ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023
Dear Trailblazer Community, This year, the International School of Texas celebrated an important milestone, our 10th anniversary! As the new Head of School, I have the distinct honor of serving a school with a strong foundation, dedicated community, and vibrant future. Our beloved school was founded in 2013 by a small group of parents that united around a forward-thinking vision for the education they desired for their children. That founding vision planted a seed that has grown to be a compelling and attractive educational model, captivating families who share the same ideals of international education, community, and character. Arriving at this anniversary is a remarkable achievement. Our school stands as a testament to the families, students, faculty, staff, and leadership who have guided the school through this important and foundational phase of its history. The 2022-2023 school year was a critical inflection point in our story, one which served to orient us towards the possibilities of the next decade. With growth and development comes change, and last year, change presented an opportunity to reexamine and recommit to the founding vision and ambition of IST. I experienced this first-hand during my interview process. My first introduction to our community was two panels of students eager to understand who I was and whether we were aligned on what a vibrant, healthy school community looked like. In my visits to the school last spring, I had the chance to witness IST in action. I was able to shake the hands of staff and parents, and to see the light in everyone’s eyes as we talked about the identity of IST and what we could build together moving forward. I was able to witness many success stories from afar that spring, learning about victories large and small through my Zoom meetings with the leadership team. I was celebrating the vibrant school life you see presented in this report from Germany, just as I’m sure you were celebrating it in person. After a few months on the ground, I’m delighted to say that our school is just as wonderful in person as it seemed to be from across the pond. We truly have an excellent foundation from which we continue to build. The strength of this foundation comes from the people that make up this community. The founding mission and vision of this school has attracted a stellar collection of students, families, faculty and staff who are dedicated to the success of our students and the school itself. PG. 1 | INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF TEXAS
We have a community that believes in both the quality of the education we can provide and the immense potential that lies in front of us. We understand that there is something special at IST, and we are all deeply excited and committed to this institution and its journey to its full potential. To be a Trailblazer is to have the courage to create new trails, and the fortitude to move forward together as one. By definition, it means taking a path that will enable others to follow. It is a simultaneous act of vision, of courage, and of service. It is future oriented. Our team understands that the trail ahead of us is one in which these virtues are not simply an option, but a requirement. To be an IST Trailblazer over the next decade is to invest in and be committed to blazing the trail in front of us, while serving those who will follow in our footsteps. This is not simply a call to service, but a mandate to exciting and intentional action! I welcome you to join me in celebrating the victories, successes, and stories of the past year, and to contribute your time, ideas, work, and philanthropy to our community. We eagerly look forward to building upon our broad and firm foundation, all in the relentless pursuit of our collective mission and vision. Sincerely,
Brian P. Couch, Jr., EdM Head of School
PG. 2 | INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF TEXAS
Our 2022-23
School Year in Review
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS Grade 1 students created two designs
The amazing Earhart house
for a sweatshirt, each featuring hand-
rallied at the end to win Sports
drawn animals common to central
Day 2023.
Texas. Proceeds benefitted Austin Wildlife and Rescue.
Nine MYP Mandarin students received awards at the National
The Cross Country team ran
Essay Writing Competition,
strong , finishing with multiple
including eight Gold Awards.
top-three placements through various meets.
Grade 7 students traveled to
Grade 8 students traveled to New York
PA to dive into how the U.S.
City and Boston. They visited the 9-11 Museum, a spy museum and attended a workshop to learn how to build sailboats and wind turbines. MYP students attended their first Outdoor School program at Camp Champions.
Washington, DC and Philadelphia, government operates. Grade 5 and 6 students traveled to Colorado Springs to visit the U.S. Space Foundation Discovery Center and NASA’s Challenger Center. MYP students performed Alice
The D1 Senior soccer team won the
In Wonderland at Star Hill
APSA league championship and our D2
Ranch.
team finished the season in 2nd place.
