Your weekly guide to all things MAC |
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As we wrap up an incredible month of reflection and education, this week marks the close of our Black History Month celebrations. It has been wonderful to see our campus engage with the history and contributions of the Black community, and we want to keep that energy going through the finish line. We encourage all students to participate in our Spirit Week activities starting Monday, let’s show our school pride and finish the month strong!
Turning to campus operations, I want to address our current attendance trends. We have noticed a slight decline in our overall attendance rate since returning from Winter Break. We certainly recognize that we are in the heart of the cold and flu season; please know that we do not want students coming to school when they are ill. However, we are seeing a larger-than-normal decrease specifically in Senior attendance. Parents, we need your help! Please continue to encourage your students, especially our Seniors, to be in class every period, every day. Consistent attendance is vital as we head into the final months of the school year.
Finally, I want to share some truly outstanding news I received this week about our students who qualified as National Merit Finalists. To qualify as a Finalist, students must not only score in the top 1% of the PSAT but also demonstrate a distinguished academic record, receive a recommendation from their principal, and submit a detailed scholarship application. It is a rigorous process that identifies the most academically talented high school seniors in the country.
McCallum is incredibly proud to announce that we have 6 National Merit Finalists this year! This is a testament to the hard work of our students, the support of their families, and the dedication of our faculty. Please join me in congratulating these scholars on this prestigious achievement.
Iris Burns-Trahanovsky Alexis Fredine Margaret Gravette Quinn Stafford Ashton Ward Shoahanna Witchel |
Calendar Highlights. - Monday, March 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.
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Tuesday, March 3rd - SAT Day for current Juniors
- Monday, March 16th - Friday, March 20th - Spring Break
McCallum General Information Here are a few other items that came across my desk this week. |
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It is my absolute pleasure to share some incredible news: McCallum’s own Dr. Lavonda Loney has been recognized as the TABSE 2026 Assistant Principal of the Year! This prestigious honor is a true reflection of the strong instructional leadership, steady presence, and unwavering commitment Dr. Loney brings to our campus community each day. We are incredibly proud to see her dedication to our students and staff recognized at the state level. Please join us in celebrating this outstanding achievement!
- We have a quick update regarding on-campus construction. Starting mid-week this week, work will begin on a new cut-through driveway accessible from Grover Avenue. Please note the this project is not expected to impact general street traffic. However, access to the tennis courts from the Grover side will be impacted during this construction phase.
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Huge shoutout to our BigFuture Ambassador, Elora Clarke! As part of @BigFuture national program, Elora will be able to share resources to help classmates through exploring careers, researching colleges, and finding ways to pay for education so more students can feel confident in taking that next step.
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Believe it or not, graduation is only three months away! As we prepare to celebrate the Class of 2026, we want to remind our families of a wonderful Austin ISD tradition: the district allows employees to personally hand out diplomas to their own children during the graduation ceremony. If you are an AISD employee and would like to present your student with their diploma on stage, please reach out to Gabriel Adame to be added to the official list. We look forward to sharing this memorable moment with you and your graduate!
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Let’s hear it for our Boys Basketball team as they head into the first round of the state playoffs! After a fantastic season where we finished 2nd in district play, the Knights are ready to take on Hendrickson High School this week. We want to see a sea of blue in the stands to cheer them on! When: Tuesday night, February 24th Time: 7:30 PM Where: Delco Center - Good luck to the players and coaches!
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We want to send a huge "Go Knights!" to our Unified Basketball team as they compete in the Special Olympics tournament this weekend! This team represents the very best of McCallum; bringing together students of all abilities to compete, support one another, and showcase incredible sportsmanship. We are so proud of the hard work you’ve put in during practice, and we can’t wait to see you shine on the court. Play hard, have fun, and know that your entire Knight family is cheering you on!
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There will be a mandatory class meeting for all seniors during FIT on Wednesday, February 25th, held in the MAC Theater. Please head straight to the theater at the beginning of the period, as we will be covering essential information regarding graduation requirements, upcoming senior events, and important end-of-year logistics. This is a key opportunity to ensure you are on track for the final months of the school year, so we look forward to seeing the entire Class of 2026 there.
- Good luck to our 9th-grade AP Human Geography students who are competing today in the Cen-Tex Regional History Fair at St. Edward’s University! These students have put in incredible work researching and preparing their projects, and we are so proud to have them representing McCallum at the regional level. We know you will do an amazing job, go Knights!
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As we look toward the 2026-2027 school year, we are encouraging all returning families to complete the registration process through Enroll Austin. Our campus has set an ambitious goal to have 100% of our returning students fully registered by the beginning of April. Completing this process early is vital, as it allows us to plan accurately for staffing, course sections, and resources to ensure the best possible experience for our students. Please take a few moments this week to log in and finalize your registration.
