Education News
Tiona Bell brings joy as principal at Blackshear Elementary
Austin ISD is celebrating Principal Appreciation Week, and Tiona Bell, principal of Blackshear Elementary School, is being highlighted in the "Sparks of Joy" series. Bell leads the Blackshear Yellowjackets with a focus on joy and wisdom.
Cybersecurity tips shared during awareness month with contests and resources
October marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an initiative encouraging individuals to protect their data and reduce online risks. Emphasizing the importance of safeguarding computer systems, networks, and sensitive information from unauthorized access, the campaign aims to shield families from potential cyber attacks.
Latest News
Austin ISD students participate in inaugural ACL Fest Immersion Day
By Austin Journal | Oct 11, 2024
Entrepreneurial students from two high schools in the Austin Independent School District (ISD) participated in the first ACL Fest Immersion Day. This event provided them with an opportunity to apply their learning by creating their own festival.
Tito's donation aids UT researchers in tracking ultrafast electrons
By Austin Journal | Oct 10, 2024
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin are developing a new instrument to advance the understanding of electron behavior in nanomaterials, with significant support from Love, Tito's. This development is seen as a potential breakthrough in materials science, which could pave the way for innovations like quantum computers and highly efficient solar cells.
Astronomers race against time to capture image of exoplanet near star
By Austin Journal | Oct 9, 2024
Planet AF Lep b has become a focal point for astronomers due to its unique characteristics. In 2023, it was identified as the lowest-mass planet outside our solar system to be directly observed and have its mass measured using astrometry. This technique involves tracking the subtle movements of a host star over time to understand more about orbiting companions.
New lab in Texas helps communities adapt to extreme weather challenges
By Austin Journal | Oct 8, 2024
A new Extreme Weather Adaptation Lab has been launched in Austin, Texas, aimed at assisting community leaders across the state in addressing challenges related to extreme weather conditions. This initiative is particularly focused on under-resourced and rural communities facing issues such as heat, drought, flooding, wildfires, and severe storms. Hosted by the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin, the lab offers year-round training opportunities and research to help leaders make informed decisions.
University of Texas plans major restoration project for historic campus tower
By Austin Journal | Oct 4, 2024
The University of Texas is set to begin a multiyear project to restore its historic Tower, which has been a significant symbol of the institution since its completion in 1937. The project, named "Our Tower: The Next 100 Years," was approved by the University of Texas System Board of Regents with a budget of $70 million and will start its exterior restoration in November.
Mariachi program fosters cultural pride at Akins Early College High School
By Austin Journal | Oct 4, 2024
During Hispanic Heritage Month, the mariachi tradition is being highlighted as a significant cultural symbol within the Hispanic community. Susana Diaz-Lopez, who leads a mariachi program at Akins Early College High School, emphasizes the importance of this music in fostering a sense of belonging among students.
Austin ISD prepares for cross country meets and community initiatives
By Austin Journal | Oct 3, 2024
Austin ISD is gearing up for an active fall season with its student-athletes making significant progress both in sports and the community. Athletics plays a crucial role in the holistic development of students within the district, and regular coverage of these activities will soon be available.
Budget Committee explores cost-cutting strategies in Operations Department
By Austin Journal | Oct 3, 2024
The Joint Community Budget Committee convened on Tuesday to examine the Operations Department budget, which encompasses maintenance, facilities, custodial, and transportation services. This meeting marked the first phase of their exploration into potential budget reductions.
Ivan Tovar honored for 35 years of service at Austin ISD
By Austin Journal | Oct 3, 2024
As part of Custodian & Groundskeeper Appreciation Week, Austin Independent School District (ISD) is highlighting the dedicated staff who ensure schools run smoothly. This week, Ivan Tovar, head custodian at the Alternative Learning Center (ALC), is in the spotlight for his 35 years of service.
Austin ISD begins open enrollment with new providers
By Austin Journal | Oct 2, 2024
The Austin Independent School District (Austin ISD) has announced the commencement of its annual Benefits Open Enrollment period, starting October 1. This year introduces new providers, prompting an earlier enrollment deadline of October 15 for plans that will take effect on January 1, 2025.
27 Westlake High Students Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists
By Austin Journal | Sep 30, 2024
In a remarkable achievement, Westlake High School has announced that 27 of its students have been named National Merit Semifinalists for the 2024-25 academic year.
District evaluates budget cuts with new equity rubric
By Austin Journal | Sep 26, 2024
The Ad-Hoc Joint Community Budget Committee continues its work to identify opportunities to reduce costs.
Golden Rave Awards honor four teaching assistants during appreciation week
By Austin Journal | Sep 26, 2024
This week, Superintendent Matias Segura surprised four Teacher Assistants with Golden Rave Awards in recognition of Teacher Assistant Appreciation Week.
AI model developed at UT Austin aims to revolutionize protein-based therapies
By Austin Journal | Sep 25, 2024
A new artificial intelligence model developed by researchers at The University of Texas at Austin aims to improve treatments and preventive strategies in medicine. This AI model, named EvoRank, leverages evolutionary processes to design protein-based therapies and vaccines.
Ortega Elementary School promotes attendance through unique program
By Austin Journal | Sep 25, 2024
For the past four years, Sandy Castro—affectionately known as the "Attendance Fairy" at Ortega Elementary School—has worked to inspire students to attend school. Dressed in her whimsical costume, complete with fairy wings, Sandy has become a beloved figure on campus, transforming attendance from a requirement into a reason to celebrate.
Austin ISD invites community to join Calendar Task Force
By Austin Journal | Sep 25, 2024
The Austin Independent School District (Austin ISD) is inviting community members to join the Calendar Task Force, which will develop the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school calendars. The district seeks input from students, families, staff, and the broader community.
UniversityofTexasatAustinclimbstoNo7amongpublicuniversities
By Austin Journal | Sep 24, 2024
The University of Texas at Austin has climbed to No. 7 among public universities in the latest U.S. News & World Report undergraduate rankings, maintaining its position as the top public university in Texas. The institution also rose to No. 30 overall among both public and private universities.
UT Austin expands Longhorn Live initiative with new projects
By Austin Journal | Sep 24, 2024
The University of Texas at Austin has announced new projects under its Longhorn Live: the Live Music Initiative. This initiative aims to expand live music experiences on campus and integrate the university into Austin's music community. The new phase includes hosting a songwriter in residence, refreshing the Cactus Cafe, elevating student musicians, creating music-focused events, launching the Longhorn Piano Project, and supporting HAAM Benefit Day.