MYP students competed in Texas’
Over 180 artworks were created by
FIRST LEGO League Challenge
students and displayed at The Hive Art
Championships and finished 17th
Gallery in Bee Cave.
out of 66 teams.
PG. 5 | INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF TEXAS
IST HOUSES FOSTER SCHOOL SPIRIT AND CULTIVATE FRIENDSHIPS
IST’s unique house system fosters community while providing opportunities for mentorship, connection, and intentional community-building. The house namesakes (listed on the left) are role models of courage, dedication, fortitude, and intellect that ultimately serve to inspire our students to achieve more. Additionally, these same namesakes fit the mold of our IB Learner Profile and accompanying attributes. Our students, faculty, and entire community value the friendly competitions to earn House points throughout the year, all for a chance to win the coveted House Cup at the conclusion of the school year.
PG. 7 | INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF TEXAS
In 2023, total House points earned were 5,666, with Earhart winning the year with a grand total of 1,533 points. These points are earned through service, spirit, volunteerism, and friendly competition.
TRAILBLAZER PARENT LEAGUE (TPL) & CLASS PARENTS 2022 - 2023 Throughout the year, the TPL offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for IST parents to get involved and work together to coordinate fun, engaging, and culturally enriching events. The Trailblazer community is extremely grateful to the TPL chairs, leads, class parents, and all the volunteers who gave their time, talent, energy, and expertise in support of our school!
Trailblazer Parent League: Michelle Waterbury – PYP Co-Chair Connie Ditto - PYP Co-Chair Bindia Shah - PYP Vice Chair Jen Cohen - MYP Chair
Class Parents: Junior Pre-K: Michelle Gerzon Pre-K: Connie Ditto Kindergarten: Ariel Hobbs and Ashley Ettenson Grade 1: Josephine Vasquez Grade 2: Jackie Sandoval Grade 3: Darcy Alkus-Barrow and Sarah Warren Grade 4: Paola Camacho Grade 5: Alejandra De La Mora Grade 6: Becca Bereshkovsky Grade 7: Nicole Welch Grade 8: Deepa Donde
PG. 9 | INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF TEXAS
2023 GRADUATES On May 26th, 2023, thirteen Grade 8 students walked the stage to receive their MYP diplomas as the second graduating class of IST. The graduation ceremony, attended by the entire school community as well as extended family and friends, was a heartfelt celebration of our students’ many contributions and achievements. We know these future leaders are destined to do great things, guided by the IB principles which shaped their educational journey at IST. Congratulations, Trailblazers, and good luck to all of you in your future endeavors! “My experience at IST shaped the person I am today through the actions of my peers who have allowed me to improve my daily life. I miss my friends and teachers the most because they were a spark inspiring my goals to help me grow into the person I am today.” Kishan Bhagat Class of 2023 PG. 11 | INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF TEXAS
“Having spent a decade at IST, I can confidently say that the educational environment and style at IST encouraged passion, and open-mindedness. The teachers were deeply dedicated to enhancing our intellect and character. My peers made challenges enjoyable and energetic, plus they motivated me to aim for constant improvement.” Olivia Overfield Class of 2023
The IST
Board of Trustees
REPORT FROM THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES As the newly appointed Chair of the International School of Texas Board of Trustees, I am thrilled to address you as we push forward into the school year, reflecting on the milestones and challenges that shaped our experiences in the past academic term. Last year marked a period of significant transition for IST. Amidst the departure of our former Head of School, we were fortunate to have the steadfast guidance of an interim Head of School as we searched the globe for IST’s new leader. The landscape that lay ahead made for a trek that only Trailblazers could make. With this, I extend my deepest appreciation to our previous Co-Chairs, Chad Anson and Heather Bernard, for their dedication and leadership during this transitional phase. Additionally, the IST faculty and staff deserves recognition for their remarkable adaptability and perseverance during this period of uncertainty. Their commitment delivered the administrative and educational experience essential to all our families. I was immensely impressed and filled with pride as I witnessed faculty, staff, and students actively participating in interviews and evaluations alongside the IST Board of Trustees, embodying the true spirit of our engaged school community. IST banded together successfully to welcome Brian Couch as our new Head of School. Since then, Mr. Couch has been fully dedicated to the advancement and enhancement of our school. His passion for education and leadership will undoubtedly contribute to our continued excellence as we explore new horizons. Although it is important to reflect on past challenges it is equally imperative to remind ourselves of our achievements, such as commemorating our 10th-anniversary milestone, breaking ground on our new campus, providing unique alternative remote classrooms for MYP students during construction, expanding our athletic program with new opportunities, and our students competing with intensity in numerous afterschool programs are testaments to our devotion, strength, and unity. These events could not have happened without IST’s prized staff and the support received, whether through time, resources, or expertise, from the countless volunteers and donors of our community.
