Over 846,000 pounds of recyclable material were collected across 24 campuses in just five weeks! In honor of Texas Recycles Day, recognized annually on November 15, Unilever and H-E-B teamed up with the SAISD Foundation to award prize money to the 24 participating SAISD schools. The top three grant winners for the recycling contest were Graebner winning $10,000, Green at Riverside Park winning $5,000 and Herff winning $2,500. Grants totaling $44,000 were awarded with all schools earning awards of $1,000 or more for their efforts. 

The day began bright and early with volunteers spreading mulch and building benches from recyclable materials to give students more options to enjoy their campus grounds. The beautification included creating a new outdoor learning space designed by the Texas Children in Nature Network to further engage students with their lessons in nature. Stools made out of tree stumps, a new student performance and teaching stage, and loose parts play material created a beautiful learning space that 

is a welcomed addition. Playwell installed a new shade structure over the new area as well as new outdoor music play stations for creative play. In addition, 16, 30-gallon trees, including one for a tribute dedication space, were donated and planted by the Urban Forestry Division of the City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department. Shade trees and structures have becomes critical for kids to truly enjoy their outdoor spaces for brain breaks and for engaging in learning through outdoor play during and after school.

A huge shout out to the 60 incredible volunteers who came together to beautify the space and create an inspiring outdoor environment for Sarah King students. See news coverage of the event here.

Over three days, more than 1,500 4th graders from across SAISD had the opportunity to attend Ag in the City at Burbank High School, where they learned about agricultural science firsthand. Students visited 10 of the 25 available stations to explore topics like farm operations, animal science, and horticulture. Highlights of the event included hands-on activities such as making their own ice cream and butter and planting seeds.

Students also explored careers in agriculture and horticulture, and got an up-close look at farm animals like goats, sheep, pigs and rabbits—many of which are still babies. They also learned about food science and ag mechanics. Each student left with a booklet of facts and a deeper appreciation for where their food comes from.

In addition to the learning experience, Burbank students hosted a food drive competition among the participating schools benefiting the San Antonio Food Bank. The school that collected the most donations by weight will have a fruit tree planted on the Burbank farm in their honor.

Thanks to investments from Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM) and H-E-B through the SAISD Foundation and additional supporters, Burbank’s Agricultural Science program is thriving. 

These contributions play a crucial role in sustaining and expanding the program. MHM's investment is enabling the build out of the infrastructure at Burbank needed to support the long-term growth of soil gardens in SAISD schools by providing seedlings and starter plants for the 2025 planting seasons and beyond. 

The remodeled program is thriving with enrollment in the ag program having doubled—from 180 students in the 2023-2024 school year to 365 students in 2024-2025. The program is also adapting to the evolving needs in the industry. In 2024-2025, Burbank introduced Applied Agricultural Engineering as part of its curriculum, offering students new opportunities in this growing area of study.

Education opens the door to opportunity, but for many talented students, financial hurdles stand in the way of pursuing their dreams. Scholarships have the power to bridge that gap, enabling students to focus on learning and growing without the burden of financial stress. Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, more of our students' dreams are becoming reality. Since 2010, 1,454 students have been awarded scholarships to college through the SAISD Foundation. 

Each scholarship represents a story of hope, perseverance and potential. Sarah, Jefferson '24 and UT Austin student, shares, “This university has changed my life and the SAISD Foundation has made this dream possible. Hook 'Em!” John, Lanier '24 and UTSA student states, “In college, it’s a different experience. You have people who are from different cities and even countries. It’s nothing how I thought it would be.” 
 
For our students who go further away to college in addition to scholarship funds, getting home for the holidays or summer can be a challenge. This holiday season, you can give the gift of flight. This is more than just a plane ticket—it’s the gift of connection, comfort and cherished moments that will inspire and sustain them throughout the school year.

Maury, Edison '24 and Notre Dame student, benefitted from a gifted flight to start off her college journey and shared, "At the beginning of the semester I started off a bit rocky especially because I was feeling homesick and adapting just like everyone else. I am determined to obtain my bachelor's degree in English and am thinking about applying for my master's at UT Austin, then eventually teach while getting my Ph.D. to become a principal at an SAISD school." (Pictured above on the Notre Dame campus)

Reuben Carranza, Group CEO of Bansk Beauty shared, "There is nothing more fulfilling than helping bright, hard-working students continue to achieve academic goals. I was fortunate to help a bright entering freshman travel to their college by utilizing my frequent flyer miles to secure their ticket. It was easy, fast, and made a huge impact! Ready to do it again. You should as well."

