Connect with PHS
A weekly newsletter - May 15, 2020
** A message from Ameka Hunt, Principal of PHS
Greetings Panthers.
I hope all the mothers had an amazing Mother's Day weekend!
It was great seeing all the students and parents at locker pick up and textbook drop off. Some AP students expressed concern about keeping their AP books through June 5th. Textbooks are available online, but if students would like to keep their AP books through June 5th, feel free to do so. Continue reading this newsletter for details about how to return AP books after June 5th. If you were unable to drop off other textbooks and/or library books, follow the same drop off procedures provided in this newsletter for book return.
Also, we are in the final stretch of the 2019-2020 school year. The grading guidelines were recently updated to reflect the following change, " An “I” will be calculated as a 69.4%." Please help us to ensure our students finish strong by monitoring student grades in Skyward.
Ameka Hunt
Principal
Pflugerville High School
The mission of Pflugerville High School is to develop responsible, respectful, literate citizens by fostering educational, social and personal growth.
Seniors: Up-to-date information
Please click on “Class of 2020 News” link on the PHS website for daily updates and to see the PHS Class of 2020 slides.
Motivational Video
PHS teachers and administrators have a special message just for our Panthers! Check it out by clicking below:
Library/Text Book Drop off & AP Books
Did you miss dropping off your text books and/or library books this week? No worries! We will have a deposit bin at the front doors of PHS (door #1) available this Monday (May 18) from 8 am to 1 pm to deposit any and all books. Also, keep your eyes on the website to make arrangements to pick up academic locker items.
Still want to keep your AP book to use for AP testing? Please feel free to keep your AP books until after your test. We will continue to provide the deposit bins every Monday from 8 am to 1 pm until further notice.
Prom Reimbursement Checks & Yearbook Update
Prom paper checks have been mailed out this week and should be arriving soon, debit and credit cards have already been credited back as of last week.
We still do not have a date for yearbooks, but will put out remind and update Senior News as soon as available.
You can still purchase a 2020 yearbook at www.jostensyearbooks.com. Don't miss out on the memories.
Crystal Keck
PHS Assistant Principal
Class of 2020/CTE
Google Voice: 512.763.7114
Important reminder from our Counseling Staff
Seniors please check with your counselor if you have any make-up hours that need to be cleared.
Be sure to stay abreast of what's going on by checking the District and Campus webpages!
Seniors also be on the lookout for an email from Mr. Howell with a Senior Survey….see below for details….
PHS College and Career Updates
Good Afternoon PHS Families –
I hope that this email finds you safe during this hectic time. Below you will find updates for all members of the Pflugerville High School Community. As always, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
2020 – 2021 Academic Year Newsletter (All Families) – If your family is interested in receiving the College and Career “Newsletter” emails for the 2020-2021 Academic Year, please sign up by visiting this google form. This newsletter will include information on the College Enrollment Process, Financial Aid, Scholarships, Job & Internship Opportunities, and other news pertaining to the College and Career Center. We will begin using this list only in July 2020.
New Application Start Date (Class of 2021) - Many institutions have already announced (and many will follow) a new start date to begin your Fall 2021 College Application. The University of Texas at Austin, University of Houston – Main Campus, Texas A&M University – College Station, and Texas State University have announced they will not open their application until August 1st. It is important that you do not fill out their application before this date. However, you can begin working on your College Essay (Essay A on Apply Texas) and Resume.
College Board Opportunity Scholarship (Class of 2021) – Please continue working on the College Board Opportunity Scholarship. We had multiple students in the Class of 2020 receive scholarships from this program!
College Application Process (Class of 2021) – The College Application process for the Fall 2021 will begin July 1st, 2020 for some institutions. Please remember to take your time, you can start and save your applications. Mr. Howell strongly encourages you not submit applications before school begins. This allows you to make sure you are submitting the best materials. Remember that Mr. Howell is available all summer to meet with you individually (at this point virtual).
Summer Coffee Chats (All Families) – Mr. Howell will be hosting Virtual Summer Chat Sessions Throughout the summer for anyone interested in learning more about different topics. Please stay tuned after May 30th for information regarding these opportunities. You are always, welcome to set up an individual appointment via http://www.calendly.com/phscollegeandcareer if you would like as well.
