February 16, 2009 - After extensive community input to name the new Eastside Memorial High School at the Johnston Campus in 2008, community members now have the opportunity to name the two New Tech schools that will begin at the Eastside Memorial campus in August 2009.

The two New Tech schools were approved by the AISD Board of Trustees in October 2008, with the strong endorsement of the Campus Advisory Council, PTSA, and community organizations.  
 
Each of the New Tech schools will operate on a technology platform in which all students have a laptop computer and use them daily in the classroom for assignments.  
 
Each New Tech school will have a different theme: the first will be a science, math, and engineering school that focuses instruction around environmental issues. The second school will be a global studies high school with focus on international issues and world culture across all content areas.  
 
The New Tech schools will innovative, designed to prepare all students for success in the 21st Century. Class lessons will be “hands on,” so that students stay engaged and interested in learning. The two schools will offer college preparatory curriculum for all students as well as career pathways, and will offer a full range of athletic and extracurricular activities. All students will be part of the Eastside Memorial High Schools at the Johnston Campus with the same school colors and mascot, the Panthers.  
 
The AISD Board of Trustees invites community members to submit nominations for the names of these two New Tech by March 1, 2009. Board action on the names is scheduled for March 30, 2009, with opportunity for citizen communication on March 9 and March 30.  
 
Submitted names may reflect the thematic focus of the two New Tech schools, for example, “Eastside Memorial Green Tech High School” or “Eastside Memorial Global Tech High School”.  
 
Names of individuals may also be submitted, as per AISD Board policy. Nominators are encouraged to provide a succinct description of the nominees’ contributions, why they are important, and any pertinent history that should be considered. Board policy prohibits the selling of names for any district facility; however, donations may be considered in the naming of district facilities.  
 
Nominations may be mailed to:  
 
Office of Planning and Community Relations  
Austin Independent School District  
1111 West Sixth Street  
Austin, TX 78703-5399  
 
Or, nominations may be submitted online at the District’s website http://www.austinisd.org  
 
Nomination forms can also be picked up in the front office at Eastside Memorial High School, 1012 Arthur Stiles Rd.