I hope you are enjoying the nice autumn weather we recently received, and that your academic year is going well—despite the obvious and unprecedented Covid-19 virus. If you were unable to attend our first general meeting on September 16th, you missed out on an incredibly special presentation. PDK Chapter 12 was extremely honored to welcome native Austinite Dr. Erin Bown-Anderson, who represents the Austin Independent School District and serves as the Executive Director of Academics and Blended Learning. Dr. Bown-Anderson has been the proud lead of a team of Technology Design Coaches who work daily to support teachers and leaders, making blended and personalized learning come to life through the thoughtful use of technology. Dr. Bown-Anderson also shared her perspective on the impact of Covid-19 and teaching and learning, including navigating constant challenges by staying grounded in several stances or principles that put families and students at the center.
Do not forget to early vote by October 30th or vote on General Election Day on November 3rd. As we vote for President, Senate and House seats, let us also keep in mind the other seats on the ballot such as Railroad Commissioner, State Board of Education, Supreme Court of Texas, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Texas Senate, and Texas House. These soon-to-be elected officials will affect many aspects of our daily lives, so make sure to research the issues and go out and vote!
Read for the Record is a global campaign that generates public support for high quality early reading and highlights the importance of building children’s vocabulary and love for reading. On October 29, 2020, children and adults worldwide will gather to read ‘Evelyn del Rey is Moving Away’, the 2020 Read for the Record book. This year, PDK Chapter 12 members will volunteer as virtual celebrity readers. Thanks to principal Azucena (Susy) Garcia at Sanchez-Metz Elementary in AISD, we have the opportunity to read for Sanchez-Metz students. Principal Garcia will set up two Zoom sites, in English and Spanish, and books along with video and PowerPoint will provide an interactive experience for all involved. For more information on Read for the Record, go to https://www.jstart.org/read-for-the-record/, or to see how you can be involved, email me at pdkch12ryanhayes@gmail.com. Evelyn del Rey is Daniela’s best friend. They do everything together and even live in twin apartments across the street from other. Daniela with her mami and hamster, and Evelyn with her mami, papi, and cat. But not after today—not after Evelyn moves away. Until then, the girls play amid the moving boxes until it’s time to say goodbye, making promises to keep in touch, because they know that their friendship will always be special. The tenderness of Meg Medina’s beautifully written story about friendship and change is balanced by Sonia Sanchez’s colorful and vibrant depictions of the girls’ urban neighborhood. I’m looking forward to this special event, as PDK Chapter 12 addresses important character education traits, including sharing, loyalty, and friendship!
Our next general meeting will take place on Wednesday, November 18, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. by Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87653313147?pwd=aTlLRGNHci85YWs5TDkwcDJ3dUc1Zz09). In keeping with this year’s theme of “Trends in Virtual Learning,” we are honored to have Dr. Karen French, from the Office of Instructional Innovation at the University of Texas in Austin, join us as we take a closer look at Digital Learning in Higher Education. Please save the date now and always feel free to invite one or more educator friends! We’ll see you on November 18th, and just remember, it takes a village!
Be well, be safe,
Ryan Hayes
PDK Chapter 12 President, 2020-2022