Dear Round Rock ISD community,
On Tuesday, we’ll welcome more than 47,000 students back to our schools! The start of a new school year is always one of my favorite times of the year. Every day is exciting as we get closer to the day our educators, families, and students return.
Students are at the heart of the decisions we make and the actions we take. It starts with all of us — schools, families, and community — to inspire and motivate our children, and to encourage them to work hard, make good choices, and find a direction that fills them with pride and accomplishment.
In my first year of teaching, I taught sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade science. I was excited to share my love of science and hopefully inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers.
Teaching is a craft, and I was just beginning to hone mine. I was learning how to teach, communicate content, manage students, and differentiate instruction across three different grade levels. I was able to navigate that challenging yet rewarding year by connecting with my new colleagues, seeking their support and collaboration, sharing best practices, and receiving encouragement from some amazing teacher leaders. Looking back, I realize how invaluable a mentoring support system would have been.
One of the best things about our district is the robust support and mentoring systems we have for our teachers. These systems are designed to welcome our new educators, create a sense of belonging, improve teaching skills, retain high-quality teachers, and help students excel.
Last year we worked alongside teachers, students, families, and community members to craft our district’s five-year strategic plan and determine the priorities that will guide our efforts to support and empower every student and staff member in our district. At the top of that list: We are committed to fostering a sense of belonging for all students and staff, ensuring they feel valued and included in our school communities.
We’re also focusing on Pre-K and early literacy programs so that we can work together to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. We’re emphasizing advanced math instruction to challenge and inspire our students, teaching and preparing them to be ready for their future in college, a career or in the military.
Maintaining an unwavering focus on student outcomes is a group effort. It requires the dedication and partnership of all of us, working together to create an environment where every student can thrive. Together, we can provide the best possible opportunities for our students’ growth and success.
Thank you for choosing Round Rock ISD.
Respectfully,
Dr. Hafedh “AZ” Azaiez
Proud Superintendent of Schools
