AHS BULLDOG COMMUNITY NEWS
3434 Pheasant Creek Dr, Sugar Land, TX 77498
WELCOME TO AUSTIN HIGH SCHOOL
HOME OF THE BULLDOGS!
Week of January 24
Welcome to Austin High School's Community Newsletter where we share all of the important information, amazing activities, and events occuring on our campus with our BULLDOG Family and community! To our new Freshman Bulldogs and to our returning Sophmores, Juniors and graduating Seniors.... WE WELCOME YOU to the DAWGHOUSE! We are excited about the 2021-2022 school year!
Principal Corner
It's Progress Report Time!
Monday, January 24 is the end of Progress Report 5. This is a good opportunity for parents to check on your child's progress in their classes. Do you have Skyward Family Access? This is essential to keep up with your child's academic progress. Click on this link for more information on setting up your family account: https://www.fortbendisd.com/skyward
This week, we are also beginning the Course Selection Process for the upcoming school year. This is an important time of year, where your student will select the courses they want to take next school year. Please access the course selection guide for course descriptions. It is important to note that all FBISD secondary school have a universal course selection process. This means that all classes offered in the district are listed, however, depending on requests, teacher certification and availability, they may not all be offered at Austin HS. Please make sure you are aware of graduation requirements when selecting courses. Click here for more information: https://www.fortbendisd.com/courseselection
In May, all students who meet the eligibility criteria will be able to exempt one or more of their spring final exams. The number of exemptions a student qualifies for is dependent on their classification (Fr, Soph, Jr, Sr). Students must meet all exemption criteria, including grades, fines, EOC, and discipline. It is important to note that the district does require all students to attend all their semester exam classes, regardless of exemption status. So they still have to be in school, but if exempt, they won't be required to take their final. Students can elect to take a semester exam, if they want to improve their grade. Semester Exams are NOT given early.
Click on this link for the exemption criteria: https://www.fortbendisd.com/cms/lib/TX01917858/Centricity/Domain/91/2021-2022%20Student%20Parent%20Handbook%20%209.21.21.pdf
Please read through this newsletter for additional information about our campus and upcoming activities. Thank you very much for your support, understanding and flexibility as we work to provide the best learning environment during a pandemic. I understand that it is a stressful time and I appreciate your support. Thank you.
Rachel Cortez
Upcoming Dates:
January 24 - Progress Report 5
January 25 - 8th Grade Parent Night - Virtual
January 27 - Open House - Virtual
2021-2022 ADMINISTRATORS
Rachel Cortez - Campus Principal
Kyle Lovetinsky - Associate Principal
Assistant Principals
Adaun Ojukwu (A-D)
Anthony Yim (E-K)
Meraj Khan (L-Q)
George Long (R-Z)
2021-2022 COUNSELORS
Elisha Carter (A, T-Z)
Michelle Lewis (Lead) (B-E)
Myrna Hodge (F-K)
Trishauna Garrett (L-O)
Leigha Gatson (P-S)
AHS SOCIAL WORKER - ANA R. SIDDIQUE
AHS BULLDOG NEWS
Course Selection Window -January 28th - February 6th
Greetings Bulldogs!
The course selection window this year is January 28th through February 6th. The deadline to enter all course selections will be Sunday, February 6, 2022. Students will enter their selections through the Career Plan section in Skyward starting Friday,January 28, 2022.
On Thursday, January 27th during 4th period, all students will watch a course selection video with important course selection information. Students will receive a copy of their academic transcript, a blank credit audit sheet, a course selection worksheet and a course list on Thursday in their Social Studies class. We encourage students and parents to spend some time working together to review this information and entering their courses into their Career Plans in Skyward.
Students MUST return the completed and signed course selection sheet to their Social Studies teacher on Monday, January 31st. During the week of January 31st through February 4th the counselors will visit with students through their Social Studies classes to verify that students have entered their 2022-2023 course selections. We will be in the class to field questions and assist students as needed.
