Your weekly guide to all things MAC |
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This is certainly an interesting time for all of us in education. Many of you have likely seen the news coverage concerning the current financial situation, not only for our district but for schools across the state. With so much uncertainty about what next year might look like, I want to reassure our staff and community that I remain steadfast in my commitment to supporting our students, our teachers, and our campus community through whatever transitions may come.
Before we look ahead, I must pause and offer a sincere apology. In last week’s update, while celebrating our incredible Administrative Professionals, I failed to also highlight another group that is equally invaluable to our school: our parent and community volunteers. Last week was School Volunteer Week, and I sincerely apologize for not recognizing your contributions. Our volunteers are an essential part of countless programs, often working side-by-side with our administrative professionals to directly support our students and staff. Thank you to both of these groups for your tireless dedication to McCallum!
Now, as we officially enter the final month of the school year, we are focused on finishing strong. We have many events scheduled, but the primary focus remains on academic excellence, culminating in final exams. Parents, we make a heartfelt plea for your support over these last few weeks: please help us maintain high attendance and engagement levels. Every school day counts toward completing lessons, preparing for finals, and securing critical course credits.
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Calendar Highlights.
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Monday, May 4th - CAC and PTSA meetings, location TBD
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Monday, May 4th - Friday, May 15th - AP Exams
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Tuesday, May 12th - McCallum Awards Knight
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Monday, May 18th - McCallum Vertical Team Elementary Walks
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Friday, May 29th - Graduation, 4 pm Toney Burger Arena
McCallum General Information
Here are a few other items that came across my desk this week.
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We are thrilled to announce the successful opening of the special photo exhibit commemorating the 10th anniversary of the WRKxFMLY photo project at McCallum! The enthusiastic response to the opening this past week was a wonderful tribute to a decade of incredible work by our current and former students, who have used photography and captions to capture and share their unique perspectives on what family and work mean to them. We extend a huge thank you to all the students whose talent, honesty, and effort have made this project such a celebrated success on campus and on a national platform. A special thank you is also due to Mr. Winter and Mr. Solis for their tireless efforts in bringing this incredible exhibit together. The exhibit, which officially opened on April 23rd, will be featured on MacJournalism platforms, the Working Assumptions website, and will remain on display for the remainder of the semester. Be sure to stop by and view this powerful collection!
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The McCallum Knights Softball team concluded a truly memorable season last night with a heartbreaking extra-inning, one-run playoff loss to Hendrickson High School. While the end result was tough, the grit, skill, and sportsmanship demonstrated by this team throughout the year have been nothing short of exceptional. We are extremely proud of every player and their accomplishments this season. Thank you, Coach Whatley, for your leadership and for guiding the team through such a successful and inspiring campaign. Go Knights!
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We understand that parking is a challenge at McCallum, and the demand for spaces often exceeds availability. This limited capacity is compounded when vehicles are not parked correctly. We urge all students to be mindful of how you are parking. Please ensure your vehicle is fully contained within the painted lines of designated parking spots. An increasing concern is the use of non-designated areas for parking, specifically the grass fields. These areas are not intended for parking and parking there can damage school property. Please be advised that vehicles parked illegally, including those obstructing traffic, parked outside of marked spaces, or parked on grass fields, could be subject to towing at the owner's expense. Your cooperation is essential to maintaining a safe and orderly campus environment.
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Awards Knight, which will be held on Tuesday, May 12th. This special evening is dedicated to recognizing the hard work, talent, and dedication our Knights have shown throughout the school year. From academic excellence and department awards to special honors, we look forward to coming together as a community to applaud the success of our scholars. Stay tuned for more specific details regarding the start time and location as the date approaches. We can’t wait to see you there to honor the Class of 2026 and our underclassmen! Go Knights!
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Have ideas or feedback? Please feel free to email me directly at andy.baxa@austinisd.org.
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Staff Shout-Outs: Share Your RAVES! |
This past week we received 2 RAVES highlighting the amazing contributions of our staff.
Gabriel Adame - In belated honor of AP Appreciation Week just have to give a huge shout out to Mr. Adame for the help he has given us over the years at MAC. He is a true advocate for these kids. He makes time to address issues and even proactively follows up. He has been flexible and, along with Ms. Croom and different case managers have really helped navigate some sticky situations. Thank you Mr. Adame!
