Latest News
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.
Austin ISD emphasizes commitment to school safety amid rising concerns
By Austin Journal | Sep 20, 2024
Today, the Austin Independent School District (Austin ISD) emphasized its commitment to school safety during a community event. The district is seeking support from the community to maintain safe learning environments.
Assistance League of Austin donates $30K to reduce lunch debt
By Austin Journal | Sep 20, 2024
To mark the organization’s 50th anniversary, the Assistance League of Austin visited Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders on Sept. 13 to present a $30,000 grant that will help provide healthy meals to students, regardless of account balances.
Austin ISD completes nearly two-thirds of TEA Special Education Agreed Order
By Austin Journal | Sep 19, 2024
Austin ISD has now completed nearly two-thirds of the priorities outlined in the Texas Education Agency Special Education Agreed Order.
UT Austin sees record highs in applications enrollment graduation rates
By Austin Journal | Sep 19, 2024
AUSTIN, Texas — Student demand and performance at The University of Texas at Austin continue to reach all-time highs, according to data collected on the 12th class day of the Fall 2024 term. The number of freshman applications increased by 10% for the second straight year, and enrollment reached a record high for the third consecutive year. This year’s four-year graduation rate, based on students who began college with remote learning during the pandemic, continued a decade-long upward trend.
Austin ISD announces Class of2025 graduation dates and locations
By Austin Journal | Sep 19, 2024
Austin ISD has announced the graduation dates and locations for the Class of 2025. Commencement ceremonies will be held at Burger Arena, Burger Stadium, and the Performing Arts Center from May 28 to June 4.
Langford Elementary teachers find joy in fostering student connections
By Austin Journal | Sep 19, 2024
Two first-year teachers at Langford Elementary School in Austin ISD, Shelby Rooker and Bianca Jimenez, are embracing what they call "Austin ISD Joy" in their work. This initiative focuses on the positive connections made with students and the supportive campus community.
UT Austin leads new AI institute for cosmic discovery
By Austin Journal | Sep 18, 2024
The University of Texas at Austin has been chosen to lead a new institute that harnesses artificial intelligence to explore some of the leading mysteries of the universe, including dark matter and the fundamentals related to the search for life. Housed in UT’s Oden Institute for Computational Sciences and Engineering, the NSF-Simons AI Institute for Cosmic Origins will be funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Simons Foundation. Its mission is to develop AI technologies for astronomical research to advance our understanding of the cosmos and accelerate the...
President emphasizes talent in state of university address
By Austin Journal | Sep 18, 2024
AUSTIN, Texas — During his annual State of the University address, President Jay Hartzell focused on themes around expanding the definition of student success, leveraging the breadth and depth of UT, and recruiting elite talent to the University. The event took place on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, at UT’s historic and recently renovated Hogg Memorial Auditorium.
Eanes ISD to host Parent & Community Campus Conversations series
By Austin Journal | Sep 13, 2024
The Eanes Independent School District (EISD) will host a series of what it calls Parent & Community Campus Conversations starting in October.
Austin Ed Fund awards $450K in 'Inspire the Future' grants to Austin ISD teachers
By Austin Journal | Sep 13, 2024
The Austin Ed Fund has awarded $450,000 in "Inspire the Future" grants to teachers within the Austin Independent School District (ISD). The 2024 initiative recognizes 66 recipients who will use these funds to implement innovative educational projects.
Austin ISD implements secure entry vestibules under $2.4 billion bond initiative
By Austin Journal | Sep 12, 2024
Austin ISD built 28 new secure entry vestibules over the summer as part of the 2022 Bond.
Manor ISD receives national recognition for community collaboration in mental health
By Austin Journal | Sep 12, 2024
Manor ISD has been honored as one of just six school districts nationwide to receive the prestigious National Mental Health Innovator Award from Daybreak Health, a leading K-12 mental health provider. Manor ISD was specifically recognized as the Community Collaborator of the Year.