The Austin School District will host the first of three community conversations on the 2010-2011 Preliminary Budget at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 11, at Anderson High School, located at 8403 Mesa Drive.

One hundred seventy-three Austin School District seniors have earned national recognition for their exemplary performance in the National Merit Scholarship Program, the National Hispanic Scholar Award Program, and the National Achievement Scholarship Program for 2010.

Spring Break in the Austin School District is Monday, March 15, through Friday, March 19. All campuses and administrative offices will be closed.

Austin School Trustees yesterday confirmed Dr. Ramona Trevino as Chief Academic Officer for the Austin School District. Superintendent Dr. Meria Carstarphen recommended the appointment.

The Joint Steering Committee on Gang Activity will meet this evening (Thursday, March 4) in the Auditorium of the Carruth Administration Center, located at 1111 West Sixth Street. The meeting begins at 6 pm.

A parent training session for special education families is planned for this month. The Family Support Cooperative will be Tuesday, March 9,, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Rosedale School, located at 2117 W. 49th Street. Free childcare and pizza will be provided beginning at 6:30 p.m. Spanish translators and interpreters for the hearing impaired will also be available.

Austin School Trustees have scheduled three “Community Conversations” about the proposed Preliminary Budget for the 2010-2011 school year. Parents, students, and community members are invited to give input.

Austin Voices is pleased to announce that nominations are open for the third annual Shout Out Awards Scholarship Program. The Austin Voices Shout Out Awards honor “unsung heroes” who are taking action to strengthen public schools in Austin. The $1,000 awards can be put toward a student’s college tuition, a parent’s job training or can be donated to a child’s school.