I've been reflecting on the events of this past week, particularly the near-panic we experienced on Thursday. It deeply troubles me that our children are growing up in a time when school shootings have become alarmingly common. It’s heartbreaking to hear students express fear about walking down certain hallways, knowing that there are not as many exits as other halls. They should be focused on typical high school concerns—friends, studies—not on which path offers the best chance of escape if something goes wrong. Because of this and many other reasons, ensuring school safety will always be my top priority, a responsibility I take very seriously. At McCallum High School, our commitment to the safety of our students, staff, and community is unwavering.
I also can't help but consider the impact of social media on this week's events. While we value the connections it fosters, we recognize its downsides. We've all witnessed how online debates can spiral out of control, often accompanied by the inevitable popcorn meme or GIF. It’s entertaining to watch the drama until our own community becomes the focus. I fully support the principle of "See Something, Say Something." Unfortunately this mantra relies on communication with the right people. In the wake of the incidents on Tuesday and Thursday, many were vocal about their concerns, but unfortunately, a lot of that information was inaccurate. During our investigation on Thursday, it became clear that while many were discussing their worries, few were actually reaching out to the school. I asked students how many friends they shared their concerns with compared to how many adults they informed; the ratio favored their peers significantly. I also heard that the parent Facebook page was quite active, but not everyone who posted there contacted the school.
In the future, I encourage you to reach out to the school directly if you have concerns or need information. I understand we live in a time where information is shared instantaneously, and the community wants updates about McCallum as they happen. While I can’t guarantee real-time communication, I assure you that we will share information as quickly as possible. My team and I are always here to listen and support our community.
Calendar Highlights
Monday, November 4th CAC meeting at 5:30 pm in the Library, followed by the PTSA meeting.
Tuesday, November 5th will be a student holiday. School offices will be open until 3 pm.
Thursday, November 7th is the Fine Arts Showcase. This is the kick off event to the application process for the McCallum Fine Arts Academy and is intended for perspective students.
Friday, November 8th will be a B day.
Friday, November 15th will be an A day.
Below are a few other items that came across my desk these past weeks:
I am thrilled to celebrate McCallum's remarkable achievement as an AP Gold Honor Roll campus. The AP School Honor Roll recognition underscores our commitment to enhancing the educational experience for our students. This accolade is bestowed annually, and it acknowledges schools that have successfully expanded access to Advanced Placement (AP) programs while delivering outstanding results for their students. Thank you to all of our teachers and students who made this accomplishment possible.
Congratulations to the MAC Band on another successful marching season. I know there was disappointment after missing out on State by one place, but I am extrememly proud of our bands accomplishments this year. Thank you to Ms. Nelson, Mr. Junkin, Mr. Pride, Mr. Rudy, Mr. Toruno and the entire MAC band for an amazing season.
Thank you to all the parents and staff who volunteered their time to help with the homecoming dance. The event was an overwhelming success!
November is a time when our Fine Arts schedule starts to pick up with concerts by various strands (piano, guitar, steel drums, etc) and our Fall play. Click here to see our FAA calendar of events.
The award winning McCallum journalism team released the first edition of the Shield this week. Students can find copies in the blue bins located around campus. Parents can keep up with the latest from MAC J through https://macshieldonline.com/ or by following MAC J on instagram.
Thank you for talking to your children about not going off campus at lunch. We have seen a decrease in off campus activity. This week I am asking for your help with our tardy issue. We are dealing with this issue administratively through a variety of consequences, and need your help reinforcing the importance of being on time for class.
Early voting ended Friday but you still have a chance to have your vote counted on Tuesday. I am asking you to consider Austin ISD's Prop A ballot initiative. Prop A gives the community the option to vote for increased funding to pay for teacher and staff raises and additional support for campuses. Click here for FAQ page.
Round Table Preview (included as part of the 2nd block class [2/6]) Begins at 10:41 am.
Mon 11/04: Academic Advising
Tues 11/05: Student Holiday
Mon 11/11: Academic Advising
Tues 11/12:
Character Strong: To Be Part 2/Next Steps
; This will be the second lesson in this series. The lesson are grade level specific.
Flexible Instructional Time (FIT).
November 4-8 we will hold FIT sessions on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 1st and 2nd block (10:41 - 11:04).
November 11-15 we will have FIT on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 1st and 2nd block (10:41 - 11:04).
Students may chose to attend tutoring sessions with their teacher or attend club sessions.
Some students will be assigned a FIT session by their teacher based on their performance in class. Students will be informed by their teachers if they are being assigned a FIT session.
Students are not allowed to leave campus or walk the halls during FIT.
