Mr. Strawn joins the HTECH team from South San Antonio ISD, where he was the Health Science Coordinator. He has been an educator for 11 years, 7 as a teacher and the last 4 as an administrator. Before becoming an educator, Mr. Strawn served his country in the Untied States Air Force. Serving two combat tours, one to Afghanistan and one to Iraqi. After the military, Mr. Strawn graduated from Texas State University-San Marcos with a BA in History. In 2019, he received his Masters of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Concordia University-Austin.

My role is to coordinate the Health program at Fox Tech High School. Everything from working directly with students, to setting up industry partnerships, and working with our Higher Education partners at San Antonio College. I am extremely excited to be part of the H-TECH team, and I am looking forward to meeting everyone. Parents please do not hesitate to reach out at anytime. Students I am here to serve you, please feel free to stop by my office at any time.

Mark Vargas is excited to return to Fox Tech High School, in a new role for his second year, as the Dual Credit and TSI Coordinator. He previously served as the Work Based Learning Specialist at Fox Tech and Edison High School, as well as a College and Career Readiness Counselor in San Antonio. Mr. Vargas has also served as a SA2020 Ambassador and served as Chairman of the San Antonio Youth Commission, where he proudly represented District 3. He recently ran for City Council in District 3 during 2021, on the city's Southeast side.

An elementary school graduate of Kate Schenck Elementary, Mark finished high school in 2014. After spending a year at Seattle University, he earned his Bachelor Degree in Political Science from St. Mary's University. Mr. Vargas has proudly fought for equal and equitable access to a quality education for students across the city.

Mark's role at the campus will be to coordinate with our current dual credit partners, as well as work with students to prepare and pass the TSI Exam and become college ready. He will also work with the Counselors and Coordinators to ensure the students are properly placed in their courses and facilitate with the college professors. He looks forward to supporting all Health, Law, and H-TECH students in their Dual Credit courses throughout the year.

What is Dual Credit?

Dual enrollment, also referred to as dual credit, allows current high school students to take college-level classes. If the student passes the class, it will count for both high school and college credit.

Benefits of Dual Credit

1. A smoother transition between high school and college.
2. First-hand exposure to college-level work while still in high school.
3. A chance to complete their bachelor's degree faster.

Time managing Tips for College Students

• For each hour actually spent in the classroom a student should spend 2-3 hours actually studying, reading, and doing their homework in college. Help you child understand the time investment needed for their grades in college.
• The rule of thumb is 3 hours of studying in a class each week equates to an A, 2 hours will earn a B, and 1 hour a C. So if your student wants the best GPA they will have to work outside the classroom more than they may be used to.
• Prioritize going in. You and your child should have a heart to heart before they are permitted to apply to the program. Let them know you will back them up and help them at home but as a college student the responsibility of good grades falls directly on their own shoulders.
• The program can be rigorous and college professors will expect them to be self motivated. If your student has trouble speaking for themselves or studying without being forced to, it should be addressed before that first semester because a college professor will not "hold their hand" and help them earn their grades.

If your child attended the Summer Bridge sessions in July, they had the opportunity to hear a presentation on Professionalism. Being professional extends beyond lookin the part.

Dress Code is Important-All H-TECH students are expected to follow the School Dress Code. No exceptions. This means the Red or Black Fox Tech shirt with Khaki or Black pants or shorts. In addition, students may where their red H-TECH scrubs tops and bottoms.

No Jeans unless stated for a specific day or activity.

Your Words Matter, In-Person and Online-H-TECH students represent the best of the best. That means they need to consider what they say and how they say it, especially when communicated with Professors and Teachers. When interacting with each other, students are expected to collaborate in groups when necessary, but also rely on each other when needed.

WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER, AS ONE H-TECH!!!

Being your best now will prepare you for the future. Your responsibilities are many and will grow year to year with HTECH. Students need to make sure they are effectively managing their time to produce their best possible work and reflect their best possible self.

Attendance is important in all courses, but this is super important in all college courses. Many professors use attendance to gage student learning, give participation grades, and even deduct from a student's grade. College professors have the ability to grade student at their discretion.

It is the expectation of all H-TECH student to follow the rules listed below:

1. Attend all courses.
2. Arrive to all courses on time.
3. Inform Mr. Strawn & the college professor when a student will not be in attendance.

WHEN

WEDNESDAY, SEP. 7TH, 6PM

WHERE

ONLINE VIA ZOOM. LINK WILL BE PROVIDED ON TUESDAY, SEPT. 6TH.