Good evening, Brentwood families!

Fall temperatures are peeking through, hopefully bringing you some peace and space for deep breaths in what has been a heavy season for all. We appreciate our Brentwood teachers and staff always. Their work to ensure our students felt safe with any emotions or reactions coming from last week’s election was truly selfless. 

Consider sending a message of appreciation via the district’s RAVE (Recognizing All Valuable Employees) system for any of the big or small ways you see our Brentwood teachers and staff loving on our children and community.

Speaking of our wonderful teachers and staff, please click here for an update from Principal Hosack along with news from Encore teachers. 

November is National Native Heritage Month—a time for people in the United States to honor the culture and history of all Indigenous people. This month we celebrate their important contributions and rich, diverse traditions as well as acknowledge the hardships and challenges, both throughout history and today. 

Did you know that there are more than 9 million Native Americans living in the U.S. and 500-plus federally recognized tribes? For tens of thousands of years, Central Texas was home to Comanche, Caddo, Cherokee, Coahiltecan, Lipan Apache, Karankawa, Tonkawa, and Wichita tribes in addition to other nations. However, several waves of disease and violence brought in from white settlers eradicated much of the area’s Native American population. Today, it is estimated that approximately 12,000 Travis County residents identify as American Indian.

When in doubt, ask! In the U.S., “Native American” is the most common term for an Indigenous person, but some may prefer terms like “American Indian” or “Indigenous American.” The National Museum of the American Indian recommends that when referring to groups of people, it's best to use the individual tribal name, if possible. 

If you’re looking for ways to participate, the Austin Public Library will be commemorating National Native Heritage Month with various family-friendly activities, such as Storytelling, Caddo Coil Clay Pot–making, Printmaking, and more.

November is also a wonderful time to learn about traditional Native American foodways. The Three Sisters Stew (or “Táá' Ałdeezhí Atoo'” in Diné/Navajo) brings together corn, beans, and squash—three vegetables that Native American farmers cleverly planted together to boost growth, repel pests, and increase flavors. Along with warm, fluffy Fry Bread, these delicious dishes tell a story of Indigenous wisdom, creativity, and community that continues to enrich dinner tables today.

Recommended Reading:

The Sacred Harvest: Ojibway Wild Rice Gathering, by Gordon Regguinti

Jingle Dancer, by Cynthia L. Smith, Cornelius Van Wright, et al.

When We Were Alone, by David A. Robertson and Julie Flett

SkySisters, by Jan Bourdeau Waboose and Brian Deines

A Coyote Solstice Tale, by Thomas King and Gary Clement

Big news: Austin voters have approved Austin ISD Proposition A, which will invest $41 million in the district for increased pay for educators. The community’s support means the district can maintain previous pay raises while also giving 85% of teachers and staff new raises. Prop A will also provide funding for additional staff for campuses. 

However, the fight for support of our public schools is far from over. District leaders will also be closely watching the Texas Legislative Session, set to begin January 2025, when lawmakers will again consider long overdue funding increases for Texas public schools. 

Have more questions about school funding? Please join us at our next PTA General Body Meeting, on Thursday November 14 at 6:30 p.m at Birdhouse Books and Gifts (5925 Burnet Road).

Our speaker will be Chandra Kring Villanueva, the Director of Policy and Advocacy at Every Texan. She focuses on school finance and education policy ranging from early education to higher education access success. 

Brentwood will donate all remaining Lost and Found items to Coats for Kids on December 1. Please remember to check the Lost and Found racks in the Community Room; cooler mornings and warmer afternoons mean jackets and sweaters are forgotten—SO MANY jackets. There will also be a collection bin for new or gently used coats in the Community Room. Feel free to donate between now and the end of the month. Note that we’ll be collecting during Thanksgiving Lunch, on November 20 and 21, as well. 

It's time to start thinking about science projects! This year's Brentwood Science Fair will be held on Thursday, January 18 and Friday, January 19, 2025. The fair is open to all students in Pre-K through 5th grade. Watch for more information in your students’ take-home folders, or visit https://www.brentwoodpta.com/pages/sciencefair where you can ask questions and sign up to participate. A detailed information packet is also available to download via the website. Sign up now and your child can work on their project over the fall and winter breaks!

Do you happen to have a program, event, or volunteer need that you would like published in the Bulldog Bark, on the PTA website, or sent out via social channels? Simply email communications@brentwoodpta.com for consideration.

PTA Website: http://brentwoodpta.com
PTA Facebook: Brentwood Elementary PTA
X: @BrentwoodAISD
Instagram/Threads: @BrentwoodBulldogs_AISD
Brentwood Elementary Website: http://brentwood.austinschools.org/