AHS BULLDOG COMMUNITY NEWS
3434 Pheasant Creek Dr, Sugar Land, TX 77498
WELCOME TO AUSTIN HIGH SCHOOL
HOME OF THE BULLDOGS!
Week of May 2
Welcome to Austin High School's Community Newsletter where we share all of the important information, amazing activities, and events occuring on our campus with our BULLDOG Family and community! To our new Freshman Bulldogs and to our returning Sophmores, Juniors and graduating Seniors.... WE WELCOME YOU to the DAWGHOUSE! We are excited about the 2021-2022 school year!
Principal Corner
Happy May!
STAAR/EOC Testing will be this week for the following tests:
Tuesday, May 3 - US History
Wednesday, May 4 - Algebra 1
Thursday, May 5 - Biology
Friday, May 6 - Make-Up Tests
All Juniors will need to arrive by 7:30 on Tuesday, as they will be taking the US History Test. On other dates, Junior and Seniors who are not testing are allowed to arrive at 10:45 on their non-testing date.
AP Tests will also begin on Monday, May 2 and end on May 13. Students should know what date they are testing. If your students has any questions, they should contact Counselor, Ms. Gatson.
Junior parents should have received information from CADY Photography regarding senior portraits to be taken this summer. In order to be in next year's yearbook, students will need to have their portrait taken by CADY. We will have a meeting with juniors on Wednesday, May 4th to share senior information with them.
Monday, May 2 will be our final Progress Report period for the school year. If your child is in danger of failing a course, please check Skyward for missing work or reach out to their teachers for assistance. The end of the year is fast approaching.
Please read through this newsletter for additional information about our campus and upcoming activities. Thank you very much for your support, understanding and flexibility as we work to provide the best learning environment during a pandemic. I understand that it is a stressful time and I appreciate your support. Thank you.
Rachel Cortez
Upcoming Dates:
May 2 - Progress Report 8
May 11 - Orchestra Concert
May 12 - Band Concert
May 13 - Choir Concert
May 14 - Senior Prom
Vaping Information
As a part of the Whole Child Health Initiative, Fort Bend ISD will present the parent webinars: "Vaping & E-cigarettes-What Parents Need To Know" and "Mental Health is For Everyone: Cultural Considerations". Registration is not required for these webinars. "Vaping & E-cigarettes-What Parents Need To Know" will be on Wednesday, May 11 at 6 p.m. In collaboration with Crime Stoppers and FBISD's Safe & Drug Free Specialists, this session will focus on what vaping and e-cigarettes are, the effects of their use, why it's illegal and the warning signs that your child may be vaping or using e-cigarettes. "Mental Health is For Everyone: Cultural Considerations" will be on Wednesday, May 18 at 6 p.m. During this session, FBISD's mental health counselors will focus on identifying, recognizing, understanding, and embracing cultural differences in mental health and how it is manifested. Whole Child Health, aligned with FBISD's Profile of a Graduate, is committed to supporting and developing the mental, behavioral, social, emotional, and physical health to all students in FBISD.
Links: Vaping & E-cigarettes-What Parents Need To Know; Mental Health is For Everyone: Cultural Considerations2021-2022 ADMINISTRATORS
Rachel Cortez - Campus Principal
Kyle Lovetinsky - Associate Principal
Assistant Principals
Adaun Ojukwu (A-D)
Anthony Yim (E-K) - Mr. Yim is out on Leave
Howard Oliphant is working with Mr. Yim's students until May 26
Meraj Khan (L-Q)
George Long (R-Z)
2021-2022 COUNSELORS
Elisha Carter (A, T-Z)
Michelle Lewis (Lead) (B-E)
Myrna Hodge (F-K)
Trishauna Garrett (L-O)
Leigha Gatson (P-S)
AHS SOCIAL WORKER - ANA R. SIDDIQUE
TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK CELEBRATION
TO ALL AHS TEACHERS:
WE APPRECIATE ALL THAT YOU DO FOR OUR STUDENTS, CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY!
Stakeholder Feedback Needed
As the district continues to receive ESSER funds, we are required to seek public input every 6 months regarding changes to the FBISD COVID-19 mitigation efforts in the Return to In-person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan (RIPICS Plan). Fort Bend ISD posted the previous version of the plan for public comment in October 2021.
