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A weekly newsletter - May 1, 2020
A message from Ameka Hunt, Principal of PHS
Greetings Panther Families,
It’s hard to believe today is May 1st. I am amazed at how the school year is flying by so quickly. This newsletter includes important information about the remainder of the school year. Students will be able to pick up and drop off items May 13th and 14th. We do not have any updates regarding the graduation ceremony May 30th. We will keep you posted with updates as they become available. We will move forward with plans to distribute graduation caps and gowns. Please review the attached flyers for detailed information regarding student pick up /drop off items, and cap and gown distribution.
In keeping with tying up the remainder of the school year, we would like to finish the year strong. Please help us to ensure your student participates remotely. As outlined in the grading guidelines for remote learning, grades from the fourth nine week grading period count toward earning course credit. As of April 13, 2020, students receive one grade per assignment, per subject weekly. A numeric grade of 70 or higher will be recorded. Grades of 69 or lower will be recorded as incomplete or “I”. All incomplete grades will need to be resolved by the end of this academic school year. Please continue to monitor your student’s grades to ensure credit is earned.
In other news, Teacher Appreciation Week begins Monday, May 4th. Please help honor our teachers this week by sending a kind email to the PHS faculty.
Important Information for Seniors!
Seniors, click on this link to view the slides from the Class of 2020 Zoom Meeting (5/1).
http://pfisd.net/cms/lib/TX01001527/Centricity/Domain/9/Class%20of%202020_PHS_Spring_2.pptx.pdf
Medication Pick-up
Pflugerville ISD is holding its final medication pick-up on May 6 and 7 from 2-6 p.m. All nurses will be at their campuses to allow for a curbside medication pick up. A parent or guardian must pick up the medication and sign for it. We will only be offering curbside pickup in order to practice social distancing. Please be patient as all medications are locked up in the office, and each student’s medication must be retrieved individually from the office by the nurse. Any medications not picked up during these times will be disposed of unless prior arrangements are made with the campus nurse.
Pflugerville ISD llevará a cabo su última entrega de medicamentos el 6 y 7 de mayo de 2 a 6 p.m. Todas las enfermeras estarán en sus escuelas para permitir la entrega de medicamentos en la acera de la escuela. Un padre o tutor debe recoger la medicación y firmar por ella. Sólo ofreceremos la entrega en la acera para practicar el distanciamiento social. Por favor, tengan paciencia ya que todos los medicamentos están bajo llave en la oficina, y cada medicamento de los estudiantes debe ser retirado individualmente de la oficina por la enfermera. Cualquier medicamento que no sea recogido durante este tiempo se desechará, a menos que se hagan arreglos previos con la enfermera del plantel.
School Locker Items Pick-up and Textbook & Library Book Drop-Off
Panthers Who Care Scholarship - deadline approaching
Happy Friday Everyone!
We just wanted to do a last call for our Panthers Who Care Scholarship. We have raised $2,185 so far!!!! If we can get up to $2,500 we could add one more senior to the receiving side of this grass roots effort. We all know families have been hit hard and not sure how they are paying bills right now, much less college costs for next year. If we can help them out in a small way, we would LOVE to do so for our seniors.
If you are able to donate, even a small amount, it might help us get to our $2500 mark by the end of this weekend. Please feel free to share this opportunity with anyone you think might be interested or willing to donate. Donations are tax deductible, they just need to save their email from gofundme.
Click here for the fund donation link. Please note that the donation deadline is Tuesday, May 5.
Also, if you know a senior who should apply for the scholarship, please send them the link to submit their application: Apply Here Currently we only have 36 applications in. The deadline for applications is Sunday, May 3.
THANKS EVERYONE!!!!!!!
From our Social Worker - Group Counseling For Senior Students
See below for information about a resource available for seniors of the class of 2020. Click on this link to register. Please note that Financial Assistance is available if needed.
Senior Night for the PHS Varsity baseball team
Friday, May 1st would have been our Senior Night for the PHS Varsity baseball team against Marble Falls. The team, led by these seniors, finished at 9-4 and was ranked #3 for 5A teams in the Central Texas Area.
Even though we may not be able to take the field, we still want to recognize these young men for their accomplishments and dedication over the last four years at Pflugerville High School. Thank you for all of your hard work and for being a part of the Panther Pfamily!
To the Class of 2020:
#1: Nick Arriola
#3: Armando Cedillo
#4: Tristan Tijerina
#6: Travis Chestnut
#7: Triston Witt
#10: Oscar Hernandez
#18: Jeffery Broaders
#21: Nick Fletcher
#24: Omar Reyes Velasco
#25: Isaac Valdez
Coach Dale Waggoner
Head Baseball Coach
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 third week of distance learning with grades, and the first IPR will be out to parents soon. Please note that students with a grade of “I” have a missing assignment in the gradebook. If you have any questions about IPR grades, please contact your student’s English teacher.
As a reminder, grades will appear in two formats in the gradebook. Students will either receive a number grade of 100%-70% on assignments or an “I” on assignments where a grade of 69% or below is earned. 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.
Several students have reached out regarding library books. Please see the flyer above for information on returning library materials. There will be no late charge. If the library materials were left in a student’s locker, the custodians will return books to the library.
As we approach AP testing time, teachers, counselors, and the College Board will be reaching out to students to verify information necessary for successful testing. There are several videos published on the College Board site for additional information and explanation. Please look for these emails.