Interested in helping a student get home? Complete this form to be added to our call list and we will reach as requests come in from our young SAISD alumni.

The Battle of Flowers® Foundation partnered with the SAISD Foundation to launch the Texas History Adventure—an initiative designed to give San Antonio ISD 7th graders a hands-on opportunity to explore Texas history in Austin.

Through this program, 1,185 students from nine SAISD middle schools and academies will visit the Bullock Texas State History Museum, the premier museum for Texas history. There, they will deepen their understanding of classroom lessons. Students may also tour the Texas Capitol, connecting what they learn to the civic life and rich heritage of Texas.

The program was officially launched with a pep rally at Harris Middle School, where students and staff celebrated this unique learning opportunity. Helen Eversberg, president of the Battle of Flowers® Foundation, shared her enthusiasm, “This trip to the Bullock Museum is more than just a field trip. It’s a chance to go beyond the classroom to connect the past with the present and inspire the next generation of Texans to appreciate and contribute to their 

state’s legacy.” The next day, more than 200 Harris students traveled on charter buses, enjoyed a hot lunch and experienced Texas history in an interactive and meaningful way.

By combining the expertise of the SAISD Social Studies Department, generous private support and the SAISD Foundation’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities, the Texas History Adventure promises to leave a lasting impact on students. This initiative not only supports learning aligned with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the history, people, and events that have shaped Texas.

In addition to the 7th grade Bullock trips, 15 SAISD schools’ kindergarten through 5th grades will also have unique grade-level experiences this year at highly engaging places across San Antonio including Magik Theater, San Antonio Botanical Gardens, San Antonio Zoo and SAMSAT. These program expansions are only made possible with the power of donors. Just $100 helps provide transportation for a class to attend a field trip in San Antonio. Consider a gift this season to support students in more experiences like these.

The SAISD Foundation is proud to champion literacy by equipping 198 teachers with customized reading toolkits to enhance their classroom impact. These toolkits are designed to support educators who have completed advanced training in the Science of Teaching Reading, empowering them to translate evidence-based strategies into engaging and effective lessons with the addition of these hands-on tools.

Among the teachers receiving these resources, 62 are currently enrolled in the rigorous HB3 Reading Academy training at Region 20. This program combines in-person sessions, self-paced modules, and targeted coaching, ensuring participants receive comprehensive support to elevate their practice. During the six coaching sessions, cohort leaders work directly with teachers in their classrooms, guiding the seamless implementation of proven literacy strategies.

“We’re thrilled to provide these TEKS-aligned toolkits, which are packed with multi-sensory resources to help teachers bring their learning to life for students,” said Veronica Hellams, SAISD Director of Elementary Reading-Language Arts. “This partnership bridges the gap between theory and practice, strengthening literacy instruction across the district.”

Empowering teachers is a critical step in advancing literacy outcomes and supporting SAISD’s board goal to improve reading outcomes for all students. We are excited to see the difference the use of these toolkits will make in classrooms and grateful to our incredible educators for their commitment to shaping the future of our students and community. 

Are you looking for ways to give back this holiday season? Come volunteer with us! Gather your family, friends, or co-workers and join us at our Book Buddies Bus school visits or for a Saturday sorting session. All ages are welcome. The Book Buddies program is making a difference in young readers’ lives, but we need your help. Let’s build a bright future together by putting books into the hands of kids who need them.

To join us on December 7, 14, or 21 at our Port San Antonio location to sort and prep books click the Saturday Sorts button on the link below. When you come, we also encourage you to bring books your children have outgrown to give them a new life in the home of an SAISD student. 

Our Book Buddies Bus will be at school visits on December 5 and 6 at Will Rogers Academy, 12 and 13 at Crockett Academy, and December 16 and 17 at Schenck Elementary at Foster. We welcome you to help students select their books on the bus during those times. Click the School Visits button on the link below to sign up. 

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