PG. 15 | INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF TEXAS
Further, we have notable triumphs that could not have happened without some behind the scenes support. IST began the year with the official International Baccalaureate (IB) authorization of the MYP program after concluding the standard three year evaluation process, delivering a continuum of programs designed to develop well-rounded individuals who can respond to today’s challenges. Salary increases were unanimously approved for our dedicated faculty for the second consecutive year, underscoring our commitment to recognizing and rewarding their invaluable contributions to IST’s growth and success. Lastly, it was exciting to announce the approval for the expansion of our school to include a 9th grade level, marking a significant step forward in our journey toward establishing a comprehensive high school. All of which aligns with our commitment to providing a seamless and enriching educational experience for our students, fostering growth and academic excellence throughout their years within IST and beyond. As we navigate through this new academic year, my optimism swells, fueled by countless extraordinary IST moments in just a few months. I deeply appreciate and value the rich tapestry of the international diversity within our school, as it enriches the educational experience and cultivates a global perspective for students and staff alike. Our true sense of community, enhanced by new families, continues to be the heartbeat of our success. I am proud to be part of a school that provides an educational and family experience, held together with strong values, like no other in the Austin area. I invite each of you to actively participate, engage and contribute to the new trails that we will, together as one, blaze ahead. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I thank each and every member of the IST family for the untiring support and commitment that has been given to our school. Every act of participation contributes significantly to the collective benefit enjoyed by all. Here is to a year filled with community events, growth, achievement, and the shared joy of learning. Respectfully, Jason Waterbury Chair of Board of Trustees PG. 16 | INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF TEXAS
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2023-2024
Jason Waterbury Chair
Jenn De Jong Vice Chair
Donald Yacktman Treasurer
Magda Fazio Secretary
Ashley Fondren Tuck Thore Karlsen Molly Kosoris Jeremy Rincon Brian Yacktman Tasha Yacktman Robert Yacktman
PG. 17 | INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF TEXAS
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 2022 - 2023 With prudent financial practices and the generosity of donors, last year IST generated a surplus of $340,000, enabling us to expand by adding muchneeded classroom space, hiring additional staff, and enhancing the overall campus facilities. We could not have achieved this growth without support from our families. The collective generosity of our community is what made the vibrant school life portrayed in this report possible last year. Thank You!
Total Revenue
Total Expenses
84% Tuition & Fees
59% Salaries & Benefits
10% Annual Fund & Donations
23% Facilities
6% Auxiliary Programs
10% Curriculum 5% Administrative 3% Capital Expense
PG. 18 | INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF TEXAS
Our School Community
The Importance of Giving
WHY AN ANNUAL CAMPAIGN? The cost of tuition at a private, non-profit school does not fully cover the enriching educational experience we provide to each student. In order to keep tuition at competitive levels and ensure that we remain accessible to more families, we raise money during our annual campaign to bridge the “gap” between tuition and the true cost of an IST education. This potential can only be recognized through your generosity and support of our Trailblazer Fund. Our extraordinary community has always risen to the occasion when called upon, serving as exceptional stewards of our school. We show our commitment to our mission by making financial contributions above and beyond tuition. The Trailblazer Fund is the manifestation of your commitment to our shared vision of growth and stability.