Additional resources regarding course selection and 4-year planning are available on the Austin High School website on the Counselors' Page: https://www.fortbendisd.com/Page/81236 and https://www.fortbendisd.com/Page/984
In review, here is what needs to happen:
1. View video: https://www.fortbendisd.com/Page/81236
2. Enter course selections in Skyward under Career Plan
3. Complete Course Selection Worksheet
4. Return course selection worksheet to Social Studies teacher on January 31st.
REESE CENTER APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE!!
2022-2023 Course Selection Process
Please look over the course selection guide and discuss with your child what courses you would like them to select next school year. Please remember that these are requests. Class schedules are dependent on availability.
Senior Gear. Senior Ring. Cap & Gown
All seniors will need to purchase a cap and gown, as we have a new style for the Class of 2022.
Wednesday, January 26th
During All Lunches - Cafeteria
$80 Down Payment for all orders over $80
NEW CUSTOM Cap/Gown/Tassel
$50
$50 + TAX = $54.13
Times Have Changed - Any Grade Can Order a Class Ring
Class Ring. Senior Ring. Graduation Ring. Whatever you call it, we’ve got you covered.
TIMES HAVE CHANGED!
All Grades can Order ANYTIME!!!
Order Dates:
Wednesday, January 26th
During Lunches
$60 Down Payment
or Order Online @ Balfour.com or at the Balfour Office - 1221 Lumpkin
CALLING ALL SENIORS!!
What is Pro-grad? Pro-grad is a fun night at the end of the school year for current Seniors to celebrate graduation. There will be activities, food and lots of cool raffle prizes. To earn raffle tickets for the event you can attend pro-grad meetings, volunteer opportunities throughout the year and Senior Serve which is coming up in March. Please see the two documents below for Senior Serve and get your applications in. If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Lamnek- blamnek@hotmail.com
DECEMBER STAAR INFORMATION
Students must pass all five STAAR tests for graduation.
Secondary Student Password Expiration Notification
AHS CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
Parent and Community Engagement Opportunities
Virtual 8th Grade Course Selection Parent Night - January 25th
The meeting link is below.
Virtual 8th Grade Parent Night TEAMS Meeting Links
All available links are below.
Virtual Spring Open House -January 27th
Virtual Spring Open House Department TEAMS Meeting Links
CALLING AHS STUDENTS! SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
Webinar: January 26, 2022- Healthy Minds and Healthy Habits: How to Support Your Child’s Mental Health
As part of the Whole Child Health initiative, Fort Bend ISD will present the parent webinar, “Healthy Minds and Healthy Habits: How to Support Your Child’s Mental Health,” on Wednesday, January 26 at 6 p.m.
Click the Zoom link to join the webinar. Registration is not required for this event. This session will focus on parenting strategies that will help parents support their children to be the best version of themselves. Whole Child Health, aligned with the FBISD’s Profile of a Graduate, is committed to supporting and developing the mental, behavioral, social, emotional, and physical health of all students in FBISD.
Link: Healthy Minds & Healthy Habits: How to Support Your Child’s Mental Health
Community Education Spring Classes
Spring 2022 Class Registration Now Open!
Through the Community Education Program, we offer a wide variety of youth, adult and multigenerational classes. Whether you are looking for an opportunity to reignite a long-held hobby or passion, or you're curious to learn a completely new skill, we've got the class for you!
About Success Zone
Success Zone is an exciting enrichment program that offers in-person and online classes to all District and Non-District elementary age students. We collaborate with professionals throughout the community to bring our students the perfect mix of a fun learning environment, imaginary curriculum and high-energy activities!
About Middle School Classes
For our middle school students, we've partnered with professionals in our community to provide study skills and language classes. We are supporting FBISD's Profile of a Graduate through classes that help our students be prepared academically.
About High School Classes
As part of the District's Profile of a Graduate, FBISD is continuously working to develop graduates who have a strong academic foundation and prepare them to be ready for their post-secondary ventures. Through our Community Education Program, we provide several classes including seminars to prepare our students for the ACT/SAT Exam.
About Adult Classes
With the District's Community Education Program, we are excited that members of our community are able to set examples for our students by becoming life-long learners themselves. From recreational activities to learning a new language, we believe there is something for everyone. So whether you are a parent, grandparent, former student or new member of the community, we welcome you and invite you to participate in our classes.
