Connect with PHS
A weekly newsletter - September 22, 2020
A message from Ameka Hunt, Principal of PHS
Greetings Panther Families,
I am so impressed with our virtual and in-person learners. I also want to thank our parents for the support they have provided our students along the way. Keep up the good work. Also, Thursday, September 24, 2020 is eligibility snapshot for athletes. This means all students must be passing all classes to be eligible to participate in UIL events. Please monitor your student’s grades in Skyward and contact the teacher should you have questions regarding grades.
Important PHS Update
Dear PHS Family,
The Pflugerville High School community is deeply saddened by the unexpected loss of one of our students last Thursday.
Students and staff will react in different ways to the loss of one of our school community members, some more intense than others. Crisis counselors and social workers are available to talk with students if needed and will remain on campus as long as they are needed.
We encourage you to also talk with your child as it is important for students to express their feelings. Traumatic events like the loss of a friend or peer can trigger emotional responses that may require counseling support. If your child is exhibiting any of the following signs, please contact a crisis counselor, social worker, administrator, or therapist:
- Restlessness, nervous behavior
- Trouble concentrating
- Difficulty sleeping, frequent nightmares
- Fear of being alone
- Repeatedly asking questions
- Concentrating on previous losses and events
- Change in eating or sleeping habits
- Loss of interest in activities that he or she previously found pleasure in doing
- Significant changes in grades
If changes in your child’s behavior or personality concern you, please contact the school at 512-594-0500 to speak with your child’s school counselor, a crisis counselor or social worker. We want to make sure every student receives the support and assistance he or she needs to cope with this loss. Please do not hesitate to seek our support. Together we will help and care for one another as we move through this difficult time. Thank you for your help.
Ameka Hunt, Principal
Pflugerville High School
Student Sign out procedures
Parents, as a result of the limited access to our campus, please be aware of the current office procedures when you arrive to sign your PHS student out early:
1) Parents/Guardians/Emergency Contacts should approach the PHS Front Doors and call the front office (512-594-0500).
2) Please let the receptionist know you are standing at the Front Doors and are needing to sign out your student
3) The staff will look up your student's record. Please have your photo ID ready to show them at the door.
4) Once your ID has been checked, a staff member will be called to escort your student down to the front office, where they will sign out. Please build in lead time when picking up your student as availability and proximity of staff available to escort students varies throughout the day.
5) As a reminder, students may not be signed out after 4 pm.
2020-2021 District GT Advisory – Call for Applications
Applications for parents and staff to serve on the District GT Advisory are being accepted through September 25, 2020.
Pflugerville ISD parents of gifted learners are encouraged to apply to represent their campus feeder pattern as a Parent Adviser for Gifted Education (PAGE). PAGE’s will:
· participate in district gifted advisory meetings
· learn more about gifted education in Pflugerville ISD
· share ideas to help continuously improve GT services districtwide
District teachers, administrators, counselors, and district staff as well as community members are also encouraged to apply. All interested stakeholders should apply here.
Applications are due by Friday, September 25, 2020. Applicants will be contacted to serve on the committee by October 2, 2020.
Meeting dates for 2020-2021 are: October 26, December 7, February 22, and April 19. All meetings are from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Location of meetings will be emailed to selected applicants.
More Information on Canvas for Parents!
Parents,
Parents and Guardians can create a Canvas account and sign up as an observer in Canvas. Observers can link their Canvas account to their student’s account so they can see assignment due dates, announcements, and other course content.
Click here for Parent/Guardian Account Instructions on how to set up a Canvas Observer account. (Haga clic aquí para instrucciones en español.) We also have a video to go along with the instructions.
Here are the links to download the app for students and for parents:
Canvas For Student App Links:
iOS https://apps.apple.com/us/app/canvas-student/id480883488
Android https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.instructure.candroid&hl=en_US
Canvas For Parent App Links:
iOS https://apps.apple.com/us/app/canvas-parent/id1097996698
Android https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.instructure.parentapp&hl=en_US
App Guides: https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Mobile/ct-p/apps
Meg Jameson
Digital Learning Instructional Coach
Drive-Thru to Fight the Flu: Pflugerville
Drive-Thru to Fight the Flu: Pflugerville
Get your entire family vaccinated against the flu without leaving your car. One day only. Help keep our local communities healthy this flu season by immunizing your family. Join the friendly competition to see which cities can do the most flu immunization.
Click here for more information.
Saturday, September 19, 2020
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM (CT)
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Pflugerville Medical Center
2600 E. Pflugerville Pkwy.
Pflugerville TX 78660
Consent Forms:
Donna Bartko, RN
Pflugerville High School
And, as always, continue practicing the three W’s!!
WASH your hands
WATCH your distance
WEAR your mask
Stay well and have a great Panther year!
