Your weekly guide to all things MAC |
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Happy International Women’s Week! This week has become a cherished tradition here at McCallum, providing us a dedicated space to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of women, both within our own campus halls and those who have shaped history and society on a global scale.
One of our favorite rituals is the creation of our Wall of Notable Women, where students and staff are invited to post shoutouts to the women who have made a profound difference in their lives. Adding to the excitement this year, we are thrilled to host our first-ever pep rally dedicated solely to our women’s sports programs. The Samba Knights will kick off the festivities with a hall march this Thursday morning, and we can’t think of a better way to bring our celebrations to a high-energy close.
As we look ahead, this is also our final week of school before Spring Break and, importantly, the conclusion of the current grading period. I want to encourage all students to stay focused during these final few days and take full advantage of every opportunity to improve their grades and submit outstanding work. Let’s finish this term strong so we can all enjoy a well-deserved and restful break. |
Calendar Highlights. McCallum General Information
Here are a few other items that came across my desk this week. |
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The UIL Academic District meet is on Saturday, March 28th at McCallum, and we are looking for students to join our teams! Students can compete in events ranging from Mathematics to Spelling to Current Events (and so much more). To get involved, please complete this form (bit.ly/Macademics) or come talk to Mr. Stockton in room 114. Rosters are finalized on Friday, March 13th so don't delay!
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Link Crew is currently accepting applications! Any current Sophomores and Juniors can apply. If you're friendly and enjoy helping others then this is the space for you. All applications are due by 4:45 on Friday, 3/13. Stop by room 113 (Friedman) or room 152 (Noack) if you have any questions.
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Great work to our Juniors on a successful SAT Day this past Thursday! We are so proud of your focus and effort. For any student who missed the exam, a makeup session will be held on Wednesday, March 25th. You must email Lisa Gorzell to register and secure your spot for the makeup test.
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The completion date for the turf project has been pushed back to May 4th. We are currently working with contractors to secure limited access for our athletes before that date. Additionally, please be aware that there will be an increase in construction noise on campus this week as contractors begin essential work on the roof repair project. We appreciate your patience as these campus improvements continue.
- Huge congratulations to our Full Orchestra groups for their incredible performances at UIL this past week! All three groups did an amazing job, with each one accomplishing a Sweepstakes rating. We are so proud of the dedication and artistry these students displayed on stage.
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Huge kudos to our Theater One Act group, who advanced to the next round with their powerful performance of The Shape of the Grave by Laura Lundgren Smith! We are incredibly proud of this achievement and look forward to seeing you take the stage at the Bi-District round. Keep up the amazing work!
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Don't forget to spring forward! Daylight Saving Time begins early this Sunday morning, March 8th. Remember to set your clocks one hour ahead before you go to bed on Saturday night.
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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 1 RAVE award heralding the amazing contributions of our staff! Kate Wiley - Multiple times, my son has indirectly shown he needed a little more help or time in learning. My son noticed and appreciated that rather than overlooking this need, Ms. Wiley has been curious of the issue and has accommodated him!
If a staff member has made a meaningful impact on your or your student’s life recently, please consider letting us 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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MAC Fashion Show is this Weekend! |
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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2nd Annual McCallum Art Party |
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Prom Tickets on Sale Soon |
Get ready to dance under the "City of Stars!" Tickets for the 2026 McCallum High School Senior Prom are about to go on sale, and you’ll want to grab yours early to catch the best price. The event will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM at the Etter-Harbin UT Alumni Center.
Ticket Sale Schedule Tickets will be sold exclusively during lunch on the following dates: March 23 – 27: Available in Room 122 ($35) March 30 – April 3: Available in Room 102 ($40) April 6 – April 10: Available in Room 122 ($45) Important Details
Pricing: Tickets start at $35 and will increase by $5 each week. Payment: Please bring cash or check only. Location: Etter-Harbin UT Alumni Center at 2110 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX. Don't miss out on the biggest night of the year, mark your calendars and get your payment ready! |
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Gullet Scholarship Application is Open |
The Gullett Elementary Alumni scholarship has been established to recognize former students who have excelled in their academic endeavors, supported their community through various service projects and/or participated in extracurricular activities, and proven they possess the drive to further their education. By granting this $1,000 Scholarship, we encourage students to pursue their educational goals, and we hope to continue the relationship between Gullett and its Alumni. Completed application packages must be submitted no later than May 4, 2026.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1irz-mgkCYs10gveajRLtJTuzORS_FjFy/view?usp=drivesdk |
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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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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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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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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 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. Questions? Visit Dr. Denyszyn in the College & Career Center (Room 130). | |
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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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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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