Final High School Transcripts (Class of 2020) – Pflugerville High School will send out a Final High School Transcript Survey beginning next week, where you can let us know where you would like to have this sent. This survey will be mandatory. Many institutions require this to be sent this summer.
Texas Success Initiative (Class of 2020) – Unfortunately, PFISD is unable to proctor the TSI for Senior students. Therefore, please contact your institution to find out how you might be able to take the Accuplacer (TSI) test. This is not a graduation requirement, but can help with the course requirements at your institution
Virtual Meetings (Class of 2020) – Please continue to schedule meetings with Mr. Howell if you have any questions (http://www.calendly.com/phscollegeandcareer). He specifically encourages families to speak with him before changing any plans for the Fall 2020.
Breaking Up With an Institution (Class of 2020) – If you were admitted to any institution for the Fall 2020 and have decided not to attend, please email that institution to let them know. Typically around this time, Admission Counselors will begin to bug you via phone to encourage you to sign up for Orientation, etc. You will be saving your time/and theirs by letting them know you are no longer interested.
Class of 2020 Final Survey (Class of 2020) - PFISD would like all members of the Class of 2020 to complete this survey by May 28th, 2020.
Nick Howell
College and Career Advisor
Pflugerville High School
1301 W. Pecan Street
Pflugerville, TX 78660
Phone: (512) 763-2415 (This number will reach me during school closure)
RM #: A-103
PHS CEEB Code: 445500
2020-2021 Cheer & Spirit Program Tryout Information
From our Department Chairs
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
Hello parents,
We have just completed our 5th week of distance learning with grades. Please note that students with a grade of “I” have a missing assignment in the grade book; as we near the end of the school year, it is imperative that missing work be submitted as soon as possible. If you have any questions about grades, please contact your student’s English teacher. This week we have information about summer reading for Pre-AP and AP students and a summer writing workshop opportunity.
Summer Reading (response needed from all students): At the end of each school year, the district posts the summer reading book assignments for Pre-AP and AP students. The expectation is that students choose a novel from the list for the upcoming school year grade level, and then come to school in August having read the book. We typically do a presentation in classrooms to share the books with students, however, this year we are online. In this message, you will find the Google form for every student to fill out, regardless if they are taking Pre-AP/AP or not, stating they have seen the book list. It is important for every student to recognize the list because students can often change their minds over summer and want to try an advanced course. Please have your student complete the following Google form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/13WvjNbxaV0Lca7UBYJ_F50RwVquolz4Hin5U_vWXUFg/edit?ts=5ebbfcfb
Teachers have also made videos discussing the novels if you would like to watch them and learn a little bit more about each book.
English 1 going to English 2 - https://vimeo.com/417712773
English 2 going to English 3 - https://vimeo.com/417717471
English 3 going to English 4 - https://vimeo.com/417889168
From our Librarian, Mrs. Owen: Here is information about a summer writing workshop for PFISD students ages 13-18. This is an opportunity to keep writing skills sharp and build creativity.
Barrio Writers Summer Workshop
English teachers would like to thank you for your continued support in our ongoing distance learning situation. Teachers are seeing great work turned in from our diligent, hard-working students. A special congratulations goes out to our senior AP Literature and Composition students for completing their AP exam this week. Good job seniors!!
Together in Education,
Lisa Wernli
English Department Chair
LOTE DEPARTMENT
LOTE (Languages other than English) students have been bringing their A game. They continue to work diligently to finish the year strong.
Spanish 1, 2 & 3 studied Cinco de Mayo last week. (No, it isn't Mexican Independence Day, but rather a decisive battle over the French against all odds. The French? Yes, they invaded and ruled Mexico for some time in the 1800s as payback for Mexico defaulting on loans to France.) Spanish 3 had some great insights as they chose which American holiday to compare it to. My favorite answer was St. Patrick's Day, because like Cinco de Mayo, it is a celebration of heritage. Both Cinco de Mayo and St. Patrick's Day are celebrated bigger here in the U.S. by people wanting to remember their cultural heritage than in Mexico & Ireland.
A special shout out to Frau Jensen for her engaging lessons. She has been combining her advertising background with German, and the result has been awesome lessons. Truly looking at ads helps you understand the culture as well as learning vocabulary in context.
