Just a reminder that October is Bullying Prevention Month; a time for us to come together as a school community to focus on kindness, respect, and standing up for one another. This month, we are talking about how each of us can help stop bullying when we see it.

One of the best ways to help stop bullying is by being an upstander instead of a bystander. A bystander is someone who witnesses bullying but doesn’t take action. This month, students are encouraged to be upstanders, if you see someone being bullied or treated unfairly, step in if it’s safe, speak up, or tell a trusted adult. Staying silent allows bullying to continue, but speaking up can make a big difference. If you’re not sure what to do or prefer to report something anonymously, you can always reach out to a trusted adult on campus or use the Safe Space feature on the Austin ISD website.

Cyberbullying is another important focus this month. It can happen through texts, messages, or social media, and it can be just as hurtful as in-person bullying. That’s why it’s so important to think carefully about how we treat others online. If something wouldn’t be said face to face, it shouldn’t be said online. This week’s challenge is to spread positivity in digital spaces; send a kind message, leave a supportive comment, or share something uplifting. Even small acts of kindness can help make the internet a safer, more respectful place for everyone.

Students and staff are encouraged to participate in UNITY DAY on October 22nd by wearing orange to show support for bullying prevention and for those who have experienced bullying. Orange symbolizes safety, visibility, and support. Wearing it is a simple yet powerful way to stand together in promoting kindness, inclusion, and a positive school environment for everyone.

Thank you for being part of a community that works to make our school a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

Calendar Highlights

• Monday, October 20th - Student Holiday, Parent Teacher Conference Day

• Tuesday, October 21st - PSAT Day at McCallum - 10th and 11th grade students

• Monday, November 3rd - CAC @ 5:30 pm and PTSA @ 6:30 pm, both meetings are held in the Library

• Tuesday, November 4th - Student Holiday/Staff Development

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.

• MAC Football came away with a huge win last night in a hard-fought battle against Pflugerville Connally. In a game that went back and forth all night, the Knights clinched the victory with an epic 80-yard game-winning touchdown drive. This clutch performance keeps our playoff hopes alive and adds momentum heading into next week’s Homecoming Game against Liberty Hill on Friday night. Come out and cheer on the Knights!

• Attendance rates are back on the rise now that ACL has wrapped up! This week, our attendance climbed back above 94%, and we’re grateful for your support in reinforcing the importance of being at school every day. Consistent attendance plays a big role in student success, thank you for helping us keep that a priority!

• MAC Volleyball took a tough loss against district leader Anderson High School but bounced back with a strong sweep of Cedar Creek last night, keeping the Knights among the top teams in the district. This Tuesday, the Knights will face off against the Stars from Ann Richards in a special Senior Night match. It’s always an exciting and entertaining game, so come out to support our seniors and cheer on the Knights!

• Two MAC students, senior Lexi Niles Arguello and freshman Sawyer Kuhlken, are making a global impact as youth delegates and speakers at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi. Representing our school on the world stage, they are sharing their passion for conservation and inspiring positive change for the planet’s future. We’re incredibly proud of their leadership and dedication!

• Wishing the MAC Cross Country team the best of luck as they head to the regional meet in Huntsville on Monday! We’re proud of all your hard work and can’t wait to see you run strong and represent our school with pride.

• Halloween is coming up, and we want to inform you that students are allowed to dress up in school-appropriate costumes. Please keep in mind that costumes should not include anything that covers a student’s face or prevents staff from identifying them. Additionally, students are not permitted to bring any items that resemble weapons.

• We ask parents to please remind their students not to park in non-approved areas, including apartment complex lots near McCallum. We’ve received reports of students parking in these private lots, and it’s important for students to understand that doing so puts them at risk of having their cars towed. Thank you for helping us ensure everyone follows parking rules and keeps our community respectful.

• As we head into performance season, our Fine Arts department is already shining! This past week, we enjoyed stellar performances from the orchestra and our steel drum group. Looking ahead, our fall musical Between the Lines will open in early November. Parents and students are encouraged to check out the events page on the McCallum Fine Arts website to stay up to date on all upcoming performances and support our talented students!

One of my favorite things to work on each week is this section, where I get to share the amazing things you say about our incredible staff through the AISD RAVE (Recognizing All Valuable Employees) program. This week, we received 3 RAVE submissions highlighting the outstanding work of our MAC team!

• Gabe Adame - I truly appreciate Mr. Adame helping my child work through a difficult situation.

• Andra McDougal - Andra has gone above and beyond to ensure the safety of our middle school athletes. She took time out of her day to make sure each athlete had the proper forms and permissions to participate, and she personally sat down with parents and guardians to help them complete the necessary paperwork, so their children could play. We are truly grateful to have her as part of Austin ISD.

• Camille Nix - Moments after she pressed to submit college applications, I asked my senior if she felt relieved, if it had been a stressful experience to go through the process. Her reply: “Not really - Ms. Nix makes it easy!” Thank you Ms.Nix!