Sara Zettner - Witnessing Sara run the front office is a master class in efficiency and grace! She handles the hundreds of daily needs of students and caregivers with incredible speed and a kind word for everyone. When things don’t go as planned, Sara is the one with the solution already in motion. From keeping the entrance secure to staying updated on every moving part of the school, she handles it all with enviable poise. Sara doesn’t just keep things running - she is constantly looking for ways to make every interaction with McCallum better for everyone.
If a staff member has made a meaningful impact on you 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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Spring Final Exam Schedule & Preparation |
The end of the school year is quickly approaching, and with it comes the final exam period. These exams are an important part of the learning process, offering our students one last opportunity to demonstrate their comprehensive understanding and mastery of the course content from the entire semester. Preparing effectively is key to finishing the year strong!
We encourage all students to begin preparing now for their final exams. Consistent, daily effort is far more effective than last-minute cramming. Here are three simple steps to incorporate into your routine:
Review Daily Notes & Assignments: Spend 15-20 minutes each day reviewing the notes and homework from the current week in each subject. This prevents the material from piling up.
Identify Weak Areas: As you review, use your practice tests, quizzes, and unit exams to pinpoint concepts you struggled with. Focus your study time on these specific areas rather than material you already know well.
Use Available Resources (FIT/Tutorials): Sign up for a FIT session or attend teacher tutorials for personalized help with challenging content. Your teachers are ready to assist you in bridging any gaps in your knowledge.
Final Exam Policy and Scheduling
To uphold test security and ensure a manageable workload for our dedicated teaching staff, final exams cannot be administered before the official exam window for a specific grade level begins.
We understand that scheduling conflicts sometimes arise. Once the official exam window for your grade has opened, students who have a conflict may coordinate with their teacher to schedule an alternate exam time within that designated window.
For any student unable to complete their final exam during the testing window, arrangements can be made for the student to take the exam over the summer. The student's final grade will be officially updated once teachers return in August.
Senior Exam and Final Week Schedule
In order to provide time to identify any students who may need additional support to reach their graduation goal, seniors will begin their final exams before the rest of the campus.
Seniors are still required to attend school through the remainder of the semester. We will have special senior activities, including senior check out, carnival and graduation practice, set up for the week following Memorial Day.
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McCallum Water Polo Starts August 3rd! |
The McCallum Water Polo Team begins practice the week of August 3rd (Tues/Thurs/Fri, 8-10 PM at Westlake). No experience is necessary! Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or just looking for a new, challenging sport, we welcome you to join the team!
For more information and to sign up, please contact Coach O'Neal at catherine.oneal@austinisd.org.
Beginner Clinics:
New to the sport? Beginners clinics will also run on Thursdays, August 13th and 20th, from 8-10 PM at Westlake, led by McCallum Water Polo alums. This is a great opportunity to learn the fundamentals in a supportive environment!
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MAC Dance Presents "Sonder" - Opens This WEEK! |
The McCallum Youth Dance Company can’t wait to see you at this year’s student-directed concert, Sonder! Sonder is the realization that each random passerby has a life as vivid and complex as your own. Every piece is meant to tell a story from the choreographer’s life. Showings are at 7PM on April 30 and May 1.
Tickets can be purchased at mccallum.ludus.com or by scanning the QR Codes around campus.
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Step Right Up for the Freshman Spring Carnival! - The Fun Begins on Wednesday!
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Get ready for some old-school fun! Our Freshman Student Council representatives are hard at work planning the Class of 2029 Spring Carnival. This is the perfect opportunity to take a break, hang out with friends, and support our newest Knights.
When: April 29th and 30th during Lunch
Where: On campus (Check for the colorful banners!)
Tickets: 1 ticket for $1 or grab a bundle of 7 tickets for $5
Whether you're looking to win some prizes at the game booths or just want to soak in the festive atmosphere, make sure to bring a few dollars and join the fun. All proceeds go toward supporting Freshman class activities and future events.
Let's show up in full force to support the Class of 2029
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Austin PBS’s High School Quiz Show - Semi Finals Air This Week! |
Our McCallum High School Quiz Show team is officially moving on! After a thrilling battle of wits against St. Michael’s, the Knights have claimed victory and secured their spot in the semifinal round of Austin PBS’s High School Quiz Show.