- Got ideas or feedback? Don’t hesitate to share! Email me at andy.baxa@austinisd.org.
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Staff Shout-Outs: Share Your RAVES! |
This past week our campus received 5 RAVES heralding the amazing contributions of our staff!
Marc Garcia - Marc supported the Regional Parent Support Team with a student and their family. He is very patient, kind, and understanding about the case but above all he took the time to work with me.
Nicholas Martin - My son has been in Mr. Martin’s Latin class since the start of High School (Latin V- post AP). Mr. Martin is an amazing teacher. I want to give him a big shout out…he is so invested in his students, the classics, the culture and all the factoids if you will. During my son’s tenure, Mr. Martin has kept him engaged, on his heels, keeps the laughter flowing, and most importantly is invested in all his students to such a high degree. His wit is sharp, his teaching even sharper, and his craft is what we all hope for in our teachers and subsequently for our kids. Over the years he has taken the kids to UT to see old texts, he recently had a bread day, teaches kids all about the Roman Empires, but mostly he has taught them with such tender care, He knows each of his students, their path and more. My son is excited to graduate, but is sad because he will miss Mr. Martin…. My son’s love for Latin was not something we anticipated, but are delighted by! We owe that to his connection with Mr. Martin.
Nicholas Martin - (from a student) Mr. Martin is my favorite teacher, he makes class fun while still keeping class professional. He always makes sure to prioritize his students' understanding. He has also worked at McCallum for a very long time so I think he deserves a lot more hype for that.
Kelly Wroblewski - Ms. Wroblewski has a genuine love for her students that shows in everything she does. She has given so much of her personal time and has gone out of her way time and time again to make sure my daughter understands and feels supported, even beyond her own classroom just to ensure she falls behind or feels discouraged. The care, patience & love she pours into her students is something you cannot teach, it comes from who she is! My daughter absolutely adores her and feels safe, welcomed, and valued every single day in her classroom. As a parent, there is no greater comfort than knowing your child is with someone who truly sees them, believes in them, and lifts them up! Thank you for being the kind of teacher children remember forever! McCallum is incredibly lucky to have you.
Emily Lucas - Ms. Luca has done such an excellent job her first year as a teacher! It’s obvious that the administration recognizes her efforts through her recent award, but the parents do too! She has been responsive, caring, and creative in her teaching, and we’re thrilled that she’s here.
If a staff member has made a meaningful impact on your or your student’s life recently, please consider letting the district know! You can submit a nomination through the AISD RAVE link. It only takes a moment and is a wonderful way to show your appreciation for our community.
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Planning for the Future: Course Selection Process UPDATE |
This week, we discovered that at least one Junior class did not receive the initial visit or the formal presentation from our counseling team that was provided to the rest of the grade level. We sincerely apologize for this oversight.
Please be assured that our team has a dedicated plan in place to ensure these students receive the information and guidance they need. We began reaching out to the affected students this week to bridge the gap, and our counseling team remains available for individual consultations to answer any specific questions. We also want to share this Google Form that contains each of the grade level choice sheets, links to the course catalog and informaiton on CTE courses. This information was also shared with our students during the classroom visits and via a Blend announcement.
Our team is now moving into the second round of classroom visits. The primary focus of this round is assisting students with officially entering their course requests into our student management system. To ensure no one is left behind, our counselors are planning to spend extra time with those students who missed the initial presentation to walk them through their options before they make their selections.
Next week, our team will be out in the community visiting our future Knights at Kealing and Lamar Middle Schools. One counselor will remain on the McCallum campus all week to assist current students with urgent needs. The entire counseling department will be back on campus the following week to complete the second round of visits for all grade levels.
In an effort to ensure every student feels confident and satisfied with their academic plan for the upcoming year, students will have the opportunity to make changes to their initial choices at any time between now and Spring Break. If a student reconsiders a selection, they can simply stop by the counseling office or send an email to their assigned counselor detailing the adjustment they would like to make. Additionally, we will provide all students with a formal opportunity to review their full list of selections during the week following Spring Break to ensure accuracy before moving to the next stage of the process.
I want to extend a sincere thank you to the parent who reached out and helped us realize our error. We encourage all parents to continue sharing their concerns or questions with us. There is a well-known adage that "it takes a village to raise a child," and that certainly rings true here at McCallum. We cannot do this work effectively without the active support and communication of our village. Thank you for partnering with us to support our students’ futures.
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Senior Updates: Scholarships, Financial Aid, & ACC |
Attention Class of 2026! We have several important updates regarding your post-graduation planning. Please review the following items and take action where needed: Scholarships
Have you been offered a scholarship? We want to celebrate your success! Please report any scholarship offers you’ve received by filling out this Scholarship Awards Form.
