Welcome back! I hope everyone had a chance to enjoy winter break and step away from the usual routine for a bit. Whether it was time spent traveling, relaxing at home, or catching up with family and friends, I hope the break was refreshing and reenergizing.

We’re excited to welcome students back this Tuesday (January 6th), which will be a B Day. To start the day, students should plan to go straight to their 5th period class when they arrive.

As we move into the new semester, most student schedules will look very similar to what they had in the fall. That said, we strongly encourage everyone to check schedules Monday evening just in case there have been any changes.

We’ll also be kicking off FIT sessions this week. Students will sign up for FIT during advisory time on Tuesday, so please remind them to come ready to make their selections.

As we begin the semester, we also want to take a moment to remind students and families about our expectations regarding personal electronic devices at school. Students are not permitted to use personal electronic devices during the school day. This includes cell phones, Bluetooth headphones, personal computers, and any other items capable of sending or receiving a message. These devices must be stored away for the entirety of the school day, and school staff will confiscate items that are not properly put away. We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a focused learning environment for all students.

The beginning of a new semester is always a great time for a fresh start. It’s an opportunity to reset, refocus, and set new goals, academically and personally. No matter how last semester went, this is a chance to build positive momentum, make good choices, and start strong.

Calendar Highlights

• Monday, January 5th - Student Holiday/Staff Development,
• Monday, January 5th - CAC @ 5:30 pm. CAC meetings are open to the public and are held in the library. Attendees may enter through the double blue doors located in the circle drive.
• Monday, January 19th - Student and Staff Holiday - campus closed.
• Thursday, January 22nd - McCallum Elective Fair and Expo Knight

McCallum General Information

• AB Calendar

• Bell Schedule (Updated on 8/28/25)

• McCallum Campus Map

• AISD Personal Device Policy

• McCallum Personal Device Protocols

Here are a few other items that came across my desk this week.

Our staff does incredible work every day to support our students and families, often in ways that go unseen. We invite students and families to share the amazing things our teachers, counselors, and support staff do to make your experience at our school better. Whether it’s a small moment or a big impact, we’d love to hear your stories and celebrate the people who make our school such a special place.

Please take a moment to recognize their contributions using this link; AISD RAVE. 

Mark your calendars for Thursday, January 22, 2026, when our annual Elective Fair and Expo Knight will take place! This day gives both current students and incoming families the opportunity to learn more about our courses, programs, and school community.

During the school day, students will attend our Elective Fair, where they can learn about courses available for the upcoming school year. We’ll highlight the electives we currently offer and also introduce potential new courses that could be added based on student interest. It’s a great opportunity for students to think about their goals, discover new possibilities, and start planning their schedules for next year.

That evening, we’ll welcome the parents and families of incoming 9th graders to our annual Expo Knight. Guests can walk through the Elective Fair, tour the building, meet teachers and staff, and get a feel for what the next four years will look like for their students. This event is designed to help families get comfortable with the transition to high school and learn about the many programs, pathways, and opportunities available.

We look forward to seeing our current students explore their options and welcoming our future Knights to campus!

We’re excited to share that Austin ISD, the Austin Ed Fund, and the Austin Chamber are entering the third year of the Austin ISD Summer Internship Program, expanding access to real-world learning opportunities for our students.

The program runs June 8–July 24, 2026 (6 weeks, 20 hours per week, with a break during the week of July 4) and is open to current 9th–11th grade Austin ISD students (rising 10th–12th graders). Internships take place at partner organizations across Austin.

Students will gain hands-on work experience, develop professional skills, earn high school credit, and receive a $2,000 stipend.

Important deadlines:

Student interest form due: February 6, 2026

Partner interest form due: February 28, 2026

More details, forms, and upcoming info sessions are available on the program website. Please help us spread the word to students and families.

Thank you to all our parents, students, and staff for taking the time to read this week’s edition of the Weekend Update. I appreciate your continued support and partnership in making McCallum a great place to learn and grow.

 

High school seniors interested in pursuing a career in healthcare are encouraged to apply for the St. David’s Foundation Neal Kocurek Scholarship. This scholarship supports students from Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson counties who plan to attend college in Texas.

Selected students may receive up to $60,000 in financial support over the course of their higher education.

