School Views Fall/Winter 2024

ALAMO HEIGHTS ISD

SCHOOL VIEWS

Fall 2024

First Staff Appreciation Night The first AHISD Staff Appreciation Night was held at the first home football game of the year. It was an evening to show gratitude and appreciation for the incredible educators and staff who dedicate their time and energy to shaping the future of AHISD students.

All staff members were invited on the field for recognition during halftime.

From Howard to Cambridge, Woodridge to the Junior School, and at Alamo Heights High School, students are so lucky that these remarkable individuals invest countless hours, provide unwavering support, and bring a passion for learning that will have a lasting and lifelong impact on our community.

Their dedication is truly why there’s no place like Alamo Heights ISD!

TIS THE SEASON The community is invited to celebrate the season and our talented AHISD Fine Arts performers at Winter Concerts starting in early December.

IN THIS ISSUE From the Superintendent......................................................... 2 Academic Excellence................................................................. 3

The concerts and performances feature Howard, Cambridge, Woodridge, Junior School, and High School students in all disciplines of Fine Arts from band to choir to orchestra.

Visit the AHISD website at www.ahisd.net for a schedule of holiday concerts and performances.

Bond Update................................................................................. 5 #ExtraordinaryAHISD Staff ..................................................... 6 Alamo Heights School Foundation ...................................... 7 Trustees at Work ......................................................................... 9 Community Updates................................................................ 10 School Life..................................................................................... 11 Mule News, Bits & Briefs ........................................................ 13

AHISD School Views Fall 2024

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A MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

open-door policies and collaboration at all levels. Our employees are encouraged to enroll their children in our schools, and we offer benefits such as the Mini-Mule PK and daycare program. Staff members even have the unique opportunity to present their own children with diplomas at graduation, promoting the sense of community and pride that comes with being part of the AHISD family.

Our AHISD teachers (and coaches) are the foundation of everything that makes our district exceptional! From Howard ECC where they share support with our youngest learners all the way through AHHS where they shape our future graduates, our teachers share not only their academic experience and talent but also their heart with our students each and every day.

I’m not sure that our community truly knows the challenge we are facing across the nation and across our state regarding the tremendous loss of the number of educators who are still serving students in our schools or the decrease in the number of graduates who are choosing to go into education as a field of study. I’m not exaggerating when I say that this challenge is truly a crisis.

Across the nation, we saw record numbers of teachers leave the profession in the years following COVID and we are seeing the lowest numbers of graduates choosing to enter the education profession. Numerous schools across the state opened this school year with teacher vacancies still to fill and there are schools right now that are operating with vacancies.

With all this in mind, I want to emphasize the incredible importance of elevating the education profession through our words and actions. It is crucial that our AHISD community engages state leaders to support our teachers through fair compensation and adequate school funding. (Did you know that teachers were the only state employees who did not receive a raise in the most recent legislative session?)

For the past few years, we’ve been studying our own turnover rates and retention rates in AHISD. I’m proud to say that this past year was a record low in the amount of teachers who left our district.

Our AHISD teachers are exceptional. In fact, 152 of them hold advanced degrees, and many have 15 or more years of experience—well above the state average. Last year, we had an impressive 92% retention rate and a 98% employee satisfaction rate. Personally, I chose this field to support teachers and their vital work because, to me, there’s no profession more important than teaching- a profession that lays the foundation for all others.

I’m sure every one of you can name a few teachers or coaches who had a significant impact on your life. We need to share these stories with our children and communities to highlight the importance of teachers. By sharing how teachers influenced us, we might inspire others to choose a career in education.

When I visit with teachers about why they choose to serve in our district, I frame their responses in three different themes: Autonomy in Teaching: AHISD values our teachers as professionals who are encouraged to teach the required standards using their own methods and practices.

Our curriculum and learning experiences go beyond rote learning or “cookie-cutter” lesson designs, allowing teachers the freedom to innovate and tailor their approach.

We have the opportunity to support teachers statewide by advocating for adequate school funding in the upcoming legislative session. With the new legislative term beginning January 14, I encourage you to start reaching out to state leaders now. Share your passion for teachers and the critical role they play in our public schools. Make it clear that you are unhappy that no additional funds were allocated to the basic allotment in the previous session. Let them know you expect them to champion our teachers. The future of public schools depends on your voice and consistent advocacy throughout the session. Our teachers deserve your support!

Strong Community Support: AHISD staff members receive support at all levels through active PTOs, a mission-driven school foundation, and parents who are deeply involved in their children’s education. This overwhelming community engagement helps create a supportive environment for both staff and students.

