MCCALLUM HS CAMPUS UPDATES
Information Current as of 5.11.20
BIG NEWS FROM THE PRINCIPAL
SENIOR SEND-OFF PARADE!
When: Thursday, May 28th
Where: McCallum High School (Sunshine, Houston and Grover streets)
Time: 1:00-2:00pm
We want to ensure everyone’s safety, SO:
Instructions for Seniors participating in the parade:
- Meet at the black hole (the band practice lot) beginning at 12:45pm. You cannot get out to socialize with others. YOU MUST STAY IN YOUR VEHICLES AT ALL TIMES!
- You may decorate your car (school appropriate).
- Wear your cap and gown if you would like!
- We strongly encourage parents or family members drive so our seniors may wave and enjoy the moment (and remain safe while doing so!)
- The parade will leave out of the black hole at 1pm - follow the AISD police car.
- The parade will proceed south on Sunshine, west on Houston, and north on Grover. Cars will exit the parade route once back to Koenig.
- You may not re-enter the parade route once you exit.
- Speed limit of 5mph.
Instructions for spectators viewing parade:
- You may line the three streets of Sunshine, Houston and Grover on the opposite side of the street from the school. (McCallum faculty members will be on the school side of all three streets.)
- Please maintain social distancing rules in relation to spacing from other spectators.
- We encourage parents, McCallum underclassmen, family members, and community members to attend and cheer on our seniors.
- You are encouraged to make signs/banners or bring spirit items.
- Please stay with your party on the spectator side of the street.
- Unfortunately no building access or restrooms will be available.
- Following AISD rules, no alcohol, tobacco or weapons permitted.
Instructions for faculty:
- Please arrive on campus by 12:15 pm.
- Park in senior lot, between gym/theater, or by the portables.
- You are encouraged to make signs, bring spirit items and wear your MAC spirit gear or graduation robes (it will be warm, though!)
- You are welcome to bring family members. Keep them with you.
- Please maintain social distancing guidelines.
- Unfortunately no building access or restrooms will be available.
REMINDER!
FREE SENIOR PORTRAITS FROM A MAC ALUM!!
Chromebook, Textbook, Library book Drop Off – GRADUATING SENIORS ONLY
Where:
Circle Drive at the front of the school
When:
Thursday May 21st
10:00am – 12:00pm Last Names A – D
12:30pm – 2:30pm Last names E – K
Friday May 22nd
10:00am -- 12:00pm Last Names L – R
12:30pm – 2:30pm Last Names S – Z
Rules:
- Please have your chromebook and charger IN the carrying case before you leave your car.
- Stay in your car until the person in front of you has returned to their car.
- Please wear a mask when leaving your car.
- No socializing or “hanging out” – strictly drive-up and drop-off.
Thank you!
AP Exam Info
AP Testing begins Monday, May 11th. Luckily, we have a great set of resources for you! The AP Practice Demo is out and it is very simple to navigate. If you practice and follow the steps to prepare, we feel extremely confident that you will do well!
The most important links to prepare you for AP testing:
Other helpful links:
For more information, contact you AP teacher, Ms. Goldstein at shelley.goldstein@austinisd.org or Ms. Ray at jody.ray@austinisd.org
If you owe a balance, please pay it as soon as you are able. If your family is experiencing financial difficulties during this time, please let us know. We can work with you.
You may also cancel your test and receive a refund.
McCallum Yearbook Update
PREVIOUSLY SENT INFORMATION BELOW (For Reference)
SENIOR GRADUATION MATERIALS PICK-UP
Get Registered for School Year 20-21
We hope all of you are doing well at this time and are adjusting to the this new reality. As we finish out this year online it is already time to start thinking about next year. There is one item we need every family to take care of before the start of next school year, which is registering your child for the 2020-2021 school year. You can access the online registration through my.austinisd.org. Once you have logged in you will need to use the search icon and type registration. A registration tile will pop up which will take your through the registration process. Be sure to complete the registration process for each child you have attending Austin ISD schools.
Please contact Lisa Valadez at lisa.valadez@austinisd.org if you need assistance accessing your AISD account for registration.
Fine Arts Academy Convocation Update
The Class of 2020 McCallum Fine Arts Academy Convocation has been rescheduled for Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at 7pm in the MAC Theatre.
Since the full Class of 2020 graduation has been set for Thursday, August 13th at 1pm in the Erwin Center, we felt that this decision was in support of our goal to keep the celebrations together. Obviously, this new date and time are subject to change based on the current situation and decision-making by our leaders.
GRADING GUIDELINES
- The 10-week spring semester is still open for students to complete work that was assigned or scheduled before March 13. Students will have until May 26, 2020, to complete missing or outstanding work that will help them improve this 10-week spring semester grade. These grades will be recorded in the TEAMS gradebook.
