A MESSAGE FROM THE DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT OF OPERATIONS
Dear IDEA Texas Families,
I hope you and your family are having a great start to the school year. As we close out September and Attendance Awareness Month, I want to thank you for making attendance a priority. It’s not always easy getting everyone out the door and on their way, but strong attendance at school improves student learning growth and provides critical revenue to fund your child’s educational experience in and beyond the classroom.
This month, we’re also sharing the story of Meghan Cooper, an IDEA A.W. Brown parent who knows firsthand that getting to school every day isn’t always easy. In our latest blog she shares why her family continues to prioritize attendance and how support from her children’s school has made a difference along the way. Read Ms. Cooper’s story here.
October brings a few updates we want to make sure are on your radar. In this month’s newsletter, you’ll find information on school safety, reminders from our Child Nutrition Program, upcoming October events and observances, and recent news highlights featuring our students, schools, and staff. Take a look below for this month’s updates and resources for your family.
Thank you for all you do to support your child and our schools. I hope you have a great October!
With gratitude,
Layne Fisher
Important Reminders 📅
National School Lunch Week (October 12–16)
National School Lunch Week is coming up, and the Cafeteria Circus is coming to town! This week is a chance to recognize the important role school meals play in helping students stay fueled and ready to learn. At IDEA, all Texas students can receive free breakfast and lunch each school day through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Families can visit the Child Nutrition Program Child Nutrition Program to check menus and find additional meal information.
Student Application Launch
Know a family looking for a great school for the 2027–28 school year? IDEA’s application is now open in STREAM! We’re also excited to offer Pre-K at select schools across our regions. Families can apply early for the opportunity to join IDEA. Share the news with a family who may be ready to take their next step with IDEA!
IDEA's Academic Calendars
Stay organized and plan ahead! Take a few minutes to review IDEA’s Academic Calendar so you’re aware of upcoming holidays, quarter dates, early release days, and other important school dates. Planning ahead can help your family stay on top of the school year and avoid missing important days.
IDEA Farm
For the past 20 years, IDEA has offered students the unique opportunity to connect with the food system directly on CNP Farms housed on select campuses. Our program has grown from one farm in the RGV at IDEA Donna to 11 campus farms in 5 regions of Texas. Since 2017 we have served over 1.9 million servings of fresh fruits and vegetables to our students in cafeteria meals, and facilitated over 20,000 education hours per year to grades K-12. For National Farm to School Month, we encourage you all to celebrate by connecting with your campus CNP Farm, or supporting local farms at your community farmer's market. When we connect kids to local foods, the impact can last a lifetime!
Bully Prevention Month
Every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and welcome at school. October is Bullying Prevention Month, a time for schools and families to build kind, inclusive communities and to remind students that they never have to face bullying alone.
Not sure what counts as bullying, or what to do if it happens? IDEA's Anti-Bullying at IDEA - IDEA Public Schools page is a good place to start. It includes:
• Clear definitions of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, and more
• How to report a concern
• Anonymous tip lines for your state
• Additional family resources from StopBullying.gov
If your child is being bullied:
• Listen calmly and let them know it's not their fault.
• Save any messages, screenshots, or details that may help.
• Report it to your campus principal, assistant principal, counselor, or another trusted adult. If it's an emergency, call 911.
A Quick Family Conversation
Ask your child: "Have you ever seen someone being left out or treated unkindly? What would you do, and who would you tell?"
National resources for families: StopBullying.gov and PACER's National Bullying Prevention
Center
Threats Are No Joke!
Safety is a shared responsibility and this month, we’re taking a closer look at what that means at IDEA. Our October Family Safety Newsletter highlights Safe Schools Week, the people and practices that help keep our campuses safe, and the Texas School Safety Center’s Threats Are No Joke! campaign. Families will also find important guidance on reporting threats, using iWatchTexas, understanding possible consequences, and helping students know what to do if they see or hear something concerning.
We Bring Joy! 😊
The Power of Showing Up
At IDEA, showing up is about more than being in the classroom. It’s about students knowing they’re seen, valued and an important part of their school community. From recognizing the little things to building meaningful relationships with teachers and classmates, those everyday moments can make a lasting difference. See how students and educators at IDEA are making every day count. #IAmIDEA #IDEAPublicSchools #EveryDayCounts #StudentSuccess
IDEA Family Information Center
Whether you’re seeking insights into your child’s learning experience or looking for information and resources to assist you, our IDEA Family Information Center is your one-stop destination for the tools and information you need every day.
In the News 📰
Stay Connected 💻
Come See What We’re Up To!
📱 See what’s happening across our campuses, celebrate our students, and catch the latest IDEA news! Follow us on Facebook!
Hot Off the Press!
Get the latest buzz from IDEA! Check out these recent stories highlighting IDEA Public Schools' impact-from campus investments and free summer meal opportunities to the inspiring achievements of our graduates. Read more below!
From IDEA Los Encinos to Boston University:Nicole Treviño’s journey is a powerful example of what can happen when determination, family support and a strong school community come together. With the encouragement of those around her at IDEA Los Encinos, Nicole is now beginning an exciting new chapter at Boston University as part of the Class of 2030, continuing to pursue her passion for STEM.
Expanding Support at IDEA Quest: IDEA Quest is helping broaden access to specialized autism therapy through a new partnership with UTRGV. By bringing support directly into the school day, this collaboration is another example of how IDEA is working to strengthen services for students and families, one campus community at a time.
IDEA Lakeland on Great Day Live: IDEA Lakeland recently joined Great Day Live to share more about the campus, its students and the community behind them. The feature gives families a closer look at what makes IDEA Lakeland special and how the team continues creating a welcoming place for students to learn and grow.
