McCallum High School

Weekend Update #26

Your weekly guide to all things MAC

Principal's Corner

This week marks the celebration of Earth Day, a time for us all to reflect on the importance of caring for our planet. It’s a reminder that even the smallest changes in our daily routines can have a big impact on the environment. Whether it’s reducing waste, conserving water, or simply being mindful of our energy use, every action counts.

At McCallum, we’re encouraging students, staff, and families to think about how we can all make a difference — together. Let’s use this week to inspire positive change and continue to nurture the world around us for future generations.

ED

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

  • The Heller Awards took place this past week, and McCallum's production of Tuck Everlasting brought home two honors: Best Technical Execution and Best Featured Ensemble for Elora Clarke. Congratulations to everyone who contributed to the success of this incredible production!

  • This past week, our community came together for a meeting to review Phase 1 of our Modernization Plan. Attendees had the opportunity to hear updates, ask questions, and provide valuable feedback on the progress and future direction of the project. For those who were unable to attend, parents can view the full presentation using the link below:

    View the Phase 1 Modernization Plan Presentation

  • Senioritis is in full bloom, and we need your help! We've seen a drop in attendance among our senior class, and it's more important than ever for students to stay engaged. Please talk with your senior (really all students could use this reminder) about showing up and finishing strong. Every class counts on the road to graduation!

  • Speaking of attendance — time is running out for students to make up hours due to excessive absences. Any student with more than 4 absences needs to see their Assistant Principal ASAP to avoid potential credit loss. Don’t wait — take care of it now!

  • A huge congratulations to the 90 outstanding students who were recently inducted into the National Honor Society (NHS) at McCallum! Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence in academics, leadership, service, and character have earned you this well-deserved honor.

Friday A/B Rotation

  • Friday, April 25th will be an A Day

  • Friday, May 2nd will be a B Day

Calendar Highlights

  • Monday, May 5th, Ground breaking ceremony for Phase 1 of our Modernization Project

  • Monday, May 5th, CAC and PTSA meeting. CAC will start at 5:30 pm.

  • Tuesday, May 13th, Trustee Awards Knight in the MAC Theater

  • Friday, May 30th, Class of 2025 Graduation - 10 am at the Toney Burger Activity Center, doors open at 9 am.

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

  • Mon 4/21: Academic Advising

  • Tue 4/22: NO ROUND TABLE LESSON for EOC

  • Mon 4/28: Academic Advising

  • Tue 4/29: Round Table Lesson TBD

Flexible Instructional Time (FIT)

  • Week of April 21-25

    • We will have FIT sessions on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

  • Week of April 28- May 2

    • FIT sessions on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

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RAVE Awards

This week I received six RAVE awards, heralding the amazing efforts of a member of our staff.

  • Gabriel Adame - Mr Adame has played an integral role in assisting my child in what has been a challenging year for her for multiple reasons. I have personally met with him and he listens and, most importantly, follows through and makes a difference through his actions. He checks on my daughter and she realizes it’s genuine. When Mr. Adame left to do his graduate work it was a big loss for our campus, so having him back is a huge addition to your team. I would describe Mr. Adame as authentic & genuine but also direct with the ability to make a difference in a student’s life.

  • Marc Garcia - Mr. Garcia is amazing! He is such an incredible resource to McCallum and its students. I wish I had gotten to know Mr. Garcia on behalf of my child BEFORE he was a Senior. Mr. Garcia is a positive, encouraging force at McCallum. As a community, we are lucky to have his skills and can-do, supportive, understanding attitude.

  • Sarah Noack (from a student) - Ms. Noack always reaches out to every student individually and asks me how my weekend was, what I did over break, where I’m going for college, etc. And just sits and listens for as long as she can. It makes me feel so important and cared for.

  • Jason Rich - It may be his first year at McCallum but he's changed my daughter's life forever. Coach Rich has quickly become one of the most beloved teachers and coaches at McCallum for a variety of reasons; he cares and shows that caring daily, he is a solutions-oriented guy that isn't afraid of hard work or different ways of working with the bureaucracy of Austin ISD to find solutions to problems and issues, he does what he says he will do, and he's a great soccer coach - taking the McCallum girls soccer teams to new heights. He communicates clearly and when needed. My daughter is new at McCallum this year and he has worked to make sure she is supported, comfortable and challenged. We cannot thank him or rave about him enough.