Feedback from the community was used to revise the plan which has been posted publicly since November 2021. Due to the substantial decrease in the number of COVID cases across the district, the district plans to discontinue many of the heightened efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. FBISD is requesting stakeholder feedback to assess the District’s updated Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services plan and protocols.
The survey will open Tuesday, April 26 and will close Tuesday, May 3 at 11:59 p.m. A link to the survey has been provided below in English and Spanish, per stakeholder preference.
Parent, Family and Community Night for English Learners
Student Leadership 101 Cohort Seeking Application
Student participants will enter Student Leadership 101 during their junior year and learn about leadership within their community. During their senior year, the cohort will move into Leadership 102 where they will apply what they have learned during Leadership 101 as they partner with area nonprofits.
Click here for more information: https://www.smore.com/app/reporting/out/d3qpu?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstudentleadership.fortbendisd.com%2F&t=https://studentleadership.fortbendisd.com/&w=w-1008613050&i=&l=l-8864903599
JOIN OUR PTO: YOU ARE WELCOME!!!
Join the PTO in celebrating AHS teachers and staff, click on the link below to support their efforts for Teacher Appreciation Week:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4FAFA628A7F5C70-teacher
If you would like more information about the PTO or how you can become a member, please contact: sfahspto@gmail.com
WEEK OF MAY 2ND STAAR TESTING INFORMATION
STAAR EOC testing for US History, Algebra I, and Biology will take place next week on May 3-May 5, 2022.
Students need to check the posted testing rosters in the cafeteria to see where they will be testing on each STAAR EOC testing day. After checking the rosters, check your e-mail for a confirmation letter, and if you don’t see either and have questions, please see Mrs. Tomlin
All 11th and 12th graders who need to take a STAAR EOC test to help meet their graduation requirements DO NOT have late arrival on that testing day. Testing students need to be in their testing room by 7:30am.
Also, students with AP conflicts, please check with Mrs. Tomlin for when make-up testing will take place (if you haven’t heard from your classroom teacher yet).
Spring Semester Exam Exemption Criteria
Spring Exam Schedule for ALL Students
Student Recognition
DECA's Competitive Events Program
Congratulations to our AHS BULLDOGS! More than 18,000 DECA members demonstrated their college and career knowledge and skills by participating in DECA’s Competitive Events Program. This past week, our DECA students were finalists from their chartered associations in their quest to be named an international champions. Aim Varma, Sheyan Lalmohammed and Amnykhan Hashim competed for three days to get a trip on the stage. Amnykhan Hashim was a finalist in his category of Quick Serve Management where he was 1 of 20 students that advanced. Amnykhan was challenged to perform marketing and management functions and tasks in retail establishments, wholesale establishments and manufacturing firms primarily engaged in the quick-serve restaurant industry. His high exam scores and presentations were phenomenal in his advancement. Which earned him a blue medallion and recognized on stage.
Certificate of Excellence for Young Women in Mathematics
Food Deliveries
Please remember that food deliveries are not allowed at AHS. This includes any delivery of food, either from family or delivery services. All students are allowed to receive a free lunch from our Child Nutrition Department through the lunch lines. We appreciate your support and cooperation.
Parent and Community Engagement Opportunities
IMPORTANT REMINDER FROM AHS CLINIC
IMORTANT REMINDER FOR PARENTS FROM AHS CLINIC
The end of the year is almost here. If your student has medication in the clinic, it must be picked up by Thursday, May 26th @ 12:00 noon. No medication will be send home with student unless they have doctors note with permission to carry medications at school. That which is not claimed will be destroyed. New forms are required for each academic school year. For your convenience forms are provided online for students with specific medical needs. Go to fortbendisd.com/medicalforms or you may pick up in AHS clinic. We are looking forward to a great new school year! Any questions please call 281-634-2096 or 281-634-7994.
FBISD COVID Guidelines
• At least 5 days since symptoms first appeared, if no symptoms then five days since date of testing positive for the virus; AND,
• At least 24 hours with no fever without fever-reducing medication; AND, Other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving; AND. Continue to wear a mask for 5 additional days
**Loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks or months after recovery and need not delay the end of isolation.
