The BA Bulletin - March 25th, 2024
Weekly News Capturing the BA Way!
From Ms. Foster Arbaiza,
Here are our big updates coming up:
1. TSI Testing for Seniors
2. Student Surveys in Advisory This Week (adjusted bell schedule!)
3. Best of the Best Defenses, March 27th
4. March 29th - NO SCHOOL
5. Senior Updates
6. Eclipse Updates
As always, let me know if you have any questions!
Ms. Foster Arbaiza
BA Dance Company Performs at the Mavs Game!
The Bryan Adams High School Leadership Academy Mariachi Verde Directed by Steven Ramirez and Dance Company Directed by Amy Solorio were invited to perform at the Dallas Maverick's halftime show this past Sunday on March 3rd. This was a huge honor for our students!
BA Dance Company Performs at the Mavs Game!
Way to go Mariachi Verde and Dance Company. We are so proud of you!
TSIA Testing for Seniors and Some Sophomores
TSI-A Information
All seniors and PTECH students are required to take the TSI at Bryan Adams.
Those who have not met the requirements to be "College Ready" will retake the exam this week. Select sophomores will also be taking the exam this week to see if they qualify for dual credit classes next year.
How Does the TSI Assessment Work?
Students take three tests: one in mathematics, one in
reading, and one in writing. Where necessary, students may be
given an additional diagnostic test in a particular subject.
This diagnostic test is designed to provide more detailed
information regarding academic strengths and
weaknesses.
These assessments include multiple-choice questions
that are aligned to the Texas College and Career Readiness
Standards. For the writing assessment, it’s likely that students will
be asked to also write an essay.
Here are more details about how the TSIA works:
§ The assessments are computer adaptive, which means
that questions increase or decrease in difficulty level
depending on how the students respond.
§ The assessments are untimed, which means there is
no time limit on how long a student can take to complete the
assessment; however, it is important to allow
enough time to complete each test because the results
are a key factor in determining the course or courses in
which he student can enroll.
§ In most cases, this assessment provides immediate
results upon completion. When students complete the
assessment, they immediately receive information on
their score and their skill or proficiency levels.
§ They may start and stop anytime during the test session
by using the “save and finish later” option, except
during the essay.
Student Surveys Are Tuesday, March 26th in Advisory
Why are student surveys important?
Student surveys play a critical role in shaping both the school culture and the culture among teachers. These surveys serve as a direct channel for students to express their experiences, concerns, and feedback regarding their interactions with teachers. By actively engaging students in the evaluation process, these surveys promote transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement within the educational ecosystem. Through candid responses, students provide valuable insights into teaching effectiveness, classroom dynamics, and areas for enhancement. This feedback not only empowers students but also fosters a collaborative environment where educators can reflect on their practices and adapt to better meet student needs. Ultimately, student surveys contribute to the creation of a supportive and student-centered learning environment where both students and teachers thrive.
Here is how the bell schedule will be adjusted for Tuesday, March 26th:
1. Students will report to their ADVISORY Class first on Tuesday morning at 9AM
2. We will follow a "Pep rally" schedule to allow students enough time to complete their surveys.
3. Students will then transition to periods 5-8 using the schedule below
Best of the Best Defenses Wednesday, March 27th!
Best of the Best Defenses are Wednesday, March 27th
What is a defense at Bryan Adams High School Leadership Academy?
At Bryan Adams, we empower students in 10th and 12th grade to showcase their academic prowess through a unique defense system mirroring the college experience. Students rigorously defend their performance assessments, akin to defending a thesis, evaluated against a comprehensive rubric. This transformative experience unfolds in front of a panel of adults, including the student's advisor, fostering critical thinking, communication skills, and academic excellence. Our Defense prepares students for the challenges of higher education, instilling confidence and resilience as they articulate and defend their projects with passion and precision. Welcome to a platform where knowledge meets courage, and leaders are forged through intellectual fortitude.
Best of the Best Defenses occur on Wednesday, March 27th. These Defenses are the capstone of the Defense Season here at Bryan Adams. These Defenses serve as exemplars for the Defense model here at Bryan Adams. You don't want to miss these!
