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Austin ISD Celebrates Student and Community Achievements at Latino Academic Achievement Awards (En español)
By Austin Journal | May 1, 2024
The Austin ISD community recently came together to celebrate the 16th annual Latino Academic Achievement Awards, shining a spotlight on the exceptional accomplishments of students within the district. The event also recognized community members who have played a role in supporting student achievement.In a statement, the importance of the celebration was highlighted, emphasizing how it positively reinforces the values of hard work, dedication, and persistence required for academic success while also paving the way for leadership opportunities within the Latino community....
Four CapMetro vehicles don wraps featuring local students' artwork
By Austin Journal | Apr 30, 2024
Capital Metro (CapMetro) has wrapped a zero-emissions bus and three of its Pickup Vehicles in the artwork of local students. The wraps, unveiled on Earth Day, were created as part of CapMetro’s annual "Art on the Bus" competition.
Student Safety Measures in Place for Planned Walkout at Austin ISD
By Austin Journal | Apr 29, 2024
Students from some high schools within the Austin Independent School District (AISD) are gearing up for a peaceful walkout, prompting Superintendent Matias Segura to address the matter and reassure families of safety protocols in a letter.
AISD Board, administration expands public comment access
By Austin Journal | Apr 26, 2024
The Board of Trustees and administration of Austin Independent School District (AISD) have announced expansions in public comment access, aiming to enhance community involvement and transparency within the district.
Board considers tax rate election to raise funds for teacher, staff raises
By Austin Journal | Apr 26, 2024
The Education Austin President, Ken Zarifis, emphasized the importance of local investment in education, stating, "When a state refuses to pay for public education and one legislative session after another refuses to invest in our kids, it's on us here locally to invest in our kids."Kathryn Whitley-Chu, District Trustee, highlighted the need to give voters the choice, saying, "Depende de los votantes y tenemos que darles esa opción. Los habitantes de Austin fueron al capitolio, llamaron a sus amigos en las zonas rurales, dejaron que la gente se quedara en sus casas para...
Austin students participate in ‘Food of the Future’ for Earth Week
By Austin Journal | Apr 24, 2024
Students from Austin ISD High Schools celebrated Earth Week by creating dishes using sustainable ingredients such as seaweed, crickets, mushrooms, and plant proteins. The initiative, known as ‘Food of the Future,’ aims to promote sustainable food habits and plant-based choices among students while practicing their culinary and marketing skills.
John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Names Classics Professor as 2024 Fellow
By Austin Journal | Apr 19, 2024
The John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation has selected University of Texas at Austin classicist Andrew M. Riggsby as a 2024 fellow. Riggsby, a historian of the ancient Roman world and the Lucy Shoe Meritt Professor in Classics, was chosen from nearly 3,000 applicants based on his prior career achievements and exceptional promise.Riggsby's work focuses on the history of information in the Roman world, applications of cognitive science to historical analysis, and Roman law. The fellowship will support his upcoming book, "Reading Roman Minds," which aims to merge...
McCallum High School student named National Journalist of the Year
By Austin Journal | Apr 19, 2024
Alice Scott, a student at McCallum High School, has been named the JEA's 2024 national Journalist of the Year. According to the Journalism Education Association, Scott is Texas' eighth winner of the prestigious award, which includes a $3,000 scholarship.
UT faculty elected as fellows of American Association for the Advancement of Science
By Austin Journal | Apr 18, 2024
Eleven faculty members at The University of Texas at Austin have been elected fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). The new fellows were recognized for their significant contributions to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.Among the distinguished individuals honored by the AAAS, Hal Alper, a professor in Chemical Engineering, was acknowledged for his research in engineering biology. Alper's work focuses on altering cells to produce organic molecules, and he and his team used artificial intelligence to...
Hartzell in D.C. Seeks Congressional Support of Public AI Research and Workforce Initiatives
By Austin Journal | Apr 18, 2024
University of Texas at Austin President Jay Hartzell recently made a significant push in Washington, D.C. to garner Congressional support for the University's artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives aimed at expanding the AI workforce and advancing critical research. Hartzell emphasized the importance of these efforts, stating, "We have the largest GPU cluster in all of academia. We are home to the National Science Foundation’s Institute for Machine Learning. And we are the headquarters of the Army Futures Command, which works closely with Texas Robotics and other...
Stetson & Associates audit reports issues in special education
By Austin Journal | Apr 17, 2024
Issues in special education persist despite significant systemic improvements, as revealed in an audit conducted by Stetson & Associates for the Austin Independent School District (AISD). The audit highlighted the progress made in enhancing special education services for students, while also pointing out areas for further improvement in climate, culture, staff efficacy, data management, and shared responsibility for all students with disabilities.The audit was a result of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) Order aimed at addressing necessary enhancements in special...