Family Atmosphere: AHISD has a close-knit, family-like culture. Staff members are treated as part of a larger family, and we strive to build connections across the district through

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MULES UP! Dr. Bashara

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Top Scholars

Note- not all students listed are pictured.

Congratulations to the following students for their outstanding achievement in being recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program.

They entered the program by taking the PSAT, which served as an initial screener of entrants.

Semifinalists represent less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors and commended scholars less than 5 percent of high school seniors.

The 2024 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist is Francesco Caffrey.

The 2024 National Merit Commended Scholars are Sammuel Berenguer, Jake Bowling, Julia Carter, Lauren Gracia, Andrew Lindner, Raul Rojo, John Wright, and Elijah Yun. In addition, AHISD juniors and seniors received academic honors through The College Board’s recognition programs which award academic honors to underrepresented students.

AHISD School Views Fall 2024

National Hispanic Recognition Program: 12th grade- Anderson Blake, Maria Jose Castro Lozano, Schuyler Churchill, Mason Gutierrez, Charles Haymore, Jacob Hughes, Alex Kendrick, Adaline Lasswell, Maximiliano Nento, David Patton, Emily Rodriguez, Kamila Rojas, Raul Rojo, and Victoria Valadez

11th grade- Scarlett Alvarez, Victoria BautistaSerrano, Cabrini Bustos, Seren Harris, John Kell, Charlotte Livingstone, Oliver Lopez, Marcio Marti, Magali Roibon, and August Schneider National First Generation Recognition Program: 12th grade- Maria Jose Castro Lozano, Schuyler Churchill, Jacob Hughes, and John Sytsma 11th grade- Lindsey Lam, Charlotte Livingstone National Indigenous Recognition Program: 12th grade- Oliver Duffin, Jason Lacoy, and Logan Snell

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11th grade- Cabrini Bustos

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AP SCHOLARS & AP HONOR ROLL

Applications open for Early College High School at AHHS

This year a record number of Alamo Heights High School students were recognized as Advanced Placement (AP) Scholars. Two hundred and seventy four students earned the honors for scoring a 3 or higher on three or more AP exams.

Elijah Yun and Lauren Gracia are two of the 274, and both have earned enough college credits through AP exams to enter college classified at least as sophomores. Their hard work will save them time and money moving forward.

Yun has already taken 9 AP exams, and has his sights set on taking three more this year. He hopes to double major in science and music in college, and would like to get prerequisites out of the way. “ What I really appreciate about AHHS is that I’m never held back in what I’m allowed to go above and beyond and take,” Yun said. “I skipped two math classes and took Calculus as a sophomore. I’m able to take what I need to take to feel successful and challenged.”

Gracia has taken 7 AP courses and exams, and will take 4 more this year, and agrees that the challenge of AP courses is what sets students up for future success. “ I think AP has a standard and rigor, and you prove you have put in the time and the work,” Gracia said. “It’s hard to get a good score on an AP exam without working for it.”

She says the toughest AP exam she’s taken is AP Spanish Literature. “ We read 38 pieces and the test is quizzing you and you’re writing on them, it’s not the easiest thing,” Gracia said.

For the second year in a row, Alamo Heights HS has been recognized as a Gold Level Advanced Placement Honor Roll High School. The AP School Honor Roll recognition is based on criteria that reflects a commitment to increasing college-going culture, opportunities for students to earn college credit, and efforts to maximize college readiness.

For the Class of 2024, 68 percent of seniors took at least one AP Exam during high school, 53 percent of seniors scored a three or higher on at least one AP Exam, and 32 percent of seniors took five or more AP Exams. “ Our district is proud to witness the growing number of students earning national recognition as AP Scholars,” said Dr. Jimmie Walker, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction.

“These students have demonstrated exceptional grit and motivation by excelling in challenging, college-level courses at AHHS. We also want to commend our AP teachers for their unwavering commitment to supporting students’ learning and success in these rigorous courses.”

The Early College High School at Alamo Heights High School welcomed its first cohort of freshmen in August.

In four years, the class of about 100 ninth graders will graduate with their high school diploma and an Associate of Arts (AA) degree. They’ll earn up to 60 college credit hours at no charge.

Each year a new cohort of ninth grade students will be accepted into the Early College High School. Applications for the 20252026 school year opened at the end of November and will be accepted until February 1, 2025.

The new opportunity is a partnership with St. Philip’s College. All college level courses are taught by AHISD teachers and taught on the AHHS campus. Students are able to participate in Fine Arts, Athletics, and activities offered at AHHS. Students begin taking college courses during their freshman year. College credits earned during high school are designed to be transferred to a four-year Texas public college or university.

