ECHS OWL Update
April 14, 2024
Early College High School News
Mission Statement
Our ECHS Owls are taught to have H.O.P.E.--faith in the premise that they can create OPPORTUNITY and a better future through EFFORT, HARD WORK, and PERSONAL COURAGE. This idea of H.O.P.E. is woven into the fabric of our ECHS family.
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Greetings ECHS School Community!
Hope everyone had a wonderful week.
The Total Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8th, was an Awesome event that provided a shared memory for the ECHS Community! SHOUT OUT to our ECHS team for the collective support and planning for this wonderful time!
Please feel free to check out the OWLstanding News section for highlights of: Total Solar Eclipse Event, ECHS AVID Spring Showcase, ECHS Seniors attend ACC Texas Government class trip, ECHS PTSA Annual Meeting and the Panda Express Fundraiser!
As we continue within the fourth nine week period, during the week of April 15th, two days will be designated for End of Course (EOC) testing for many ECHS students. If your student is a ninth grader, they will take their Biology STAAR End of Course Exam on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. If your student is a tenth grader, they will take their U.S. History STAAR End of Course Exam on Thursday, April 18, 2024. More details will be shared and please be sure to plan accordingly.
This Friday, April 19th, will be the FIRST EVER Early College High School/Caldwell Heights Elementary School CARNIVAL from 6-8 pm at Caldwell Heights Elementary! This has truly been a Year Long labor of love led by our AMAZING ECHS PTSA Board (supported by the ECHS community), in collaboration with the CHE PTSA Board! If our students are planning to attend the ECHS/CHE Carnival as a participant or a volunteer, they (or their parents if they are under 18) need to complete this waiver. Feel free to take a look at the sign up genius for volunteering and/or donating (a way for students to earn hours who cannot volunteer at the Carnival) and see if you can help out! Tickets and wristbands are still available for the Lowest Price and you can purchase them online. We’re looking forward to a FANTASTIC Event and hope our ECHS Families will come join in on the FUN!
We acknowledge the continued hard work of our students and staff within their courses. We want to encourage ALL Our ECHS students to hang in there! Please reach out to communicate with your teachers/professors and take advantage of available campus and ACC support, whenever needed. Students (along with their parents) who are currently failing ECHS classes, will continue to be contacted by your teachers to ensure they know what is needed to raise their grades. All ECHS students, please remember your teachers are available to assist during tutorials and office hours. Please be assured, we care about our ECHS students as individuals and are here to support their well-being along with their overall success.
Last and definitely not least, we began this week’s OWLstanding News section of the OWL Update highlighting that a date has been set for the ECHS Groundbreaking!!! We’re beyond excited for our ECHS Community and hope you are able to join us on May 15, 2024 at 9:00 am.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
GO OWLS!
Dr. Wilson
UPCOMING Events:
4/16: STAAR Biology End of Course Exam
4/18: STAAR U.S. History End of Course Exam
4/19: ECHS/CHE Carnival at 6:00 pm
CAMPUS REMINDERS:
Seniors will need to turn in their chromebooks before or during the week of May 20th - 23rd. Please turn them into Mrs. Conovan in her office which is found at the back of the commons between 11:00 and 3:00 daily.
April 19th is the ECHS/CHE Carnival:
Through countless hours of cooperative work between Early College High School PTSA and Caldwell Heights Elementary PTA, we are proud to present a joint CHE/ECHS Spring Carnival for the students of Caldwell Heights Elementary as a FULL SCHOOL SERVICE PROJECT taking place on April 19th!
The goal is to help Caldwell Heights and their PTA to raise much needed funds for classroom resources. Additionally, Early College High School PTSA will be able to increase funding for Grants and Scholarships.
We would love for you to check out this ECHS/CHE Carnival visual for details and information about how to get involved.
We look forward to seeing you there, April 19th 6:00 - 8:00pm at Caldwell Heights Elementary.
ECHS “OWL”standing News!
MONDAY, April 8th (Solar Eclipse 2024)
On April 8, 2024 Round Rock Early College students were able to see a once in a lifetime event! Students were able to observe a total solar eclipse. Where the moon came between the sun and the earth casting its shadow on the earth and blocking out the sun. While annular eclipses are common. Total eclipses in Texas are not, the last total eclipse in Texas was in 1878. The next total eclipse that Texas will be in the path of totality will be in 2317. If students want to observe another total solar eclipse before 2317 travel will be necessary. Total solar eclipses occur each year just not over the same area of the planet. Round Rock Early College High School would like to thank Austin Community College Professor Kusali Gamage for help in obtaining 500 pairs of eclipse glasses from the National Science Foundation. Students were also able to observe a solar flare during the time of totality. The weather cooperated and the clouds broke up at about 3/4 coverage of the sun. The clouds returned at the very end of the totality phase. Overall a very enjoyable time for our participating students, staff and ECHS/ACC school community!
Check out these ECHS Highlights!
The Round Rock Early College High School AVID Spring Expo 2024 was WONDERFUL & our student presenters were Fantastic!
