AHS BULLDOG COMMUNITY NEWS
3434 Pheasant Creek Dr, Sugar Land, TX 77498
WELCOME TO AUSTIN HIGH SCHOOL
HOME OF THE BULLDOGS!
Week of May 9
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
Happy May!
In a few short weeks, we will begin Semester Exams. Please make sure to review the information below, which outlines semester exam exemption criteria and the calendar of test dates. Please be advised that if a student is exempt from taking an exam, they still MUST report to school and attend all their classes. This is a district requirement that all students must abide by. If a student fails to attend a class, they will lose their exemption status.
The exemption request process is new this year and is fully electronic through Skyward. Students will be able to indicate in Skyward which classes they would like to exempt. Please see the information below, which includes a job aide to walk students through the process. For questions, please have your child speak to their individual teachers.
For our Class of 2022, we will have a senior assembly on Wednesday, May 18 during 4th period, where we will review all graduation information. Be on the lookout for information to be shared with families around this date. Because we will have our graduation ceremony at the Toyota Center, there are no restrictions on guests; therefore, there are no graduation tickets required to attend. Graduates can invite as many family and friends as they choose.
For our Class of 2023, current juniors, we recently had an assembly with them to review important senior year information. Yes, we're closing out this year and planning for next year. Juniors will need to have their senior pictures taken by Cady Studios in order to be in the yearbook. We also shared with them a bundle that can be paid in installments to purchase a Prom 2023 ticket, Yearbook, and attend the Senior Trip. Yes, we're having a senior trip next year! More information is below.
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:
May 11 - Orchestra Concert
May 12 - Band Concert
May 13 - Choir Concert
May 14 - Senior Prom
May 18 - Senior Assembly - 4th period
May 17 - Senior Award Night
May 18 - Spring Sports Banquet
May 23 - May 26 - Semester Exams
May 25 - Early Release - All Students - 11:35
May 26 - Early Release - All Students - 11:35
Happy Mother's Day to all Bulldog Families!
Please review the 2022 -2023 School Calendar
2021-2022 ADMINISTRATORS
Rachel Cortez - Campus Principal
Kyle Lovetinsky - Associate Principal
Assistant Principals
Adaun Ojukwu (A-D)
Anthony Yim (E-K) - Mr. Yim is out on Leave
Howard Oliphant is working with Mr. Yim's students until May 26
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
Vaping Information
As a part of the Whole Child Health Initiative, Fort Bend ISD will present the parent webinars: "Vaping & E-cigarettes-What Parents Need To Know" and "Mental Health is For Everyone: Cultural Considerations". Registration is not required for these webinars. "Vaping & E-cigarettes-What Parents Need To Know" will be on Wednesday, May 11 at 6 p.m. In collaboration with Crime Stoppers and FBISD's Safe & Drug Free Specialists, this session will focus on what vaping and e-cigarettes are, the effects of their use, why it's illegal and the warning signs that your child may be vaping or using e-cigarettes. "Mental Health is For Everyone: Cultural Considerations" will be on Wednesday, May 18 at 6 p.m. During this session, FBISD's mental health counselors will focus on identifying, recognizing, understanding, and embracing cultural differences in mental health and how it is manifested. Whole Child Health, aligned with FBISD's Profile of a Graduate, is committed to supporting and developing the mental, behavioral, social, emotional, and physical health to all students in FBISD.
Links: Vaping & E-cigarettes-What Parents Need To Know; Mental Health is For Everyone: Cultural ConsiderationsTEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK CELEBRATION-SPECIAL THANKS
A huge thank you to everyone who went above and beyond to celebrate our teachers and staff over the last two weeks. It has been the best Teacher Appreciation Week celebration to date. Your support means the world. Thank you.