Financial Aid (FAFSA) Completing your financial aid documentation is a critical step for graduation.
Already submitted? Let us know by completing this FAFSA Submission Form. Need help? If you plan to submit but haven't finished yet, come to Room 130 and I will help you through the process! Opting out? If you do not plan on submitting a FAFSA, please stop by Room 130 to complete the required "opt-out" form. Austin Community College (ACC) Visit
Interested in attending ACC after graduation? Admissions representatives will be on campus to help you with the next steps. When: Thursday, February 26th Time: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM Where: Room 130
Action: Space is limited! Please reserve your spot here.
Questions? Visit Dr. Denyszyn in the College & Career Center (Room 130). |
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SAT Day for the Class of 2027 |
Attention 11th-grade students and families! The SAT School Day is approaching on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. This is a key opportunity for all juniors to demonstrate their college and career readiness right here on campus. Important Information Digital Readiness Check: February 25th during FIT (Students must bring their Chromebooks to complete the exam setup.) Test Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 Location: McCallum High School Testing Group: 11th Grade Students (students are automatically registered) Time: Students should arrive on time and be prepared to begin testing at 9:05.
What to Bring: A fully charged Chromebook and a charger. (Unfortunately, we do not have any extra chargers available) Testing Locations will be posted in the hallway. To help your student prepare, we recommend the following resources:
Khan Academy SAT Prep (Free, personalized practice) – https://www.khanacademy.org/sat
College Board SAT Practice Tests – https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/practice/practice-tests Official Practice SAT-Suite: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/practice SAT Student Guide |
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Mac United Against Homelessness: Donation Drive |
This spring, Mac United Against Homelessness is hosting another donation drive! This time we are accepting donations for new and unopened hygiene products, specifically the following: 1. liquid laundry detergent 2. Fabuloso 3. Suave hand soap 4. deodorant (men’s and women’s) 5. toothpaste (adult and children’s)
The drive will begin on February 23rd and run until April 17th, with donation bins available in the front office, the library, the fine arts building, and the Mac Theatre.
All donations will go directly to Saint Louise House, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting women and children experiencing homelessness. Saint Louise house doesn’t just provide stable housing, it is an individualized program that empowers single women to reach their own goals and guides them towards a lifetime of self-sufficiency. A very important aspect of this program is providing reliable access to basic needs such as a food pantry, hygiene products and other household necessities. You can learn more about Saint Louise House at saint louise house.org.
Every donation is appreciated! By donating even just one item, you can ensure that a family doesn’t have to choose between going to the doctor and buying toothpaste. | |
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MCCALLUM FINE ARTS ACADEMY & MACTHEATRE PRESENT
Anything Goes |
FEB 19-22; FEB 26-Mar 1 | MCCALLUM ARTS CENTER
Mistaken identities, unlikely romances, and plenty of tap shoes collide aboard a transatlantic ocean liner! Anything Goes, with music and lyrics by Cole Porter, is a classic good-time musical with music, mayhem, and a whole lot of style!
When stowaway Billy Crocker boards the S.S. American to pursue the woman he loves, he finds himself tangled up with a nightclub singer, a lovestruck heiress, a public enemy, and a ship full of eccentrics. Don’t miss this rollicking good time on the high seas with the cast and crew of MacTheatre. 2 hours, including a 15-minute intermission Recommended for ages 10+
Buy your tickets now and save! There is an additional $2 charge for tickets bought at door, except at the student rate.
Check out our Instagram or Facebook pages for a sneak peek at rehearsals! |
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Because we love our kids, our school, our teachers and staff, it is time to GIVE BACK TO MAC. This is our school's annual hassle-free fundraising effort that allows the PTSA to enrich the McCallum experience for our entire community. Click here to donate: https://givebutter.com/givebacktomac26
This once-annual fundraising campaign helps supplement the AISD budget provided to McCallum, which only covers the minimal needs of our school. Our PTSA seeks additional funds because we strive to go above and beyond to provide exceptional support for our students and staff. This year we have had a lot of needs, so we need quick charitable action so we can adequately fund all of our commitments. We do a lot, and with your help, we can continue to do good things for our school. Some of Mac PTSA’s completed and ongoing projects are:
Gifted each teacher $100 to prepare their classroom so they don't have to spend their own money. Provided holiday bonuses for custodians Revamped the teachers' lounge to provide a relaxing, comfortable, useful communal space for our teachers and staff.
Host quarterly staff appreciation luncheons for over 100 teachers, staff and administrators. Provide volunteers in the school and at the homecoming dance to lend an extra helping hand. Support families, teachers, and staff in our vertical during times of hardship and need through Mac Cares
Offer McCallum Scholarship opportunities to seniors who wish to apply for money for college or trade school. Create a forum for parents and caregivers to come together and address important issues and challenges within the school. Donate funds to ensure a successful Homecoming Dance for all and Project Graduation for seniors.
