Seniors say their final salute
Hanif Amanullah, Staff Writer
May 14, 2019
The air fills with the anxiety of AP exams and semester projects as the school year draws to a close. But for seniors, their high school career is coming to an end and the feelings are more a mix of apprehension and nostalgia. As exciting as the prospects of life after high school are, many are using...
Recapture: Inside the controversial school funding laws
Somaya Jimenez-Haham
May 6, 2019
As Austin taxes climb, nearly half of the school district’s income is sent out of the city. $670 million in recapture payments will be sent to the state in 2019, who distributes the money largely to school districts with much lower incomes from local taxes. The exchange sustains property-poor districts...
Austin celebrates and honors Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy
Megan Ramsey, Staff Writer
February 19, 2019
People holding letters spelling “WE BELIEVE” led Austinites in a march downtown on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Prior to the march, celebrators gathered together around Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s (MLK) statue. Speeches were made calling out racism and inequalities, and hoping for a more...
Welcoming new teachers to the Jaguar family
Alex Watson, Staff Writer
February 19, 2019
The start of the spring semester has ushered in new faces. LASA has welcomed three new individuals to its staff: Dr. William Barrow, Ryan Sullivan, Neno December. Barrow and Sullivan have taken positions different from what they have done in the past, but said they have enjoyed their time at LASA tremendously...
Reinventing LASA life
Hanif Amanullah, Staff Writer
February 19, 2019
The start of the spring semester was marked with the introduction of the new LASA Life App. Designed by former PFLASA co-chair Geeta Suggs and principal Stacia Crescenzi, the new application is a window into school life and the LASA community. Suggs built the app herself. She said she first learned...
News in Briefs
Sophia Blaha, News Editor
February 19, 2019
Local News Blue Cat Cafe Closed Feb. 6 The Blue Cat Cafe closed its doors in a move owner Rebecca Gray described as “awaiting peace”. The Cafe was built on the site of the former Jumpolin pinata store, which was demolished in 2015, and it’s opening was cited as a symbol of Austin’s problem wit...
Closing LASA? Starting at nine?
Clara Morse, Editor-in-Chief
February 19, 2019
In a recent report about the AISD budget deficit, magnet programs, including LASA, were described as "separate and unequal," "serving to divide local communities," and sources of “historical grievances and upheaval.” The report advocated shuttering the doors of the LASA, Kealing and Fulmore magnets...
Shutdown meltdown
Charles Taylor, Staff Writer
February 19, 2019
Calling social workers for help with bills. Researching medication insurance. Over 800,000 federal employees, including many Austinites, were furloughed in the longest government shutdown in American history, and employees at all levels of government suffered. “I felt bad for a lot of them, because...
Budget Crisis
Clara Morse, Editor-in-Chief
December 10, 2018
Dozens of teachers, parents, students and community members crowded into the McCallum cafeteria on Nov. 7 to discuss education finance with volunteer committee members — not traditionally the biggest draw. However, this group’s mission is more urgent than boring: saving the Austin Independent School...
Trail of Lights gifts the delights of winter
Catie Graves, Staff Writer
December 10, 2018
Every year, for two weeks in December, Central Texans celebrate the spirit of the holidays at the Zilker Trail of Lights. The Trail of Lights is an Austin holiday tradition that has been occurring for 54 years. There are two main parts to this celebration: the “Fun Run” and the Trail of Lights...
LASA’s showcase creates interest for middle school students
Hanif Amanullah, Staff Writer
December 10, 2018
On Nov. 14, LASA’s annual showcase brought hundreds of middle school students and their families to its campus. The showcase gives prospective students the opportunity to see and participate in LASA academics and culture. It features multiple fine arts performances and dozens of class booths. Junior...
The fate of District 1
Somaya Jimenez-Haham, Staff Writer
December 10, 2018
Five seats on the Austin Independent School District (AISD) Board of Trustees were on the ballot during the midterm election. There are nine members in total, each of whom serve four year terms. Austin is divided into seven districts, with each district represented by one board member. The two remaining...