Your weekly guide to all things MAC |
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This week is Teacher Appreciation Week, and I cannot begin to express how grateful I am to be the principal of McCallum High School. I am incredibly fortunate to work alongside a group of dedicated professionals who truly care about their students’ growth and well-being. Our teachers work tirelessly to support our students both in the classroom and beyond, often going far above and beyond their daily responsibilities.
Think of the countless activities that simply would not happen without the commitment of our staff. Major milestones like Prom, Graduation, and Homecoming are impossible to run without their coordination and energy. Beyond those marquee events, our teachers are the heartbeat of our extracurricular programs, showing up for everything from athletics to fine arts and every club in between.
By being there, our staff is helping to create the core memories that will stay with our students for decades. While students may not always recall every specific lesson taught in a classroom, they will always remember that the staff at McCallum loved them and did everything possible to make their high school experience a positive and successful one. Please join me this week in thanking our educators for their heart, their hustle, and their unwavering support of our students!
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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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Our MAC Quiz Show team showed incredible poise and intellect this week as they competed in the semifinal round of the Quiz Show Tournament against the defending champions from Round Rock. While it was a high-stakes match, we are extremely proud of our team's performance and the way they represented our school on the big stage. We know our players will build on this valuable experience to come back even stronger next year! If you missed the original broadcast, you can catch the encore airing of the episode tonight on PBS at 6 PM. Be sure to tune in and cheer on our brilliant students!
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Join us in wishing the best of luck to our standout track athletes as they compete at the Regional Track Meet this weekend! These students have put in countless hours on the track and in the field to earn their spot among the best in the region. We are incredibly proud to be represented by Julia Lentz, competing in both the 800m and 1600m, Lila Golding in the 800m, Piper Adair in the high jump, and Evans Thayer in the hurdles. They are all in pursuit of a State Title berth, and we know they will give it their all!
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As the sun sets on the diamond this week, we want to recognize our MAC Baseball team for their incredible effort throughout the spring. While our postseason journey came to an end with a tough first-round loss to Hendrickson High School, the final score doesn’t tell the whole story of this team's grit. We want to extend a huge thank you to our players and coaches for their tireless hard work and dedication. From early morning practices to late-night rallies, you represented our school with pride and sportsmanship. To our seniors: thank you for the leadership you’ve shown on and off the field. We are so proud of everything you’ve accomplished this year!
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We can hardly believe it, but the final stretch for the Class of 2026 is officially here! As we gear up to celebrate our seniors and their incredible achievements, we need your help to make these milestone events truly unforgettable. We are still looking for a ton of volunteers to ensure everything runs smoothly. If you have some time to spare, please consider lending a hand at one (or both!) of our upcoming celebrations:
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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! |
We didn't have any new RAVEs to feature in this week's update, but we know the appreciation for our staff is still going strong!
I recently heard from a parent who was concerned that a shout-out they submitted hadn't appeared yet. After looking into it, I discovered there is often a short delay between when you submit a RAVE and when it officially reaches our office for inclusion in the newsletter.
If you've submitted a nomination recently and don't see it here yet, don't worry, it’s on its way! We truly value these notes of gratitude, so please keep them coming. You can share your appreciation for any staff member who has made a meaningful impact by using the AISD RAVE link.
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AP Exams Begin this Week!
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Advanced Placement (AP) exams begin this week and will continue through May 15th. During this two-week testing window, our campus will continue to follow the normal bell schedule; however, the bells will be turned off throughout the exam periods to maintain a quiet testing environment. Students will need to be more mindful of the time to ensure they are on time for their classes. We also ask that everyone avoid the designated testing areas to prevent any disruptions for our students engaged in these rigorous exams.
For more details, students can review this document to learn about the schedule and what is expected on exam days.
Best of luck to all our students as they take on their AP exams, we are rooting for you!
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After years of inspiring students and helping shape the McCallum High School community, Bill Cauthern is retiring, and we’re celebrating him!
Please join us for cake, chips and dips, drinks, and great company. Parents, teachers, students, and alumni are all invited. Come swap stories, share some laughs, and help us send Bill off into retirement in style.
We’d love to see you there!
Mr. Cauthern’s Retirement Party
Thursday, May 7, 2026
4:30–6:30 p.m.
McCallum Arts Center – Gallery/Lobby
5600 Sunshine Dr, Austin, TX 78756
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A Message from Nurse Guinn |
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Tennis Tryouts/Meet and Greet |
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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!
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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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Interested in Playing Water Polo?
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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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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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