Your generosity makes a huge difference to our beloved school and donations at every level count! If everyone participates, we will exceed our $26,000 goal. Additionally, if offered by your employer, we encourage seeking matching donations. Every bit counts! Thank you for including Give Back to Mac in your charitable giving this year. We appreciate you! |
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The PTSA Scholarship applications are now open! |
The MAC PTSA Scholarship applications for the 2025-26 school year are now officially open! This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to get support for their future endeavors. Please see the MAC PTSA 2025-26 Scholarship Flyer below for more information on the application process and requirements. |
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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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BLUE BRIGADE CONTEST SUCCESS |
The Blue Brigade spent last Saturday at Seguin High School for their first contest of the season and it was a huge success!
The following are the awards they came home with! Team Awards: - Best in class for Team Pom and Team Jazz routines - 1st Runner Up for Team Contemporary - High point winner and Crowd Pleasers Award for their Team Jazz
- They were 1st Runner up overall in the XL Classic Division Officer Awards: - Best in Class for all 3 of their routines - Grand Champion Officers in the XL Classic Division - Overall Grand Champion for the Classic Division Other Awards: - Chloe Seckar-Martinez - 7th Runner up in the Senior Soloist Category - Chloe Seckar-Martinez & Olivia Pittman - 2nd runner up for their duet - Our Ensemble won Highest Score in the Contemporary division - Academic Excellence Award for overall GPA for the team! |
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McCallum Artists Lead the Region at Scholastic Art Awards |
Congratulations to our McCallum visual art students for an outstanding showing at the 2026 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards! McCallum earned the most honors in the region with 31 Honorable Mentions, 16 Silver Keys, and 17 Gold Keys. A special congratulations to our American Vision Nominees — an elite recognition given to only five students in Central Texas. McCallum proudly earned three of those five spots:
Paulina Chandler, Eloise Darnall, and Mira Patel. Gold Key artwork now advances to national judging in New York City, with national medalists honored at Carnegie Hall this June. Updates to come this spring! LINK TO ONLINE ART GALLERY
Mira Patel, A Thousand Saffron Threads (oil painting with mixed media) |
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Check your closets and figure out what you are going to wear because the McCallum Fashion Show is almost here! This year's theme is Living Paintings: Meeting The Muse. The directors, designers and models have been working hard to bring you a show inspired by art and artists, so grab your tickets before they sell out!
The Cinematic Arts Program is hosting the show in the MAC theater on March 7 at 7pm and March 8 at 2pm. You can get your tickets here: https://maccinematicarts.ludus.com/200511700 |
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A message from our new College and Career Counselor |
Hello from your new College and Career Counselor!
I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself to those of you who I have not met yet. As I jump in mid-year, I also want to thank you for your patience in my first few weeks at MAC. With that said, please do not hesitate to swing by
Room 130 for college and career help. And I know it gets busy in the College & Career Center. If you would like to sign up for an individual appointment, please request an appointment here:
Appointment request.
Midyear transcripts & midyear reports
Seniors, all documents were sent to the Common App colleges you applied to.
Important
As a graduation requirement, seniors need to provide Dr. D with evidence showing completion
of a FAFSA. Or, seniors can complete an ‘opt out’ document for FAFSA. To ‘opt out’, click on this
form: FAFSA Opt Out form. You will need to print the document and sign it, then give the
paperwork to Dr. Denyszyn. If seniors have already emailed proof to Ms. Nix, Dr. Denyszyn does not have access to
Ms. Nix’s email account and needs FAFSA evidence as a graduation requirement. Please
submit or resubmit FAFSA evidence here: FAFSA completion. Interested in attending Austin Community College after graduation?
Are you a current senior interested in attending ACC after graduating from MAC? Or, are you a
current senior who is unsure of what’s next and is curious about attending ACC after
graduation? Please let Dr. D know by completing this short form and interested seniors will be
invited to attend a workshop with an ACC recruiter in Room 130. ACC Day for Seniors. Scholarships
Please use this link Updated SCHOLARSHIP DATABASE. to get more information about
scholarship opportunities. Dr. D updates this document weekly. Be sure to let Dr. Denyszyn
know what scholarships you were awarded so we can celebrate you at graduation! Document
awards here: Class of 2026 Scholarship Awards Below is an example of what the screenshot of a completed FAFSA looks like and this is what Dr.
D needs as proof. Your name and the completion date need to appear below the hot air
balloons. |
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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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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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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: 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.
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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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 Meeting Dates and Locations
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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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