We are incredibly proud of the hard work, quick reflexes, and deep knowledge these students displayed on the big stage. They’ve proven that MAC brainpower is a force to be reckoned with!
Don't miss the next round of action as the Knights continue their quest for glory. You can watch the broadcast on Austin PBS at the following times:
Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 8:00 PM
Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 6:00 PM (Encore)
Let’s keep the momentum going and show our school spirit from home. Huge congratulations to the team, and best of luck in the semifinals! Go Knights!
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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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Gullet Scholarship Application is Open - Closes Soon! |
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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2026 Senior Walk Lee Elementary |
Russell Lee Elementary Alumni Senior Walk!
The faculty, staff, and current students of Russell Lee Elementary invite our former students back to where it all began to celebrate their high school graduation. There is nothing quite like the magic of seeing our former students return to walk the halls, high-fiving our younger Roadrunners and reconnecting with former teachers. It is a powerful reminder to our current students of where their hard work and dedication will eventually lead them.
Graduating seniors are all invited to join us on Monday May 18th at 7:45am. Graduates are encouraged to wear their cap and gown and we will gather in the front of the school before taking a tour through campus, ending with time in the library to catch up with old friends and classmates before your next chapters begin.
To help us plan for approximate numbers, please RSVP at the google form here. Questions? Please email Sarah Farrell at sarah.farrell@austinisd.org
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Celebrate the Legacy: Ridgetop’s Final Farewell Events |
As Ridgetop prepares for its next chapter, we invite our community, alumni, and students to join us for a series of emotional and celebratory "Final Walk" events to honor our history.
Class of 2026 Senior Walk Monday, May 18th | 7:30 AM Attention graduating seniors! We invite all former Ridgetop students in the Class of 2026 to return to where it all began. Don your cap and gown for one final lap through the halls that started your journey. Let’s celebrate your graduation and the legacy you leave behind.
Final Student Walk (Grades 6-11) Friday, May 15th | 7:30 AM We aren’t forgetting our underclassmen! Any former Ridgetop students currently in grades 6th through 11th are invited to participate in a special "Final Walk" to reconnect with old teachers and say a formal goodbye to the campus.
End of an Era Party Thursday, May 28th | 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM Everyone is invited! Join us for a community-wide celebration as we host the "End of an Era" party. Whether you are a current family, an alum, or a neighbor, come share memories, enjoy the festivities, and help us send off Ridgetop in style.
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Bulldog Alumni Senior Walk: A Homecoming Celebration! |
Calling all graduating Class of 2026 Seniors, it’s time to come home to Brentwood Elementary! On Monday, May 18, we invite our former Bulldogs and their families to participate in the Bulldog Alumni Senior Walk.
Please assemble in the Gym (entrance now located at 6703 Yates Ave) at 7:45 AM to prepare for the walk at 8:00 AM. Don your cap and gown (or your favorite tie-dye!) and get ready to walk the halls to the cheers of 700 current Bulldogs. It’s a morning for memories, photos, and catching up with old friends over coffee and donuts afterward. We can't wait to celebrate your journey from elementary school to graduation! For any questions, please reach out to Laura Beck at 512-786-1098.
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Upcoming Girls Basketball Camps |
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CONTRIBUTE TO THE SHIELD’S ANNUAL FUNDRAISER |
The Shield is a national award-winning newsmagazine and website run by students in McCallum’s journalism program. Throughout the year, student reporters and editors cover school sports, fine arts, special events, and breaking news in the community.
In the model of a professional newsroom, our students pitch and report their own stories, conduct interviews, and produce regular podcasts and news videos. Students also run the MacJ Instagram account, which recently won Best Social Media Reporting in the nation from the National Scholastic Press Association.
This year, our student reporters have expanded their coverage to include regular Spanish-language content, in the hopes of including and reaching more members of the McCallum community. They have also taken a trip to the past with their new darkroom, which allows them to shoot, develop, and print with analog film.
To support our students in these activities, our program must purchase materials, pay to enter and travel to contests, and pay for our website and print editions. To help do this, we are asking for community support. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the hard work our student journalists do!
DONATE TO MACJOURNALISM HERE: https://mccallumwebstore.myschoolcentral.com/(S(mvjffymtuhpzgvxktneqxzjx))/Index.aspx#/22558/product/1863
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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
SHAC Agenda April 15, 2026 (English)
SHAC Agenda April 15, 2026 (Spanish)
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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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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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