Thank you for sharing how our staff postively impacted your student's life. Keep those RAVEs coming! Click here to submit a RAVE.

As we head into the long weekend, we want to remind families that the PSAT will be administered at McCallum on Tuesday, October 21st for all 10th and 11th grade students.

Since Monday is a school holiday, we need your help reminding students to come to school on Tuesday prepared and on time. It can be easy to lose track of routine after a long weekend, so a quick check-in at home can go a long way!

Here’s what students need to know for test day:

• Bring a fully charged, school-issued Chromebook.

• Testing begins promptly at 9:05 AM and will finish before lunch for most students.

• Students with accommodations may test into the afternoon and can bring a lunch or order from the cafeteria.

The PSAT gives students valuable experience with standardized testing and offers feedback that can support SAT preparation and scholarship opportunities.

While 10th and 11th graders are testing, freshmen will be working on academic skill-building through an IXL-based assignment designed to support their success across all subjects.

Seniors will have a few options for the day focused on college and career readiness. To assist us with attendance and record keeping, all seniors must complete this form to indicate how they will be spending their morning.

On PSAT day, we will follow an adjusted bell schedule in the afternoon. Students will attend all of their B day classes, each for a brief session, with fifth period starting right after lunch at 1:26 PM.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you for partnering with us to ensure a smooth and successful PSAT Day for all students!

We’re so proud to share that this year’s Pink Week was not only fun and meaningful, but also record-breaking! Our amazing PALs, with the leadership of Mr. Cowles, put together a week full of creative activities to raise awareness and support for breast cancer. Thanks to the incredible efforts of our students and staff, we raised over $3,000 for the Breast Cancer Resource Center of Austin, our highest total yet! It was inspiring to see our campus come together for such an important cause. Huge thanks to everyone who participated, donated, and made this week one to remember!

Learn more at bcrc.org.

We’re looking forward to connecting with families during our fall Parent Conference Day on Monday, October 20. This day is set aside to give teachers and families time to check in and collaborate, with another conference day scheduled for the spring semester.

Because time is limited, we’ll be prioritizing meetings for students who are currently failing a class or have been identified as chronically absent. These conferences are a valuable opportunity to partner with families and support student success.

If you do not receive an invitation for a conference but would like to meet with your student’s teacher, we encourage you to reach out to them directly to schedule a time. We believe in working together and truly value your insights and involvement in your student’s education.

The SBS classroom (Social Behavior Skills) is working to create a warmer, more therapeutic space for their very special students. This classroom is a safe place where students can take breaks, regulate their emotions, and receive extra support from caring teachers. To help with this transformation, they’ve put together a WISHLIST of items that would make the environment even more comfortable and supportive.

If you’re able to donate any of the items on the list, please mark them so we can avoid duplicates.

Deliveries can be brought to the front desk at McCallum High School, Attention: Ms. Pina and Mr. Shaw.

If you have questions, feel free to email karen.mcgarity@austinisd.org.

Amazon links are included for convenience, but gently used items or purchases from other stores are also very welcome. Thank you for helping us make a positive difference for these students!

HERE is the link! 

Thank you!  

We understand that some families chose not to share income information during registration, and we respect that decision. However, completing the income verification process can provide important benefits for both your student and our entire school community.

Students who qualify can receive free or reduced-price meals at school, which helps with everyday costs. They may also qualify for reduced fees on college entrance exams like the SAT and ACT, making it easier to prepare for college. In addition, qualifying students might get discounts on college application fees and access to other programs that support their academic success and future goals.

Accurate income information is also essential for our school. It affects how we are evaluated compared to other schools in state accountability ratings and can impact the funding and resources we receive. When more families participate, it helps ensure our school receives the recognition and support needed to continue providing a quality education for all students.

If you’re willing to see if your student qualifies, here’s how to apply:

• Online applications are preferred. Families can create an account and apply at www.SchoolCafe.com/AustinISD.

• To create a SchoolCafe account, find step-by-step guides here: English / Spanish.

• New this year: You may also submit a completed PDF application with a digital signature via email to foodservicebusinesssupport@austinisd.org (attachments included).

• Paper applications are still available and may be picked up in the front office and returned to the Registrar’s Office.

Please submit your application by October 27th!

Families can also apply for state-funded benefits like SNAP at www.yourtexasbenefits.com.

For more details and helpful resources, check out our Food Service Campus Toolkit.

Thank you for considering this important opportunity to support your student and our school community!

LAST CHANCE TO ORDER A SIGN :

The final sign order will be placed FRIDAY OCTOBER 17th.   If you would still like to order a sign, please do so here:  macprojectgrad.square.site/.

I have several senior signs available for pick up!    If you are unsure if your sign is here text or email me & I am happy to double check!  Address for pick up is 3208 Sunny Ln. 

BUSINESS SPONSORSHIPS

Thank you to our first business sponsor!  

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

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 have 65 Seniors Sponsorships, 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)

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.

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

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 Meeting Dates and Locations