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A weekly newsletter - April 23, 2020
Message from Ameka Hunt, Principal of PHS
Hello Panther Parents,
As a reminder, formerly students were only able to switch to in-person learning at the end of a grading period, but could move to online learning at any time. In order to better support student learning and attendance needs, all students will have the option to switch to in-person learning at any time. If you would like to switch your student to in-person learning, please contact your student’s campus counselor to request the change.
Also, the English I STAAR exam will be administered April 27th, and the English II STAAR will be administered April 29th. All students are encouraged to attend on campus on their scheduled STAAR test day(s) to participate in assessments. Assignments will be asynchronous for students who are absent from campus on their scheduled test day(s). Additionally students whose teacher is a test administrator, will also complete assignments asynchronously. Students should check Canvas for updates from their teacher for more details the day of testing.
STAAR Exams Next Week - Important Information
Dear Parents /Guardians and Students,
This is a reminder that the English 1 (April 27) and English 2 (April 29) STAAR are coming soon. All Virtual students will enter PHS on the east side of the building (opposite the PHS stadium and closest to Golden Chick) and use doors 5 and 6. We ask that all students arrive by 8:30 so we can start the 5-hour STAARs by 9.
When students enter they will be checked for a mask and have their temperature taken. Then we will inform students where to go for their testing room; “ushers” will be available for students who have not been on the PHS campus. Please bring a snack or sack lunch (one can be provided if students forget) and a fully charged PFISD Chromebook. If you do not have one, extras will be in each testing room.
Just to clarify – all STAAR must be administered on campus and standards met to graduate. Due to COVID virtual students do have the option to remain Virtual and take their STAAR at another time. However, the recommendation is to participate in the Spring 2021 STAAR while the information is still fresh. If you opt to keep your child at home, the next administration of STAAR will be this summer at Weiss High School.
Many thanks to the parents of Virtual students who have submitted the form letting me know if your child will participate or not. If you have not filled out the form, please click on the link below:
Link to Virtual Students STAAR form
If you would like to pick your child up as soon as their STAAR has been completed, please fill out the brief form below. Due to the safety and security of our students, the form MUST be filled out by a parent/guardian of record in Skyward. Students who need to remain on campus until the end of the day will be placed in a computer lab where they can join their classes asynchronously.
Link to Parent/Guardian Pick up Form After STAAR EOC
We will continue to use COVID protocols to keep all students safe. Please review the bullets below:
- Parents/guardians are expected to screen their students for COVID-19 symptoms prior to sending their student to school.
- Each student is required to wear a face mask except when eating or drinking.
- Virtual students will enter PHS at the east side entrances by the bus loop – doors 5 and 6.
- Students will be divided among test sites to ensure each site has the fewest possible students, and students will be appropriately spaced at least 6-feet apart.
- Temperatures will be measured upon arrival.
- Students will remain in their test site with the exception of restroom breaks as needed. Do bring a snack or sack lunch.
- Students will be encouraged to use their own supplies when possible. Classroom supplies will be cleaned after each use. *** Students will need to bring their PfISD Chromebook to school on the day of their test. Please ensure the device is fully charged. Extra Chromebooks will be available if you do not have one.
- Students are encouraged to bring a light jacket in case the test site is cold.
I will send further communications about May STAAR when we get closer to those dates. If you have further questions or concerns, please feel free to email me at sara.butler@pfisd.net
Dr. Butler
Rapid COVID Testing
BinaxNow Covid testing is still available on our campus for staff and students. Please reach out to the campus nurse to take advantage of this resource.
Testing will be done by appointment only.
Please remember to pre-register at https://register.txrapidtest.org/ and bring your QR code to the testing site. You can use the same code you have previously created. Just bring it with you to the testing site.
Rapid COVID Testing is available for PHS Staff and students only.
Student MUST have a signed permission form.
**Please do not come to campus to be tested if you are quarantined or have COVID symptoms.
Free Cooperative Parenting Program
Travis County Domestic Relations Department is offering a free program called the Cooperative Parenting Program. A series of six 90-minute classes designed to help divorced/separating parents learn how to work cooperatively to raise their children. Helping parents learn more about themselves and transform the way they interact with their co-parents is very rewarding.
Here is list of the six classes taught.
Lesson #1 – Parents, Children and the Involvement of the Courts
Lesson #2 – Positive Co-parenting Practices
Lesson #3 – Impact of Divorce/Separation on Child Development
Lesson #4 – Communication: Creating a Business-like Relationship
Lesson #5 – Conflict Resolution
Lesson #6 – Anger Management
Any parents who are struggling to work cooperatively should consider gaining some skills around this area. Classes are taught virtually now due to COVID, through Microsoft Teams, however, the classes should move back to in-person once the pandemic is over. If both parents take the classes, they separate custodial and non-custodial parents, so they are not together. They do offer some flexible classes to adjust to working parents' schedules. Parents can find out more information and register at the website below. If you have any questions, contact Ms. Patterson directly.
Website: Parenting Class (traviscountytx.gov)
Email: Sandra.Patterson@traviscountytx.gov
Phone: (512) 854-9690
Ana Bowie, LMSW
Pflugerville High School
Campus Social Worker
Google Voice 512-827-7802
Ofc. Number 512-594-0539
Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors:
See the flyer below for opportunities to attend summer camps at UT.
