This past week we rolled out a new system to help manage student traffic in the hallways called MyHomework. This new pass system is designed not only to control the number of students in the hall at any given time, but also to provide valuable data that will help us understand our students' hallway habits better. Please know that this system is not intended to be punitive in any way, and we will continue to adjust our procedures as we go to ensure this system serves our school community effectively. In addition to this, MyHomework will help with scheduling for our Flexible Instructional Time, and also provides our students with great organizational tools to assist with assignment management. We're believe this system will support both the academic and logistical needs of our school.

On a different note, I’d like to express my sincere appreciation for our staff's quick and decisive response during yesterday's Secure Hold situation. When we decided to place the campus on a secure hold while police investigated a situation in the community, our staff acted swiftly to ensure the safety of our students. I’ve always had concerns about how quickly we could secure a campus of our size, especially during lunch, and yesterday proved our commitment to maintaining a safe environment for everyone. Thank you to our staff for their care of our students during the incident and thank you to our students for their attentiveness and support of each other.

Finally, I’d like to address an incident that occurred at last night's soccer match. Some fans were removed for using foul and abusive language during the match. I want to remind everyone that at McCallum sporting events, our expectation is that all cheers will be positive. We are there to support the Knights and celebrate their efforts—not to boo, taunt, or speak negatively about the opposing team or referees. Let’s keep the spirit of sportsmanship at the forefront of every game.

Thank you for your continued support, and let’s keep working together to make our school a place where all students feel safe, supported, and encouraged to succeed.

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

• SENIORS - Don't Forget to Apply for a PTSA Scholarship - Deadline is March 14!!

  Two $1000 scholarships are available to MAC PTSA members who are headed to college or pursuing other interesting plans upon graduation. Click on the link for applications and more information:

  https://mccallumptsa.org/about/ptsa/ptsa-scholarships/

• Please join me in congratulating the following students who participated in the Austin Regional Speech Contest on Sunday, 2/23, at UT Austin:

  • 2nd Place in Poetry Division: Lexie Petersen

  • 2nd Place in Free Speech Division: Quinn Stafford

  • Both students will be advancing to the State Japanese Speech Contest next month at Rice University. Let's wish them the best of luck!

• SAT Day on Tuesday - All Juniors will take the SAT. The rest of the campus will attend class on an adjusted B day schedule - Click here for more information, including a link to a practice guide.

• All AP payments are due by March 7th.  You may pay your balance at www.TotalRegistration.net/AP/440300.

• I would love to hear about the staff that makes a difference in your child's life. Please take a moment to recognize their contributions using this link; AISD RAVE. 

Friday A/B Rotation Schedule

Friday, March 7th will be a B Day

Friday, March 14th will be a Student Holiday

Calendar Highlights

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

Tuesday, March 4th, SAT Day for Juniors.

Friday, March 14th, Student Holiday, the front office will be open on a modified schedule.

Monday, March 17th - Friday, March 21st Spring Break

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

• Mon 3/3: Academic Advising

• Tue 3/4: Sat Day - No Round Table

• Mon 3/10: Academic Advising

• Tue 3/11: Women’s History Month Activity

Flexible Instructional Time (FIT).

• Week of March 3-7

  • FIT Sessions as normal on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

• Week of March 10-13

  • FIT Sessions as normal on Wednesday & Thursday

International Women’s Day on March 8th holds immense significance as a global tribute to the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It’s a day to acknowledge the progress made in advancing gender equality while recognizing the challenges that persist. This occasion serves as a powerful reminder to champion women’s rights, celebrate their contributions, and advocate for a world where every woman has the opportunity to thrive. By raising awareness and fostering solidarity, International Women’s Day plays a crucial role in shaping a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

At McCallum, we’re excited to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of women throughout this week. We invite students and staff to participate in honoring the women who have made a significant impact on their lives by contributing to our Wall of Notable Women. This cherished Mac tradition can be found near the trophy case in the center hallway. Let’s collectively recognize and appreciate the inspiring women who have shaped our world.

The Blue Brigade competed in their final contest of the season at Dripping Springs this past Saturday and finished strong! With an abbreviated schedule due to the weather, here are the highlights of the awards we brought home.

• Genre High Point Award for Team Pom Dance

• Academic Award of Excellence - Highest GPA

• Classic XL Varsity division officer

• Grand Champions Overall Grand Champion

• Classic Officer Division -1st runner up

• Classic XL Varsity Team Grand Champion

• Overall Grand Champion Classic Varsity Division

Senior Parents! Donate NOW to Sponsor a Senior for Project Graduation!

The Sponsor a Senior Project Graduation Fundraiser is well under way, but we still need help to reach our goal of $25,000.00.

