We Act with Integrity: The “Lunch Bunch” Initiative for Bullying Prevention Month

October is Bullying Prevention Month. At IDEA, one staff member has taken a unique and heartwarming approach to support students in their emotional and social development. Amanda McChesney, a dedicated teacher and a mother of two, has pioneered the “Lunch Bunch” emotional support group, creating a haven for her students and making a remarkable impact […]

Happy National Assistant Principal Appreciation Week!

This year, National Assistant Principals Week is celebrated from April 3 – 7! During this week, we join the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the National Association of Secondary School Principals and the American Federation of School Administrators in honoring the enormous contributions of assistant principals to student achievement and overall success. At IDEA, our assistant principals of operations (APO), assistant principals of instruction (API), and […]

Thank You, Substitute Teachers!

Friday, November 18 is Substitute Educators Day, a day to encourage increased respect for substitute education employees.   Each year during American Education Week, substitute teachers are shown appreciation for all their hard work in helping prepare our thousands of scholars for the future. Here at IDEA Public Schools, we love our outstanding substitute teachers […]

Our Veterans Day Hero: John Marquez, IDEA Brackenridge

One of our Veterans Day heroes is John Marquez, IDEA Brackenridge Facilities Team Member and veteran. Mr. Marquez joined IDEA in 2019 and was inspired by IDEA scholars to complete his bachelor’s degree after serving in the U.S. Marines.   IDEA Public Schools and the country observe Veterans Day on November 11 in celebration of […]

Shirley Castillo, Connecting Cultural Traditions in an International Family

Shirley Castillo, Instructor at IDEA Donna College Prep, is a proud Uruguayan who is passionate about connecting and celebrating many cultural traditions with her children, who were born in different countries. Castillo often shares these unique family traditions with her scholars.    Our teachers at IDEA come from various cultural backgrounds and are an integral part […]

Thank You, Farmers: Celebrating National Farmers Day

October 12 is National Farmers Day, a day to celebrate and pay tribute to farmers and the important role they play in our scholars’ lives. Farms are extremely important to all of us here at IDEA, providing healthy foods for our Child Nutrition Program (CNP).   To honor this day of appreciation, we are highlighting […]

Celebrating Facilities Appreciation Day

Our IDEA facilities team consists of our amazing custodians, facilities managers, regional managers of facilities and construction, and HQ staff who go above and beyond to ensure academic excellence by making sure our campuses are running smoothly and students are getting the best educational experience possible.  Maria Raygoza, Custodian at IDEA Bluff Springs  For IDEA’s […]

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: A Moment of Reflection with Jose Luis Vasquez

For Hispanic Heritage Month, IDEA is highlighting its Latinx staff members who continue to proudly uphold the cultures and traditions that make them who they are.  Jose Luis Vasquez, Managing Director of Alumni Affairs at IDEA, recognizes and appreciates the sacrifices of his predecessors that afforded him the opportunities he has today.   As we […]