We’re quickly approaching the six-week progress report, and we want to remind everyone that this report is a bit different from the others. The six-week progress report is the only one that can affect student eligibility for extracurricular activities. Students who are failing any course at the six-week mark will lose eligibility. A failing grade is defined as anything below a 70. However, students enrolled in Advanced, AP, or OnRamps courses will retain eligibility with a grade of 60 or higher. Please take some time to check in with your student and encourage them to connect with their teachers if they need support.

This week, we’ve also noticed an uptick in phone usage during the school day. As a reminder, our policy on personal communication devices is in effect from the first bell at 8:55 a.m. until the last bell at 4:35 p.m. Parents, we need your help in reinforcing these expectations at home. Your support is key to helping us minimize distractions and keep the focus on learning.

On a brighter note, last night was an exciting evening for Knights athletics. Our volleyball team faced off against our rival, Anderson High School, in a thrilling match. While Anderson ultimately came away with the win, I’m incredibly proud of how hard our athletes competed. Thank you to all the students and families who came out to show their support. Meanwhile, our football team opened district play with an impressive 45-14 victory over Elgin. They’ll take on Bastrop this Thursday night at House Park, and we hope to see a big crowd there!

Finally, good luck to the MAC Band as they compete today at the Bands of America Competition. We’re cheering you on and proud of your continued excellence!

GO KNIGHTS!

Wishing everyone a great week ahead,

Calendar Highlights

• Monday, September 22nd - Student Holiday, Staff Professional Development

• Tuesday, September 23rd - Student Holiday, Staff Professional Development

• Monday, October 6th - CAC at 5:30 pm and PTSA General Meeting at 6:30 pm both will be in the library.

• Friday, October 10th - Student Holiday, School office will be open on an adjusted schedule

• Monday October 13th - Student/Staff Holiday

• Monday, October 20th - Student Holiday, Staff Professional Development

• Tuesday, October 21st - PSAT Day at McCallum - 10th and 11th grade students - more information coming in a future update.

McCallum General Information

• AB Calendar

• Bell Schedule (Updated on 8/28/25)

• McCallum Campus Map

• AISD Personal Device Policy

• McCallum Personal Device Protocols

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

• Grading Procedures at McCallum - At McCallum, grading policies are designed to be consistent within each academic department or course to ensure fairness and clarity for all students. While each department has the flexibility to set its own grading categories and weightings, all grading policies must align with Austin ISD board policy. We understand there have been some questions about how certain grading categories are determined. These decisions are made at the department level, with input from teachers to ensure the policy supports student learning and accurately reflects performance in that subject area. If you have specific questions about grading in a particular class, we encourage you to reach out to the teacher for more details.

• We’ve recently received complaints from neighbors regarding McCallum students parking in areas where they are not permitted. Most notably in the parking lot of the neighboring apartment complex.

  We want to remind students and families that parking in private lots without permission is not allowed and may result in vehicles being towed at the owner's expense. Parents, please talk with your student about the importance of respecting our neighbors and only parking in designated student parking areas. Thank you for helping us maintain positive relationships with our surrounding community.

• Link Crew still needs your help! Link Crew is expanding their reach into the lives of our freshmen this year with some fun pizza lunches hosted by the junior & senior Link Crew Leaders but we need help funding them. We would appreciate it if you could "shout us a pizza" ($10 is a pizza but any amount is helpful). Every donation helps us create spaces to connect our freshmen into our Mac community. Thank you for investing in the lives of our youngest Knights! Click the link below to shout us a pizza :) 

  https://mccallumwebstore.myschoolcentral.com/(S(ziqh0b4r54eiymjaov3wkxjv))/Index.aspx

• I've received a few questions about the Final Exam Incentive Program and whether it has truly been discontinued for this school year. The answer is yes, we have made the decision to eliminate the program. We understand that this change may be disappointing to some students, and we acknowledge the frustration that can come with the loss of this privilege. Students in AP courses may still take advantage of an exam waiver through AISD Board policy EIAA (local).

• Parents, we need your help to ensure a safe and orderly campus. All visitors to McCallum should enter through the main entrance, which is located in the circle drive. Look for the flagpoles to confirm you are in the correct location. Our temporary front office is currently housed in the library. You can access it through the double blue doors near the main entrance. Thank you for following our visitor procedures and helping us maintain a secure environment for all students and staff.

One of my favorite things to work on each week is this section, where I get to share the amazing things you say about our incredible staff through the AISD RAVE (Recognizing All Valuable Employees) program. This week, we received 1 RAVE submission highlighting the outstanding work of our MAC team!

• Patricia Holmes - Ms. Holmes brings so much energy, positivity and flexibility to the classroom. She was integral in helping our class when the lead teacher was out. She is incredibly smart and intuitive about helping her life skills students thrive and navigate changes or frustrations. Thank you, Ms. Holmes!