Giving to our children’s academic institutions is tremendously important to our family. Private schools like IST rely heavily on both tuition and annual fund donations to support school operations and provide continued investment into its faculty, programming, and facilities. “Giving to our children’s academic institutions is tremendously important to our family. Private schools like IST rely heavily on both tuition and annual fund donations to support school operations and provide continued investment into it’s faculty, programming, and facilities. Contributing to the Trailblazer Fund is an opportunity for us to make a direct impact on our children’s academic journey as it allows IST to access top educational resources and talent. The community, academics and environment we help build at IST will leave a lasting imprint on our children and in many ways will shape who they will become.”
Contributing to the Trailblazer Fund is an opportunity for us to make a direct impact on our children’s academic journey as it allows IST to access top educational resources and talent. The community, academics, and environment we help build at IST will leave a lasting Diane ways Kwon imprint on our children and in many will shape who they will Current Parent become. Diane Kwon, IST Parent
PG. 21 | INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF TEXAS
2023 SPRING BENEFIT WE’RE JUST GETTING STARTED On April 14th, the IST community gathered to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of our school. In this one evening, we raised over $335,000 thanks to the generous donations from our supporters. All proceeds benefitted the Trailblazer Fund and were used to bolster educational opportunities and day-to-day operations. We are grateful for our Co-Chairs, Zoie Itkin and Caroline Harris, as well as the committee of volunteers who created a magical evening. Also, we greatly appreciate all the IST families and friends who attended the event.
PG. 22 | INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF TEXAS
THE ANNUAL CAMPAIGN BENEFITTING THE TRAILBLAZER FUND 2022-23 PARTICIPATION
64%
OUR GOAL
100%
PARENTS
43% FACULTY & STAFF
EVERY GIFT MATTERS, EVERY GIFT COUNTS
AVERAGE GIFT TO THE TRAILBLAZER FUND
$2,102
OUR AMAZING TEACHERS DESERVE A SPECIAL THANK YOU FOR DONATING ACTIVITIES THAT RAISED $15,300. Mrs. Neville: Movies, Books and Ice Cream parties Mrs. Cantu: Pinata Party Ms. Hui: Mandarin Game Party Mrs. Passi: STEM Party, Downtown field trip and Thinkery Museum trip Mrs. Bui and Mrs. Barbosa: Cookie Decorating Party Ms. Knaggs: Urban Air Visit and After-School Movies Mrs. Barreto: Night in Brazil Mrs. Bracho and Mrs. Racinskas: Outdoor Movie Night Mrs. Lemon: Private Art lessons and student artwork Mr. Forbes: Jam Session PG. 23 | INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF TEXAS
ANNUAL CAMPAIGN: PARENTS
Chad and Pelan Anson Michael and Irina Ajouz John and Amanda Allen Eric Atkisson Christopher and Darcy Barrow Cleve and Hope Bellar Adi and Rebecca Bereshkovsky Brian and Rose Berg Durel and Heather Bernard Jon and Carrie Bischke Jeremiah and Barbara Boyle Hayley Carter and Sudeep Burman Marlena Lee and Eric Cheung Jasmine Thakkar and Rahul Chhatwal Rob and Jen Cohen Bryan and Dawn Coleman Diane Kwon and Brendan Costello Jamaal and Crystal Crayton Jason and Jenn De Jong Shey and Connie Ditto Adir and Debra Doliner Deepa Donde Louis and Ashlie Dulien Matthew and Vanessa Dzamba Greg and Ashley Ettenson Andrew and Virginia Farthing Michael and Magda Fazio Bruce and Alicia Furst Na Jia and Zhuo Gao Sam and Michelle Gerzon Charles and Antonia Giefer Maria La Putt and Dennis Gregory Jeremy and Caroline Harris Joona and Tiia Heikkinen John and Amber Heim Brian and Carli Jones Thore and Neesa Karlsen Cindy Schulz and Jeremi Karnell Vu and Cara Kong Stephen and Molly Kosoris Ari and Laura Kuchinsky Anuj Singhania and Roma Kukrety Andrew and Zoie Itkin Olivier and Celeste Le Duc