Our Community Partners provided gifts, donations and delicious food:
Carmelo’s
Haven’s Dentistry
Richmond Eye Experts with Dr. Jordan Francis Chettiparampil
The Kastens Group
A special thanks to our PTO members who came out and helped provide the Teacher Appreciation Luncheon:
Rilla Haq
Lori Schweikhardt
Sonal Shah
Thoa Doan
Celina Koscinski
Our Athletic Booster Club provided a very satisfying lunch from Carmelo’s on Cinco de Mayo – represented by our Athletic Booster Club president Sandra Aguirre and our parent representative and Volunteer of the Year Sonal Shah
Our student organizations and their sponsors went out of their way to make our staff feel special:
FFA
NJROTC
Student Council
National English Honor Society
MAO – Mu Alpha Theta
NHS – National Honor Society
Dawg Squad
Ms. Sara Weers
Austin HS Debate
Spring Semester Exam Exemption Criteria
Semester Exam Exemption Selection Procedures - Deadline May 18
We are about to embark on a new and IMPROVED way to gather Semester Exam Exemption requests. BElow is a job aid students will use to complete their custom form in Skyward.
This form is currently open for students to view and submit this week and close on Wednesday, May 18th.
We are currently updating DAEP placements and Fee/Fine list for each student. All students will be able to see the snip it below, once the form is open. If a student has been to the District Alternative Education Program (DAEP) or has a fine, they will not be eligible. If a student has an EOC test that needs to be passed, they will not be eligible for exemption in that content.
· DAEP: Students who have DAEP placements will have “denied” in that field.
· Fee/Fine: This will be a fluid situation. We are updating it as best as we can with the current list.
· EOC: The results are projected to come in no later than Monday, May 16th. We will be updating this field as soon as we receive EOC results.
Spring Exam Schedule for ALL Students
Student Recognition
Open the link below to hear about Bulldog Athlete Chi Ike!
FFA Banquet
On May 4th, AHS held the annual FFA Banquet at Safari Texas. Our amazing students along with their many accomplishments were celebrated. There were lots of hugs and a few tears as we looked back on how much the students learned and grew from their experiences in FFA.
Congratulations to all of our FFA Bulldogs!
2022 Congressional Art Competition Winner
Congratulations to 9th grader – Catheryn Liang. She has been selected the 2022 Congressional Art Competition winner for her artwork.
As the winner, she will be invited to a ceremony in DC fan her piece will be displayed in the Capitol halls.
Awesome work, Catheryn!!!
Class of 2023 Information
- Prom 2023
- 2023 Yearbook
- Class of 2023 Senior Trip
This information was recently shared with juniors where they received this sheet and information. Also included below is information on Class of 2023 Senior Portraits by CADY Studios.
Class of 2023 Senior Portraits
Student Leadership 101 Cohort Seeking Application
Student participants will enter Student Leadership 101 during their junior year and learn about leadership within their community. During their senior year, the cohort will move into Leadership 102 where they will apply what they have learned during Leadership 101 as they partner with area nonprofits.
Click here for more information: https://www.smore.com/app/reporting/out/d3qpu?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstudentleadership.fortbendisd.com%2F&t=https://studentleadership.fortbendisd.com/&w=w-1008613050&i=&l=l-8864903599
JOIN OUR PTO: YOU ARE WELCOME!!!
Join the PTO in celebrating AHS teachers and staff, click on the link below to support their efforts for Teacher Appreciation Week:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4FAFA628A7F5C70-teacher
If you would like more information about the PTO or how you can become a member, please contact: sfahspto@gmail.com
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.
Parent and Community Engagement Opportunities
Parent, Family and Community Night for English Learners
IMPORTANT REMINDER FROM AHS CLINIC
IMORTANT REMINDER FOR PARENTS FROM AHS CLINIC
The end of the year is almost here. If your student has medication in the clinic, it must be picked up by Thursday, May 26th @ 12:00 noon. No medication will be send home with student unless they have doctors note with permission to carry medications at school. That which is not claimed will be destroyed. New forms are required for each academic school year. For your convenience forms are provided online for students with specific medical needs. Go to fortbendisd.com/medicalforms or you may pick up in AHS clinic. We are looking forward to a great new school year! Any questions please call 281-634-2096 or 281-634-7994.
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:
CURRENT SEASONAL ATHLETIC SCHEDULES
AHS ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES
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
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