As we move through May, we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month—a timely focus as our students prepare for finals and the end-of-year push. This season can be both exciting and overwhelming, so it’s important we all take a moment to support the mental and emotional well-being of our students.

Here are three simple tips students can use - and parents can help reinforce at home:

1. Make a study plan – A clear schedule helps break big tasks into smaller, manageable steps.

2. Get plenty of rest – Sleep is essential for memory, mood, and stress management.

3. Take screen-free breaks – Even short walks, stretches, or quiet time can help recharge the mind.

We’re proud to see our school community come together in so many meaningful ways this month. A huge thank you to our Students of Color Alliance (SOCA) for their leadership and hard work in organizing events that celebrate the rich diversity of our school. Your AAPI Heritage Month events this week were outstanding—creative, thoughtful, and fun for all.

I also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our PTSA, parent volunteers, and school staff who went above and beyond to make this week’s Teacher Appreciation events so special. Our teachers felt the love, and we are so grateful to everyone who helped show them how deeply they are appreciated and valued!!!

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

• I am excited to share that attendance rates were up again this week—including a noticeable boost from our senior class! Thank you for helping to reinforce the message that attendance matters. Your partnership makes a real difference in keeping students engaged, supported, and on track for success. Let’s keep up the great momentum as we head toward the end of the school year!

• To all of our AP students — we’re cheering you on as you head into week 2 of AP exams! Remember - 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.

• We met with the Class of 2025 yesterday to go over everything they need to know for these final weeks leading up to graduation. Believe it or not, they have just 13 days left of high school!

  Click HERE to see what we shared with our seniors as they prepare to cross the finish line.

• 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. 

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 - 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 5/12: Academic Advising

• Tue 5/13: Cultural Heritage Month Lesson

• Mon 5/19: Academic Advising

• Tue 5/20: Final Exam Prep

Flexible Instructional Time (FIT)

• Week of May 12-16

  • FIT sessions on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

• Week of May 19 - 23

  • FIT sessions on Wednesday and Thursday.

  • Finals Begin on Friday May, 23rd

    • 1st and 2nd period Finals

    • School day ends at 1:05 pm

Finals are an important opportunity for students to demonstrate what they’ve learned and finish the semester strong. We encourage all students to do their best, stay focused, and take pride in the hard work they’ve put in this year. Parents, your support in helping students stay rested, prepared, and on time is invaluable!

Here is the Spring 2025 Final Exam Schedule:

Seniors (12th Grade Only)
Tuesday, May 20 – 7th & 8th period finals (during normal class time)
Wednesday, May 21 – 3rd & 4th period finals (during normal class time)
Thursday, May 22 – 5th & 6th period finals (during normal class time)

All Students
Friday, May 23
• 1st Period: 9:05 AM – 11:00 AM
• 2nd Period: 11:10 AM – 1:05 PM

Grades 9–11
Tuesday, May 27
• 5th Period: 9:05 AM – 11:00 AM
• 6th Period: 11:10 AM – 1:05 PM

Wednesday, May 28
• 3rd Period: 9:05 AM – 11:00 AM
• 4th Period: 11:10 AM – 1:05 PM

Thursday, May 29
• 7th Period: 9:05 AM – 11:00 AM
• 8th Period: 11:10 AM – 1:05 PM

School busses will depart campus at 1:15 pm during Final Exams.

Attention students!

We’re pleased to offer a Final Exam Incentive for those who have demonstrated strong academic commitment and responsible behavior throughout the year. If you meet all of the following criteria, you are eligible to apply:

There was a typo in the previous message about the attendance rate. Below are the updated eligibility criteria. 

• Maintained at least 90% attendance for all classes*

• Hold a semester average of 80 or higher in the course

• Have no more than 10 tardies total for the semester.*

• No disciplinary incidents resulting in ISS (In-School Suspension), HSS (Home Suspension), or removal to ALC (Alternative Learning Center)

What’s the incentive?
Qualified students may take the final exam as a "no harm" final, which means:

• You are still required to take the final exam.

• However, your exam score will not lower your overall course average — it can only improve it.

Important:
Students who do not attend the final exam will forfeit this incentive and receive a 0 as their final exam grade.

If you believe you qualify and would like to apply click here, please submit your request by 5 pm on Tuesday, May 13th.

Stay focused and finish strong — you’ve got this!

Dear Class of '26,

It is time to start the college application process. Mrs. Nix is here for you! If you would like to attend optional college essay and/or application work sessions, please sign up below. Please know that if you are unable to make the ones offered below or you just aren't mentally there yet, I will be offering more at the end of the summer that will cover the same content. It's all good! I promise that, no matter what, you will get across the finish line.

Sessions will be held in my room 130 and you should bring your laptop and/or Chromebook AND a list of schools in which you are interested in applying. This is for STUDENTS ONLY! Sign up HERE.

One of the most special traditions of graduation season is the Elementary Senior Walk—a moment when our graduating seniors return to the halls of the schools where their educational journey began. Walking through cheering students and former teachers, it's a full-circle celebration of how far they’ve come and the bright futures ahead.

Congratulations, Class of 2025—we’re so proud of you!

• 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 graduation regalia.

•  Senior Walks for students who attended an elementary school within the McCallum vertical team will be held on Monday, May 19th. Seniors should arrive at the elementary school by 7:30 am.

  • 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

    • Reilly Elementary School

    • Ridgetop Elementary School

• Oak Springs Elementary School will hold their walk on 5/23 at 2 pm.

• Doss Elementary walk in cap/gown is May 27 at 7:30 am

• Hill Elementary walk in cap/gown is May 27 at 7:30 am

We are thrilled to announce this year’s PTSA Scholarship recipients: Fox Redmond and Nathan Howard! These outstanding students represent the very best of McCallum—leaders, creators, and compassionate contributors to our school community.

Here’s what their teachers had to say:

Fox Redmond
"Fox was a natural choice for varsity soccer captain—not just for his skill, but for his ability to inspire and unify the team. He elevates those around him with leadership that motivates and connects."
"Few students are as consistent, prepared, and community-focused as Fox. His presence in PALS has helped create a truly supportive and service-driven classroom environment."

Nathan Howard
"Nathan is one of the most creative, compassionate, and intelligent students I’ve ever met. Their love of learning and commitment to excellence set them apart in every way."
"As a musician, Nathan’s talent is extraordinary. A piece they composed for choir, piano, and clarinet was so mature and powerful—it was a true highlight of my career to help bring it to life."
"Nathan is the kind of well-rounded, brilliant student that truly represents what makes McCallum special."

Please join us in celebrating Fox and Nathan for their incredible achievements, contributions, and bright futures ahead!

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!

The Musical Theatre class presents Beetlejuice, Jr. on Thursday May 15th in the Fine Arts Theatre. There are 2 shows with 2 different casts at 6:00pm & 7:30pm. It's free and tickets are not required, but we will be collecting donations at the door.

Join us for a special evening celebrating the creativity, vision, and hard work of our emerging filmmakers! The End of Year Screening showcases a diverse lineup of original work, including narrative fiction, documentaries, and experimental films—each offering a unique perspective and voice.

This event is more than just a screening; it’s a celebration of storytelling, craft, and the future of cinema. Come support the next generation of filmmakers and experience the stories they’re bringing to life.

Free and open to the public.
Don’t miss this inspiring night of film!

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!

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.

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

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.

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!