Jeffrey and Andrea Lent Derek and Christina Lothringer Sana Syed and Shahbaz Malik Frank and Casey Marquez Alice Melo Stephanie Badr and Charbel Nakhie Antti and Elina Nivala Fatou Jagne and Cherno Njie Alejandra De La Mora and Carlos Obregon Marina Khattak and Aly Orady Anthony and Hani Overfield Jon and Gene Racinskas Kent and Kamila Radford Saritha Jandhyala and Vamshi Ramarapu Michael and Emily Reich Jeremy and Lindsay Rincon Russell and Anna Robinson Daniel and Alexandra Schneeberger Lyle and Lindsey Sendlein Jason and Elena Senior Parag and Bindia Shah Madeeha Abdulla and Atif Siddiqi Parneet Gosal and Nabeel Siddiqui Richard and Amber Silva Timothy and Yara Sittler Brendan and Jennifer Smith Craig and Jill Spital Marc and Marchelle Surplus Colin and Breanna Sweeney Blake and Lindsay Taylor Nicole Thomas Dayne and Allison Thornicroft Cody and Ashley Tuck Richard and Annie Tufton Jason and Michelle Waterbury Kean and Moon Wang Daniel and Melanie Wattles John Mark and Sarah Warren Steven and Nicole Welch Brian and Tasha Yacktman Michael and Kimberly Yacktman
PG. 24 | INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF TEXAS
ANNUAL CAMPAIGN: FACULTY & STAFF
Ana Barbosa Michelle Barreto Francesca Bracho Thuy Bui Yara Cantu Cynthia Cerbin Brian Couch Kevin Forbes Claudia Goldberg Brandy Hoopaugh
Juan Hui Fran Knaggs Kristen Lemon Shannon Neville Maria Ortiz Lyn Osburne Jennifer Passi Gene Racinskas Ashley Swindle
ANNUAL CAMPAIGN: FAMILY & FRIENDS Brandy Archer Bruce and Teri Lynn Babb Allie Kern and Tyler Babb Mary Bonow Judy Bowen Jessy Brashears Gary and Carol Cohen Kenneth Conlee Bill and Meagan Cotton Georgia Cox Jennifer Donaldson Yvonne Ellis Rob Fondren Sergio Garcia Clara Pavlov and Dimitre Gerzon Sara Hale Tammy Harris
PG. 25 | INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF TEXAS
Sherry Hunter Marsha Itkin Jessica Kirker Rafael Leos Dean Liotta Lauren Martin Pamela Moore Maureen Salinas and Shawn Moore The Nicol Family The Sellakumar Family Kylie Smith “IST has given me a global Mary Stephens perspective, a love of learning Jay and Karen Taylor and a framework for Rhonda Tuck approaching life through IB John Warren attributes.” Donald and Carolyn Yacktman Trevi Reed Class of 2022
ANNUAL CAMPAIGN: CORPORATIONS AHYA Ananda Physical Therapy & Wellness Aria Transport, LLC ATX Robotic Surgery Austin Babyproofing Company Austin Bounce House Austin Elite Gymnastics Austin Skin Austin Tennis Academy Babysparks Co. Babystrokes Bare Mama Kitchen Baylie Beebe Photography BirthCo Chiropractic & Wellness Blazer Tag Boko Media Bombshell Beauty Company Card My Yard Chamelion Companies - Wu Chow ChampionsTX Lakeway Contoured Beauty Boutique Med Spa CraigO’s Pizza & Pastaria Crumbl Cookies CYCED Indoor Cycling Eat Sleep Baby Empower Massage Studio Face Forward Medical Aesthetics Huntington Learning Center Infant Basics & Toddler Training JM&C Marketing Services, LLC Kahlmi Kerri Meigs Photography KGS Studios Korman Fine Jewelers Lake Travis Film Festival Lone Star Yard Greetings Mama Peace Muse Med Spa
