Connect with PHS
A weekly newsletter - October 9, 2020
Message from Ameka Hunt, Principal of PHS
We hope this past week has been a week of learning, peaceful cool nights, and crisp early mornings. The leaves are starting to change color and before you know it, they will cover the ground in their brilliant oranges and yellows.
Next week will bring changes to a few of our students that will either join us in our in-person learning and for some that will change to a virtual setting. The counselors have been hard at work preparing schedule changes for students that have requested a change in their method of instruction (virtual or in person) or simply a change to their schedule. Please note: All changes will take effect on Wednesday, October 14th. Students that are starting in person learning for the second nine weeks will begin on Wednesday, October 14th. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s counselor.
As a reminder, this Monday is a Staff/Student holiday. We hope you all enjoy this three day weekend and we look forward to what the next week will bring.
Tech Tip for Students and Parents
Students (and Parents), when files become detached from Google Classroom Assignments it can feel overwhelming. Please click on this link for a video about how to reattach Google Drive files to assignments when it looks like they've been deleted. (If you prefer to see the presentation slides, click here.)
Meg Jameson
Pflugerville High School
Instructional Coach - Digital Learning
Student flu shots
PHS Parents,
It is that time of the year to receive your flu vaccine. The district has partnered with Healthy Heroes to provide free flu vaccinations for all students! All students, both remote and in person, are eligible to participate in the flu clinic. We will continue to keep cohorts separated and remote students WILL NOT be interacting with on- campus cohorts. The flu clinic will be held on October 19, 2020. Information on time will be shared after Health Hero knows the amount of consent forms they receive. Our campus continues to be closed to parents at this time.
Please click here for the consent form. The ENTIRE FORM, FRONT, BACK (2ND PAGE), AND SIGNATURE MUST BE FILLED OUT OR YOUR CHILD WILL NOT BE VACCINATED. Only students wanting to participate need to complete the flu consent form. The School Nurse must receive the completed forms by October 15, 2020. You can email form to donna.bartko@pfisd.net or send with your student to give to the nurse.
Please reach out to me for any questions.
Stay Healthy,
Donna Bartko, RN
Reminder for students
Students, be sure you are checking your emails daily so as not to miss out on Important information.
Thank you.
Parking Permit Applications
In order to ensure the safety of our campus, we have started the Parking Permit Application Process. For all students who plan to drive to the PHS campus for school, please visit the link below to begin the process of purchasing a permit.
From our Social Worker: FREE upcoming workshop
Helping Your Adolescent Cope with Stress
Who: Caregivers for adolescents.
When: October 28th, 2020
Time: Wednesday, 5:30 - 7:00 PM
Where: Video Conference, once you have registered, you will receive an email with further information on how you can join this workshop.
Cost: Free, donations optional.
Adolescence is a period of significant development and change. In this workshop, caregivers will learn about common stressors in this developmental period, typical signs of stress, and walk away with tools on how to help their teens navigate these challenges.
CONTACT INFO
ACGC
workshops@austinchildguidance.org
(512) 451-2242
RELATED LINKS
Ana Bowie, LMSW
PHS Campus Social Worker
From our Counseling Staff
Method of Instruction Changes
The counselors have been hard at work preparing schedule changes for students that have requested a change in their method of instruction (virtual or in person) or a change to their schedule recently. All changes will take effect on Wednesday, October 14th. Students that are starting in person learning for the second nine weeks will begin on Wednesday, October 14th. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s counselor.
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
Sarah Cable
Counselor for student last names P-R
PHS Lead Counselor 512-594-0526
Counseling Team
Parents & students, please know that we are there to support you academically and emotionally. If you are needing support from your counselor please feel free to email or call.
Counselors by alpha split:
A-D: Christina.Powell@pfisd.net / 512-594-0533
E-J: Lindsay.SaylorCarroll@pfisd.net / 512-594-0575
K-O: Mathew.Doeckel@pfisd.net / 512-594- 40529 (current sub for Mrs. Johnson on maternity leave)
P-R: Sarah.Cable@pfisd.net / 512-594-0526
S-Z: Geminesse.Scott@pfisd.net / 512-594-0530
Social Worker: Ana.Bowie@pfisd.net / 512-594-0539
College & Career: Nicholas.Howell@pfisd.net / 512-594-0527
PHS Administrators
Please be assured that our leadership team will continue to support the student body of PHS. Please contact your administrator with any questions or concerns you may have. Assistant principals will support students based on their last name. See the information below for details.
