Connect with PHS
A weekly newsletter - April 24, 2020
A message from Ameka Hunt, Principal of PHS
Greetings Panther Families,
I hope everyone is well. In accordance with Governor Abbott’s executive order to extend school closures for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year, all PfISD campuses will remain closed. We will continue our practice of delivering instruction remotely. While we are disappointed that we will not be able to end the year in our traditional manner, we are committed to supporting our students and families.
In order to provide adequate participation in online learning, the district provided devices to students, and recently announced hotspots were secured for student use as well. Due to the high demand for hotspots across the country and supply chain disruptions, PfISD was only able to secure a minimal number of hotspots. If you requested a hotspot, please check your email for recent updates from the district’s technology department.
Additionally, PHS officials will send communication regarding dates students can pick up and drop off items. We will also communicate dates seniors can pick up their caps and gowns. Although there are not recent updates regarding graduation May 30th, campus and district officials are working on ways in which we can celebrate our seniors. PHS will showcase our seniors on our homepage, and every senior will receive the yard sign below.
Please continue reading the newsletter to get additional information regarding available resources.
TRANSLATION – TRADUCCIÓN
If you’d like to have this newsletter automatically translated in over 100 languages, click on the “Translate Newsletter” button at the top.
Si desea una traducción automática de este boletín informativo, haga clic en el enlace “Translate Newsletter” arriba.
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
Updates for Seniors
Seniors, watch for updates in email, parent newsletter, and on the app and campus website. Dates for the following with be announced ASAP:
- Cap and Gown Pick Up
- Library Book and Text book Turn in
- Prom Reimbursement
Seniors must complete weekly assignments in google classroom and finish any work in credit recovery to receive credit for their current courses.
Seniors, please email Mrs. Keck at Crystal.keck@pfisd.net if you have any specific questions.
Yearbook Update
Due to Covid19 and the shelter in place order, our shipment of yearbooks has been delayed. Once we receive the yearbooks, we will update the website and the weekly newsletter as to our plan for distribution!
Don't miss out; it's not too late to get yours! Yearbooks can still be purchased at jostensyearbooks.com.
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.
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
From our Department Chairs
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
Hello parents,
We have just completed our second week of distance learning with grades. Many students have been very successful submitting work via Google Classroom or paper packets. We want to take a moment and thank all the support parents have given teachers during this time.
Grades will appear in two formats in the gradebook. Students will either receive a number grade or an “I” which is averaged as a zero until the assignments are completed. Please check Skyward to see how your student is doing in completing assignments. If a student receives an “I” for a grade, teachers will be reaching out to parents to clear the “I” as quickly as possible.
Finally, there are several standardized testing changes that have been made. English I and II teachers will be sharing information about the connection between class grades and next year’s STAAR testing. AP teachers will be sharing information as The College Board releases it regarding new testing conditions and testing schedules. Please look for these emails.
Again, thank you for your continued support,
Lisa Wernli
English Department Chair
SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
Dear parents,
With the new PfISD Grading Guidelines in place, Science teachers are posting their first grades in Skyward this week for the fourth nine-week term. If you have questions about grades, please contact your student's science teacher.
If your student is in an Advanced Placement science course, please have them check AP Classroom to make sure all of their contact information is correct. All AP Exams will be online this year, so it is very important that this information is up to date.
Thank you,
Robert Quarles
Science Department Chair
SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT
As we enter the 2nd week of taking grades, we want to remind all students that assignments in Social Studies are made every Monday and due on Friday. Of course there is no penalty for late grades, but want to encourage students to do work weekly so they don't get behind and try to play catch up in late May.
We miss our students horribly and would love a quick note/email to let us know how things are going. As social scientists we are also problem solvers. Please reach out to your teacher if you need something school related. This would also be a great time to use positive peer pressure on your friends and classmates to encourage them to keep up with their work so they earn all their credits for this year.
Stay safe, wash your hands, and most of all Be Kind.
Karen Hense
Social Studies Department Chair
Panthers Who Care Scholarship
Good Afternoon PHS Families!
The Counseling Team is excited to announce a new Scholarship opportunity for the Class of 2020. The Panthers Who Care Scholarship will award $500 dollar scholarships to students who plan to enroll in a College, University, or Trade School in the Fall of 2020. Due to increased circumstances, our students are having a harder time funding their post-secondary plans. We thought this would be a wonderful way to support the dreams of our amazing seniors. If you are able to help, information is below.
The scholarship will be funded by donations taken by visiting this website. If you are able to donate, but need a different option, please email Nick Howell. You are also welcome to share the link out anyway possible.
We have begun advertising it to students (went out via email earlier this morning to entire class). If you would like more information on the scholarship, please visit this website and scroll down to our scholarship. We have 7 students who have already submitted an application.
So far, we have raised $1,690 via the website and other methods. Thank you so much to those of you who have donated already. We appreciate you!
