers and school marshals on campuses. The current letter states that, to inform planning efforts, each local educational agency may reference the information in the letter. Read it here.
Upcoming LEA Deadline: Title I, Part A Comparability of Services Requirement for the 2022–2023 School Year
A September 29 TEA letter states that the deadline for submitting Comparability Assurance Documents (CAD) and Comparability Computation Forms (CCFs) is November 18. Get the details.
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Department Awards Nearly $1 Billion to 56 States and Territories to Provide Students with Safer and Healthier Learning Environments
The U.S. Department of Education announced awards totaling nearly $1 billion through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. The Stronger Connections grants will help schools provide all students with safe and supportive learning opportunities and environments that are critical for their success. Texas will receive nearly $94 million. Read more.
U.S. Department of Education Communicates Vision to Advance Digital Equity for All Learners
During the National Digital Equity Summit hosted by the U.S. Department of Education, the Office of Educational Technology launched Advancing Digital Equity for All: Community-based Recommendations for Developing Effective Digital Equity Plans to Close the Digital Divide and Enable Technology-Empowered Learning. This resource provides recommendations for equitable broadband adoption to support leaders crafting digital equity plans, an aspiration that became an emergency for many schools and families during the pandemic. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed earlier this year supports that goal, allocating $2.75 billion under the Digital Equity Act to ensure that all people and communities can reap the full benefits of the digital economy. Read more.
U.S. Department of Education Awards Over $60 Million to Strengthen the Teacher Pipeline, Increase Educator Leadership, and Support Quality Teaching and Learning to Further Address Teacher Shortage
The U.S. Department of Education has announced new awards to further address the teacher shortage and help ensure long-term investments in teacher pipeline and development programs across the country. New investments under the Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) program, include 22 new three-year grants totaling more than $60 million, bringing the Biden-Harris Administration’s additional support for teachers through Fiscal Year 2022 grant competitions to more than $285 million. Read more.
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October 17: Nomination Deadline for H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards
 H-E-B is accepting nominations for the 2023 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards through October 17 in the following categories: teacher, principal, school district, school board, and early childhood facility. H-E-B launched the awards program with TASA's support in 2002 to make a positive impact on the public education system in Texas. Since then the retailer has awarded nearly $13 million to benefit Texas public schools. The 2023 awards ceremony will be held April 30 in San Antonio. Access the nomination forms.
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TASB Energy Cooperative
 TASA proudly endorses the TASB Energy Cooperative, which helps school districts procure electricity and fuel at low fixed costs. The program gives participants an easy, cost-effective way to earn a competitive rate for electricity. The Cooperative’s Direct Energy business allows unlimited usage swings and does not penalize members for any contract usage overages or failure to use projected electricity. The Cooperative offers a fixed-rate fuel program that helps districts budget with certainty and meet state procurement laws, including an online request for quote (RFQ) feature, which allows members to request spot pricing that be finalized in a matter of days instead of a lengthy bid/proposal process. Learn more at energy.tasb.org.
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October 3: The Holdsworth Center Applications Due
The preliminary application window for the five-year Holdsworth Partnership and 18-month Leadership Collaborative closes Monday, October 3. Superintendents in school districts serving over 5,500 students who are committed to prioritizing leadership in their districts are invited to fill out the brief application. Head to holdsworthcenter.org/apply to start your application or express interest in learning more about future opportunities. Questions? Please reach out to Kirk Scarbrough at [email protected].
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50 Empowering Brené Brown Quotes On Leadership and Success - Starter Story
Brené Brown is an American professor, lecturer, author, entrepreneur and podcast host who has had a significant impact on the world through her words. Her main focus is the study of shame and vulnerability — both in life and in business. We put together 50 empowering Brené Brown quotes that will help you become a better leader.
PS: Don't miss Brené Brown at Midwinter! Register starting October 4!
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October 10: Creating and Leading a Professional Team of Lifelong Learners
The next live broadcast in the EmpowerED Superintendent edLeader Panel Series, "Creating and Leading a Professional Team of Lifelong Learners" is scheduled for Monday, October 10, at 4 p.m. Central Time. Superintendents from Wisconsin, California, and Ohio will share the strategies they use to assure that not only students, but also their entire district staffs, have opportunities to participate in ongoing, effective, and impactful technology professional learning opportunities that specifically target digital literacy and the technology capacity of their educators, administrators, students, parents, and families. Learn more and register.
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Library group asks FBI to investigate threats, including those in Fort Worth - Dallas Morning News
Increased threats of violence directed at public libraries and their workers across the country – including in Texas – must be investigated, leaders of the American Library Association wrote in a letter to the FBI this week.
Alief ISD superintendent reflects on long career with district, reasons for retirement - KPRC NBC 2 Houston
After nearly 40 years as an educator, the superintendent of the Alief Independent School District is retiring in December. H.D. Chambers has been the district’s superintendent for the past 12 years and he discussed with KPRC 2 what he considers to be a highlight of his career.
Southeast Texas school districts and others nationwide deal with teacher shortage - KFDM (CBS) 6 (Beaumont)
School districts across the country and here in Southeast Texas are dealing with a teacher shortage (video).