Through the P-TECH program, which stands for Pathways in Technology Early College High School, students focus on the pathway of teaching (working in education) and will earn an Associate of Arts in Teaching degree. They’ll also engage in valuable work-based learning experiences to earn an industry certification (paraprofessional) along with opportunities for paid internships.

Early College HS/P-TECH students also have access to all resources available to St. Philip’s College students.

Interested 8th graders should submit an application which is available on the AHHS website- ahhs.ahisd.net.

Students should be in good academic standing, have good attendance, desire a rigorous course of study, and be able to attend a Summer Bridge program in summer 2025.

Contact Program Coordinator Linda Fair with questions at ahechs@ahisd.net.

Yun has taken AP exams for all the AP courses he’s taken so far. So has Gracia.

Gracia hopes to attend college out of state - her top choice is the University of Chicago - and even if all the college credits won’t transfer, it was worth the effort. “ Taking the exams is proof I understood the material and trusted myself enough to take the exam,” Gracia said. “Even if the credits don’t transfer, it’s important to me that I succeeded on a college exam.”

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BOND UPDATES UNDER CONSTRUCTION The start of fall brought a new phase in construction at Alamo Heights High School. After months of demolition work and the haul off of debris, the new building is now under construction.

Demolition lasted from late June until October. In mid October, crews began site grading, earthwork, and utility work which included drilling piers and prepping to pour foundation. A tower crane was also erected at the site. This type of crane will keep the existing trees safer as the new building is constructed.

The project remains on time and on budget.

New Home for Mule In the true definition of “Mules Up,” the Mule statue was removed from the front of Alamo Heights HS for the duration of construction.

The original artist ensured the statue received some TLC before it was reinstalled at the north entrance of Harry B. Orem Stadium just in time for the first home football game in early September.

Parking Lots Added Two new parking lots for students opened on Broadway across from the high school in August and September. With these two lots, referred to as Broadway North and Broadway South, there are actually more parking spots available on campus than last year.

How to stay updated Regular bond construction updates will be provided at Board Meetings, in this School Views publication mailed to AHISD residents, on district social media platforms, and on the district’s website, www.ahisd.net. The Bond 2023 Updates website has construction timelines, a Frequently Asked Questions section, and outlines how construction will impact AHISD learners of all ages.

Design Work Design work is underway for upcoming projects at Cambridge, Woodridge, and the Robbins campus location off of Jones Maltsberger near the Natatorium, which will be the new home for the Softball complex.

Projects will begin in early 2025. As with all bond projects, LPA Design Studios staff has met with campus and district staff as part of the design and planning process.

At the end of football season (including postseason playoffs), construction will begin on the Visitor’s complex at Orem Stadium which includes bleachers, locker rooms, concessions, and team meeting space. Work is expected to be completed by August 2025.

AHISD School Views Fall 2024

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#ExtraordinaryAHISD Staff

Powering the Profile EMILY RANGEL Alamo Heights HS Employ Skills for Life Emily Rangel, culinary arts instructor at Alamo Heights HS, was recognized for Powering the Profile and embodying the AHISD Profile of a Learner. She helps students “employ skills for life.”

Texas Teacher of the Year Finalist Kevin Criss, AHISD Teacher of the Year, was honored as a finalist in the 2025 Texas Teacher of the Year program.

Six outstanding educators from across Texas were chosen as finalists in the 2025 Texas Teacher of the Year program.

Criss, a physical education teacher at Cambridge Elementary, was one of three finalists for Elementary Teacher of the Year. In August, he was named Region 20 Elementary Teacher of the Year.

The six finalists were interviewed by a panel of judges composed of representatives of educational leadership associations, community and business leaders, a member of the State Board for Educator Certification, a member of the State Board of Education, and prior Texas Teachers of the Year.

The panel selected two state-level winners — Elementary Teacher of the Year and Secondary Teacher of the Year — and designated one to represent Texas in the National Teacher of the Year program.

The winners were announced at an awards ceremony at the end of October. The finalists and the 40 Regional Teachers of the Year were also recognized.

The Texas Teacher of the Year program has honored excellence in classroom education since 1969. The program, facilitated by TASA since 2011, annually recognizes and rewards teachers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence in teaching.

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KIM BRADY Alamo Heights Junior School Communicate and Collaborate Kim Brady, math teacher and Student Council advisor at The Junior School, was recognized for Powering the Profile and helping students “communicate and collaborate.”

The Profile of a Learner is a guide that articulates the knowledge, skills, and attributes students will need to pursue individual dreams and positively impact the world upon graduation.The video series Powering the Profile, available on the Alamo Heights Mules YouTube channel, highlights Extraordinary AHISD staff as they bring the district’s Profile of a Learner to life for students.