From our Counseling Staff
AP Exam Information
Please click on this Link to 2021 AP Exam Information
- Students must join their teacher’s AP Classroom in order to sign up for the exam.
- Exams must be confirmed by October 30th with a down payment in order to be officially ordered.
- Payment this year will be through RevTrak, first down payment is due by October 30th.
Click here for AP Exam Scholarship Application for non-free and reduced students.
Connect with your Counselor - What to know how to contact a counselor or our social worker? What to know how to set up a meeting or what resources are available to support your student, check out our short video to walk you through how to connect with us: https://www.loom.com/share/a76d977d757c4fe4be4f92a5005de7f4
2019-2020 AP Exam Reimbursements – The finance department plans to process the reimbursement checks in their next check cycle, which should be 2-3 weeks. Sorry for the delay.
Sarah Cable
Counselor for student last names P-R
PHS Lead Counselor 512-594-0526
Reminder - Bell Schedules
Bell Schedule
Please see below for a chart of bell schedules.
Google Classroom
Both in-person and virtual learners will continue utilizing digital learning platforms to engage in learning throughout the year. Maintaining continuity in the digital learning world will help to ensure the students' learning experiences continue with as few transitions as possible as we navigate learning through this COVID-19 pandemic.
From our Department Chairs
SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT
Many students received schedule changes this week. This will cause you to have to join your new Google Classroom. Even if you have the same teacher of the same subject but a different period you need to join the correct Google Classroom. The teacher or class you left will remove you from their GC, but you have to join the new one. Make sure to get the correct code from your teacher!
Also, those students who are returning to PHS must have a laptop or ipad with them in class everyday in order to participate. There will be no paper copies handed out at this time. If you do not already have a school issued Chromebook please contact Ms. Owen in the library or Ms. Dardeau in the office.
Change is challenging, but you can do your part to avoid getting behind in your classes. Bring a laptop and join the correct Google Classroom. 😊
I feel like I should add wear a mask and wash your hands, but so far the students on campus are being awesome at those 2 things!!!
Karen Hense
Social Studies Department Chair
FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
Job well done and congratulations to all of our students, parents, guardians, teachers and staff on completing our first week of Hybrid school. The FCS department continues to recognize the many challenges that face all of us but are proud to be a part of the Panther Pfamily that has optimistically faced those challenges.
We remind those students who have chosen to stay virtual to attend their daily class Zooms and keep up with their daily assignments and assessments. Communication is key with both in person and virtual learning and we are impressed with our student’s ability to advocate for themselves when they are unsure of something. Together, we can keep this year going in the right direction and celebrate with you all of the accomplishments thus far!
GO PANTHERS!
Brettany Kokes
Family & Consumer Sciences Dept. Chair
LOTE Department
Bonjour parents,
And so we end the first week of this phase of “Return to Learn”. A grand merci to our students for their cooperation in these efforts set to keep us safe during the in-person learning. Being back on campus has been an adjustment, and I feel that our students entered with a positive attitude. It has been greatly appreciated.
I especially want to use this as an opportunity to say that our teachers are working immensely hard during these challenging times. It is important to express our appreciation, not only to the teachers in the LOTE Dept, but to all the PHS teachers. This job is anything but simple, and it takes serious strength to accomplish.
Merci les profs.
With admiration and respect,
Wendy Faz
LOTE Dept. Chair
Please Read - Student checklist for parents
Parents,
Please see the checklist below indicating what COVID-19 symptoms to screen your student for, and what to do if they are positive for symptoms.
From our College and Career Counselor
Mr. Howell shares important information from the College and Career center:
College Application Palooza (Class of 2021) – Please join us on September 23rd, 2020 for an Application Workshop. This is a great opportunity to receive one-on-one assistance with the college application process (applying, essays, resumes, scholarships, etc.). This is also a great opportunity for those students who just need one application for graduation purposes. This is an open house set up and students can come and go as they please between 9:00 – 12:00p and 1:00 – 6:00pm. Register Here.
Financial Aid Presentation (all families) – We will be hosting a Financial Aid Presentation for all families in PFISD on September 22nd from 6:00 – 7:15pm. During this program, our Texas A&M University representative (also a financial aid counselor) will assist families in learning about the FAFSA/TASFA application, types of financial aid, and scholarship opportunities. Please sign up here.
TSI Testing – Your student may have received a voucher to take the Accuplacer (TSI) Math, Reading and/or Writing Test Virtually. If they did, please have them follow the instructions in the email to complete each exam no later than September 28th. If they need assistance signing up, they can visit http://www.calendly.com/phscollegeandcareer to set up a time. If you have questions, please email Mr. Howell .
Pflugerville High School 9th grade students and parents are invited to a “College Road Map” event hosted by UT Youth Engagement Center-Austin (formerly UT Outreach Austin). The purpose of this event is to expose students to the opportunities they can take advantage of during their high school years to make them more competitive in their college applications.