Application Deadline: January 2, 2026
Award Amount: Up to $60,000
Eligibility: High school seniors planning a career in healthcare

To learn more about eligibility requirements, guidelines, and how to apply, visit the St. David’s Foundation Neal Kocurek Scholarship website.

Parent U is back this spring! This districtwide initiative is designed to support families as they help guide their students through their postsecondary journey. With over 100 families attending each session, Parent U continues to be a valuable resource for our community.

Upcoming sessions will focus on college entrance exams, first-year college transitions, college exploration opportunities, and student mental wellness. We’ve partnered with organizations like Advise Texas and Breakthrough Central Texas, and we’re excited to welcome the College Board for our January session.

When: First Wednesday of each month
Time: 6–7 p.m.
Where: Virtual

Remaining 2025–2026 Sessions:

Jan. 7, 2026: Testing for College — SAT, ACT, TSIA2 & AP Explained

Feb. 4, 2026: What Comes Next? First-Year College Prep for Families

Mar. 4, 2026: College Bound: Don’t Miss These Exploration Events

Apr. 1, 2026: Thriving Through Transitions: Mental Health & School Changes

Register here: https://bit.ly/AustinISDParentU

The African American Heritage Celebration (AAHC) Spoken Word Poetry Contest invites Austin ISD high school students to bring their voices to life through the power of spoken word. Armed with nothing but your words, presence, and rhythm, this contest celebrates poetry that connects, resonates, and transforms space through truth and energy.

Students are encouraged to create original spoken word pieces inspired by the theme “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” reflecting on how Black history and life commemorations have evolved in the modern world. Participants will submit a video recording of their performance, reimagining poetry beyond the page.

The contest is open to all Austin ISD students in grades 9–12.
Video submissions are due by Friday, January 16, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

Click here to submit.

This is a celebration of your voice, let it be heard.

The School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) is a school board appointed advisory group of individuals who represent different segments of the community. By law, a majority of the members must be persons who are parents of students enrolled in the district and who are not employed by the district. The AISD SHAC is made up of parents, community members, students, and school staff working together to improve the health of all students and families through coordinated school health programs. Texas law requires all school districts to have a SHAC. The SHAC holds monthly meetings on the third Wednesday of every month with the exception of December and July. The meetings are from 6:00PM to 7:30PM. The meetings are held either on the 2nd floor of the AISD Headquarters Building located at 4000 S. I-H 35 Frontage Rd. Austin, TX 78704 or virtually.  

SHAC Agenda December 17, 2025 (English)

SHAC Agenda December 17, 2025 (Spanish)

SHAC Meeting Dates and Locations

 

SIGNS ARE IN:

All signs have arrived!!!!!!  Please stop by at your earliest convenience to pick up your sign!   Address for pick up is 3208 Sunny Lane!

If you missed ordering, we do still have a few generic signs available for purchase.  Please email me if you would like to purchase one! 

BUSINESS SPONSORSHIPS

Thank you to our business sponsors!  We are so grateful for your support!!!

PALOMA EFRON Design & Interiors https://www.palomaefrondesign.com/

Harper Phinn Jewelry https://harperphinn.com/

The Gravette Family

If you have a business or know of someone who does please contact Valerie Foohey @ valeriedromero@gmail.com for sponsorship opportunities!

SPONSOR A SENIOR

We are up to 82 out of 485 Seniors Sponsorships, so we still have a long way to go!  

If you have not already contributed to Supporting a Senior, please donate here macprojectgrad.square.site/

SENIOR 2026 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Friday, May 22nd 8am - SENIOR BREAKFAST

Wednesday, May 27th 1:30pm - 4pm - SENIOR CARNIVAL

Friday, May 29th @ 4pm - GRADUATION

Please reach out with any questions or if you would like to volunteer!

Bria Cirkiel (bria@parksideprojects.com or 512-565-7412)

A message from Ms. Nix, our College and Career Counselor:

The '26-'27 FAFSA  Application is officially open! You can access the application through the studentaid.gov website, and create the student FSA ID if you have not done so.

Step One: Create student FSA ID (You will receive an email from the federal government once your ID has been fully established). 

Step Two: You can then complete the FAFSA application in the STUDENT account for year 26-27 in its entirety. Student will invite parent and then parent creates FSA ID to be able to complete their portion.