Thank you for sharing how our staff postively impacted your student's life. Keep those RAVEs coming! Click here to submit a RAVE.

Get ready to smile! School picture days for students in 9th through 11th grade will take place this Wednesday and Thursday.

• Photos will be taken during your English class.

• Be sure to come to school prepared and dressed appropriately for your portrait.

• These photos will be used for the yearbook and student IDs, so don’t miss out!

If you have any questions, please contact the main office.

We are thrilled to announce that the McCallum Journalism program has received multiple national recognitions from the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA), one of the highest honors in student journalism!

Individual Excellence:
Several Shield staff members have been named finalists for individual awards in national categories, recognizing their outstanding reporting, writing, and journalistic leadership:

• Nate Williams (former Editor-in-Chief)

• Lillian Gray

• Sofia Celio

• Mira Patel

Shield Named 2025 Pacemaker Finalist:
In addition to individual honors, The Shield newspaper has been named a 2025 Pacemaker Award finalist, widely considered the Pulitzer Prize of student journalism. This national recognition celebrates the work of the entire staff, whose collective efforts have earned The Shield a place among the best student publications in the U.S.

What’s Next:
Winners will be announced at the NSPA Fall National High School Journalism Convention on November 15, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. Whether individual or staff-wide, these honors are a reflection of the hard work, talent, and dedication of our incredible student journalists.

Please join us in congratulating the Shield staff and cheering them on as they head into the final round of national competition!

At McCallum, we believe that being present is powerful; in every class, every day. Consistent attendance plays a vital role in academic success, and we’re grateful to our students, families, and staff for making it a priority.

This week, we saw a slight but meaningful increase in our attendance rate: up to 94.21%, which is nearly three-quarters of a percentage point higher than last week. That’s a step in the right direction!

Let’s keep the momentum going! Here’s why attendance counts:

• Students who attend regularly are more likely to stay on track academically.

• Daily participation builds strong connections with peers and teachers.

• Good attendance habits prepare students for success beyond high school.

Thank you to our students, families, and staff for supporting a culture of commitment and consistency.

Let’s keep raising that number together!

Understanding 504 Plans in Education
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal civil rights law that protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination. In public schools, this law ensures that students with disabilities have equal access to education by providing necessary accommodations through a 504 Plan. The purpose of the 504 program is to remove barriers caused by a disability, allowing students to participate in the general education environment on equal footing with their non-disabled peers.

What Is a 504 Plan?
A 504 Plan is a formal document that outlines specific accommodations or supports a student may need to access the general education curriculum. These plans are intended for students with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as learning, concentrating, or managing a medical condition.
504 Plans are designed for students who do not require specialized instruction, but who benefit from changes in the learning environment to support their success in school.

504 Plan Meetings at McCallum
At McCallum, we follow a structured process for initiating and reviewing 504 Plans.

Initial 504 meetings are held for:

• Incoming 9th grade students with an existing 504 Plan

• Students who transfer to McCallum with a 504 Plan

• Students who are newly identified as potentially eligible for 504 support

These meetings take place throughout the fall semester and focus on reviewing the student’s current accommodations and determining how they will be implemented in the high school setting. In some cases, accommodations from a previous school may be revised to better fit the support systems and instructional environment at McCallum.

Following the initial meeting, we typically conduct a formal review every three years, unless a concern is raised that requires an earlier review. Between formal reviews, we will hold snapshot meetings to check in on a student’s progress and evaluate whether any adjustments to the plan are needed. If no changes are necessary, a full meeting is not held.

When Additional Support May Be Needed
If a student continues to face challenges despite having a 504 Plan, it may indicate that the current supports are not sufficient. In these cases, the student may be referred for a special education evaluation to determine whether more specialized instruction and services are needed. If eligible, the student would then receive support through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

For questions about 504 Plans or the referral process, please contact your student's counselor or the 504 Coordinator at McCallum, Jennifer Padron.

The Class of 2026 is already off & running fast with fundraising!  Thanks so much to everyone that has contributed.  

We are halfway to our goal of $35,000.  If you have not already contributed to Supporting a Senior, please donate here macprojectgrad.square.site/

The first round of senior signs has been placed!  Look for updates here or on our Facebook page for upcoming pick-up instructions.

Don’t worry if you missed this order, there here is still time to order a sign!  Use the link above!

SENIOR 2026 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Friday, May 22nd 8am - SENIOR BREAKFAST

Wednesday, May 27th 1:30pm - 4pm - SENIOR CARNIVAL

Friday, May 29th @ 4pm - GRADUATION

Please reach out with any questions or if you would like to volunteer!

Bria Cirkiel (bria@parksideprojects.com or 512-565-7412)

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

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.