FBISD COVID Guidelines
• At least 5 days since symptoms first appeared, if no symptoms then five days since date of testing positive for the virus; AND,
• At least 24 hours with no fever without fever-reducing medication; AND, Other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving; AND. Continue to wear a mask for 5 additional days
**Loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks or months after recovery and need not delay the end of isolation.
Persons who have symptoms that could be COVID-19 and were directed to care for themselves at home, and choose not to get tested for COVID-19, or have not been evaluated by a medical professional may discontinue isolation under the following conditions:
• At least 5 days since symptoms first appeared; and,
• At least 24 hours with no fever without fever-reducing medication; and 19
• Other symptoms that could be COVID-19 are improving; AND
Continue to wear a mask for 5 additional days
If an individual who has symptoms that could be COVID wants to return to school before completing the above stay at home period, the individual must either:
1. Obtain a medical professional’s documentation clearing the individual for return based on an alternative diagnosis and at least 24 hours have passed with no fever without fever reducing medication; OR,
2. Obtain a NegativeCOVID-19 test for COVID at an approved COVID testing location found at https://tdem.texas.gov/covid-19/, and at least 24 hours with no fever without fever reducing medication.
* Tests Accepted: Rapid/Antigen and PCR lab tests (home tests not accepted)
An individual that has come in “close contact” with a lab confirmed positive case, can return to work or school:
Spring Semester Exam Exemption Criteria
Student Advertisement
If you'd like to purchase an ad for your senior in the 2022 Onyx Yearbook, please see the information below. The deadline for purchase if February 15. Thank you.
COVID Vaccine Clinic
COVID Vaccination Clinics
Vaccinations for ages 5 and up
Fort Bend County will offer vaccinations for individuals ages 5 and older. These clinics are open to all eligible individuals in the community and will have available first, second and third doses and boosters. Individuals getting second and third doses and boosters, should bring their vaccine card with the date of previous doses. Parents must accompany minors and show proof of date of birth. Walk-ins are welcome and vaccinations are offered at no cost.
*Boosters are now available for 12 years and up.
Saturday, January 22, 2022 – 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Quail Valley Middle School
3019 FM 1092
Missouri City, TX 77459
Saturday, January 29, 2022 – 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Austin High School
3434 Pheasant Creek Drive
Sugar Land, TX 77498
Saturday, January 29, 2022 – 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Crockett Middle School
19001 Beechnut
Richmond, TX 77407
Vaccinations for ages 5–11 – Walk-ins are welcome!
Fort Bend County will offer pediatric vaccines for children ages 5-11 at select FBISD elementary campuses on Wednesdays. Parents must be present. Registration is no longer required. Walk-ins are welcome. Vaccinations are offered at no cost.
Wednesday, January 26, 2022m – 4:30 – 7 p.m.
Barrington Place Elementary
2100 Squire Dobbins Drive
Sugar Land, TX 77478
Vaccinations for ages 5–11 – Registration required!
Texas Vaccine Institute will offer the first dose of the vaccine for children ages 5-11 at select FBISD elementary campuses. Registration is required. Vaccinations are offered at no cost.
Parents must accompany children and provide the following:
- Copy of child's identification, i.e. student ID, birth certificate, etc.
- Copy of health insurance card (You do not have to have health insurance to receive the vaccine.)
- Read the Fact Sheet (Hoja de Hechos en Espanol) and then print and fill out the Consent form. (Please print, fill out and bring to the appointment.)
- Screening form (Please print, fill out and bring to the appointment.)
Thursday, January 27, 2022 – 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Burton Elementary
1625 Hunter Green Lane
Fresno, TX 77545
Student Recognition
AHS Student Artwork Finalists
Last weekend, our very own Ms. Sheikh took our FBISD 3D-Finalist artwork to the NRG Arena for the Rodeo art contest judging. We took the win in both categories, Best of Show AND the Gold Medal in 3d Sculpture. Next step, both students will move on to round 2 judging/possible auction.We are excited and proud of their hard work and accomplishment.
Ms. Dunlevy also took her students 2D artwork to the NRG Arena for judging and we're happy to report that we had two students receive recognition.