What is Project Graduation?

It is fully community funded and funds go to celebrate the Senior class of 2025! Things like a Senior Carnival and Breakfast, as well as providing UBER codes for a safe ride home after prom and graduation are funded through this group! The hope is that each family donates $125.00 for their senior, but ANY amount helps!  The new tally is 80 families donating so far, with donations ranging from $25 to $1,250!! If you haven't donated yet, here's the link. or you can drop off a check at the Mac office in an envelope marked "Project Graduation!" Help us reach the $20K mark this week!  

We have a big update from the 2022 Bond for the future of athletics at our school! 

As you may know, Austin ISD comprehensive high schools will receive artificial turf and other athletic field improvements as part of the 2022 Bond. The design for our turf field has been submitted to the City of Austin for permitting, hiring of contractors is underway and we expect to start construction on the field in Summer 2025.

• In the meantime, we will be working with the district on accommodations for students while the athletic fields are under construction. Specific arrangements will be communicated as soon as they are finalized.

What’s next: We now anticipate our field to be complete by the end of 2025.

Go deeper: For the latest information on the projects, including the schedule for all projects and FAQs, please visit the Turf and Fields project website.

• You can also submit feedback through the Questions & Comments form. 

Thank you for taking the time to read the weekend update! At McCallum, we are always striving to improve, and I truly value the input of our parents and students. If you have any concerns or suggestions on how we can make McCallum an even better place, I encourage you to reach out. Your feedback is invaluable! Together, we can continue to make McCallum a place where every student thrives.

Austin ISD will be offering a free SAT test to each junior on Tuesday, March 4th. I want to highlight the significance of this assessment and the opportunities it presents for our students. The SAT, or Scholastic Assessment Test, is a standardized exam widely used for college admissions. It assesses students’ readiness for college and is a key factor in the admissions process. To prepare for success, students can utilize resources such as practice exams, study guides, and online tools. The SAT will be administered as a digital test and will require each student to bring their fully charged Chromebook on the day of the test. McCallum will follow the same test procedures we used for the PSAT to ensure a seamless testing experience. Encourage our juniors to take advantage of this opportunity as they embark on their journey toward higher education.

Click here for more information, including a link to a practice guide.

Austin ISD Special Education is developing an Inclusion Workgroup that fosters equitable and inclusive educational environments for students with disabilities. This group will comprise family and community members, campus administrators, teachers, teacher assistants, and speech & related services providers. Members will collaborate to assess current inclusive practices, identify areas for growth, and implement strategies to support students effectively. 

Monthly meetings will begin in April and continue through the 2025-2026 school year (no meetings during the summer months). If you want to join this group, please complete the AISD Special Education Inclusion Workgroup Application by Friday, March 7th, 2025.

For further information or to discuss specific questions, please contact the Director of Instructional Delivery, Inclusion, and Related Services Bailey Gates Bailey.Gates@austinisd.org.

As promised, we will continue offering final exam waivers for this semester, but with a couple of important modifications. In order to qualify for the waiver program, students must now maintain 90% attendance in all of their classes. Additionally, students will need to have a minimum 80 average in any class for which they wish to use a waiver. These changes are aimed at encouraging consistent attendance and academic performance, ensuring that students are fully engaged in their learning throughout the semester. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to support student success!

Hello MAC community!

The Counseling Department and Twilight program are seeking donations of snacks/simple microwaveable meals. Below is a suggested list of items. All products shipped or dropped off to MAC, please address to the "counseling department" and we'll sort donations for program needs.

Thank you so much for your consideration and support to MAC students. We really appreciate YOU! 

Questions? Please email Ms. Cristela Garcia at: cristela.garcia@austinisd.org 

CheezIts 

Goldfish

Skinny Pop popcorn (or other brand)

Pretzles/chips/assorted

Granola & protein bars

Mac n'cheese microwaveable cups

Fruit bars/dried fruit individual packs

Trail mix

Microwaveable soups

Microwaveable oatmeal

Beef jerky

Cheese/peanut butter crackers/assorted

(cannot use ramen that needs to be cooked)

Don't miss MacTheatre's production of Freaky Friday: The Musical, the classic Disney story about a mother and daughter who magically swap bodies and must race against time to switch back before the wedding of the year. As they navigate each other’s chaotic lives, they uncover surprising truths, mend broken relationships, and discover the unshakable bond between them. Packed with heart, humor, and catchy songs, this hilarious and heartfelt show is sure to provide a fun and unforgettable experience for all.

February 20-March 2, 2025

Thurs-Sat at 7pm and Sun at 2pm

McCallum Arts Center 5600 Sunshine Dr.

Tickets: mccallum.ludus.com