  • Gabriel Adame - Mr. Adame is a terrifically supportive Assistant Principal. He is aware of school happenings and takes the necessary steps to ensure all have a voice at McCallum. He is so appreciated!

  • Nicollette Muller - Ms. Mueller has been so terrific with our daughter, with her various school scheduling conflicts and planning for the upcoming years. She has been such a solid force for our incoming Freshman and has been so validating. She is a terrific listener and action oriented counselor!

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. 

McCallum FAA Student Art on Display at ABIA!

We’re excited to share that artwork by McCallum Fine Arts Academy students is currently on display at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA)! 🎨✈️

This amazing exhibition features a collection of student pieces along with their artist statements, showcasing the creativity, talent, and hard work of our FAA visual artists.

How to view the exhibit in person:
You’ll find it on the west side of the baggage claim area, just inside the doors by Column C.

  • If you enter through a different set of doors, simply turn right and walk to the end of the baggage claim area past Carousel 1.

  • If you’re arriving on a flight, turn left after coming down the escalators and continue walking past Carousel 1.

Can’t make it in person? You can view the student artwork and artist statements online here:
View McCallum FAA Student Art Exhibit

Huge congratulations to our student artists for sharing their work with the broader Austin community!

ABIA
ABIA
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ABIA

AP EXAMS - Important Info!!

AP Students:

Here are a few items to help you prepare for the upcoming AP exams.

  • AP Exams will take place here at McCallum May 5th – May 16th.  Please check your College Board account to see what day and time your exams will be; they will be on your AP Classroom Dashboard AP EXAM DATESLinks to an external site.

  • Testing locations will be posted in the hallway by the cafeteria.

  • Morning exams - please arrive at your testing location by 7:30 am. If you are testing with accommodations, please make sure you bring your lunch because your exam will most likely go through our scheduled lunch period.

  • Afternoon exams -  please arrive at your testing location by 11:45 am.(make sure you check in with your 2nd / 6th Period teacher before you head to your afternoon testing location)

  • If you have an afternoon exam, you will not have a scheduled lunch break.  Please make sure you bring your own lunch/snacks to eat during your free time and breaks. 

  • If your exam is in the gym, please enter the building from the outside near the Art & Piano Portable.  There will be signs. 

  • College Board Login Information: This is very important. You will need to know your College Board login information (email and password). You will NOT be able to use the saved password function on your chromebook. You will NOT be able to take your exam if you do not know this information. I have provided a QR code and a video to assist if needed. 

AP Student Account Help PosterLinks to an external site.

AP Student Account Help VideoLinks to an external site.

  • It’s advisable to bring a jacket/sweatshirt or dress in layers, in case the room is too hot/cold. 

  • Bring your fully charged school issued Chromebook.

  • What you should and should not bring to the exam room.Links to an external site.

  • Please reach out to lisa.gorzell@austinisd.org if you have any questions.

FINE ARTS ACADEMY WEEK COMING UP!

Get ready, McCallum! Our annual Fine Arts Academy (FAA) Week is just around the corner — a beloved tradition where our incredibly talented FAA students shine!

Throughout the week, students from every strand of our academy will showcase their creativity, skill, and passion through a variety of performances, exhibits, and hands-on activities. From visual arts and dance to theatre, music, and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

This is a special opportunity for the whole school community to come together and celebrate the amazing work happening across our fine arts programs. See the image below for the full schedule of events — you won’t want to miss it!

FAA

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 5-9th

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 5-9th, so McCallum PTSA has put together fun events and activities to shower our teachers with love and thanks!

We would love your help to make Wednesday extra special with a gift that will carry teachers till the end of the year...let's stock the Teacher's Lounge! Donate non-perishable individual snacks and canned drinks to the office now until May 5th. And on Friday, May 9th, we are asking all students and parents to send notes of appreciation, gifts, flowers, and/or treats to your kids' teachers.

Thank you for supporting our awesome teachers and staff!

Use the QR code below to sign up to donate snacks and drink:

QR

STAAR EOC Exams - LAST WEEK of TESTING

This month marks the beginning of the STAAR End of Course (EOC) exams for our students. Over the next month, we will administer five important exams:

  • English I on April 8th, with make-up tests on April 10th.