- The 10-week spring semester average will be used by the teacher to determine the transcripted grade of “Pass” (70 or higher) or “Incomplete” (lower than 70). It can also be used to recover fall semester credit if a student failed the first semester of a year-long course and if averaging the failing fall semester and the passing spring semester numeric grades together is 70 or greater. The spring 2020 grades will never factor into the student’s cumulative GPA or rank GPA.
- Activities and assignments for continuous learning will be assigned to students from April 6 through May 27, and teachers will provide students with feedback on this work in BLEND. Students will receive "No Marks" during this period of continuous learning, due to the unique nature of these circumstances.
- Teachers will use maximum flexibility in assessing and evaluating student learning for the remainder of the school year. To that end, assignments submitted during the period of continuous learning can positively influence students’ overall grade for the year, based on their understanding of the content for the whole year or “demonstration of proficiency.” In other words, any work assigned since April 6 may only benefit the student by positively contributing to the final grade. Only final grades will be shown on transcripts; the “No Marking” period of continuous learning will not show on a student’s final transcript.
Grading FAQ
What does this mean for high school students?
The fourth and fifth six-weeks grades will be combined into one 10-week grading period. This combined grading period will serve as evidence of the student’s performance in the third quarter of learning.
All final grades for the spring semester will be entered as “Pass” or “Incomplete”.
Yearlong averages will be calculated by averaging the fall semester (50%) and the average of the grades earned during the 10-week spring 2020 grading period (50%).
This ensures that students who failed the fall 2019 semester of a yearlong course will be permitted to repair failing grades or make up missing assignments in order to earn the year long credit.
How will my senior meet graduation requirements?
All cohort 2020 student records will be reviewed to ensure students are on track to satisfy all requirements in their personal graduation plan.
The student, caregivers and guidance counselors will create a plan of action for any student at-risk of not completing all requirements for graduation.
Students in cohort 2020 will be able to continue working to meet graduation requirements.
Students who have not passed one or more STAAR examinations are eligible for the Individual Graduation Committee (IGC) process. Seniors will need to complete their assigned IGC Courses via Garza Online to meet all state testing requirements.
All graduation plans will target a May 26, 2020 completion. Parents of students who are not successful in meeting requirements for graduation shall be informed of any available options, such as an extended year program or summer school.
How does this impact students’ rank GPA?
Final rank GPA for cohort 2020 students will be calculated according to AISD’s policy using grades transcripted through the Fall 2019 semester. Rank GPA is used to determine the top 10% of the class and the valedictorian and the salutatorian for the class of 2020.
Final rank GPA for the 2020 school year for all grade levels will be calculated according to AISD’s policy using grades transcripted as of 12/20/19.
Cumulative GPA calculations will not include grades transcripted from the Spring 2020 semester.
How will students earn a P or an I for the second semester?
All assignments and assessments considered in the spring of 2020 must have been due prior to March 13, 2020. Grades after March 13 will be used to determine how much students are progressing to proficiency, attaining proficiency, incomplete in their progress toward proficiency, or incomplete because the district and students were not able to navigate this new learning space in these uncertain times.
Students can make up or repair any prior assignments assigned during the spring 2020 semester (10-week spring semester grades)
How will this affect AP, IB, and CTE exams and certifications?
Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Dual Credit, OnRamps, and specific Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses that result in certification and/or articulated or be transferred for college credit will follow the curriculum and regulations of the respective external governing agencies beyond AISD’s local control. Teachers will continue in the prescribed curriculum including feedback to students, review activities, and preparation for their end of year assessments or certifications.
What about Dual Credit courses?
Students enrolled in dual credit courses will earn a P for Pass, an I for Incomplete, or a D for Drop.
How will students keep up in fine arts or athletics?
Students in performance-based courses such as fine arts, Career and Technical Education, athletics, world languages, or others will continue working on their proficiencies using individual videos, performance and technique challenges, and continuous skill development to keep students actively engaged.
What does this mean for middle school students?
As with high school students, the fourth and fifth six-weeks grades will be combined into one 10-week grading period and compromise the third quarter of the school year.
All final grades for the Spring semester will be entered as “Pass” or “Incomplete”.
Yearlong averages will be calculated by averaging the fall semester (50%) and the average of the grades earned during the 10-week spring 2020 grading period (50%). Students who are in danger of not earning the yearlong credit will be able to repair their grades in order to earn the final year-long credit.
Assignments and Assessments
All assignments and assessments considered in the spring of 2020 must have been due prior to March 13, 2020. Grades after March 13 will be used to determine how much students are progressing to proficiency, attaining proficiency, incomplete in their progress toward proficiency, or incomplete because the district and students were not able to navigate this new learning space in these uncertain times.
Students can make up or repair any prior assignments assigned during the spring 2020 semester (10-week spring semester grades)
Incomplete Grading
Incompletes will not be used for promotion or retention, but will be used to identify students who will need extra help and support next school year through small group instruction and/or tutorials.
How will middle school students enrolled in high school courses earn credit?
The same high school guidelines apply for middle school students; however, middle school guardians/students will also have the opportunity to drop any high school credit courses taken during the 19-20 school year during the fall semester of the 20-21 school year.