EXCEL AWARD WINNER Woodridge 5th grade teacher Eve Thompson is the 202425 EXCEL Award winner for Alamo Heights ISD. Thompson was surprised in her classroom and presented with the apple trophy and $2,000 check. She has been at Woodridge for 10 years and previously taught for 9 years in the Houston area. She is the fifth grade team leader and teaches English/Language Arts. “ Evie has a heart for Woodridge, Alamo Heights ISD, and every student that walks through her door,” said Principal Sean Reno.

“She leads with love and it is evident in the team she works with and when you step in her classroom. She is a blessing to this campus and this district.”

The EXCEL Award is sponsored by KENS 5 and Credit Human and representatives from both organizations came to celebrate Thompson along with her fifth grade team of teachers, Principal Reno, and AHISD Assistant Superintendent Dr. Frank Alfaro.

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Join us on Sunday, March 30, 2025, as we hold the fifth annual Reunite at Heights: An Alumni and Hall of Fame Celebration. This luncheon will take place at the San Antonio Country Club. Doors will open at 12:00 p.m., and the program will begin at 1:00 p.m..

The Alamo Heights School Foundation Hall of Fame is comprised of former students, faculty, and volunteers who have made significant achievements in many aspects of their lives. Three Distinguished Alumni Awards, one Lifetime Educator Award, and one Distinguished Service Award will be presented each year. All applications are considered for five years.

2025 HALL OF FAME HONOREES Distinguished Alumni Margaret Johnson Canby ‘50 Bob Worth ‘67 Susan Dolan Reed ‘68 Lifetime Educator Gaylard Fenley (posthumously) Distinguished Service Steve Allison Become a Reunite at Heights Sponsor! For available Sponsorship and Underwriting Opportunities, please contact The Alamo Heights School Foundation office at (210) 832-5957 or ahfoundation@ahisd.net

SUNDAY, MARCH 30, 2024 1:00 PM SAN ANTONIO COUNTRY CLUB

SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS Presenting Sponsorship $20,000

Mules Sponsorship $10,000

Two tables of 10 with premium reserved seating Name or logo on event signage Name or logo on cover of event program Name or logo on presentation slides

Table of 10 with premium reserved seating Name or logo on event signage Name or logo in event program Listing on presentation slides

Gold Sponsorship $5,000

Blue Sponsorship $2,500

Table of 10 with premium reserved seating Name or logo on event signage Listing in event program Listing on presentation slides

Table of 10 with reserved seating Name or logo on event signage Listing in event program Listing on presentation slides

(one available)

ALAMO HEIGHTS SCHOOL FOUNDATION 7101 BROADWAY SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78209 AHFOUNDATION@AHISD.NET - 210.832.5957 #WEBACKTEACHERS