Same shout out to Madam Faz! Her videos of French apartments have given the students new insight into the culture as well as a vocabulary workout. Yes, I have been watching the youtube videos they've posted.
Spanish Literature students read 30 works this year!(and wrote about 50 essays!) The top female AP scholars in the state of Texas were from PHS in 2017 & 2019. They said that Spanish Lit was the hardest AP class they took. KUDOS to those students for surviving and for all their hard work! They took the Spanish Literature exam on May 14th.
Our French, German and Spanish AP 4 students are busy preparing for their AP exams next week. Keep doing those conversation & cultural comparison practices. It will pay off in university credit!
Parents, thank you for your efforts with your kids! I know it is not an easy task to become teachers overnight, especially while maintaining your other roles. We appreciate you!
Students, there is light at the end of the tunnel! (No, that is not a train coming at you!) Summer is almost here. Finish strong & get your credit! (No one wants to repeat a level of foreign language.)
Anne Dyess
LOTE Dept. Chair
2020-2021 School Registration
We have begun registration for the upcoming school year. Any Pre-K/K families who have missed registration packet pick-up may contact their campus registrar by email to make arrangements for a pick-up.
Parents of currently enrolled students will have access to submit 2020-21 enrollment information online beginning in June 2020. In-person registration for the next school year for all other grades will be held on campuses in July:
- Elementary Schools:
- Wednesday, July 29 (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
- Thursday, July 30 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
- Middle Schools:
- Wednesday, Jul 29 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
- Thursday, July 30 (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
- High Schools:
- Tuesday, July 28 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
- Wednesday, Jul 29 (9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.)
- Thursday, July 30 (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
Meal Services at PHS Moving
Due to extensive work being done in the kitchen at Pflugerville HS this summer, we are moving meal service to Timmerman ES starting Monday, 5/18/20.
Meals will be distributed on the back side of the school where buses drop off.
We're Here to Help You!
Attention all students and parents:
We know you have many questions in regards to the remainder of the school year and we want to answer your questions in a timely manner. In order to do so, please communicate with the following as it pertains to your student:
12th Grade Assistant Principal: Crystal Keck - Crystal.Keck@pfisd.net
Asst Principal for Grades 9-11 Student's Last Name: A - Go: Argie Flores -
Assistant Principal for Grades 9-11 Student's Last Name: Gr - Pal: Sara Dardeau -
Assistant Principal for Grades 9-11 Student's Last Name: Pam - Z: Dr. Cristobal Saldana -
Counselor Student's Last Name: A - D: Christina Powell - Christina.Powell@pfisd.net
Counselor Student's Last Name: E - J: Lindsay Saylor-Carroll - Lindsay.Saylorcarroll@pfisd.net
Counselor Student's Last Name: K - O: Mark Canales - Mark.Canales@pfisd.net
Lead/Counselor Student's Last Name: P - R: Sarah Cable - Sarah.Cable@pfisd.net
Counselor Student's Last Name: S - Z: Geminesse Scott - Geminesse.Scott@pfisd.net
College/Career Counselor: Nicholas Howell - Nicholas.Howell@pfisd.net
SPED Coordinator: Valorie Salcido - Valorie.Salcido@pfisd.net
ARD Facilitator: Crystal Beck - Crystal.Beck@pfisd.net
LSSP: Becky Luquire - Rebecca.Luquire@pfisd.net
504 Coordinator: Margaret Wofford - Margaret.Wofford@pfisd.net
Social Worker: Ana Bowie - Ana.Bowie@pfisd.net
Virtual Office hours
Want to find out when your teacher, counselor, or AP is available for questions and help? Click here for their virtual office hours.
Commit to be fit
From our Dance/PE Coach, Dianna Martz:
It is.....
The 100 Push-up Challenge.
Here is the workout:
25 Jumping Jacks
10 Standard Push-ups
10 Bent Over Rows
10 Wide Push-ups
10 Over Head Tricep
10 Narrow Push-ups
10 Squat Thrust Deadlift w/ a Bicep Curl
20 Jump Squats
30 sec recovery
Repeat 2 more times.
Once finished do 10 Floppy Burpees to finish it off then declare yourself a CHAMPION on Facebook.