SHOUT OUT to Mrs. Wagliardo for planning and AVID Site Team members for helping with yesterday's AVID Spring Showcase! The students did a really great job sharing about their projects, enrichment club initiatives and work samples!
Along with ECHS Owls, families and staff, we were also pleased to welcome district guests as well. We appreciate Dr. Hafedh Azaiez, RRISD Superintendent of Schools and Mrs. Michelle Moak, RRISD AVID District Director, for their presence.
ECHS seniors in Professor Hoag's Texas Government class at ACC had the opportunity to go visit both chambers at the state capitol in Austin on Friday, April 12th, with counselor Mrs.Holmes in tow.
The students also had an appointment with Justice Boyd at the Texas Supreme Court. He devoted time to the group, detailing his career path and the functions of the Supreme Court, followed by a Q&A. Justice Boyd is a 1979 Round Rock HS graduate who was a minister before taking the LSAT on a whim and attending law school. The group then took a stroll through the State Cemetery east of IH-35, observing the various tombstones of great Texans (astronauts, musicians, civil war soldiers, etc). We thank the organizer of this field trip, Professor Hoag, for this great hands-on learning opportunity.
ECHS PTSA General Membership Meeting
On April 11th, the ECHS PTSA Annual Meeting went very nicely and included the election of 2024-25 ECHS PTSA Officers.Congratulations to the newly elected officers! Many Thanks to those who participated, our outgoing ECHS PTSA President Mrs. Reass and newly elected ECHS PTSA President Mrs. Lynch, for planning this time.
Thanks to the members of our ECHS Community who participated in the Panda Express Fundraiser on April 11th sponsored by ECHS PTSA! In support of the fundraiser, our ECHS Staff had Panda Express for lunch on April 11th, as part of their Professional Development Day! The proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards the ECHS/CHS Carnival!
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. Some people with ASD have a known difference, such as a genetic condition. Other causes are not yet known. Scientists believe there are multiple causes of ASD that act together to change the most common ways people develop. We still have much to learn about these causes and how they impact people with ASD.
AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH SPOTLIGHT
We celebrate Autism Awareness Month to recognize the achievements and contributions of Neurodivergent individuals who have inspired others to achieve success within our ECHS community and beyond!
Sir Anthony Hopkins
Actor, director, and film producer Anthony Hopkins has won several accolades, including an Academy Award, three BAFTAs, two Emmys, and the Cecil B. DeMille Award. He revealed: “I’ve been diagnosed with Asperger’s, but I’m high- end. A lot of people with Asperger’s are highly functional but inconsistent. They have nervous ticks, nervous habits, inconsistently obsessive thinking.”
Sir Anthony describes himself as “a poor learner,” which he believes caused him to be ridiculed in early life and led to an inferiority complex. He states he grew up believing that he was stupid and had a sheer contempt for authority.
“They put me in the boarding school because they didn’t know what else to do with me,” he said. “So, my school history was poor, and I think that breeds in any child a lot of anger and loneliness.”
When questioned about his work ethic, Sir Anthony has stated he reads character lines until they become natural, and he can recite them without thinking; and once he has performed a part, he “discards” it.
Despite his challenges, Sir Anthony has become a force reckoned with in the acting world.
NATIONAL ARAB AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH SPOTLIGHT
We celebrate Arab American Heritage Month to recognize the achievements and contributions of Arab Americans who have inspired others to achieve success within our ECHS community and beyond!
Gigi Hadid
Jelena Noura “Gigi” Hadid of Los Angeles is a supermodel who has walked the runway for some of the biggest fashion designers in the world. Born to a father from the Palestinian territories and a Dutch mother, Hadid has modeled for Marc Jacobs, Chanel, Versace, Diane Von Furstenberg and Anna Sui. She has also landed on the cover of numerous magazines.
Philanthropy is one of Hadid’s passions. As a UNICEF Supporter in 2019, she traveled to Senegal and visited schools, a health care center, a digital-skills boot camp and a shelter for women and girls.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR OWLstanding ECHS Student nominated this week:
All our ECHS OWLS!
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR OWLstanding ECHS Staff nominated this week:
Keith Clinscales
Amar Picazo
Mckenzie Eggers
Esther Lugo
Geneva Guardiola
Sylvia Brudeseth
Carnival Info:
April 19th 6-8pm at Caldwell Heights Elementary (4010 Eagles Nest St.)
Sensory Friendly Carnival for attendees that need a quieter & less crowded environment from 5:30-6pm.
Parking on the street around campus!
Kona & Hands Off My Funnel Cake will NOT be taking tickets so please plan accordingly!
Raffle tickets for a Whataburger gift basket valued at $400 will be on sale the day of Carnival in addition to wristbands & activity/food ticket bundles.
We are in the home stretch leading up to Carnival! It is going to be amazing! I wanted to ask you all to take a look at the sign up genius for volunteering and/or donating (a way for students to earn hours who cannot volunteer at Carnival) and see if you can help out! We have also created this Amazon wish list for donations. Volunteers at Carnival get a FREE Unlimited Rides Wristband that will be available for pick up when you check in for your Volunteer Shift!
