Your weekly guide to all things MAC |
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It’s was wonderful to welcome our students back this week! There’s always something special about seeing classmates reconnect after a couple of weeks off and getting back into the rhythm of school life.
As we start the new semester, we’re excited to roll out a new advisory program called Character Strong. This curriculum has been successfully used at other AISD campuses, and we believe our students will benefit from its lessons. The program covers a wide range of topics from dealing with bullying to preparing for life after high school; all designed with today’s youth in mind.
We also have some updates on campus projects. The turf project reached a big milestone this week: the goalposts are installed, and the first strips of turf are in place. Our goal is to have the soccer teams practicing on the field within the next month. Meanwhile, the front office renovations are in the inspection phase and could open at any time, providing a refreshed space for students, staff, and visitors.
Wishing everyone a great week ahead, and don’t forget we have a 3-day weekend next weekend!
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Calendar Highlights.
- Monday, January 19th - Student and Staff Holiday - campus closed.
- Thursday, January 22nd - McCallum Elective Fair and Expo Knight
- Monday, February 2nd - CAC meeting at 5:30 pm followed by PTSA at 6:30 pm. Both meetings are held in the library. Attendees may enter through the blue double doors.
- Tuesday, February 17th - Parent Conference Day - There will be more information in a future Update.
McCallum General Information
Here are a few other items that came across my desk this week.
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- UPDATED DATE: Mark your calendars! Prom 2026 will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 8:00–11:00 p.m. at the Etter-Harbin UT Alumni Center. This special evening will be a great opportunity for students to celebrate the school year with friends in a memorable setting. More details, including ticket information and expectations, will be shared as the event approaches.
- I am excited to share that our school has been named to the AP Honor Roll as a Gold Rated Campus! This recognition highlights the hard work of our students, the support of our teachers, and a school culture that encourages students to challenge themselves and go after big goals. We’re proud of this accomplishment and everyone who helped make it happen!
- Registration for the upcoming school year through Enroll Austin opens next month! Our campus goal is to have 100% of returning students registered by April 10, and we’re here to help make that happen. Beginning in February, we’ll host several on-campus registration events to support families through the process. More details and event dates are coming soon.
- Just a quick reminder that our schoolwide ban on personal electronic devices is still in place. Students should keep phones and Bluetooth headphones in their backpacks during the school day. We don’t recommend keeping them in pockets, it’s easy to use a device without even thinking about it. Keeping devices packed away helps everyone stay focused and avoid unnecessary issues. Thanks for your support!
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We are excited to welcome back Dr. Jodi Denyszyn to our counseling team! Dr. Denyszyn previously served as McCallum’s College and Career Counselor before leaving to pursue her doctoral degree, and she brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the position. She will begin her role on January 20th, and we know she will do an amazing job supporting all of our students. In the meantime, students can continue to reach out to their current counselor for support.
- Got ideas or feedback? Don’t hesitate to share! Email me at andy.baxa@austinisd.org.
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Let's Celebrate Our Amazing Staff! |
Since my last update our campus has received two RAVE awards honoring the efforts of our amazing staff
Carey West - Ms. West works so hard for her ceramics students and is such an amazing teacher.
Nicole Andrews - (from a student) Mrs. Andrews has always been my favorite teacher since the beginning of my sophomore year. She’s always made me feel welcomed and she helped me when I was struggling in her class. Ever since I’ve met her I feel as if I've opened a new chapter of my life and I think that she;s like another mother to me. If I hadn’t met her I don’t think I’d be the same person I am today. She’s an inspiration and an icon to me. I look up to her everyday. Thank you for everything you do for our school Mrs. Andrews!
I would love to hear more about the teachers or staff members who make a difference in your child’s life. Please take a moment to recognize their contributions using this link; AISD RAVE.
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Elective Fair & Expo Knight - Thursday, January 22, 2026 |
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!
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Midyear Transcripts – Important Information for the class of 2026 |
Midyear transcripts will be available on January 15, at which time class rank will also be re-run. Please note that the midyear transcript is different from the initial transcript.
If you anticipate that a college requires a midyear transcript, it is each student’s responsibility to request it. Not all colleges require this document (for example, UT–Austin does not), so please submit requests only for schools that require a midyear transcript.
There are two required steps, and both must be completed in order for your midyear transcript to be sent:
Step 1: Complete this Google Form
Step 2: Submit a request through Naviance
Naviance Instructions:
Log in to Naviance and click “Colleges I’m Applying To.”
Select “Manage Transcripts.”
Click the “+” on the right and choose “College Application Transcript.”
Select “Midyear” and choose the colleges that require it.
Click “Submit Request.”
Please remember: both the Google Form and the Naviance request must be completed for your midyear transcript to be sent.
Thank you for your attention to these steps.
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A Note from The Registrar's Office... |
Class of 2026 - Graduation Candidate Name Verification Forms
We will be sending out a google form to be completed by parent(s) or legal guardian(s) on Monday January 19th to the email address we have on file. Please note: if your email has changed and needs to be updated, email the Registrar's office at anh.tran@austinisd.org or sonia.perez@austinisd.org. For safety and security reasons please be sure to include your Texas DL or ID for changes to be made.
Address Changes
Enrolling parent/legal guardian must complete the Address Change Form and include the following:
Enrolling Parent Texas DL, ID or Passport
Proof of Residency - We can only accept the following documents: utility bills (water, gas, electricity), lease agreement, mortgage statement or recent property tax receipt. Please note the Enrolling Parent's name must be listed on either of these documents.
Please click on Address Change Form to print or come by the Registrar's Office.
Important Student Registration and Enrollment information for 2026-2027 school year. Please click the link below.
2026-2027 Austin ISD Enrollment
For more information, please visit our Registrar's page.
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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.
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Austin ISD Summer Internship Program - Student Interest Form Now Open! |
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.
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Reminder: Spring 2026 Parent U Sessions |
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
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African American Heritage Celebration (AAHC) Spoken Word Poetry Contest |
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.
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School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC)
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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
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SENIOR INFO CLASS OF 2026 - UPDATE #5 |
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)
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Important FAFSA Information and Dates
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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!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Need to Pick Up Your Student During the School Day? Make It Easy!
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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:
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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
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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!
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