Date: September 23, 2020 7pm-8pm
Registration: https://tinyurl.com/freshmenroadmap
Pflugerville High School 10th grade students and parents are invited to a “College Road Map” event hosted by UT Youth Engagement Center-Austin (formerly UT Outreach Austin). The Sophomore College Roadmap webinar will help Sophomore high school student realize the steps it take to get to college.
Date: September 30, 2020 7pm-8pm
Registration: https://tinyurl.com/sophomoreroadmap
Nick Howell
College and Career Advisor
Pflugerville High School
(512) 763-2415
https://nicholashowell.wixsite.com/collegeandcareer
RM #: A-103
PHS CEEB Code: 445-500
COLLEGE VISITS FOR THE WEEK OF
September 21-25, 2020
Monday 9/21/2020
1:30 PM Sacred Heart University (Fairfield, Connecticut)
1:30 PM Texas A & M University, Galveston (Galveston, Texas)
3:00 PM University of Southern California (Los Angeles, California)
3:00 PM Texas A & M University (College Station, Texas)
Tuesday 9/22/2020
1:30 PM University of Dallas (Dallas, Texas)
3:00 PM University of California, Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara, California)
3:00 PM Bradley University (Peoria, Illinois)
3:00 PM The University of Texas at Austin (Austin, Texas)
Wednesday 9/23/2020
1:30 PM Savannah College of Art and Design (Savannah, Georgia)
1:30 PM University of Denver (Denver, Colorado)
3:00 PM University of Chicago (Chicago, IL)
3:00 PM Williamette University (Salem, Oregon)
Thursday 9/24/2020
1:30 PM Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles (Los Angeles, California)
1:30 PM St Mary’s University (San Antonio, Texas)
3:00 PM Pitzer College (Claremont, California)
3:00 PM Sonoma State University (Rohnert Park, California)
Friday 9/25/2020
1:30 PM Angelo State University (San Angelo, Texas)
1:30 PM Texas A & M University, Texarkana (Texarkana, Texas)
3:00 PM Life Pacific College (San Dimas, California)
3:00 PM University of North Texas (Denton, Texas)
Youth Advisory Council
The City Council approved the creation of a Youth Advisory Council (YAC), a program to teach local high school youth about city government and get them involved in their city. The Mayor will serve as council representative and liaison to support the youth participants.
The YAC participants will volunteer at city events, tour city facilities and attend various board and commission meetings. Each class will select a class project to complete over the course of the year.
Members are required to be residents within the city limits of Pflugerville, current high school students, and at least 17 years old by the October 1 start date of the program year. Applications are accepted starting August 1st of every year. The program begins in October of each year and meets monthly through the academic school year. Application can be found here.
For additional information, please contact the City Secretary, at 512-990-6103 or by email citysecretary@pflugervilletx.gov
Students - Check out HOSA on the PHS Website
Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) has a local chapter at PHS and invites students to join us if you are interested in healthcare, competition, volunteering for our community, and/or making lifelong friendships! We will meet via zoom at 4:30 pm on 09/24/2020 if you would like to learn more about how to become a member. Email any advisor (with your parent or guardian attached) to RSVP and receive the zoom information.
Emails are:
Jennifer.ortegonfeldsberg@pfisd.net
We look forward to guiding your exploration of the healthcare world!
Dori J Smith, RN, BSN
Pflugerville High School Instructor
Health Science Pathway
HOSA Advisor
Attendance
Parents and students, please take a moment and check attendance in Skyward. The attendance icon is available!
If your student was absent from class, please know that parents, guardians and medical offices can email excuse notes to cathy.martinez@pfisd.net or fax to 512-594-0505. Please be sure to include the student name and ID in the email/fax.
Affordable Internet Options for Qualifying Families
The District is working to lessen the burden of internet connectivity some of our families may be experiencing. Over the summer, PfISD Technology increased the Wi-Fi signal on its campuses to extend into the parking lots. Students who may not have reliable internet access at home could, therefore, come to the campus and connect to the school’s Wi-Fi from the parking lot.
Also, for families that do not have internet service at home, a number of providers are offering discounts during the COVID-19 pandemic to families that are on the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), also known as Free and Reduced Lunch.
- Spectrum is offering Spectrum Internet Assist, an affordable and reliable high-speed option for $17.99 per month to families in the NSLP, the Community Eligibility Provision of the NSLP or who are on Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If you believe you qualify for this discounted internet service, visit www.spectruminternetassist.com. You can enter your ZIP code to see if the service is available in your area and complete an application form. Spectrum Internet Assist Flyer
- SuddenLink has an option for families that qualify for the NSLP as well for $14.99 per month. More details can be found at www.alticeadvantageinternet.com or call 844-358-3147 to see if you qualify. SuddenLink Flyer: English | Español
- Grande Communications also offers an affordable option for low income families through its Internet First program. Pricing for eligible families is $9.95 a month. For more information and to apply go to https://www.internetfirst.com/.
