It was great to see our football team earn their first win of the season in the annual Battle for the Bell. During a conversation with students on Thursday, I realized that many aren’t familiar with the deep-rooted history behind this rivalry. The Battle for the Bell dates back to 1953, the year both schools first opened. At that time, Austin had just four high schools: Austin High, the original L.C. Anderson High, McCallum, and Travis.

The winner of the game takes home the Victory Bell, a genuine artifact purchased from the Southern Pacific Railway in 1953. This long-standing tradition adds extra excitement and pride to the competition. While the rivalry has been fairly one-sided over the past 30 years, it continues to be a meaningful tradition that connects us to our history and to our sister school to the south. Next week, the Knights will look to build on their momentum with a matchup against Dallas Pinkston.

One of the biggest volleyball matches of the season is coming up this Friday night, as the Knights take on the LASA Raptors. This game is always a fun and high-energy event, and we would love to see the gym packed in support of our team. The varsity match is set to begin around 7:30 p.m.

This week also marks the anniversary of the September 11th attacks. For many adults, the memory of where they were when they first heard the news 24 years ago remains vivid. Each year, we take a moment to educate our students about the events of that day by sharing a brief reading and observing a moment of quiet reflection. Our social studies department will also incorporate discussions about 9/11 and other important moments in history throughout the year.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and Wednesday, September 10th marks World Suicide Prevention Day. Established 22 years ago, this awareness campaign encourages open conversations about mental health, raises awareness, and offers hope to those who may be struggling. It’s a powerful reminder to check in on friends and loved ones, show compassion, and take action to support one another.

Mid-September also brings the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15. This month honors the cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic Americans and coincides with the independence days of several Latin American countries. It's a wonderful opportunity for our students to explore diverse traditions, celebrate resilience, and appreciate the lasting impact of these communities on our nation.

Wishing everyone a great week ahead.

Go Knights!

Calendar Highlights

• Monday, September 8th, First CAC and PTSA meeting

• Tuesday, September 9th, High School 101 Presentation

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

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

McCallum General Information

• AB Calendar

• Bell Schedule (Updated on 8/28/25)

• McCallum Campus Map

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

• Congratulations to Julia Lentz, who battled the Texas heat to set a personal record, and possibly a new school record, at Friday’s cross country meet! Coach Warren and Coach Muller are doing an outstanding job leading the team. Best of luck to all our runners as they prepare for the upcoming district meet!

• Parents, we’ve noticed increasing traffic congestion on the south end of campus along Houston Street. Cars parked along this area are creating a potentially unsafe situation for both drivers and students. We’re especially concerned about the risk of an accident or, even worse, a student being struck by a vehicle. For everyone’s safety, please avoid parking or waiting along Houston Street during pickup times. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

• We’re approaching the first progress report checkpoint of the grading period. This is a great opportunity for families to check in with their students about their academic progress. If students are facing any challenges, we strongly encourage them to connect with their teachers for support and guidance.

• The McCallum library is looking for CD and cassette tape donations to kickstart a media library for students to access. Open to any old or unused CD/cassette tapes y'all might have laying around.

• The Twilight Program returns for the Fall Semester, running from October 21st through December 10th. Sessions will be held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4:45 to 6:15 p.m. in Room 154. Twilight provides students with an opportunity to recover credits, complete coursework, or get additional academic support in a focused, after-school setting. Stay on track and take advantage of this valuable resource!

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.

At McCallum, we’re committed to helping every student succeed, and one of the most important steps toward success is simply showing up. Regular attendance plays a crucial role in academic achievement, social growth, and long-term success.

This year, we’re placing a strong focus on reducing the number of students who are considered chronically absent. That starts with awareness. A student is considered chronically absent when they miss more than 10% of their classes. That’s just four days of instruction; a number that can sneak up quickly. And with each missed day, valuable learning time is lost.

We understand that life happens and some absences are unavoidable. But consistent attendance is key to helping students stay on track, stay connected, and reach their full potential.

We encourage all families to talk regularly with their students about the importance of being present—every day, on time, and ready to engage. Attendance matters; not just for grades, but for building confidence, staying involved, and preparing for the future.

Let’s work together to make every day count!

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.

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.

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

SENIOR INFO CLASS OF 2026

Senior year is here for the class of 2026.  Parents~ here is your to-do list!

*Follow the Mac Class of 2026 Parents on Facebook.

*Order a sign.  Senior Yard Signs are on sale now!  Order by Sept 5 to get in the first delivery. 

*Support Project Graduation:

• Donate $126 per student

• Sponsor additional seniors.

• Share donation requests with family & friends

• Help find business sponsors to donate

Project Graduation is a series of safe, inclusive activities and events for our 2026 McCallum Seniors. It is made possible by generous donations from parents and businesses in our community. Our goal is to raise $35,000 to cover all costs for the Senior Carnival, incredible prizes, Uber codes, the Senior Breakfast and more.

Buy your sign & donate here: macprojectgrad.square.site/

Your 2026 Project Graduation Board is:

 Bria Cirkel, Tracey Mitchell, Laura Beck, Nisha Rocap & Susanna Butler

If you would like to volunteer or have any questions, please email me at bria@parksideprojects.com!

As we begin a new school year, I want to invite you to take a moment to celebrate our incredible McCallum faculty and staff who go above and beyond to support our students. The AISD RAVE award program offers a wonderful opportunity to recognize their dedication and outstanding contributions. If you’ve witnessed exceptional moments or extraordinary commitment from our teachers and staff, we encourage you to share your appreciation through this program. Your acknowledgment not only boosts morale but also highlights the remarkable work happening in our school community. Let’s come together to shine a spotlight on the amazing abilities of our staff and show them how much their hard work is valued!

Click here to submit a RAVE Award.

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