Persons who have symptoms that could be COVID-19 and were directed to care for themselves at home, and choose not to get tested for COVID-19, or have not been evaluated by a medical professional may discontinue isolation under the following conditions:
• At least 5 days since symptoms first appeared; and,
• At least 24 hours with no fever without fever-reducing medication; and 19
• Other symptoms that could be COVID-19 are improving; AND
Continue to wear a mask for 5 additional days
If an individual who has symptoms that could be COVID wants to return to school before completing the above stay at home period, the individual must either:
1. Obtain a medical professional’s documentation clearing the individual for return based on an alternative diagnosis and at least 24 hours have passed with no fever without fever reducing medication; OR,
2. Obtain a NegativeCOVID-19 test for COVID at an approved COVID testing location found at https://tdem.texas.gov/covid-19/, and at least 24 hours with no fever without fever reducing medication.
* Tests Accepted: Rapid/Antigen and PCR lab tests (home tests not accepted)
An individual that has come in “close contact” with a lab confirmed positive case, can return to work or school:
CURRENT SEASONAL ATHLETIC SCHEDULES
AHS ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES
SPECIAL EDUCATION NEWS AND UPDATES
Special Education Grants and additional information
Did you know your student can receive $1,500 in funds to use for education? PLEASE APPLY ASAP!!!
SB 1716 passed in the 87th Legislative session expanded the current Supplemental Special Education Services (SSES) program which gives $1,500 grants to families of qualifying Special Education students. Beginning November 1, 2021, new eligibility guidelines will go into full effect, making all currently enrolled Texas public school students served by Special Education eligible.
https://tea.texas.gov/academics/special-student-populations/special-education/supplemental-special-education-services-sses
Information of Texas Medicaid Waivers, waiting times are EXTREMELY LONG! Apply as soon as possible.
https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/section-1115-demo/demonstration-and-waiver-list/Waiver-Descript-Factsheet/TX
Texana
Mary Sotelo 281-239-1363
Waivers, HCS, TxHML
Texas Health and Human Services
Interest List Phone Line
1-877-438-5658
Waivers: CLASS, MDCP, DBMD
Webinar on Guardianships and Alternatives to Guardianship
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IvWFkGyOVg
Josefina Alcala-Hamilton
AHS SEPAC
Cell: 832-900-2328
Ongoing Announcements
Morning Arrival
Tardies
Please also remember that students should be in their classrooms prior to 7:30, please remember that traffic is heaviest from 7:15-7:30. We recommend that students arrive by 7:15, to allow ample time to be in their classroom by 7:30.
Please see below for our tardy progression of discipline. Thank you.
Attendance
Please send all attendance notes to attendanceahs@fortbendisd.com. If you are sending a doctor’s note, please take a picture or scan it and attach to the email. If your student needs to leave early from school, please email the attendance office as soon as possible, so we can send a pass to your student. This makes is very helpful for when a student is in athletics and we are unable to reach their coach. Our latest pick up time is 2:20, so please be here by 2:15 in order to sign your student out and always bring in your picture ID. Please remember that traffic gets backed up, so you may have to wait. Thank you!
STUDENT DROP-OFF
Dear AHS Parents,
Welcome back to another Exciting Year at Austin High School, Home of The Bulldogs!!
We would like to share some information with you regarding Morning Student Drop-Off.
The best time to drop your student off at AHS with little to no traffic is usually between 7:00 AM and 7:15 AM. After 7:15 AM the traffic flow becomes heavy and students risk being late to 1st period.
Areas for Drop-Off: Front Circle and Student Parking Lot Area (Northside of the Building)
Please Do Not Attempt To Drop Your Student Off on The Bus Ramp Side of the Building,this area is for School Vehicles and School Personnel Only.
STUDENT TEXTBOOK REQUEST
Thank you.
STUDENT PARKING PERMITS
FREE AND REDUCED MEAL PROGRAM
There are numerous benefits to qualifying for free or reduced meals, including SAT/ACT reduced fees, college application waivers, etc..
IMPORTANT LINKS
About US
Website: https://www.fortbendisd.com/ahs
Location: 3434 Pheasant Creek Drive, Sugar Land, TX, USA
Phone: 281-634-2000
Twitter: @SFAHSBulldogs