This past week (Sept. 21-25 2015), Austin ISD observed #AISDPride Week in celebration of inclusiveness and in support of our students and staff who identify within the LBGTQIA rainbow spectrum.  And celebrate we did! From pre-K to high school, all over our city, campuses showed off colorful evidence of safe, welcoming cultures.

This marquee proudly notified Patton passers-by of #AISDPride Week plans…

…while Patton counselors showed off their official #AISDPride Week posters, stickers–and, of course, spectacular spectrum socks!

Chihuly-inspired rainbow art adorned the halls at Blackshear Elementary…

…Gullett Pre-K created a handy dandy welcoming rainbow…

…And TA Brown had all hands on deck for diversity and inclusiveness!

Bedichek Middle School Cheerleaders cheered us on to cheer ourselves…

…Small MS put up a bulletin board celebrating students, faculty and staff…

…and Martin MS put their hearts where their tweets are to spread the word about welcoming, inclusive language.

Speaking of hearts,

McCallum High School students in the campus’ Gay/Straight Alliance spread this message of love all around their campus, recruiting heart-givers along the way until nearly every McCallum student either gave or got a Pride Week Heart!

Bowie HS counselors showed their #AISDPride with this fabulous United, Welcoming and Inclusive States of America Flag…

And Reagan HS teachers put a twist on football spirit facepaint to show their #AISDPride!

Reagan also hosted a FABULOUS photo booth where everyone could show their #AISDPride self-expression.

Basically, the #AISDPride hashtag blew up all last week from all corners of AISD, as schools showed the world their commitment to creating safe, welcoming and inclusive learning environments for every student and staff member.  And of course, the Social and Emotional Learning team couldn’t help but  take their #AISDPride and SOCK it to ’em…

…and need we say more about Chief Schools Officer Edmund Oropez and Superintendent Paul Cruz?

We are #AISDProud of our #AISDPride, and all the schools across our district who participated to make a brilliant Pride Week 2015!  Can’t wait for next year!