AHISD School Views Fall 2024

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2024 GREATER HEIGHTS NIGHT SPONSORS The Greehey Family Foundation, Cavender Auto Family, LKCM, LPA, Malitz Construction, Jenger and Steve Waters, Worth & Associates: The Worth and Arriaga Families Alamo Heights Pediatric Dentistry and Kevin Farnsworth Orthodontics, Bartlett Cocke General Contractors, Brouillard, Dyer and Goudge Families, Frost, Guido Materials, HEB, Independent Waste, MedTech Construction, RC Page Construction, Lisa and Todd Piland, Susan and Van Stewart, Lynsey and Mark Adame, Leslie and Brent Adcock, Irene and John Allender, Courtney and Scott Archer, Stephanie and Jeff Bailey, Natalia and Ryan Baker, Adria and Patrick Ballantyne, Anne and Steve Ballantyne, The Barnum Kang Family, Dana and Collier Bashara, The Beck Family, Kristen and Josh Bell, The Bishop Family, Margaret and D.B. Briscoe, Lauren and John Browning, Ashley and Mitchell Brownlee, The Bruton Family, Karen and Jeff Bryant, The Burney Family, Kendra and Stuart Carter, Emily and Travis Catalani, The Christian Family, Michelle and Clay Click, The Clifton Family, Ann and Matthew Cross, The Crowell Family, Gretchen and Cody Cruthirds, Kate and Taylor Dawson, Stephanie and Jeff Dominguez, The Dorbandt Family, Josie and Taylor Dorris, The Dullnig Family, Colette and Ty Edwards, Kate and Jared Edwards, Lynnette and Trey Embrey, The Emerson Family, Julie and Chris Evans, The Flannery Family, Marissa and Shawn Fogarty, The Forsythe Family, The Fravell Family, Kelly and Steven Fry, The Gamiz Family, Courtney and Nick Gerken, Amy and Christopher Gilene, The Goertz Family, Lauren and Shawn Golden, Susan and David Gragg, Brooks and Chris Hagee, The Hammond Family, The Hartman Family, Ali and Chris Hatten, Carey and David Hildebrand, Christy and John Hinchey, Meredith and George Hinchey, Melissa and Joseph Hoelscher, Kerri and Rusty Hoermann, The Holliday Family, Charley and Katherine Hollimon, Myra and Bobby Hoover, The Hornberger Family, Sandy and Ronnie Hornberger, Stacy and Joel Hoyt, McQueen and Matt Johnson, Jamie and Wes Kimball, Emily and Geoff King, Kylene and Barrett King, Kate and Bill Kingman, Shannon and Hunter Kingman, The Konkol Family, Cally and Will Kothmann, Evonne and Brannon Kroll, Courtney and Tim Kuhn, The Kurokawa Family, Chrissy and Thomas Labatt, Leah and Brad Lacy, The Lathrop Family, KC and Greg Lawler, Andrea and Trent Ledford, Kathleen and Byron LeFlore, Kourtney and Taylor Little, O’Kelley and Paul Little, Allye and Lance Littleton, The Ludwick Family, Annalisa and Matt Lujan, The Macdaniel Family, The Marceau Family, Lib and Watt Matthews, The McAlister Family, The McAllister/ Calhoun Family, The McFarland Family, The McLaughlin Family, The Meabon Family, The Michelson Family, The Middleton Family, The Mouynes Family, Jessica and Tucker Mudrick, The Mullins Family, The Mysliwiec Family, Paige and Lane Naugher, Amy and Tony Onstott, Jade and Travis Owens, Margaret and Ryan Pape, The Park Family, Carol and Kirk Patterson. Kristin and Mike Payne, Jill and Gardner Peavy, Wesley and Kyle Pennington, Courtney and Chip Percy, The Rangel Family, The Rhodes Family, Stephanie and Robert Rinn, Hanna and Robert Rochelle, Katie and Will Rogers, The Rohlfs Family, Whitney and Bryan Schones, Jennie and David Schwab, The Seth Family, Lacey and Chris Shannon, Stacy and Nathan Sharp, The Robert Shaw Family, The Silberschlag-Bovenzi Family, Kelsey and Zach Smith, The Alan Spalten Family, Carolyn and Tom Spurgeon, Kristin and Clayton Stanley, Laura Stossel and Jonathan Wright, The Sullivan Family, The Sutherland Family, Xaviera and Chris Szeman, The Trumble Family, The Turner Family, Brooke and Court Urban, Suzanne and Dick Wade, The Walton Family, Lacey and Robert Watson, Jamie and Ty West, The Weaver Family, Sybil and Daniel Westmoreland, Amy and Matt Willcox, Amanda and Alan Williams, Amanda and Jim Williams, Amelia and Rob Williams, Brooke and Chris Williams, Jordan and Brandon Williams, Tracy and Jack Williams, Lisa and Thomas Woolley, Anna and Thad C. Ziegler, and Lynn and Thad W. Ziegler

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2024 GREATER HEIGHTS NIGHT UNDERWRITERS CHRISTUS Santa Rosa and CHRISTUS Children, Preserve Title, Pure Pastures - Laura and Lew Moorman, Corinna and JB Richter, Silver Eagle Beverages, Alamo Heights Dental, Brake Check, The Emergency Clinic - Alamo Heights, Jefferson Bank, Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP, Marsh McLennan Agency, Papa Johns, Phyllis Browning Compan, and HUB

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Confirmed sponsors and underwriters as of 10.28.24

The Alamo Heights School Foundation’s mission is to enhance academic excellence for every student, focusing on funding teachers and staff. Scan the QR code to donate or get involved to support our children, back our teachers, and fund our schools.

Alamo Heights School Foundation 7101 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209 www.ahschoolfoundation.org 210-832-5957 ahfoundation@ahisd.net

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TRUSTEES AT WORK David Hornberger, Board President Recently I had the opportunity to share this message at the Greater Heights Night fundraiser and felt that the message lent itself well to this column. It helps to know that I have an irrational love for the game of football. And, yes, I realize that my friends reading this are likely already rolling their eyes. But it’s not just for the game itself; I love football because it’s about sacrifice, courage, and brotherhood. It’s about putting your personal safety in the hands of your brother and risking yourself so that your brother can succeed, knowing that both of your successes lift the entire team, a family. Maybe we don’t admit this because the sport glorifies toughness and because love supposedly is soft, but there is no doubt that love for each other drives the greatest teams. And those of us watching want so desperately to feel that same love, to be included in that same family. There is an innate attraction to the combination of these elemental forces - risk, courage, love, and family - that captivates our souls. That’s why I love football. It’s family.

