As we begin the month of February, we proudly celebrate Black History Month, a time to reflect on the rich cultural contributions and achievements of Black individuals throughout history. This month serves as an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the past, honor those who paved the way for progress, and acknowledge the ongoing journey toward equality and justice. Our school is committed to fostering an environment of inclusivity, learning, and growth, and we encourage everyone to take part in the activities and discussions that highlight the importance of Black history and its impact on our shared future. Let’s come together to celebrate, learn, and be inspired by the legacy of Black leaders and changemakers.

Spearheaded by our Students of Color Alliance, a series of enlightening events has been curated to foster awareness and appreciation for the diverse and impactful narratives that have shaped our world.

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

• Congratulations to the visual art students for receiving honors at the 2025 Regional Scholastic Awards!

  McCallum art students received the most honors in the region with the following awards:

  • 43 Honorable mentions

  • 30 Silver Keys

  • 20 Gold Keys. (

    Gold Key work is currently being reviewed at the national level in New York City by panels of creative professionals. National Medalists selected by these panelists will be announced in late Spring.)

  • Click on the link to view student artwork. https://padlet.com/saramasseylynch/scholastic-art-and-writing-awards-2024-25-66p5d1v1vlsf94z2

• MAC Orchestra and Guitar dominate at Solo and Ensemble!

  • Orchestra

    • 48 Solos scored a 1

    • 13 scored a 2

    • 22 solos qalified for State

  • Guitar

    • 12 solos qualified for State

• We have begun the scheduling process for next school year. Our counseling team has already visited with our Junior and Sophomore classes and will be meeting with the Freshman class this week.

  • During these visits our counseling team goes over graduation requirements and walks our students through the course request process for the 25-26 school year.

  • Students will complete a google form to indicate their course choices for next year. Students may edit their course request submission through Tuesday, 2/11.

  • Beginning February 12th, we will hold a grade level assemblies during FIT so students can enter their course requests into our mangement system.

    
    

Friday A/B Rotation Schedule

Friday, February 7th will be an A Day

Friday, February 14th will be a B Day

Calendar Highlights

Monday, February 3rd, CAC and PTSA meeting in the school Library. CAC will start at 5:30 pm.

Monday, February 17th, Student Holiday, school offices will be open.

Tuesday, March 4th, SAT Day for Juniors.

Round Table Preview (included as part of the 2nd block class [2/6]) Begins at 10:41 am

• Mon 2/3: Academic Advising

• Tues 2/4: Black History Month Kickoff: Black History Month Door Design Contest Class Collaboration

• Mon 2/10: Academic Advising

• Tue 2/11: Black History Month Lessons

Flexible Instructional Time (FIT).

• Week of February 3-7

  • FIT Sessions as normal on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

• Week of February 10-14

  • Wednesday 2/12: Mandatory Junior Meeting in MAC, normal FIT for everyone else

  • Thursday 2/13: Mandatory Sophomore Meeting in MAC, normal FIT for everyone else

  • Friday 2/14: Mandatory Freshman Meeting in MAC, normal FIT for everyone else

Since my last update we have received two Rave awards for our amazing staff. Each of these recipients is truly deserving of the recognition and their contributions to the culture of McCallum.

• Natalie Uehara: "Ms. Nat", as she is affectionately known, helped deliver a tour-de-force of a dance show this past weekend for the Fine Arts Academy's dance program. More importantly, she really sees each dancer as an individual and recognizes the time and effort being put forth. My child shared that, just last week, Ms. Nat had pulled her aside and expressed how proud she was of the growth and progress that my daughter has made as a dancer. This absolutely thrilled my daughter, but reminded me (also an educator) of the value of positive reinforcement. Thank you Ms. Nat- you are a difference maker in this world!

• Tonya Moore: She is so kind and welcoming. She makes me feel truly safe and protected on campus.

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. 

Join us on Saturday, February 22, from 1–5 pm for an exciting afternoon of art, music, and community at our McCallum Visual Arts Gallery! Browse a stunning collection of artwork by both student and professional artists, all available for purchase. Enjoy live music, complimentary food and drinks, and a silent auction featuring one-of-a-kind pieces.

Don’t miss the chance to see McCallum student artist Mia Gonzales creating live art from 12:30–4 pm! Want to beat the crowd? VIP tickets are available for $25, granting you early access to shop (starting at noon), plus a McCallum Visual Arts logo cup filled with a festive beverage! Purchase your VIP tickets now through the link: https://square.link/u/62wTvrPH. See you there!

Beginning this weekend, February 1st, we will hold Saturday school sessions from 8 am to 12 pm. Students will enter through the English Hall at the corner of Houston and Sunshine. Doors will open at 7:50 am and students will need to be picked up by noon.

Satuday School Dates:

• February 1st, February 8th, February 22nd

• March 1st, March 8th

• April 5th, April 12th, April 26th

• May 3rd, May 10th, May 17th* (Possible Senior Only Edition)

Saturday school is a great opportunity for students to receive additional academic support. We will typically have a teacher from each of the core subject areas present to assist students with their studies. Students need to come to Saturday school prepared to work, which means bringing their chromebook and any other educational materials needed to complete their work.

Students may also earn hours to clear potential NC’s due to excessive absences. Students will need to pick up a tutoring log in the main office to keep track of their hours.

Attention Seniors!

2024 – 2025 PTSA Scholarships

$1000

All applications must be submitted by Friday, March 14, 2025.

Each year, the McCallum High School PTSA awards two (2) $1000 scholarships to graduating seniors.  One (1) $1000 scholarship is awarded to a college/university-bound student and one (1) $1000 scholarship is awarded to a student who will pursue vocational/technical/trade/or an alternative path upon graduation. 

To be considered a student must: 

• Be a senior in the graduating class of 2024 – 2025

• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher

• Be (or become) a current McCallum PTSA member

Check out the PTSA website for more information and a link to the application: [goog_1082810315] https://mccallumptsa.org/about/ptsa/ptsa-scholarships/

Seniors! Did you attend Barton Hills Elementary School for at least two years?  

If so, you are eligible to apply for the Barton Hills Elementary PTA Nick Akery Scholarship (one $1000 award and one $500 award).  More information here: https://tinyurl.com/bhescholarship2025

Questions?  Contact PTSA Scholarship Chair scholarship@mccallumptsa.org

Project Graduation's fundraising has officially launched! We are looking for business sponsors who want to support fun, safe, and substance- and alcohol-free events celebrating the Class of 2025! We've created a handy flyer you can leave with any business (your employer! your vet! your dry cleaners! your insurance agent! your ortho!) and a sample letter you can cut and paste into an email. It's so easy to ask! And excess funds that we raise this year will roll over to next year's senior class.

THANK YOU, MAC FAMILIES!!!

Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1obttsmkyCqSbt_bAzTjedFDp43jWAMX-/view?usp=sharing

Letter: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ru9Udgg4gPAxY45J7gzzLd8AG_ZW8MqE/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=103424312191265662144&rtpof=true&sd=true