'Maestro en Casa' announces 1000th graduate in Austin ISD
By Austin Journal | Apr 16, 2024
The Austin ISD celebrated its 1,000th graduate from the Maestro en Casa program since its inception in 2015. Participants in the program attend classes at their children's schools to enhance their English skills, navigate common scenarios, and grasp key vocabularies in various essential areas.
District of Innovation exemption to support students with nicotine e-cigarettes
By Austin Journal | Apr 15, 2024
A new District of Innovation exemption regarding HB 114 will allow the district more flexibility in supporting students found in possession of nicotine e-cigarettes, as campuses may now provide educational resources instead of immediate alternative education placement. These resources aim to keep students at their home campus while educating them about the harm of nicotine e-cigarettes.In August, Texas House Bill 114, which banned e-cigarettes in public schools and events, was discussed. The bill mandated that students violating the law be placed into a District...
Salute Finalists announced for Annual Staff Celebration
By Austin Journal | Apr 15, 2024
Salute, an annual staff celebration, is three weeks away and for the first time, we’re expanding our recognition categories and celebrating even more of our incredible team members. In a recent statement, the organization emphasized the importance of acknowledging the collective effort that goes into providing students and families with a stellar educational experience.Among the finalists in various categories, Paola Arroyo-Forteza from Harris Elementary School, Jill Stockton from Brentwood Elementary School, Coleen Azeez from Webb Middle School, and Cameron Daniel from...
U.S. Air Force's first female fighter pilot to deliver commencement address at UT Austin
By Austin Journal | Apr 15, 2024
Retired Maj. Gen. Jeannie M. Leavitt, the U.S. Air Force’s first female fighter pilot and a 1990 graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, has been selected to deliver the keynote address at UT’s 141st Spring Commencement on May 11. The commencement ceremony, set to take place at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, is expected to draw over 50,000 attendees.
University of Texas at Austin announces associate vice president
By Austin Journal | Apr 15, 2024
The University of Texas at Austin has appointed Mark Arnold as the new associate vice president for Discovery to Impact, the university’s connection unit between campus innovators and industry. Arnold will play a role in enhancing the University’s research commercialization efforts, formalizing a dedicated technology transfer office, and launching Texas Startups, a division aimed at positioning UT as a national leader in supporting startups from various academic levels.
UT’s Newest Truman Scholar Bridges the Israeli-Palestinian Divide
By Austin Journal | Apr 12, 2024
Elijah Kahlenberg, a junior at The University of Texas at Austin, has been announced as the university's latest Truman scholar. The prestigious scholarship, providing $30,000 for graduate studies in public service fields, was presented to Kahlenberg by President Jay Hartzell, who described the achievement as a significant one for both the student and the university.Kahlenberg humorously recalled his initial reaction to the news, saying, "I thought, either I’m being expelled or I’m getting Truman." Expressing his gratitude, he added, "It was a surreal experience. I’m still...
Clint Dawson, Stephen Vladeck receive President’s Research Impact Award
By Austin Journal | Apr 10, 2024
AUSTIN, Texas — Clint Dawson, the creator of a code to predict hurricane storm surges, and Stephen Vladeck, an expert on federal courts and constitutional law, have been named the 2024 recipients of The University of Texas at Austin President’s Research Impact Award.President Jay Hartzell established the award in 2023 to recognize researchers whose endeavors have changed lives and understanding. Dawson, the Cockrell Family Regents Chair in Engineering #2, was instrumental in developing a simulation code used globally in hurricane storm surge predictions. Dawson's work has...
UT’s Excellence and Impact On Display in Latest Graduate School Rankings
By Austin Journal | Apr 9, 2024
The University of Texas at Austin has once again demonstrated its excellence in graduate education, as highlighted in the recent release of U.S. News & World Report's "Best Graduate Schools." President Jay Hartzell expressed pride in the university's performance, stating, "Our talent is what puts UT at the leading edge of discovery in AI and robotics, life sciences, population research, and many other disciplines that are at the forefront of solving many of the world’s most pressing problems and bettering society."UT's College of Education made significant strides, moving...
After School Activities Moved Indoors Due to Tornado Watch in Austin ISD
By Austin Journal | Apr 9, 2024
After a tornado watch was issued by the National Weather Service for Austin ISD until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, all after school activities have been moved indoors as a precaution. In a message to families and staff, the district emphasized the importance of safety protocols in place during such weather events."We are under a tornado watch from the National Weather Service until 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 9. This means that a tornado is possible but not imminent, so we are prepared and monitoring the forecast," stated the district communication.The district further...