And this place - Alamo Heights- it’s family. We’re not parents and teachers and students and administrators. We are a family, slugging it out for each other, sometimes imperfectly but always with heart.

I have seen this over and over again; it’s an unstated perk of the volunteer jobs I’m honored to have here. Our staff consistently goes above and beyond their job description in big ways, like creating the 09 Academy to support - indeed to embrace - our special needs students who need a little more help for a little longer. I’ve watched many graduations at the Excel Academy, witnessing stories of grit and redemption and never giving up on each other. I’ve seen students tearfully thank their teachers for being transformative in their lives, for helping them see their unique spark when it was difficult to find. I’ve seen parents run to aid teachers struggling with illness or cancer. I’ve seen families take in children that aren’t their own; I’ve seen them show up with piles of HEB gift cards and say, “please give these to my neighbors who are in need right now.” Over and over again I’ve seen us rise up and say, “here I am; I won’t give up on you. How can I help?” Because that’s what family does. This support, this sense of family, fosters a stable environment in which our students can reach new heights, like recently producing a record number of National Merit Scholars and attaining the College Board’s AP Gold Honor Roll for success on the AP exams.

This spirit of family endures in our community and is the cornerstone on which our school district was built. And we can’t find this anywhere else. A lot of us look for it. Hard. Even Cat and I tried the whole Austin thing thinking it was still the Austin of the 1980s. Nope. We made it for 2 and a half kids and then took a huge financial risk and moved home. We move our families here because we just can’t find this spirit in any other place.

But politics in Austin are putting our family at risk. Some twenty years ago, I talked about all of this with Coach Fenley in one of our last conversations. For all his intensity and fire, he sure carried a lot of wisdom. He was encouraging me to go to grad school, and we also talked about our shared love for public schools. He was hopeful that one day we’d figure out how to fix public school funding in Texas (again, this was twenty years ago!). As I remembered that conversation, it hit me: we alone in this community can’t change the politics in Austin. But we alone can take our future out of their hands and put it back into our own.

It helps to first know how Texas school funding works for Alamo Heights: basically, the state of Texas dictates our property tax rate that funds our operations. But the state only allows us to keep a portion of that tax revenue, calculated on a per student basis, called the basic allotment. The state pockets the difference, depositing it into the state’s general fund. This works fine in theory but when that basic allotment doesn’t increase to keep up with inflation - and the state just saves the rest of our money in their savings account things get bad for us in a hurry. Like every family in America, our school district has experienced shocking cost inflation relating to insurance, health care, energy, transportation, and employment. With no material increase in our funding from the state since 2019, the state has a huge surplus on top of an enormous rainy-day fund while we have incurred multiple years of budget deficits - including a current debilitating and unprecedented deficit approximating $2.5 million (this is after our gift from the School Foundation). Our administration has discussed this precarious situation with staff on every campus, and all employees are aware of the dire straits facing our schools because of inaction from Austin. We will have no choice but to consider inefficient tax increases, sending more money to the state’s overflowing savings account, or to cut programming for our children. In short, we need help to fund our schools. And we need it now.

Our community, though, has a choice. We don’t have to wait on state politicians for help. We are a family, and we take care of our own. As proud stubborn Mules, we fight for Heights.

Always. We can provide on our own the financial support to preserve the schools that have empowered our children and have kept our community so precious for so many generations. We want our children to have the community that so many of us did, that many grandparents had, that even some great grandparents had; the same community that draws so many new families to it every year. It’s because of this school district, because of this family.

There is no better investment than investing in our children, to paraphrase a beloved Cambridge principal from long ago.

Public schools accept all children and, when done right, foster a powerful sense of family and community built on shared sacrifice and shared success. When Alamo Heights rallies together out of this spirit of family, when we sacrifice for each other, there is no stopping us. But we need everyone’s help—please consider giving whatever you can, and as often as you can, to the Alamo Heights School Foundation (ahschoolfoundation.org). It is time for us to come together to fund our schools.

This Alamo Heights family is worth it.

AHISD School Views Fall 2024

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COMMUNITY UPDATES Budget Advisory Council The Texas Legislature failed to provide any financial relief for school districts during the last legislative session and multiple special sessions that followed even with billions of dollars in the state surplus budget. Despite rising costs, the state of Texas continues to fund public education at 2019 levels, with no adjustments for inflation.