If you are planning to attend Carnival as a participant or a volunteer, you (or your parents if you are under 18) need to complete this waiver.
Don't forget, there are just a few days left to purchase your wristbands & ticket bundles at the LOWEST PRICE! Prices will go up on April 17th. You can purchase online or print page 4 of the attached information sheet and send it into the ECHS Office with your payment.
If you have any questions, please reach out to us at earlycollege_ptsa@roundrockisd.org and a member of the ECHS PTSA Board will get back to you as soon as possible.
We are excited to announce the ECHS PTSA officers for the upcoming school year!
Soon they will be looking for parents and students who want to serve in positions on the Executive Board. If you are interested in getting more involved with ECHS PTSA, please email earlycollege_ptsa@roundrockisd.org.
Helen Holmes (Students whose last names begin with M-Z)
Valerie Laugier (Students whose last names begin with A-L)
Mental Health & Other Resources for 23-24
Here is a link to crisis resources for anything related to mental health, dating violence, and substance use. This includes a 24-hour hotline and text line.
Here is a link to community resources including financial, food, medical, dental, and mental health assistance.
More student and parent resources can be found on the district Counseling Services and Behavioral Health websites.
RRISD Health Services website for info and medical forms:
https://roundrockisd.org/health-services/
RRISD Covid website:
ACC Free Tuition is Here!!!
Austin Community College District recently approved a pilot program to offer FREE college tuition and general fees to all high school graduates and GED® completers who live in the ACC service area. As a family in our district, your student(s) are eligible!
ABOUT THE ACC FREE TUITION PILOT PROGRAM
The ACC Free Tuition pilot program provides free tuition and general fees for high school grads and GED completers who live in the ACC service area. This includes students from all high schools in the ACC service area, including local school districts and charter schools, as well as home school programs. The program will launch in fall 2024. It starts with students from the class of 2024 and will continue for all future classes in subsequent years for the next 5 years.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Students who are eligible for the program will receive FREE tuition and general fees at ACC for 3 years or up to 5 years if they want to pursue a bachelor’s degree at ACC.
$85 per credit hour includes:
$67 Resident Tuition
$15 General Fee
$2 Success Fee
$1 Sustainability Fee
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Out-of-District Fee ($201 per credit hour)
Non-Residents/International Students
Any Course/Program Specific Fees
Textbooks
To learn more about the program, visit austincc.edu/freetuition. Fall registration begins Friday, May 17.
ACC UPDATES:
ACC RESOURCES
ACC library - Resources now online
Need more study resources tips, meet with an Academic Coach
FREE online tutoring here.
DISTRICT UPDATE:
Java City re-energizes Round Rock ISD students and staff
Apr 11, 2024
Mornings aren’t complete without a cup of joe!
Now anyone in need of a caffeine fix at McNeil, Westwood, or Round Rock high schools can stop by Java City Monday through Friday from 7 to 9 a.m.
The campus coffee shop first opened in 2011 at Westwood, alongside Cedar Ridge, and Round Rock high schools. However, all locations were forced to close in 2020 due to staff shortages during the pandemic.
Westwood High School is the latest to reopen its Java City location. Sophomore Jhivan James said he thinks the coffee shop will be good for both the school and the students.“I thought it would be really good business if we opened Java City back up again because a lot of the students are tired,” he said.
Aramark, Round Rock ISD’s food service provider, was able to revive its Java City programs by launching a student employment program. This allows Java City to give students work experience alongside a $14/hour salary.
Sandra Phillips, a human resources manager at Round Rock ISD, said the program provides real-world experience to students who might not otherwise have the opportunity due to transportation, academics, and extracurricular activities.
“These students are responsible for serving at the same standards as your local coffee shop,” she said. “They manage money, provide customer service, prepare and serve products according to Child Nutrition standards, and troubleshoot under pressure.”
Jhivan said he didn’t expect to get paid when he applied to be a barista, but acknowledged it’s definitely a plus to working at Java City.
“It’s really nice that we’re getting paid,” he said. “I would definitely recommend working at Java City. It’s a fun, easy job. It’s quick money, you don’t have to work that long… it’s a good first job to have.”
Round Rock High School reopened its cafe in 2022, and McNeil High School reopened its in 2023. The Cedar Ridge High School location remains closed at this time.
When openings arise, students can apply to work for their school’s respective Java City on the Aramark website.
This Week’s Inspirational Quote:
Have you seen Early College High School on Facebook and on Twitter?
Early College High School is on Facebook and Twitter!
Please like us on Facebook @RRISDECHS and follow us on Twitter @ECHS_RRISD to see what is happening at ECHS!
In an effort to maintain our good health, safety and well being; we are ALL encouraged to please continue following the current restrictions instituted within our school district, city, state and nation.
Please take care of yourselves!
Round Rock ISD Early College High School
Email: web_master@roundrockisd.org
Website: https://earlycollege.roundrockisd.org/
Location: 4400 College Park Dr, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA
Phone: 512-704-1650
Facebook: facebook.com/RRISDECHS
Twitter: @ECHS_RRISD