McCallum High School

Weekend Update #28

Your weekly guide to all things MAC

Principal's Corner

As we enter the month of May, we’re excited to celebrate the rich diversity that makes our school community so special. This month, we recognize Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month and Jewish American Heritage Month—two important opportunities to honor the history, culture, and contributions of these communities to our nation and our world.

Throughout May, we’ll highlight stories, achievements, and voices that reflect the strength and beauty of these heritages. We encourage everyone to take part in learning, reflecting, and celebrating as we continue building a school culture rooted in respect, inclusion, and unity.

Thank you for being a part of this vibrant McCallum family.

AAPI
JAHM

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

  • I am thrilled to share that Carol Nelson has been honored with the first-ever Icon Award from Austin ISD! This well-deserved recognition celebrates her outstanding contributions, dedication, and lasting impact on our school community. Thank you, Carol, for everything you do — you truly are an icon!

  • Parents, thank you for taking the time to talk with your students about the importance of attendance last week. We saw improvement across all grade levels—except for our seniors. We're asking once again for your support in encouraging our senior class to finish strong by showing up to class every day! Your continued partnership makes a difference.

  • Invitations for the Trustee Awards were delayed this week, but will go out Monday. If you have any questions about whether your student is on the list, please reach out to Bonnie Baker at bonnie.baker@austinisd.org.

  • To all of our AP students — we’re cheering you on as you begin your exams! You've put in the hard work, and your teachers have done an incredible job preparing you for this moment. Trust in your knowledge, stay focused, and remember: you’ve got this! We believe in you and are proud of your dedication and effort.

Friday A/B Rotation

  • Friday, May 9th will be a A Day

  • Friday, May 16th 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.

  • Monday May 5th - Friday May 16th, AP Exams - on campus

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

  • Friday, May 16th, McCallum FAA Convocation, 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 5/5: Academic Advising

  • Tue 5/6: Cultural Heritage Month Lesson

  • Mon 5/12: Academic Advising

  • Tue 5/13: Cultural Heritage Month Lesson

Flexible Instructional Time (FIT)

  • Week of May 5-9

    • FIT sessions on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

  • Week of May 12-16

    • FIT sessions on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

RAVE Awards

rave

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

  • Cameron Tucker: I am guessing it can be challenging to connect with high schoolers. I want to take a moment to RAVE about Coach Tucker's positive influence on my son. My son often comments about how kind, giving, and thoughtful Coach Tucker is. It can be hard to drag out information about school from my son. But often without prompting, he talks about Coach Tucker, how much he appreciates him, and how much he admires Coach Tucker. Thank you so much for such an influential impact on my son.

  • Tonya Moore (from a student): She is an amazingly kind person who has HEAPS of generosity and kindness to go around. I visit her everyday I can, just to feel her positive vibes, and she is an amazing personality to talk with.

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. 

Teacher Appreciation Week is Here

This week, we celebrate the heart of our school — our amazing teachers! It's a special time to show just how much we value their hard work, passion, and the endless dedication they give to our students every single day.

A huge thank you to our incredible PTSA for organizing a week full of celebrations and thoughtful gestures to make our teachers feel truly appreciated and loved.

Take a moment this week to say thank you to a teacher who’s made a difference — they deserve it!

teacher

MacTheatre presents the Senior-Directed Spring Show: ALMOST, MAINE

Join us for a heartwarming evening under the Northern Lights as MacTheatre's senior class directors present ALMOST, MAINE, by John Cariani. This touching comedy unfolds through a series of whimsical and poignant vignettes about love -- lost, found, and rediscovered -- in a magical town than doesn't quite exist.

Tuesday, 5/6 and Wednesday 5/7 at 7PM in the Fine Arts Building Theatre.

Tickets are just $5 for students - available at mccallum.ludus.com

FAA

The Return of Mr. McCallum

After a long-awaited return, the legendary Mr. McCallum Pageant is back — and better than ever! Join us for a full week of fun, school spirit, and friendly competition leading up to the grand finale on Saturday, May 10th!

Our amazing students will compete in creative challenges and spirited events all week long, showing off their talent, humor, and heart. It all leads to the return of the Mr. McCallum Pageant, where finalists will take the stage and one will earn the crown!

Event Week: May 5–10
Pageant Night: Saturday, May 10
Location: MAC Theater

Come out, show your support, and be part of a proud McCallum tradition making its big comeback!

MRMCCALLUM

2022 Bond Project - Groundbreaking Ceremony

We’re excited to announce the start of an incredible new chapter for our campus—and we want you to be part of it! Join us for the official Groundbreaking Ceremony as we kick off Phase 1 of our Campus Modernization Plan.

Date: Monday, May 5th
Time: 11 am
Location: McCallum Arts Center

This is more than just a construction milestone—it’s a celebration of progress, vision, and the bright future we’re building together. Come hear from our leadership, see the plans for the new facilities, and share in this historic moment with fellow community members.

Let’s break ground—together.

Please RSVP here

Informational Flier

McCallum Literary Magazine is On Sale!

We’re proud to announce the release of this year’s edition of Excalibur, McCallum’s student-produced literary magazine! This beautifully crafted publication features original poetry, short stories, song lyrics, and artwork — all created, edited, and curated by our talented students.

Excalibur celebrates the voices, imagination, and creative power of our school community. Whether you're into thought-provoking prose or stunning visual art, there’s something in these pages for everyone.

Pick up your copy today and support student creativity!

Excalibur

AP EXAMS - Important Information

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.

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. (andy.baxa@austinisd.org) Your feedback is invaluable! Together, we can continue to make McCallum a place where every student thrives.

Ongoing Announcements

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

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

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
ABIA
ABIA

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!