PHS Administrative Team:
Ameka Hunt - Principal
Dr. Emily Delgado-Associate Principal
Dr. Sara Butler-Intervention & Testing Principal
Argie Flores- Principal (A-E)
Sara Dardeau- Principal (F - Lon)
Crystal Keck – Principal (Loo - Riv)
Christopher Riley - Principal (Ro - Z)
From Donna Bartko, Nurse at PHS
Please continue to practice the very important safety measures of the 3 Ws! WASH your hands, WATCH your distance, and WEAR a face mask!!
Please remember to do your Health Screening AT HOME before arriving on campus
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.
Donna Bartko, RN
Pflugerville High School
From our Department Chairs
ELA DEPARTMENT
Dear ELA Parents,
The end of this week finds us closing the first 9 weeks and beginning the second. Kudos to students and parents for a successful start to a very non-traditional school year!
VERY IMPORTANT:
For the ELA department, Zoom meetings are not optional and should be attended each class period unless otherwise communicated to the teacher. As we continue our hybrid model of teaching (some students virtual and some students in-person) students will have an asynchronous time in class and a synchronous time in class in the form of Zoom.
We have completed the requests for transfer from Pre-AP/AP courses. If you or your student feels he/she may be misplaced at the end of the 9 weeks, please reach out to teachers and counselors. It is imperative that students are properly placed in classes for academic success.
Students can now check out physical books. Curbside pickup will begin next week on Thursday Oct. 15.
Students can go to the Library tab on the campus website under Services. There, students can place a book on hold for curbside pickup at the following Google link: Book Hold
On-Campus Learners will have books delivered to the classroom.
Virtual Learners will pick-up books during Curbside Pick-up, Thursdays, 11am - 12pm at Front Office
Thank you to parents and students for remaining patient as we transition into our next phase of learning.
Together in Education,
Lisa Wernli
PHS English Department Chair
Chromebook laptop distribution
Chromebooks are still available. Please click here for information.
PSAT In-person Thursday, October 29th, 2020
Parents,
Due to COVID-19 limitations, the PSAT will look a little different this year. You MUST sign up this year, and space is limited. The deadline for signing up is Thursday, October 22.
Only 9th Graders in Algebra II or Higher will be allowed to take the PSAT this year. All other 9th Grade Students will take it next year. Any 10th or 11th Grade Student can take the PSAT, but they must sign up.
Bus transportation will be provided, but students will need to check “Yes” in the Form provided below.
Please bring a SACK lunch. PHS will provide a SACK lunch if you forget.
All Non-Testing PHS Students will be virtual on October 29th, 2020.
Please Complete the Following Form To Register for the PSAT at Pflugerville High School on Thursday, October 29th, 2020 IN-PERSON. PHS PSAT Form
Masks Required in the Stadium
College and Career Counselor
Good Afternoon PHS Families –
I hope that you are all doing well at this time. Please remember that if you need assistance from the College and Career Center, we are just a click away. Visit http://www.calendly.com/phscollegeandcareer to set up an appointment. If your student is a member of the Class of 2021, please read the information below:
College Applications (Class of 2021) – We are in full swing for the College Application season. We encourage that students complete all of their College Applications by October 31st. This will make sure that students have met the priority deadline for most colleges across the US. If your student is applying to Texas A&M University (College Station), please encourage your student to complete that application as soon as possible (majors will start to fill up soon). Please keep in mind that every student in the Class of 2021 is required to complete an Apply Texas application by October 31st in order to graduate from a PFISD High School. If you need assistance or have any questions regarding the graduation requirement, please email Nicholas.howell@pfisd.net
Financial Aid (Class of 2021) – The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) opened October 1st, 2020 for the 2021-2022 academic school year. Please make sure that you are filling out the 2021-2022 application as this is the year your student would begin their college career next year. Please note that every student in the Class of 2021 is required to complete a FAFSA or TASFA by November 30th, 2020. If you have questions about this requirement or need assistance filling it out, please email Nicholas.howell@pfisd.net. Once you fill it out, please forward Mr. Howell your confirmation email for graduation.
Scholarships – Please continue checking this website as there are many opportunities updated weekly under the links provided in the National Scholarship Programs section. Our Local Scholarship programs typically start in January. We are encouraging every single senior to continue working on the College Board Opportunity Scholarship Program.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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