Oh Yeah Boutique Radiate Love Restora Austin Plastic Surgery Restore Hyper Wellness Russell Investments Ryan Street Architects Sarah Crawford Consulting Sea World - San Antonio Serasana Shipley Donuts SkyDive Spaceland - San Marcos Sleep Baby Sleep Southern Snow Southern Tire Mart Southern Way Farm Spacious Mothers Special Addition Sportball Austin Steiner Ranch Steakhouse Stork Maternity Consulting SyteraYoga Terra Toys Texas Heart and Vascular The Esports Cave The Musicians Woodshed Theorem Vineyards Toothbud Pediatric Dentistry Trend Development, Inc. Tuck & Co. Real Estate U.S. Anesthesia Partners WDG Enterprises, Inc. Windsor House Nannies WINK Medical Aesthetics Wonder Pediatric Physical Therapy YCG, LLC
PG. 26 | INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF TEXAS
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN GIFTS
Our vision for IST includes the completion of a beautiful campus in Bee Cave which will reunite our PYP and MYP students to enjoy a multi-level academic building, performing arts and athletic center, and a variety of outdoor learning spaces. We are incredibly grateful to the many families and individuals who have generously supported our capital campaign efforts thus far and look forward to our community’s continued support in the future.
Chad and Pelan Anson Josh and Kelly Avigael Josephine Vasquez and Melvin Brookins Marlena Lee and Eric Cheung Jamaal and Crystal Crayton Rob and Jen Cohen Diane Kwon and Brendan Costello The Morris and Janet Davies Family Memorial Trust Deepa Donde Jason and Jenn De Jong Louis and Ashlie Dulien Matthew and Vanessa Dzamba Michael and Magda Fazio Dustin and Camile Hoff Eugene Holman Josh and Chelsea Horowitz Thore and Neesa Karlsen Deepika Cherukari and Prasad Mandalapu Eleanor Mitchell
PG. 27 | INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF TEXAS
Cross and Susie Moceri Fatou Jagne and Cherno Njie Hermann Ortega Anthony and Hani Overfield Karen Willcox and Jacob Pretorius Kent and Kamila Radford Michael and Emily Reich Jeremy and Lindsey Rincon Andy and Glen Robson Daniel and Alexandra Schneeberger David Teo Nicole Thomas Paula Cortes and Jorge Vela Jason and Michelle Waterbury John Weaver Andrew Weissmalik Donna Combs - Williamson Steven and Nicole Welch Brian and Tasha Yacktman Michael and Kimberly Yacktman Rob and Nicole Yacktman
WAYS TO GIVE The International School of Texas thrives on a generous and committed community, both past and present, whose financial support enables exceptional teaching and learning experiences every day.
“IST is more than a school, it’s a family. We learn, we have fun, and we grow together. It has given me a strong base for how I can grow into a wellrounded person.” Chase Anson Class of 2023
GIVE TODAY!
CREDIT CARD AND CHECK Most community members choose to make their gift in the form of a check or credit card payment. By credit card, scan the QR code or visit internationalschooloftexas.com/giving and use our secure form with your American Express, Visa, Mastercard or Discover card. By check, please mail your gift to: International School of Texas Brandy Hoopaugh, Chief Business Officer 15506 State Hwy 71 C Bee Cave, TX 78738
STOCK GIFTS Gifts of appreciated securities offer a two-fold savings opportunity. Donors avoid paying capital gains taxes on the increased values of their stocks; they also receive an income tax deduction for the full market value of the stock on the date of the gift. Please contact Brandy Hoopaugh, Chief Business Officer at b.hoopaugh@istexas.org.
MATCHING GIFTS For questions regarding your company’s matching gift program, please contact your employer’s human resources or community giving department. PG. 28 | INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF TEXAS
www.istexas.org