Parent Climate Survey
We are asking parents to take a brief survey to tell us about their experience with their student’s campus to ensure we continue to provide high quality, rigorous learning experiences that meet the needs of our learners and prepare them for college and career. We are asking families to complete the survey before it closes on May 29.
STAAR EOC Courses - Important Information (English & Español)
Dear Parents,
I wanted to check in and give you some information about STAAR EOC testing for the school year 2019-2020.
If your student is enrolled in a STAAR tested subject this school year, this email will pertain to them. STAAR tested subjects include English I, English II, Algebra I, Biology, and U.S. History.
Per TEA (Texas Education Agency):
- There will be no STAAR EOC administrations for both spring 2020 and summer 2020. These administrations have been waived by TEA.
- A student currently enrolled in a STAAR EOC class who is a first-time tester for the corresponding STAAR EOC is not required to take and pass the STAAR EOC as long as the STUDENT PASSES THE COURSE by August of 2020.
Please discuss this with your student and advise them of the importance of the Distance Learning assignments. These MUST be completed so that the grade they receive for this 4th nine weeks does not affect their ability to pass a STAAR tested subject. If they fail the class, they will repeat the class AND take the STAAR test for that class. Any questions please reach out to me.
Dr. Sara Butler
Assistant Principal: Testing/Intervention
Me estoy comunicando con usted para darle información acerca del examen STAAR EOC para el año escolar 2019-2020.
Si su estudiante está inscrito en un curso que tiene un examen relacionado con STAAR este año escolar, entonces este mensaje es para usted. Los cursos que tienen un examen relacionado con STAAR incluyen Inglés I, Inglés II, Álgebra I, Biología, e Historia de Estados Unidos.
Según el TEA (Agencia de Educación de Texas, por sus siglas en inglés):
- No habrá exámenes STAAR EOC en la primavera 2020 ni el verano 2020. Estos exámenes no serán aplicados este año escolar.
- Un estudiante que actualmente está inscrito en una clase que tiene un examen relacionado con STAAR y que por primera vez tomará el examen correspondiente con STAAR EOC no tiene que tomar y pasar el STAAR EOC siempre y cuando EL ESTUDIANTE PASE EL CURSO para agosto de 2020.
Por favor hable con su estudiante y déjele saber de la importancia de las asignaciones de Aprendizaje a Distancia. Estas asignaciones TIENEN QUE ser completadas para que la calificación que reciba para este período de 9 semanas no afecte su habilidad de pasar un curso que tiene un examen relacionado con STAAR. Si no pasa la clase, tiene que repetirla Y tomar el examen de STAAR para esa clase. Si tiene preguntas, por favor comunicarse conmigo.
Dr. Sara Butler
Vicedirectora: Exámenes/Intervenciones
Don't miss out - Download the PHS app today
Dear PHS Parents,
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 the attached QR code or 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.
Let's Talk! with Pflugerville ISD
Our district is committed to engaging all stakeholders to support the education of our students. Strong relationships with staff, students, families and community members help us best meet the needs of all students and ensure their success.
We invite you to send us questions, concerns, suggestions, and/or compliments. Once you click on a topic below and make a submission through Let’s Talk!, the school district employee who can best address your comment will be notified. If you request a response, you will hear back from us in a timely manner.
Click here to connect to our District webpage and get answers to your questions.
Remote Learning Website
Please see the PFISD Remote Learning website for recommended learning resources for core contents in all grade levels. The district Paper-Based Instruction learning packets will also be available on this website for access and download.
Subscribe today!
Don’t miss out on campus news. Click “Follow Ameka Hunt” at the top or bottom of this page to subscribe to the weekly newsletter.
BrightBytes – survey for ALL students and parents
Dear Pflugerville High School Campus Community,
We are partnering with BrightBytes, an educational research organization, to learn more about you and your students’ technology access and use for learning.
The goal of this project is to gather data on technology access, skills, and your school’s technology environment, in order to understand the connection between technology use and student achievement.
Our data collection window is set to run from March 30 - May 27, 2020.
Each school is assigned three unique Technology and Learning Questionnaires. There is one designed for teachers and administrators; one designed for students, and one designed for parents.
Your questionnaire links are listed below:
Your participation and support is important to us and will make the difference between having a complete understanding of our school’s technology use versus a limited one.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
Victor Valdez, Chief Technology Officer
Kathryn Ives, Director Integration Services