See the flyer below to sign up! tiny.cc/communitypanelist
Senior Updates for Class of 2024
Recap from Parent Meeting on 3/20
Our Senior Parent meeting this past week was a success! Here are some important details:
Senior Events and Activities Updates
1. Graduation is on May 18th at 12:30PM at Loos Fieldhouse
2. Senior Fees are $80 and due by April 15th. You can pay Ms. Alexander in D201 or here.
3. Senior Fees Cover the Senior Breakfast (May 15th), Senior Field Day (May 17th), Busses to Graduation Rehearsal (May 16th) and Ceremony, and the Senior T-Shirt
4. Additional Fees not covered by the Senior Fees are Prom, Cap & Gown, and Six Flags
5. Prom is on May 4th at the W Hotel Tickets are $75/ticket
Senior Academic and Graduation Requirements Update:
1. Students who failed a course for graduation and are NOT CURRENTLY in Reconnect will have to take the course in Evening Academy and finish by May 9th
2. Reconnect is due by April 30th
3. Attendance for Credit Hours are due by April 22nd
4. Last day for senior grades is May 13th
The Slidedeck from the Meeting is linked below.
Eclipse Update for April 8th, 2024
How will BA Students and Staff Experience this once in a lifement event?
On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will sweep across Texas and be observed in the Dallas- Fort Worth area. In an effort to provide students with a safe opportunity to view the eclipse, The Perot Museum of Nature and Science has provided all Dallas ISD students and staff with a free pair of solar viewing glasses. It is critical and required for all solar eclipse viewers (students and staff) to wear the glasses to prevent retinal harm. The total solar eclipse start and end times will be as follows:
Bryan Adams Total Solar Eclipse Start & End Times
Start of Total Solar Eclipse Viewing
1:35 pm
End of Total Solar Eclipse Viewing
1:45 pm
Students back in Class
1:50 pm
Safety Protocols (from https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/safety/)
Here are some required safety guidelines to follow during a total solar eclipse:
View the sun through eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer during the partial eclipse phases before and after totality.
Students will have several lessons in advisory over the next two weeks about the Solar Eclipse and its importance, as well as the scientific facts about it.
Students will learn about how to wear the safety glasses and why they are important during the advisory lessons.
Students will exit the building using our safety evacuation protocol to safely view the eclipse.
Students must wear the glasses in order to view the Solar Eclipse
After the Total Solar Eclipse has ended (approximately 5 minutes), students will report back to their Advisory classroom with their advisory teacher.
Hexter PTSA Sponsors Scholarship for Bryan Adams Seniors
Important Information from Hexter PTSA
The Hexter PTSA is sponsoring a $2,000 Scholarship to A Bryan Adams Senior who attended Hexter in Elementary School. Submit your application by April 30th using the link on the flyer. Contact layla.bush@gmail.com for more information.
Important BA Links & Flyers
Join our High School Dance Program!
Incoming 8th graders & 9th-11th grade dancers: Don't miss your chance to dance in High School! The Bryan Adams Dance Department offers a dance course for everyone. For more information, please email amysolorio@dallasisd.org
Bryan Adams High School Leadership Academy
Jeffrey Yerger, Assistant Principal, Fine Arts, Facilities, Electives
Shawnette Bryant, Assistant Principal, ELA/ESOL, 9th Grade
Danielle Gerhart, Assistant Principal, Science, NAF, 10th Grade
Tracy Reed, Assistant Principal, Social Studies, SPED, 11th Grade
Adrian Echevarria, Assistant Principal, Math, World Languages, 12th Grade
Joan McCoo, Assistant Principal, PTECH, CTE
Email: safoster@dallasisd.org
Location: 2101 Millmar Drive, Dallas, TX, USA
Phone: 972-502-4900
Facebook: facebook.com/bryanadamshighschool
Twitter: @bryanadamsHSLA
Past BA Bulletins
Fall 2023
https://www.smore.com/mcvjp-the-ba-bulletin-august-21-2023
https://www.smore.com/nw3szd-the-ba-bulletin-august-28-2023
https://www.smore.com/hb96g-the-ba-bulletin-sept-5th-2023
https://www.smore.com/e7sgr-the-ba-bulletin-sept-11th-2023
https://www.smore.com/kf45w-the-ba-bulletin-sept-18th-2023
https://www.smore.com/h39z2-the-ba-bulletin-sept-25th-2023
https://www.smore.com/20mjw-the-ba-bulletin-oct-2nd-2023
https://www.smore.com/15zgn-the-ba-bulletin-oct-9th-2023
https://www.smore.com/p8wkn5-the-ba-bulletin-oct-23rd-2023
https://www.smore.com/7xgtvy-the-ba-bulletin-oct-30th-2023
https://www.smore.com/r7v542-the-ba-bulletin-nov-6th-2023
https://www.smore.com/4adch-the-ba-bulletin-nov-13th-2023
https://www.smore.com/pnq9v-the-ba-bulletin-nov-27th-2023
https://www.smore.com/ftah7-the-ba-bulletin-dec-4th-2023