While our tardy policy remains largely the same, most of it has been in place for the past three years, this year we are placing a stronger emphasis on early communication and student accountability.

One key update: when a student is tardy to the same class for a second time, we are asking teachers to call home. Our goal is to address patterns early and work in partnership with families to support students in developing strong habits that contribute to academic success.

The chart above outlines our school’s tiered response for students who consistently struggle with getting to class on time. It’s important to note that our approach is not simply about consequences, but about identifying challenges and supporting students in making improvements.

We also want to acknowledge concerns some students have expressed about hallway congestion. Our administrative team is aware of these challenges, and we are committed to taking individual circumstances into account when reviewing tardiness.

As we move forward, our assistant principals will begin having one-on-one conversations with students this week. We want all students to understand the value of punctuality, not just in school, but as a life skill. Let’s continue working together to build habits that support learning, responsibility, and success.

We’re excited to relaunch our Flexible Instructional Time (FIT) program starting Wednesday, September 10th. This year, we’ll continue using the MyHomework platform for FIT session sign-ups, just as we did during the spring semester.

Students will choose their FIT sessions during academic advising with their Round Table teacher on Mondays and Tuesdays. To ensure everyone is prepared, students received training on how to use MyHomework and reviewed FIT expectations during advisory on Friday, September 5th.

FIT is designed to provide targeted instructional support, giving students dedicated time to catch up on assignments, seek academic help, or extend their learning. At the same time, FIT is a great opportunity for clubs and student groups to meet and collaborate during designated times.

This year, all students are required to attend a class during each FIT session. FIT will take place every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, with the following structure:

• Wednesdays are reserved exclusively for academic support sessions.

• Thursdays and Fridays may include both academic sessions and approved club or student group meetings.

We’re looking forward to a successful rollout of FIT and appreciate everyone’s effort to make this time purposeful and productive for all students.

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.

Please note: Our front office is temporarily relocated to the library. Parents can access this space through the double blue doors in the circle drive.

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

Here is how:

1) Sign up for one (or more) staff members.  Shhhhh… keep this a SECRET until Teacher Appreciation Week in May.

2) Drop off a small token of appreciation for your pal(s) to the office each month.  A student aide will deliver it.  I’ll send out monthly reminders so don’t worry about forgetting.

3) Mac staff members complete a “favorites” form to help with gift ideas. If you don’t see your pal on the list, it means they haven’t completed a form… yet. Start start giving generic gifts (like chips, cookies, thank you notes…) until they provide more specific ideas.

4) During Teacher Appreciation Week in May, you will make your last delivery AND reveal your identity!

If you have any questions, email Arin Fullerton at fullertonarin@gmail.com.

Need to recover credits or get back on track? Our Twilight Program for the Fall Semester runs from October 21st to December 10th, every Tuesday and Wednesday from 4:45–6:15 PM in Room 154. This is a great opportunity for students to make up credits in a focused, supportive environment. Don’t miss out, take advantage of this chance to stay on the path to graduation!

Mental Health - https://forms.gle/ikZ6QsG4DrJ8wnjZ8

Club form - https://forms.gle/Jmevft7F1EMctgPW7

Physical health - https://forms.gle/3kgQb5NQkReLUyT56

It’s important you know your student’s support team - their Assistant Principal and Counselor. We have a few changes to our team this year.  

Principal of McCallum - Andy Baxa: andy.baxa@austinisd.org

Students not in the Fine Arts Academy - List of Assistant Principals

Last Names A - GO Gabriel Adame (Assistant Principal): gabriel.adame@austinisd.org 

Last Names GP - PA Larry Featherstone (Assistant Principal): larry.featherstone@austinisd.org 

Last Names PE - Z Lavonda Loney (Assistant Principal): lavonda.loney@austinisd.org 

Students not in the Fine Arts Academy - List of Counselors

Last Names (A-E) Loren Croom: loren.croom@austinisd.org 

Last Names (F-LH) Nicollette Muller: nicollette.muller@austinisd.org 

Last Names (LI-RN) Cristela Garcia: cristela.garcia@austinisd.org

Last Names (RO-Z) Marc Garcia: marc.garcia@austinisd.org

All Students in the Fine Arts Academy:

Teri Kirby (Associate Principal): teri.kirby@austinisd.org

Shelley Goldstein (Counselor): shelley.goldstein@austinisd.org

Additional Supports:

• 504 Coordinator - Jennifer Padron - jennifer.padron@austinisd.org 

• College and Career Counselor - Camille Nix - camille.nix@austinisd.org 

• AP/PSAT Coordinator - Lisa Gorzell - lisa.gorzell@austinisd.org

• Principal’s Admin Assistant - Bonnie Baker - bonnie.baker@austinisd.org 

• Guidance Secretary - Tonya Moore  - tonya.moore@austinisd.org