For the past two years, AHISD has been forced to adopt deficit budgets. This fall the district assembled a Budget Advisory Council composed of staff and community members. The task of this council was to provide input about the impact that potential budget reductions would have if the Board of Trustees needed to reduce the budget by $5 million to make up for the gap in funding from the lack of state support for public education. The input will help Trustees as they create a sort of contingency plan to utilize only if public schools are not funded adequately during this upcoming legislative session that begins in January 2025. The Council met four times in the fall to study school finance, budget projections, how district programs are funded, and what programs are required by law. “ I am so grateful for the thoughtfulness and dedication of our Council members

to help inform an emergency plan of action if we do not see additional funding this upcoming session,” said Dr. Bashara. “Despite the absence of viable support from the state, we remain dedicated to making thoughtful decisions to ensure the best outcomes for our AHISD students and community.”

The Council’s input will be shared with the AHISD Board of Trustees for consideration as needed.

New trustee joins AHISD Board Hunter Kingman was sworn in as a member of the Alamo Heights ISD Board of Trustees at a Called Board Meeting in early November.

He replaces Trustee Stacy Sharp who resigned from the Board in September. He was unanimously appointed by the Board of Trustees. His term will expire in May 2025.

Kingman is an AHHS graduate. He graduated from The University Virginia with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and earned his MBA from the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin.

Kingman is a real estate developer and civil engineer with experience serving with nonprofit and professional boards including current leadership roles with Snack Paks 4 Kids and the Real Estate Council of San Antonio. He has also served on the District Education Advisory Council. “ Like many of the Trustees, I am rooted in this community and indebted to AHISD for the opportunities it has afforded me,” Kingman said. “AHISD is distinct, and I desire to see that uniqueness cherished and preserved. I will be active across AHISD campuses for many years to come. Whether my kids are students at a particular school or not, being an ambassador and public supporter of the district is an important aspect of the Trustee role.”

Hunter and his wife Shannon, also an AHHS graduate, have four children.

Three attend AHISD schools and one will begin their AHISD educational journey next year at Howard.

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SCHOOL LIFE Homecoming Howdy There’s no place like AHISD in October as our Blue and Gold spirit is vibrant all around as we celebrate our Homecoming activities!

Whether it’s your first Howdy Week or you’ve been part of this tradition for years, the AHISD community is filled with pride and comes together for a festive, fun, and family-filled week of events.

The Howdy Parade kicked off a fun night of activities including a carnival, pep rally and bonfire at AHHS. During the Friday night football game, Drake Rowland and Nyla Floyd were crowned Homecoming King and Queen.

At the Junior School Homecoming Pep Rally, Academic Dean Kimberly Alexander was one of the lucky few selected to kiss the Mule! It was also a Pink Out Day for the volleyball team.

INTRODUCING MULE TIME MEDIA There’s a new resource to keep the community informed and to go behind the scenes at The Junior School on a daily basis.

In the Mule Tube, Yearbook, and Digital and Print Media classes, teachers Brandon Boylan and Shelley Bynum are working with students to create a new media branch. The brand, Mule Time Media, reports on news from around the campus on their own website, through a digital magazine, a growing podcast network that includes a daily news podcast (Mule Tube “Ears” Edition) that is available on iTunes and Spotify, as well as on social media.

“ I’m really interested in photos and videos when I’m older, so I decided to try and see if I liked it.” said Chappell Bailey.

“You’ve got to make sure you’re working hard every single day.”

Students are assigned “beats” to stay on top of campus events and classroom activities.

They then come up with ideas for content, working in a dynamic and ever-changing environment akin to a real news room.

“ The students put a lot of time and energy into producing content that tells the story of The Junior School. Through sending emails to staff members, conducting interviews, and working on longform projects, they get the chance to practice real world skills that will be applicable regardless of what career field they choose,” Boylan said.

AHISD School Views Fall 2024

All the content is student created. Through the 7th/8th grade elective, students are honing their skills as writers, photographers, videographers, and podcasters.

“I like asking questions and interviewing,” said Boyd Jones. “This is what I want to do one day.”

Stay up to date by visiting the Junior School website which has links to all of the Mule Time Media efforts- ahjs.ahisd.net.

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Open for Business The Alamo Heights Printing Co. is officially open for business at Alamo Heights High School!

The student-led business provides meaningful and authentic work opportunities for students with disabilities. The Printing Co. creates, prints, and delivers note cards packaged with envelopes.

The group consists of 17 students, peer tutors, and instructional assistants in the Career Prep class. Overseeing the operation is Special Education Teacher Monica Lopez. “ We’re definitely seeing the students grow in independence and they’re excited to do the printing,” says Lopez. “It’s also a learning curve and they’re learning life skills like it’s ok to make mistakes.”

TEDDY BEAR PICNIC

The project is a work-based learning program funded by seed money from the Texas A&M University Center on Disability and Development. A team of teachers and community members came together to write the funding proposal. The start-up funds allowed for the purchase of a printer, electric cutter, signage, initial supplies, uniforms, and shelving.