Fort Bend ISD – Houston Rodeo-Art Contest Winners!!
- Sarah Pattie received a gold medal for her sculpture
- Christian Ruma received Best of Show for his sculpture
- Kristine Lim received a gold medal for her drawing
- Teresa So received a silver medal in 2D drawing
- Students now move on to the next round
- Best of luck students!
Christian Ruma - 3D Best of Show
Christian Ruma - 3D Best of Show
Kristine Lim - 2D Gold Medal
Sarah Pattie - Gold Medalist
Sarah Pattie
Teresa So - Silver Medalist
Election Workers Needed
Goldfish Swim School-Hiring Now!
CURRENT SEASONAL ATHLETIC SCHEDULES
AHS ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES
SPECIAL EDUCATION NEWS AND UPDATES
JANUARY SEPAC MONTHLY MEETING
Special Education Grants and additional information
Did you know your student can receive $1,500 in funds to use for education? PLEASE APPLY ASAP!!!
SB 1716 passed in the 87th Legislative session expanded the current Supplemental Special Education Services (SSES) program which gives $1,500 grants to families of qualifying Special Education students. Beginning November 1, 2021, new eligibility guidelines will go into full effect, making all currently enrolled Texas public school students served by Special Education eligible.
https://tea.texas.gov/academics/special-student-populations/special-education/supplemental-special-education-services-sses
Information of Texas Medicaid Waivers, waiting times are EXTREMELY LONG! Apply as soon as possible.
https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/section-1115-demo/demonstration-and-waiver-list/Waiver-Descript-Factsheet/TX
Texana
Mary Sotelo 281-239-1363
Waivers, HCS, TxHML
Texas Health and Human Services
Interest List Phone Line
1-877-438-5658
Waivers: CLASS, MDCP, DBMD
Webinar on Guardianships and Alternatives to Guardianship
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IvWFkGyOVg
Josefina Alcala-Hamilton
AHS SEPAC
Cell: 832-900-2328
Ongoing Announcements
Morning Arrival
Food Deliveries
Please remember that food deliveries are not allowed at AHS. This includes any delivery of food, either from family or delivery services. All students are allowed to receive a free lunch from our Child Nutrition Department through the lunch lines. We appreciate your support and cooperation.
Tardies
Please also remember that students should be in their classrooms prior to 7:30, please remember that traffic is heaviest from 7:15-7:30. We recommend that students arrive by 7:15, to allow ample time to be in their classroom by 7:30.
Please see below for our tardy progression of discipline. Thank you.
Attendance
Please send all attendance notes to attendanceahs@fortbendisd.com. If you are sending a doctor’s note, please take a picture or scan it and attach to the email. If your student needs to leave early from school, please email the attendance office as soon as possible, so we can send a pass to your student. This makes is very helpful for when a student is in athletics and we are unable to reach their coach. Our latest pick up time is 2:20, so please be here by 2:15 in order to sign your student out and always bring in your picture ID. Please remember that traffic gets backed up, so you may have to wait. Thank you!
STUDENT DROP-OFF
Dear AHS Parents,
Welcome back to another Exciting Year at Austin High School, Home of The Bulldogs!!
We would like to share some information with you regarding Morning Student Drop-Off.
The best time to drop your student off at AHS with little to no traffic is usually between 7:00 AM and 7:15 AM. After 7:15 AM the traffic flow becomes heavy and students risk being late to 1st period.
Areas for Drop-Off: Front Circle and Student Parking Lot Area (Northside of the Building)
Please Do Not Attempt To Drop Your Student Off on The Bus Ramp Side of the Building,this area is for School Vehicles and School Personnel Only.
STUDENT TEXTBOOK REQUEST
Thank you.
STUDENT PARKING PERMITS
FREE AND REDUCED MEAL PROGRAM
There are numerous benefits to qualifying for free or reduced meals, including SAT/ACT reduced fees, college application waivers, etc..
IMPORTANT LINKS
About US
Website: https://www.fortbendisd.com/ahs
Location: 3434 Pheasant Creek Drive, Sugar Land, TX, USA
Phone: 281-634-2000
Twitter: @SFAHSBulldogs