  • English II on April 9th, with make-up tests on April 10th.

  • Biology & US History on April 15th, with make-up tests on April 16th.

  • Algebra I on April 22nd, with make-up tests on April 23rd.

Students will need to bring their charged Chromebooks with them on the day of their EOC exams.

Please take a moment to talk to your students about the importance of giving their best effort on these exams. Passing these tests is not only a graduation requirement, but student performance also plays a key role in our school’s accountability rating. We know McCallum is a special place, and I want our test results to reflect the incredible potential of our students and the hard work of our amazing staff.

Let’s show everyone what we’re capable of!

The Art of Being

The McCallum Youth Dance Company presents their student directed concert, "The Art of Being," on Thursday April 24th & Friday April 25th, at 7pm at the McCallum Arts Center. The concert is completely student directed & choreographed! Tickets can be purchased using the QR codes on the posters around campus. We hope to see you there!

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SHAC Update

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

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.

Ongoing Announcements

Class of 2025 Elementary Walks

  • Seniors who attended Davis Elementary: Calling all Davis Elementary alumni! You are invited to attend our Senior Walk on Tuesday, May 27th, at 8am.  Seniors should arrive by 7:45am to check in wearing their graduaiton regalia.

  •  Senior Walks for students who attended an elementary school within the McCallum vertical team will be held on Monday, May 19th.

    • McCallum Vertical Team:

      • Blackshear Elementary School

      • Brentwood Elementary School

      • Campbell Elementary School

      • Gullett Elementary School

      • Highland Park Elementary School

      • Lee Elementary School

      • Maplewood Elementary School

      • Oak Springs Elementary School

      • Reilly Elementary School

      • Ridgetop Elementary School

Scholastic National Award Recipients!

Congratulations to our exceptional Scholastic National Award Recipients!

  • Conor Coco Gray – Gold Medal and American Visions Award (only 150 students in the nation received the American Visions Award with a scholarship) for "Don't Touch My Hair," Linoleum Print.

  • Ruijia Xiong – Gold Medal for "A Day of Confusion," Watercolor and Colored Pencil.

  • Stella Proctor – Honorable Mention Portfolio for "I Dream in Technicolor," Mixed Media.

These remarkable works were reviewed at the national level in New York City by panels of creative professionals. National medalists will be honored at an award ceremony at Carnegie Hall in June. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and wish them the best in the upcoming celebration!

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Calling All Former Gullett Geckos!

The Gullett Elementary Alumni Scholarship is awarding $1,000 to a graduating AISD senior who once walked the halls of Gullett Elementary! This scholarship recognizes students who have excelled in academics and extracurriculars, and who demonstrate a strong ambition to continue their education beyond high school.

Our goal is to support and celebrate our alumni as they take the next step in their academic journey—while continuing to build the lasting bond between Gullett and its graduates.

Do you know a graduating senior who attended Gullett? Please help us spread the word!

Deadline to apply is May 2, but early submissions are encouraged.
Application link: Gullett Alumni Scholarship Application

Let’s cheer on our Geckos as they reach for their future!

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Exploring Changes to Our Student Ranking System - Updated Information.

As part of our ongoing efforts to evaluate and improve the academic experience at McCallum, we are exploring the possibility of adjusting the way we rank our students. Specifically, we are considering a move to only rank students who fall in the top 10% of their graduating class, with students outside of that range not receiving an official class rank.

This potential shift follows the example set by four other AISD campuses—Austin High, Anderson High, LASA, and Ann Richards—that have already made the transition to an unranked system. We believe this change could provide a more equitable approach to ranking and better reflect the diverse strengths of our students.

Importantly, students who would like to know their class rank will still have access to it, regardless of whether they fall within the top 10%. This ensures that students can still apply for awards, scholarships, or other opportunities that require the disclosure of class rank.

To ensure we make an informed decision, we want to hear from you, our McCallum families. I have included the impact study completed by our staff, which outlines the potential effects of this change on our students and the overall academic culture. Please take a moment to review this information and share your thoughts.

If you haven’t yet, we encourage you to complete our brief survey, and we want to thank those who have already shared their feedback. Your input is invaluable as we work together to make the best decision for our students.

Class of 2025 - Project Graduation

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!  

2025

Final Exam Waivers

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!

whiteboard

Join the MAC PTSA

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!