- AT&T also has options available for affordable internet during these times. More information is available on its website: https://www.att.com/internet/access/
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services
Meals During Remote Learning
New Resource - Relief funds
The City of Austin is offering $10 million in Relief in a State of Emergency (RISE) 2.0 funds to individuals in Austin and Travis County through RISE 2.0.
RISE 2.0 funds come after the original $15 million of RISE funds were awarded to 20 non-profits and social services agencies in May and June. Most of the funds distributed to the original 20 agencies have been exhausted. While the original RISE funds were distributed to social services agencies, RISE 2.0 funds will be distributed directly to individuals who apply and are chosen through a randomized selection process. Chosen applicants will receive $2,000 per household.
Eligibility Requirements
- At or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level;
- Resident of Austin-Travis County, Texas;
- 18 Years of Age or Older;
- Experiencing hardship related to COVID-19; and
- Have not received other financial assistance in the past 30 days.
Application Process
- Sept. 8-11: The phone bank will open for questions from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. [512-714-6950]
- Sept. 14: Households can start the application process online or through the phone bank. The online application form will be available in English and Spanish. The phone bank will be available in multiple languages.
- Online Portal: https://fund.uptogether.org/rise2
- Sept. 21: Last day for households to apply. Applications must be submitted by 7 p.m. on this date.
- Sept. 22 – Oct. 2: The phone bank will remain open during this time to answer any questions from the public.
- Sept. 23-Oct. 6: The randomized application selection process will be completed, and applicants will be notified of whether or not they were selected.
- Sept. 23-Oct. 30: Funds will be distributed to the chosen applicants.
Fund Distribution
If the selected individual applied online, they can receive the funds in the following ways:
- Direct ACH bank transfer (individuals who choose this option will receive the funds sooner)
- Virtual Prepaid Card (sent via email)
- Mailed Prepaid Card
- If the selected individual applied through the phone bank, they will receive the funds via a prepaid card distributed by El Buen Samaritano.
RISE 2.0 funds were approved on June 4 when the Austin City Council passed Resolution #20200604-049 and Resolution #20200604-040. RISE 2.0 funds will be distributed by a third-party organization that was approved through a Request for Qualifications (RFQs) process.
The third-party organizations that were chosen from the RFQ process, El Buen Samaritano and Family Independence Initiative (FII), are responsible for operating a phone bank and a centralized application and distribution process with a secure online portal. FII will manage the randomized application selection process. All funds will be distributed by Oct. 30, 2020.
While there is $10 million allotted for RISE 2.0, approximately $1 million of that fund will be used for the administrative process to distribute the funds through third-party organizations. APH expects 4,500 households to benefit from the RISE 2.0 funds.
Click here for more information.
FAQ: Chromebook laptop distribution
*Can students still get a Chromebook?
Many of our returning students are realizing they would prefer a Chromebook to bring back and forth to campus. Yes, they can still pick up a Chromebook.
When and How?
Parents/guardians will need to make an appointment from 3-5pm. Contact Sara.Dardeau@pfisd.net or Laura.Owen@pfisd.net
Is a parent/guardian required to be here?
Yes, with an ID. The student does not need to be present.
Is this only for families “in need”?
No. The Board approved a 1-to-1 policy, providing EVERY STUDENT in Middle School and High School with his or her own device.
Student wasn’t issued a sleeve to protect the Chromebook.
Student should contact Laura.Owen@pfisd.net in the library and she will get one to the student.
Tips to Successfully Navigate Virtual Learning at PHS
Tips to Successfully Navigate Virtual Learning at PHS
Attendance will be taken daily. It is imperative students complete assignments everyday each period in order to be marked present. Remote learning sessions will include synchronous sessions (Two-way, real-time/live, virtual instruction between teacher and students), and asynchronous sessions (Instruction that does not require having the instructor and student engaged at the same time). All students will need to log into their teacher’s Google Classroom via the PHS website at the appropriate times to engage in synchronous sessions. Students have until 11:59 PM everyday to submit asynchronous assignments.
Return to Learn - Remote Learning Website
Pflugerville ISD has provided a webpage with information on starting the 2020-2021 school year. Please click here to learn more about virtual learning and on-campus learning.
¿Necesita ayuda en español?
Teléfono: 512-594-0583 (deje un mensaje de voz si no contesta)
Correo electrónco: Kristen.Hernandez@pfisd.net
Ella le brindará la ayuda que usted necesita.
There's an App for That!
Now more than ever, it's important to keep up to date 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.
Subscribe today!
We will be sending our parent newsletter regularly throughout the school year. Don't miss an issue! Click “Follow Ameka Hunt” at the top or bottom of this page to subscribe to the weekly newsletter.