Canutillo ISD trustee slated to become president of statewide education group - KTSM NBC 9 El Paso
A member of the Canutillo school board has been selected to lead a statewide education organization. CISD Trustee Armando Rodriguez has been selected as president-elect of the Texas Association of School Boards, making him the first El Pasoan in decades to lead the state’s largest organization for school trustees.
Carthage's Libby Elementary School unveils new book vending machine - Panola Watchman
An exciting new addition is the talk of Carthage ISD’s Libby Elementary. The school recently added a book vending machine to the campus to get students excited about reading, and also to motivate them to excel academically and behaviorally.
Comal ISD aviation class teaches the basics — and beyond - New Braunfels Herald Zeitung
While most 17-year-olds are still in the process of getting their driver’s license, Davenport High School student Amy Schoenenberger is taking to the skies in hopes of earning her pilot’s license.
Edinburg Public Safety Conference Oct. 3rd - Texas Border Business
The Edinburg Police Department, in conjunction with the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District, UTRGV, and Tropical Texas Behavioral Health, will be hosting a Public Safety Conference that is free and open to the public.
Fort Bend ISD puts decisions on cuts, compensation, and school security in voter's hands - KTRK ABC 13 Houston
In November, there will be something on the ballot that voters in Fort Bend County have never seen before. It's called a voter approval tax rate election, or VATRE. The school district is asking people to help them dig out of a multi-million dollar budget deficit through property taxes.
Hallsville ISD Education Foundation raises $126,000 for grants - Marshall News Messenger
The Hallsville ISD Education Foundation recently raised more than $126,000 for its grants to teachers program, which allows teachers to purchase learning tools to help their students in the classrooms.
KPRC 2 Investigates: The gaps in school safety and what educators need to close them - KPRC NBC 2 Houston
After eight students and two teachers were murdered at Santa Fe high school in 2018, state legislators passed more than a dozen laws. None of those laws prevented Uvalde and pressure is mounting for lawmakers to address lingering gaps in school security.
La Joya ISD students awarded $100 gift cards for perfect attendance - KRGV (ABC) 5 (Weslaco)
A group of 50 students with the La Joya Independent School District were rewarded for their perfect attendance. The students were given $100 dollar gift cards by Academy Sports and Outdoors for having perfect attendance and passing grades for the first three weeks of the school year.
Latexo Elementary Challenges Students with iEngage Program - Messenger
Latexo Elementary School students partnered with Baylor University’s iEngage Civics Camp. For two weeks, program director Dr. Karon LeCompte was on campus leading the students in learning how to be better citizens by working together to solve different community issues.
Little Elm ISD passes district improvement plan, consent agenda items at Board meeting - Little Elm Journal
The Little Elm ISD Board of Trustees met Monday, Sept. 19 to discuss several important action items such as the 2022-2023 District Improvement Plan and several consent agenda items including off-campus physical education sites and a security fence at Little Elm High School.
Plano ISD to hold informational meetings on upcoming tax and bond election - Plano Star Courier
Residents will have a chance to learn about Plano ISD’s bond proposals A-E at two upcoming informational meetings. Both meetings will take place on Oct. 6 with a morning session from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and an afternoon session from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Both meetings will be at the Sockwell Center, 6301 Chapel Hill Blvd., in Plano.
Rusk High School holds TJC Rusk Citizens Promise event - inForney.com
The 10th class of Rusk seniors eligible for the Rusk TJC Citizens Promise scholarship was named on Thursday at the Rusk High School campus. The group of 63 students is set to join the fall 2023 freshman class at Tyler Junior College.
Spring ISD kicks off informational community meetings for 2022 Bond referendum - Woodlands Paper
The district held the first in a series of eight community meetings Tuesday evening at Twin Creeks Middle School to inform members of the Spring ISD community about the district’s proposed $850 million bond referendum, which will appear on the Nov. 8 ballot for Spring ISD voters.
School security measures stop intruder at Tuloso-Midway High School - KIII TV 3 (Corpus Christi)
Tuloso-Midway High School had quite the scare Wednesday afternoon when an intoxicated intruder attempted to enter its campus, but superintendent Steve vanMatre said thanks to the school's layers of security, the man was unable to enter the school.
Temple ISD kicks off Wildcat Mentors program - KWKT Channel 44 - Waco
120 Temple Independent School District fifth and sixth graders met their new mentors as the district hosted its Wildcat Mentors kickoff event on Thursday.
Tyler Legacy hosts College Board Recognition ceremony for students - Tyler Morning Telegraph
On Thursday morning, Tyler Legacy High School hosted a College Board recognition ceremony for scholar students on campus with proud parents and staff filling the campus.
Ware Elementary is a dual language campus and an IB candidate school where they highlight culturalism in every aspect of their school day. - CBS 19 Tyler
Decorative papel picado and other decorations dressed the cafeteria at Longview ISD's Ware Elementary as students walked in with their traditional costumes this week.
Families of three Uvalde shooting survivors sue school district, gun makers, city officials and others - The Texas Tribune
The lawsuit says each defendant played a part in the shooting’s tragic outcome, from failing to comply with safety protocols to pushing dark marketing that pitches lethal weapons to young minds.
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