Finally, we 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.
Sincerely,
Lisa Wernli
English Department Chair
SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
Dear parents,
Please make sure your student is regularly checking Google Classroom for assignments, materials, and communication from science teachers. Students should also check their school e-mail on a regular basis.
Students in AP science classes need to go to MyAP and make sure they have the correct communication information for their account. This is the platform through which they will be taking their AP Exams, so they need to make sure it is up to date. They should be receiving more information on this next week.
Also, students should make sure they check their grades in Skyward on a weekly basis, and communicate with their teacher if they have any questions.
Thank you,
Robert Quarles
Science Department Chair
SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT
Dear Parents,
We are now about mid-way through the online learning experience. There is a concern among teachers that because of not having any late penalties that some students are practicing their procrastination skills and falling behind. This is very worrisome for your teachers. These are very strange times and it can be overwhelming if things are left to pile up.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to your student's teacher if you have any questions. Check the online grade book for missing grades and ask your student about them. If they need help, have them reach out to their teacher via email or Google Classroom. We are here to help and support learning not just to hand out assignments and grade.
We miss our students and would love to work with them to help them be successful in our classes.
Karen Hense
Social Studies Department Chair
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.
** 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
Buy Your Yearbook Today!
Don't miss out on the memories. Yearbooks can still be purchased at jostensyearbooks.com.
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!
Wellness and May Day Muscle-Up Madness
From our Dance/PE Coach, Dianna Martz:
Some important nutrients for your health
Vitamin D is necessary for your body to absorb calcium and promote bone growth. Too little vitamin D results in soft bones in children (rickets) and fragile bones in adults (osteomalacia). You also need vitamin D for other important body functions. In addition, vitamin D can aid in weight loss, fighting disease and reducing depression. Foods rich in vitamin D include fatty fish, like tuna, mackerel and salmon, foods fortified with vitamin D like dairy products etc, cheese and egg yolks.
Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It helps to maintain normal nerve and muscle function, supports a healthy immune system, keeps the heartbeat steady, and helps bones remain strong. It also helps adjust blood glucose levels. It aids in the production of energy and protein. In addition, magnesium helps boost athletic performance, fights depression and has anti-inflammatory benefits. If you find yourself having body aches, especially at night, it may be a magnesium deficiency.
Some food that are excellent sources of magnesium include:
- Pumpkin seeds: 46% of the RDI in a quarter cup (16 grams)
- Spinach, boiled: 39% of the RDI in a cup (180 grams)
- Swiss chard, boiled: 38% of the RDI in a cup (175 grams)
- Dark chocolate (70–85% cocoa): 33% of the RDI in 3.5 ounces (100 grams)
- Black beans: 30% of the RDI in a cup (172 grams)
- Quinoa, cooked: 33% of the RDI the in a cup (185 grams)
- Halibut: 27% of the RDI in 3.5 ounces (100 grams)
- Almonds: 25% of the RDI in a quarter cup (24 grams)
- Cashews: 25% of the RDI in a quarter cup (30 grams)
- Mackerel: 19% of the RDI in 3.5 ounces (100 grams)
- Avocado: 15% of the RDI in one medium avocado (200 grams)
Be sure to eat plenty of magnesium-rich foods or take a supplement if you're unable to get enough from your diet alone. Without enough of this important mineral, your body can't function optimally.
May day muscle up Madness
5/1/20
“Ivan The Terrible”
Perform all reps all the way through with as little rest as possible
90 Seconds of jumping rope (or one foot, one foot, two foot, two foot hops if no jump rope) or jumping jacks
50 rev lunges total (25 each leg)
50 pushups
50 sit-ups or crunches
90 Seconds of jumping rope or jumping jacks
40 rev lunges
40 pushups
40 sit-ups or crunches
90 Seconds of jumping rope or jumping jacks
30 rev lunges
30 pushups
30 sit-ups or crunches
90 Seconds of jumping rope or jumping jacks
20 rev lunges
20 pushups
20 sit-ups or crunches
90 Seconds of jumping rope or jumping jacks
PHS College and Career Updates
From Mr. Nick Howell, our College and Career Counselor:
Gift Aid & Scholarships (Seniors) – Please email Mr. Howell any Gift Aid or Scholarship Information you have received no later than Thursday, May 7th. This will allow us to celebrate you and the Class of 2020.
Scholarships (Seniors) – Please continue to apply for local scholarship opportunities by visiting this website. The Panthers Who Care Scholarship is due May 3rd and The Lions Club Scholarship is now due on May 4th. If you need any materials, please email Mr. Howell. However, all scholarship items should be emailed to Ms. Gonzalez (Margarita.Gonzalez@pfisd.net).
College Board Opportunity Scholarship (Juniors) – Please visit this website for a great opportunity to win up to $40,000 dollars for college.
Texas State University Presentation (Underclassmen) – Texas State University will be giving a presentation for underclassmen via zoom on May 6th. Please sign up by visiting this google form.
Virtual Information Sessions (Seniors) - Pflugerville ISD will be hosting Virtual Admission Sessions done by popular Colleges/Universities for our Seniors. These will start May 12th. More information to come.
Virtual Coffee Chat with Mr. Howell (Juniors and Seniors) – Mr. Howell will offer an opportunity for students to chat with him via Zoom in the evening. Please watch your email and the PHS app for information regarding these opportunities coming soon.
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
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.
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