2nd Annual New Teacher Shopping Day! 

On August 4, 2023, we had 290 new teachers shop with us at our 2nd Annual New Teacher Shopping Day. Each teacher received their first SAISD Foundation grant -- a $100 credit to purchase items for their new classrooms. That's nearly $30,000 invested in New Teacher Grants awarded by the SAISD Foundation.

Laurie H., a new teacher at Burbank High School commented, "This has been amazing! I retired and came back so I needed to restock my classroom." We were proud to welcome new teachers to the San Antonio ISD Familia and to welcome experienced teachers back!

Thank you to our volunteers who helped us throughout the day. A BIG thank you to our host stores, Learning Zone, Target at Crossroads, and H-E-B Plus! at McCreless for helping the shopping experience feel welcoming. Learn more about how our Educator Grants make a lasting impact here. 

Mini-Grants through DonorsChoose Unleashing Education’s Power through Teacher Grants

The Mini-Grant cycle for the 2023-2024 school year has begun! Each fall, the SAISD Foundation awards up to $500 to fund SAISD teacher projects listed on DonorsChoose. Last school year, we funded 238 Mini-Grants across 66 schools.

During the last Mini-Grant cycle, Edison High School teacher Sarah Perry purchased five Singer Beginner Sewing Machines for her students to start the “Sew Cute” club which enabled her students to express their creativity while learning a fun lifelong skill.

“My students are brave enough to show up and use a machine they have never used before. They are creative and have great ideas for future projects. I think it has taught them self-confidence and problem-solving skills. Edison students are pretty awesome. They are kind, creative and a joy to be around.” Help us fund more teacher projects by making a gift. 

If you are an SAISD teacher looking to apply, learn more here. Not a teacher? Complete the form with your project details to see if the Foundation can support you through a Mini-Grant this fall.

Record Summer for Beat the Heat College Enrollment Efforts

Launched in 2022, the Beat the Heat college enrollment program expanded this summer by offering more than transportation. In partnership with the SAISD Foundation and San Antonio ISD Transportation, The Office of Postsecondary Initiatives assisted 156 SAISD recent grads enroll in classes for the fall.

While visiting campuses, they met with SAISD college

-bound advisors and college alumni advisors as well as the Foundation’s postsecondary navigators to remove enrollment barriers stopping them from registering for courses. This included locating vaccination records, sending final transcripts, and test scores so they are ready to start classes this fall.

The Office of Postsecondary Initiatives hosted 17 trips visiting six area colleges and universities. Thanks to the City of San Antonio American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and USAA funding, the SAISD Foundation hired two more postsecondary navigators to support college enrollment and persistence programs like this.

“This program is unique to this area,” Dean for Student Success at San Antonio College Amy Pena said. “I haven’t seen anything like it offered within the city. Beat the Heat aligns with the support that is offered through [Postsecondary Initiatives] throughout the year.” Learn more about the success of postsecondary efforts from the Beat the Heat initiative here. 

Post-Game: Athletic Hall of Fame!

SAISD alumni, friends and family gathered on Saturday, August 12, to honor six athletic greats from San Antonio ISD. Bohn Hilliard, Brackenridge Class of 1950, De Celle Thomas, Brackenridge Class of 1992, Adrian Montoya, Highlands Class of 1995, Dr. Jaime Garza, Jefferson Class of 1972, Ovie Dotson, Sam Houston Class of 1975 and the 1968 Highlands baseball team were inducted into the 9th Annual SAISD Athletic Hall of Fame.

Former Harlem Globetrotter Ovie Dotson commented that out of all of his accomplishments, it started here in SAISD. Dr. Jaime Garza said that it was the school district that molded his life. “We wouldn’t be here without SAISD,” shared Dr. Garza. 

Members of the 1968 Highlands baseball team still get together regularly. Baseball started in SAISD in 1966 and they were the state champs in 1968. After 55 years, they are still the only team to earn the title.

We were honored to launch this program with SAISD Athletics and Communications in 2014. Since then, over 70 athletes have been recognized in its growing legacy. We look forward to inducting more athletes in the future. Read more about the history of the SAISD Athletic Hall of Fame below. 

“My Authentic Self” - Spotlight on

Dr. Jamie Aquino, SAISD Superintendent

SAISD Superintendent Dr. Jaime Aquino began his second school year as our San Antonio ISD school leader. The Charles Butt Foundation recently highlighted Dr. Jaime Aquino for his leadership style and passion for serving students.

The documentary, “My Authentic Self” followed his philosophy for what drives him to guide San Antonio ISD and how his personal experiences contribute to the way he advocates for SAISD students and staff.

“I’ve always said that I am San Antonio ISD. I look like my students, I share their stories, their struggles,” Aquino said. “I can relate to a second language learner because I am one myself. I can relate to the immigrant community because I know the struggles of leaving your homeland and coming to another country.” Learn more about Dr. Aquino’s story here. 

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