Sincerely,
The PHS Counseling Team
Parenting Solutions - From our Social Worker
Dear Parents,
EXCITING news! Love and Logic Parenting online is FREE for April. https://www.loveandlogic.com/products/love-and-logic-parenting-online
Videos are in English but a Spanish Workbook is available. You can order a Spanish version at this link. https://www.loveandlogic.com/products/love-and-logic-parenting-online-spanish-workbook?variant=30368422756429
Love and Logic is the original and proven leader in parenting. Since 1977 they have helped parents from all walks of life create happy, resilient and responsible kids. Enjoy immediate success with the effective parenting solutions taught in this online parenting class. You will learn parenting tips on how to:
- End arguing and manipulation
- Neutralize defiance
- Replace anger and frustration with empathy
- End bedtime battles
- Set kids up for success by allowing them to make small mistakes when the price tag is small
- And much more!
Parents, I hope you have a chance to check it out, this course is normally $99 I’m thrilled to check it out. You will have access to the program for 3 months from the date of purchase.
Here is an outline of the modules:
LOVE AND LOGIC PARENTING ONLINE®
Module 1 Putting an End to Arguing, Back Talk and Begging
Module 2 Teaching Responsibility Without Losing Their Love
Module 3: Setting Limits Without Waging War
Module 4: Avoiding Power-Struggles
Module 5: Guiding Kids to Own and Solve Their Problems
Module 6: Teaching Kids to Complete Chores…Without Reminders and Without Pay
Ana Bowie, LMSW
Pflugerville High School
Campus Social Worker
Google Voice 512-827-9678
Home office Hours:
MF 8-9am and 2:30-4:30pm
Wed 8-9am and 2-3pm
T/Th 8-10am and 2:30-4:30pm
Virtual One-on-One Zoom
10:30-2 pm set up appointment here
Stay safe ❤
Take your Workout to the Next Level
Our Dance/PE Coach, Dianna Martz, has renamed this workout "Planks of LOVE" (it’s really called planks of death, but you'll LOVE the results!)
Start:
50 crunches roll to 10 second plank on elbows or hands
45 crunches---15 sec plank
40 crunches—20 sec plank
35 crunches—25 sec plank
30 crunches—30 sec plank
25 crunches—35 sec plank
20 crunches—40 sec plank
15 crunches –45 sec plank
10 crunches—1 minute plank (tricked you)
Feel the burn!!
PHS College and Career Updates
From Mr. Nick Howell, our College and Career Counselor:
Good Afternoon Families –
I hope that this College and Career Update finds your family well. We have some great news and new opportunities to share with you!
COVID 19 - College Enrollment Updates (All families) – Please visit this website for the most accurate and up to date information on how COVID – 19 is affecting the College Enrollment and Application Process for the Classes of 2020 & 2021. I would encourage bookmarking this page as it is consistently updated.
Pflugerville ISD Virtual Visits (All Families) – Please continue to sign up for our College Representative Visits. This is the best way to get updated information about each institutions application process for the Class of 2021 (and beyond), as well what may be happening in the enrollment process for the each university/college. You can sign up by visiting This website. Please consider visiting with institutions you have never heard of.
College Application Process Presentation – We had over 100 families join us for the College Application Process Presentation last week. If you have any leftover questions, please either email, call, or sign up for a virtual meeting with Mr. Howell. You can view documents I presented, by visiting this website and clicking the links under the College Application Presentation.
Virtual Meetings with Mr. Howell (All Families) - Many of you have asked for Virtual Meetings (http://www.calendly.com/phscollegeandcareer) after hours. I have limited availability to meet, please email directly to request a time. When emailing give me 2 or 3 times/dates that work best for your family.
New Scholarship Opportunities (Class of 2020) – We have multiple new scholarships available for the Class of 2020 that can be found by visiting this website. The Pflugerville Lions Club Scholarship (April 30th Deadline) has grown their funding and will be able to offer more money this year, be sure to apply for that opportunity on our website. Please also consider applying for the Panthers Who Care (May 3rd Deadline) & the 2 Pfoundation Scholarships (May 8th Deadline). These opportunities are great local scholarships for our amazing class of 2020.
College Board Opportunity Scholarship (Class of 2021 Families) – Please begin working on the College Board Opportunity Scholarships. This is a great opportunity to earn money for doing steps we encourage to help you succeed in the College Enrollment Process
SAT/ACT (All Families) – College Board and ACT are closely monitoring the situation regarding the opportunity to take the SAT and/or ACT. Up to date information regarding the SAT can be found by visiting this website and ACT can be found here. If you decide to sign up for one of the tests (as they open up registration), please remember that you get 2 free exams on ACT and SAT as long as you qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch at PHS. Please email or call me to get the fee waiver needed. If you need help signing up for Free and Reduced Lunch, please visit this website.
Class of 2020 Important Reminders –
- Please email Mr. Howell any Gift Aid you receive from a scholarship opportunity. This will help us keep track of how wonderful you are and be included in the graduation announcements
- If your family situation has changed financially, please reach out to your Financial Aid office at each college to discuss the opportunity to receive more funding
- We will be sending out a survey closer to the end of year for you to let us know your final plans after graduation. This is where you will request a Final High School transcript be sent to an institution.
- Please check in with Mr. Howell every once in a while!
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
Be the First to Know - 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.
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.
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.
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