Howard Early Childhood Center is often called the “happiest place on Earth” and it’s not hard to see why with events like the Teddy Bear Picnic.

The beloved school tradition is a celebration of family and an opportunity for students to learn about giving back to help others.

The company officially launched in September and students have been working since the beginning of the school year to learn how to operate the equipment, apply for jobs like inventory or packaging, and choose card designs. In the first month, they designed, printed, and delivered 40 orders.

At this year’s Picnic, held over two days, the school collected 255 teddy bears to donate to the Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas. It’s a beautiful example of the school’s touchstone- “at Howard we use our thinking heads, our feeling hearts, and our helping hands.”

On any given day, students are working on a variety of tasks, including managing the group’s Instagram page which highlights an “Employee of the Month” and the guest speakers and field trips the Career Prep class takes together.

Pictured are Nora Sasser, her mother Michelle Sasser, and grandparents.

“ It’s such a source of positivity and they love seeing themselves,” says Lopez.

Personalized bundles are $20 for 10 cards and include some Alamo Heights themed designs. They are also expanding design options in the coming weeks. To order note cards, visit the Printing Co. Instagram page (@ahhs_heightsprintingco) for a link to the form or email them at heightsprintingco@k12ahisd.net.

210-824-2483

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MULE NEWS BITS & BRIEFS

Extra Cheer 2024 Peanut Butter Bowl This year more than 100 teams from across the state participated in the annual Peanut Butter Bowl. Collectively, over 115,000 jars of peanut butter were donated.

Here in Alamo Heights ISD, the community came together and donated 9,292 jars of peanut butter. This earned third place in this year’s event.

When we feed people in need, we all win! Thank you to all who participated in the 2024 Peanut Butter Bowl!

There can never be too much cheer! There was a lot to cheer about at a September football game thanks to the addition of some future cheerleaders!

AHHS Cheer hosted their annual Friday Night Heights FUN-draiser which brought together current cheerleaders with the next generation of Mules!

The tiny cheerleaders joined the high school cheerleaders on the sidelines during the first and second quarters.

Pictured are Audrey and Mikayla Gonzales with Ariana Sanchez and Emma Wukovits.

2025 ALL-STAR FOOTBALL GAME Three Alamo Heights HS varsity football players were selected to play in the 2025 San Antonio Sports All-Star Football Game.

Patrick Arriaga, Max Bacon, and Ryan Stetson will represent AHISD as members of Team White at the annual game on January 11 at the Alamodome.

They’re among 117 players selected representing 68 area high schools. Players were nominated by their high school coaches. In addition to physical skills, players who are All-Stars reflect perseverance, character, and inner strength.

AHISD School Views Fall 2024

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FALL SPORTS ROUNDUP

Team Tennis Team Tennis continued to show why they’re one of the best in all of San Antonio, becoming the only team in our area to reach the Regional round!

Water Polo Another successful year for both of our water polo teams!

Girls Golf

After going 18-2 and perfect in district play, the boys again shined in the postseason, reaching the Regional round.

Swing for a Cure The annual girls golf tournament, organized by Coach McCuiston, brought teams from around the state together to play for a cause- support for educators battling cancer.

This year’s event raised more than $16,000 and was played at Brackenridge Golf Course at the end of September. The AHHS girls team finished in first place.

The girls also finished undefeated in the district, and have yet to lose a match in district play in three years. The season ended with their third-consecutive trip to the playoffs.

Volleyball We are proud of our volleyball team as they played in a new district and under a new head coach, Sarah Holmes, this season.

Cross Country The varsity cross country teams finished their season at the District Meet in early October. The boys team finished in 4th place and the girls varsity team finished 7th in district.

Put Another Ring On It! The 2024 UIL State Champion Girls Golf team received their championship rings during a football game in October. It was the team’s third state championship in four years.

210-824-2483

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HOW TO REACH US WRITE: Alamo Heights Independent School District 7101 Broadway San Antonio, Texas 78209 CALL: 210-824-2483 EMAIL: ahisdcommunications@ahisd.net SURF: www.ahisd.net WATCH: YouTube: Alamo Heights Mules

Kinder Preview 2025!

Howard Early Childhood Center will host Kinder Preview events for new families on the following dates: January 28, 2025 February 12, 2025 March 27, 2025 April 15 & 24, 2025 May 6, 2025 All events are at 9:30 a.m. Come learn why Howard is called the “happiest place on Earth!”

In order to register for kindergarten, children must be five years old by September 1, 2025. Contact the office at Howard with any questions at (210) 832-5900 or visit their website at howard.ahisd.net.