Dear Round Rock ISD community,
It’s no surprise that I believe our district is home to exceptional teachers and high academic standards. But what truly sets us apart is our commitment to supporting every aspect of each student’s growth and well-being.
Beyond the classroom, our students benefit from the generosity and dedication of our staff, PTA, Partners in Education Foundation, Booster Clubs, and our many business and faith partners. Together, they help meet a wide range of student needs and create a community of support. Here are just a few examples of the incredible people who give so selflessly to support our students.
Longtime Grisham Middle School educational assistant Charmange Speaks puts generosity into practice by organizing an 8th-grade formal shop, collecting donated formalwear, shoes, purses, and jewelry so students in need can feel confident and celebrated at their Spring middle school promotion dance. She leads the Black History Month program and luncheon campus traditions and sponsors a long-running after-school sewing club, helping students learn a valuable life skill.
Tina Steiner is a teacher at the Round Rock Opportunity Center. Her dedication is felt at school and extends far into the community, building partnerships that provide essential resources such as musical instruments, literacy support, and mentorship opportunities, and has even helped clear students’ negative meal balances. She secured over $14,000 in grants to build hands-on garden and hydroponic learning spaces on campus, and has helped students earn life-changing scholarships, opening doors for students that they could never have imagined possible.
Heidi Bennett is a fifth-grade teacher at Gattis Elementary School. She brings learning to life through her Texas Towns Research Project. Students choose a Texas town that is meaningful to them—perhaps where a family member lives or a place they’re curious about—and write letters to chambers of commerce or city halls, turning a traditional assignment into real-world communication. As responses arrive, often filled with brochures and small items, Ms. Bennett describes the classroom energy as “electric,” reinforcing that their voices matter and connect them to a larger community.
At Deepwood Elementary School, nurse Natalie Flores partners with the campus PTA, local high school students, and a community business owner to create a Sharing Shelf and Snack Shack in the clinic. Through this effort, students have access to everyday essentials like deodorant, toothbrushes, feminine products, and snacks so no one goes without. She also washes and redistributes unclaimed, lost, and found jackets, ensuring students have access to warm clothing, and teaches health-related lessons in the classroom.
Drawing from her own life experiences, Karen Confer, clinical social worker for our Teen Parent Program, has created a compassionate and comprehensive program that supports young parents. From organizing field trips that help students explore educational and career pathways to providing parenting workshops and connecting families with vital services, she ensures students are equipped to build strong, healthy futures for themselves and their children. Ms. Confer consistently shows dignity and belief in everyone she works with, including students, interns, and co-workers, encouraging them to see the best in themselves.
Finally, the Round Rock ISD Families in Transition (FiT) program is a meaningful example of how our district cares for students and families during challenging times. FiT supports those experiencing housing instability so students can stay focused on learning and remain connected to their schools. With the support of dedicated staff and community partners, the program provides stability, resources, and a sense of belonging when it’s needed most. At its core, FiT reflects our commitment to making sure every student feels supported and has the opportunity to succeed, no matter their circumstances.
I am deeply grateful for these remarkable individuals, and for the many others across our district who make a difference each day by leading critical student programs and services and consistently putting others first. It’s this collective commitment that makes Round Rock ISD such a special place.
Respectfully,
Dr. Hafedh "AZ" Azaiez
Proud Superintendent of Schools
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