How will elementary students keep up with their learning?
Teachers will work closely with their students all year either through online learning, emails with pictures of students’ completed work, or even joint phone calls with caregivers and students.
Teachers will monitor student progress on the most important skills, content and standards that will prepare our young people for success next year. Teachers will be in communication with parents and caregivers regarding their students’ progress. Students will be identified who may be in need of extra support in the summer or the following school year.
Our Social-Emotional Learning Department will design community outreach through creative activities that encourage social emotional wellness while respecting social distancing. Examples include Zoom meetings where students can bring and introduce their pets or a carnival designed to be driven through without attendees leaving their vehicle.
Grades administered after March 13 will be used to determine how much students are progressing to proficiency, attaining proficiency, incomplete in their progress toward proficiency, or incomplete because the district and students were not able to navigate this new learning space in these uncertain times.
FRAMEWORK FOR LEARNING
All McCallum teachers will be posting materials for continuous learning in their respective BLEND courses. Students should log into their BLEND courses daily in order to stay informed of learning opportunities and to receive teacher feedback on their learning.
Because our students are experiencing a wide array of circumstances and learning environments, teachers will post one assignment per week per course. Teachers may engage with their students for online lessons/meetings/tutoring more often if they wish (more on that below). Advanced Academics such as Advanced Placement, UT On-Ramps, and ACC Dual Credit will have different expectations.
All instruction will be offered in an asynchronous format, meaning that for any course students may work on their own time if they choose. However, some teachers may also offer synchronous, or live, supplemental instruction, opportunities to collaborate or get feedback, class meetings, etc. in accordance with the following schedule. The purpose of the schedule below is to help students structure their day, and prevent potential scheduling conflicts for optional synchronous lessons. However, please note that a student's ability to complete an assignment will not be contingent on their ability to attend an online lesson.
Virtual Office Hours
Teachers and/or their PLC Teams will establish their own office hours in consideration of their personal household circumstances. Most teachers/teams will likely select times for tutoring and conferences during your child’s class periods indicated in the chart above or during the Monday through Thursday morning and afternoon virtual office hours windows. Teachers will not interface with students after 8 p.m. or before 8 a.m. Per teacher preference, office hours may be “open” using an online platform allowing students to “pop” in, or may be arranged by appointment. Teachers have been asked to post and communicate their protocol for virtual office hours to students and their families. In addition, teachers/staff will respond to emails within one business day.
Austin ISD Tech Support
PARENT ACCESS TO BLEND
These links will take parents to short screencasts that demonstrate what BLEND looks like from the parent "observer" view.
BLEND Parent Access Screencast Video
BLEND Parent Access Screencast (Spanish)
This link will direct parents to another BLEND course with very detailed information about how BLEND works. The course is available in English and Spanish.
Message from the Counselors
Dear Students and Parents:
We hope you are all doing well and staying safe and healthy. We miss seeing our students very much and want to be sure you know how to reach us if you need anything.
For the most up-to-date information, please check our counselor website at www.maccounselors.com. There, you can find information concerning scheduling, choice sheets, AP information, college, upcoming ZOOM sessions and much more.
Students and parents please email your counselor with any questions. We will get back to you as soon as we can.
A-Cn – Loren Croom – loren.croom@austinisd.org
Co-Hd – Shelley Goldstein – shelley.goldstein@austinisd.org
He-Me – Daniela Galvan – Daniela.galvanortiz@austinisd.org
Mi-Sd – Cristela Garcia – cristela.garcia@austinisd.org
Se-z – Mickey Folger – mickey.folger@austinisd.org
College – Nancy Nitardy – nancy.nitardy@austinisd.org
Special Education – Julie Rigby – julie.rigby@austinisd.org
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, Integral Care has a 24/7 Crisis Helpline at 512-472-HELP (4357). You can also Text TX to 741741 to connect to Crisis Text Line. The Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 crisis support via text.
For a mental health emergency, please call 911 and ask for a wellness check.
Thank you and Go Knights!
Resources:
Austin ISD
Austin ISD Crisis Support Fund
Telehealth Options for Families
Board Resolution - Emergency COVID-19 March 13, 2020
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDC on COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
CDC on COVID-19 in Texas: https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/
CDC’s Traveler’s Health Notices: wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
CDC Confirmed Cases of COVID-19: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html
Videos
CDC Handwashing Videos (English/Spanish)
The City of Austin
City of Austin COVID-19: http://austintexas.gov/article/cdc-updates-coronavirus
City of Austin COVID-19 FAQ: http://www.austintexas.gov/COVID19
Brandi Hosack, Principal
Email: brandi.hosack@austinisd.org
Website: mccallumhs.com
Location: 5600 Sunshine Drive, Austin, TX, USA
Phone: 512-414-7505
Twitter: @MrsHosack
McCallum High School
Website: mccallumhs.com
Location: 5600 Sunshine Drive, Austin, TX, USA
Phone: 512-414-2519