From the Support Team

Congratulations School Action Fund Planning Grant recipients! TEA awarded 42 School Action Fund Planning grants this week, including multiple grants to four SGS districts: Aldine, Edgewood, Lubbock, and Victoria. As a reminder to grant recipients: please the District Contact Form by 5:00 pm Friday, October 2nd to list staff that the TEA should include in communications. The SAF team hosted a webinar on Sept. 29; please contact Toni White for the recording.

We are Hiring! The Division of System Support and Innovation has three open positions: two SGS Program Specialists and a School Action Fund Manager. If you know anyone who would be a good fit, please forward these opportunities.

The TEA's Strong Start resources have been updated to include the following tools, models, and training to support a strong 2020-21 start:

TEA released the 4th Project Restore training video to introduce strategies for building relationships with students that promote resilience and safety.

Updates & Opportunities

Longview ISD's Innovation Office is seeking a Coordinator of Policy & New Schools and a Director of School Success. To apply, see LISD's Employment Opportunities page. If you know anyone who would be a good fit, please forward these opportunities!

1882 Partnerships Webinars: You can register here for the superintendent or cabinet-member webinar option #1 on Friday, Oct. 2 at 10:00 am, or you can register here for webinar option #2 on Friday, Oct. 9 at 10:00 am.

NACSA's 2020 Conference will run from Oct. 12th to 30th, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Next, NACSA's Authorizer Boot Camp may be useful to staff who are new to authorizing.

Grants & Resources

The following grant opportunities may help districts provide the schools that students and families want and need. For more details on state grants, see the TEA Grant Opportunities Page.

New Tech Network (NTN) Planning Grants provide 6 months of workshops and school design studios aimed at implementing blended and project-based learning models. Under state law, NTN-member campuses receive an additional allotment of $50 per student. Learn more about NTN.

College Bridge provides individualized online instruction to prepare students for college-level math and English. Districts may submit an interest form by Mon., Oct. 5 or Mon., Nov. 2. Implementation training will be hosted at 9:00 am on Tues. Oct. 6. (Zoom link)

The 2021-23 ECHS Grant increases access to higher education for at-risk and low-income high school students. An optional Notice of Intent to Apply is due Friday, Oct. 9.

The 2021-23 T-STEM Grant leverages industry and higher education partnerships to provide STEM opportunities to students. An optional Notice of Intent to Apply is due Friday, Oct. 9.

Network News

Bellwether's Promise in the Time of Quarantine, highlights 8 high-value distance learning practices.

Edgewood ISD's Burleson was featured by local news as students return to campus.

Aldine ISD began in-person learning on Monday, Sept. 21.

Lubbock ISD & Covenant Health are partnering to provide SEL support.

Ft. Worth ISD's board re-voted on returning to in-person instruction. The K-8 start was delayed from Oct. 5 to Oct 19; grades 9-12 will begin hybrid instruction on Oct 5.