The BA Bulletin - Feb 5th, 2024
Weekly News Capturing the BA Way!
From Ms. Foster Arbaiza,
Here are our big updates for this week:
Celebrate Black History Month at BA
1. Defense Season is UNDERWAY! Sign up to attend your child's Defense.
2. TELPAS Testing Starts February 20th
3. Course Selection for 24 -25 has Started!
4. FAFSA Updates
5. February 5th - 9th is National School Counselor Week!
As always, let me know if you have any questions!
Ms. Foster Arbaiza
Congratulations BA Belles!
Let's hear it for the BA Belles for winning 1st place in the team and officer division at their dance competition this past Saturday. If you see a belle today, please give her a huge congratulations!!! We are so proud of you Belles!
Celebrate Black History Month at BA!
Black History Month was established to recognize and celebrate the profound contributions of African Americans to the rich tapestry of American history. Initiated by historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1926, it evolved into a month-long observance in February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. This dedicated month serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles, achievements, and resilience of the Black community, fostering understanding, appreciation, and acknowledgment of their indelible impact on culture, society, and the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality. It provides an opportunity for education, reflection, and the promotion of inclusivity, recognizing that a comprehensive understanding of history requires the full and accurate representation of all voices.
Defense Season 2024 has BEGUN!
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.
How Can I Help My Student Prepare for Their Defense?
Understand the Requirements:
- Familiarize yourself with the Defense requirements and rubric.
Encourage Time Management:
- Help your student create a study schedule for effective preparation.
Practice Public Speaking:
- Support your student in practicing their presentation skills.
Provide Constructive Feedback:
- Offer feedback on presentations, focusing on strengths and areas for improvement.
Emphasize the Importance of Preparation:
- Stress the significance of thorough preparation for the Defense.
Promote a Positive Mindset:
- Encourage a positive outlook, highlighting the learning experience over just the outcome.
Be Supportive:
- Offer emotional support and reassurance throughout the preparation process.
Sign Up to Serve on the Panel:
- Consider volunteering to serve on your student's Defense panel for additional support. See the flyer below to sign up! tiny.cc/communitypanelist
TELPAS Testing Starts February 20th
What is TELPAS testing?
The Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS) is an English language proficiency assessment aligned to the Texas English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS). This assessment is designed to assess the progress that emergent bilingual (EB) students make in learning the English language. TELPAS fulfills ESSA requirements for assessing EB students in kindergarten through grade 12 in four language domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Grades 2–12 include online tests for:
listening and speaking
reading and writing
Who Is Tested?
All EB students in kindergarten through grade 12 enrolled in Texas public schools or open-enrollment charter schools are required to participate in TELPAS. EB students are required to be assessed annually with an English language proficiency assessment until they meet EB reclassification criteria.
How will BA Test TELPAS?
Students will begin testing in the four domains on February 20th. We are designing a plan that minimizes classroom interruptions and maximizes students and their teachers being in their classroom for instruction.
Course Selection for the 2024 -2025 School Year Has Started!
How does my child know which classes to take?
It's that time of year to pick courses for the 2024-2025 school year. Get ready for an exciting journey in course selection for the upcoming school year! Our dedicated counselors will be joining Social Studies classes to guide students in choosing the path that aligns with their aspirations. Bryan Adams High School offers five dynamic pathways: Fine Arts, CTE (Career and Technical Education), Career Institute, PTECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School), and Advanced Academics.
Counselors will ensure that every student is enrolled in courses that not only resonate with their interests but also pave the way for success. With a keen focus on earning endorsements and CCMR (College, Career, and/or Military Readiness) points, our counselors will provide personalized support to help students navigate their academic journey seamlessly.
Discover your passion, define your path, and set the stage for a future filled with opportunities. Let our counselors be your compass as you embark on this exciting course selection adventure!
Courses will be chosen through Schoolinks. If you have any questions, please reach out to your student's cohort counselor listed in the flyer.
FAFSA Updates for Seniors and Parents
Important Information from ASP
For the rest of the semester, FAFSA/TASFA parent nights will continue on select Thursdays from 6-8pm in the Library. Also, Mondays in ASP are now Money Mondays where ASP will reserve the day to work with students and parents to complete the FAFSA or TASFA form only. Parents can sign up using the following tiny.cc/BAFAFSAAppt link for help during the school day as well.
Thank you for your support! We will continue to strategize on how to best support our students, help them meet this graduation requirement, and get them the financial aid they need.
February 5th - 9th is National School Counselor Week!
National School Counseling Week 2024 (#NSCW24) is Feb. 5-9, 2024, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems. National School Counseling Week, sponsored by ASCA, highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. National School Counseling Week is always celebrated the first full week in February. The 2024 theme is "School Counseling: Standards-Based, Student-Focused."
At BA, we want you to celebrate National School Counselor Week and join us in expressing gratitude for the incredible contributions of our dedicated counselors! Throughout this special week, we honor their unwavering commitment to supporting our students' academic and personal growth. From providing guidance on educational paths to offering a compassionate ear during challenging times, our school counselors play a crucial role in creating a positive and nurturing learning environment. Take a moment to appreciate their hard work and the positive impact they make on our school community. Thank you, counselors, for your invaluable service!
Important BA Links & Flyers
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