ATX116 Newsletter 2 - Sitting in Neutral: Leaning into Community in Times of Uncertainty

Written By Heather Wong

Hello ATX116 Friends,

As we wait together for the publication of the draft consolidation plan, it feels very much like we are sitting in neutral. Can’t step on the gas and rage at the plan (if you hate it), or advocate for changes (if you think it needs adjustments), or start planning for implementation (if you are just ready for action). For now, all we know is that change is coming, along with disruption, and maybe loss. And when that involves something as important as our children, “it’s very, very, very hard to wait”. (Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Episode 202).

This uncertainty is stressful. It is hard to plan, hard to focus, hard to function, when you don’t know what is coming. And the threatening feeling named in our Sept. 4 newsletter remains. Perhaps with even more tension as anticipation builds, and the burden of accountability is heaved on top of 23 of our 116 campuses. They must now develop turn around plans (TAPs) based on a broken rating system that “puts undue stress on students, penalizes teachers, and punishes schools instead of helping them grow” and is opposed by education advocacy groups.

ATX116 sees this challenge and wants to help you meet the moment.

Being in “neutral” doesn’t have to mean waiting without power. Neutral can also be a practice of presence – a chance to take our foot off the gas, pause, and notice what is here right now. In community, neutral becomes a space to breathe, to listen, and to prepare ourselves for the turns ahead, rather than burning out before the path even unfolds.

So again, let’s pause and ground ourselves – this time with a physiological sigh (thank you, Sam Pullen): Take a long deep breath in through the nose…then one more short sip of air… and release it all in a long exhale through your mouth. Again. Add a sighing sound with your exhale if you want. That’s it - here you are.

What can I do while we wait?

Engage. Formal community conversations about AISD’s future are continuing in neighborhoods, at schools, and virtually. Show up, listen, and share. For instance: 

Informally, know that many caregivers may not have the same capacity to follow the details. Where you can, calmly share facts and resources and clarify misinformation. You don’t need all the answers to make a difference.

Be together. Life is busy, and our mainstream American culture tends to value individual productivity over presence. Where you can, make time to be with your family, friends, and broader community. Bonding builds trust, and trust builds resilience. A stronger community can better weather many challenges that might lie ahead.

Support one another – widen the circle. For 23 campuses, difficult conversations regarding TAPs and TIPs have already begun. Help strengthen our AISD community through empathy and connection, and not just with your immediate neighbors. By widening the circle of support – both offered and received – we can build ties that knit together every one of our 116 schools.  This means acknowledging the historic inequities that have long burdened East Austin schools and advocating for a plan that serves all kids well, even if your community is the one making greater sacrifices this time around. 

Leaning into neutral doesn’t mean doing nothing; it means choosing to be grounded, to connect, and to cultivate the presence that will make our voices stronger when the time comes to act. This work isn’t easy, but it’s how we build the strength we’ll need for what comes next.

The only way out is through, and the only way through is together. All of our students are worth it.

How ATX116 Can Support You This Fall 

This work isn’t easy, which is why we’re creating spaces for learning and dialogue:

  • Being a Voice for Equity Workshop
    A 3-week, in-person workshop grounded in Zaretta Hammond’s Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain. Build the skills and confidence to speak with integrity and courage—to name and challenge inequities in the spaces that matter most, from school board meetings and PTA forums to neighborhood gatherings.

  • Fall Listening Circles
    Join in community with others who care deeply about our public schools. Together, we’ll hold space for voices, stories, and perspectives that strengthen our schools and one another.

  • Custom-Facilitated Community Experiences
    ATX116 also offers custom listening circles, workshops, and community meetings tailored to your school, PTA, or neighborhood group. If you’d like to create space for dialogue and connection, we’d love to partner with you. This is the heart of our work.

CLICK HERE  to learn more and sign up. You can also share the attachment with friends if you’d like to attend our next workshop together.

By grounding conversations in empathy, clarity, and community engagement, we can focus on what matters most: advancing strong, equitable opportunities across all 116 AISD schools.

With respect and gratitude,

Heather & Jessie
Co-Founders, ATX116 Alliance
116 Schools. 1 Future. Stronger Together.

hewong@atx116.org | jessie@atx116.org
www.atx116.org | IG: @ATX116Alliance

P.S. We are looking for volunteers to help us translate the newsletter into Spanish. Please reach out if you’re interested in supporting accessibility for all of our readers. 

What people are saying about ATX116 events:

“I am so grateful that this space exists…”

“I just want to express gratitude to ATX116 for providing a safe and truly welcoming space for us to share our feelings about a process that has often left me feeling alone, confused, frustrated, and scared. Hearing other perspectives and gaining more context about AISD also made me feel more empowered to talk to people at my own school about the importance of equity in our district.”

“Thank you for holding space.”

Heather Wong
Next

ATX116 Newsletter: Calm & Clarity in the Face of School Closures