Here are the updates:

1. The students will no longer need to know their parents DOB, social security, or address.

2. The student only needs to know their parent(s) email address for the contributor section.

3. Parent(s) will receive the invitation via email then they can create their FSA ID if they do not have one.  

4. If parents are married and file jointly, only one parent needs an FSA ID. 

5. Pell grant still strong. Workforce pell grant still exists. No changes to subsidized loans. No changes in definition of full-time enrollment for a student. YAY!

Important Dates for FAFSA Help:

10/16 - 10:00 am to 12:00 pm - ACC FAFSA employee here to help students in Mrs. Nix's room (Create student FSA ID first if you can!!)

10/23 - 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm - Opportunity Austin financial aid volunteers at Mac to help families complete the FAFSA

11/12 - 5:30 pm to 7 pm - Nix and others to help families complete the FAFSA

LAST THING: When you finish the FAFSA, be sure you send Mrs. Nix the email you receive from the federal government that states your completion. Mrs. Nix can then submit your graduation completion in this area to the State. If you are opting out, please submit THIS FORM to Mrs. Nix.

I HAVE 12 STUDENTS WHO HAVE SUBMITTED FAFSA PROOF TO ME ALREADY - WOOOO HOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The simplest way to check your student out of school is to send a written note to the front office before the school day begins.

The note must include:

• Student's full name

• Student ID number

• Date and time of early dismissal

• Parent/guardian name and phone number

• Parent/guardian signature

Your student should bring the note to the office before school. They’ll receive a pass to leave class at the designated time and can head straight out—no waiting required.

With ongoing construction, limited parking, and our large campus, this method is the most efficient option.

Please note: Our front office is temporarily relocated to the library. Parents can access this space through the double blue doors in the circle drive.

No note? A parent/guardian (or someone listed on the student’s pickup list) must come to the office with ID to check out the student. Please allow extra time for the student to be called from class.

Returning the same day? Students must check back in at the front office.

Reminder: Pickup notes do not excuse absences. For full attendance information, visit:
https://mccallum.austinschools.org/department/attendance

Mental Health - https://forms.gle/ikZ6QsG4DrJ8wnjZ8

Club form - https://forms.gle/Jmevft7F1EMctgPW7

Physical health - https://forms.gle/3kgQb5NQkReLUyT56

It’s important you know your student’s support team - their Assistant Principal and Counselor. We have a few changes to our team this year.  

Principal of McCallum - Andy Baxa: andy.baxa@austinisd.org

Students not in the Fine Arts Academy - List of Assistant Principals

Last Names A - GO Gabriel Adame (Assistant Principal): gabriel.adame@austinisd.org 

Last Names GP - PA Larry Featherstone (Assistant Principal): larry.featherstone@austinisd.org 

Last Names PE - Z Lavonda Loney (Assistant Principal): lavonda.loney@austinisd.org 

Students not in the Fine Arts Academy - List of Counselors

Last Names (A-E) Loren Croom: loren.croom@austinisd.org 

Last Names (F-LH) Nicollette Muller: nicollette.muller@austinisd.org 

Last Names (LI-RN) Cristela Garcia: cristela.garcia@austinisd.org

Last Names (RO-Z) Marc Garcia: marc.garcia@austinisd.org

All Students in the Fine Arts Academy:

Teri Kirby (Associate Principal): teri.kirby@austinisd.org

Shelley Goldstein (Counselor): shelley.goldstein@austinisd.org

Additional Supports:

• 504 Coordinator - Jennifer Padron - jennifer.padron@austinisd.org 

• College and Career Counselor - Camille Nix - camille.nix@austinisd.org 

• AP/PSAT Coordinator - Lisa Gorzell - lisa.gorzell@austinisd.org

• Principal’s Admin Assistant - Bonnie Baker - bonnie.baker@austinisd.org 

• Guidance Secretary - Tonya Moore  - tonya.moore@austinisd.org

Elevate your high school experience by becoming a part of our Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA). As a member, you'll empower students with enriched programs and resources, advocate for their needs, build a supportive community, and stay informed. Join us to make a direct impact on education, foster connections, and shape a brighter future for our students – your involvement truly matters!

Click here to join today!