List of Events (All virtual and free):
Senior Week-June 14-15 (Open to current 11th graders and underclassmen)
Click here to register
UT Austin Latin American Studies Camp- June 21-25 (Geared towards first generation college students who are current 10th and 11th graders) Click here for more information or
Click here to register
UT Austin Jackson School of GeoSciences STEMForce Camp- July 26-31 (Geared towards current 11th and 12th graders) Click here for more information or
Click here to register
Please take advantage of these great opportunities this summer!
From Our Department Heads
MATH DEPARTMENT
Juniors and Seniors! Please email Mr. Howell if you have not passed the TSI!! You must take it by April 30th!! Nicholas.Howell@pfisd.net
Toby Day
Math Department Chair
LOTE DEPARTMENT
Our focus for the newsletter this week will be upper levels, as we are less than one month away from the AP Exam season. Fourth level French and Spanish have begun preparations for the big day by way of studying student samples of previous years’ exams and trying our hand at some of the more challenging tasks.
For practice outside of the classroom setting, I have encouraged my students to venture into the French world of social media in the search of native level users who could provide some of that always interesting authentic input. I am certain there is no shortage of interesting content for our Spanish students as well.
While on the subject of AP, here are a few useful pieces of information :
- College Board is doing live, daily review sessions on Youtube from April 19th to April 29th . Each video will be 30-45 minutes long and will review content and skills students need for the test. Follow this link → https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/about-ap-2021/updates/ap-daily-live-review
- All AP language testers are required to have a district issued Chromebook. The application necessary for test completion will only be available through these means.
- Once students have their Chromebooks, their Service tags can be verified. They will then be able to gain access to the testing application and begin completing practice questions before the big day! Here’s how it will work :
If any of this information raises questions, please feel free to contact Mrs. Perez or myself. We are more than happy to assist in establishing a positive outlook for the language exams to come.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Cordially,
Wendy Faz
LOTE Dept Chair
2021 Prom tickets
Seniors, it's time to get your prom tickets!
Here’s the link to order: https://bit.ly/21promticket
By purchasing a ticket, you are agreeing to the following terms:
- Prom tickets are for current PHS seniors only.
- All prom attendees must adhere to the following guidelines:
- Students will be assigned to a zone for contact tracing purposes.
- There will be limited capacity in zones.
- Students must sign into their seats every time they sit down at a table.
- Wear masks at all times unless seated and eating in their assigned zone.
- Follow any and all PfISD Covid Safety Protocols in place the day of the event.
- Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. (The only exception is that ticket purchasers will receive a refund only if the event is cancelled.)
- You must bring a valid photo ID to prom.
- Bring Pflugerville ISD COVID-19 Screening Form filled out and signed.
- I agree to follow the school information sources for updates on prom plans or safety procedures.
- All persons attending prom are expected to act in a respectful and mature manner. Failure to follow school safety rules and protocols will result in removal from prom and possible disciplinary and/or legal action.
Students must agree to follow all the above guidelines and rules concerning the PHS class of 2021 prom. They must understand they will be escorted off the premise without a refund if they fail to comply with prom rules and safety guidelines.
2021 Graduations Update
Our biggest and best event every year is beginning to come into view. Graduation dates have already been set and announced. They are provided again below as a refresher.
At this time, we are planning to allow six tickets per graduate. This is subject to change as we could possibly allow for more or fewer tickets depending on the local status with regard to COVID cases and protocols.
The graduation schedule is:
- Connally – Tuesday, June 1
- Weiss – Wednesday, June 2
- Hendrickson – Thursday, June 3
- Pflugerville – Friday, June 4
- Bad weather make-up date – Saturday, June 5
All graduations will be held at The Pfield and begin at 8:30 a.m. We know there are many questions as to what the ceremonies will look like, but many decisions will be based on guidance from local and state health officials depending on the situation at that time. At this time, we are anticipating providing 6 tickets per graduate; however, that could change as we get closer to the date depending on health guidance at the time. We will provide additional information as soon as decisions are made.
Attention Senior Class of 2021
If you have not ordered your cap/gown, please be prepared to purchase your items on the 13th. Cash and/or credit card will be accepted.
In order to participate in the graduation ceremonies, you will need to wear the approved cap/gown.
ACC Dual Credit - Upcoming Deadlines
Parents,
Dual Credit information for Summer and the upcoming school year is now available. Please be mindful of the deadlines indicated in the "What's Next" section. After viewing the information, please reach out to your student’s counselor for questions/concerns.
Please click on the option below that best describes you (your student):
Student Announcements
To read the Daily Student Announcements, check out the PHS website and click on the PHS Daily Announcements under the School News tab or click HERE to link to the page.
Stay Connected to PHS With our App
Don't miss any important information from PHS. The School Info App for Pflugerville High School is a great way to stay connected and informed. Notifications are sent in real time for ever-changing situations. Be in the know—download the app today!
Click on this link: http://siap.ps/eaedd6, or search for Pflugerville High School in the app store. Be sure to allow notifications so you get all the notifications and news feeds to keep current with what’s happening at PHS.
PHS Weekly Newsletter
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