DIGITAL MEDIA ACADEMY
Weekly Newsletter for January 17. 2023
Course Selection for 2023-2024 School Year
Course selection is approaching, it is the STUDENT'S responsibility to ensure you are taking the correct courses that coincide with the Digital Media Academy requirements. The counselors and I will do our best to ensure you are in the right courses; however, it is WAY EASIER if you select the required courses during the course selection process. See the required courses below for your grade level.
Course Selection Information: rising 10-12th Graders DMA 10th Grade DMA Requirements: AAC or AP Computer Science, Graphic Design I, ELA II (AAC Recommended) 11th Grade DMA Requirements: Graphic Design II, Graphic Design Lab, ELA III (AP Recommended)
12th Grade DMA Requirements: Practicum in Graphic Design & Illustration, ELA IV (AP or Dual Credit recommended)
Important Weekly Newsletter Facts
Each week, the Academy Newsletter is updated and by your Academy Coordinator. New opportunities for volunteer hours and enrichment activities can be found beneath the sections titled "After School Enrichment" and "Volunteer".
It is the responsibility of the Academy student to meet their Academy requirements at a time that best suits their schedules, which is why this newsletter acts as an aide to assist students in finding opportunities for them with varying dates, times, and locations.
For SCHOLARSHIP opportunities, scroll all the way to the bottom of the newsletter. Your Academy Coordinator updates this section as new opportunities are available.
Please ensure you are checking this newsletter WEEKLY for updates on these opportunities.
IMPORTANT New Bus Route Information
Dear FBISD High School Parents and Students Participating in Academies, PTECH, and Early College,
The FBISD Transportation Department has announced the new bus routes for the upcoming spring semester. These new routes go into effect on January 5, 2023, the first day of classes following the Winter break. While the FBISD transportation department continues to adjust to assure the safety of students, additional adjustments to the routes may be necessary. Prior to the start of classes on January 5, 2022, please visit the FBISD Transportation website for updates. https://www.fortbendisd.com/Page/1107
Academy Bus Route Changes for Non-Zoned Academy Students - Effective January 2023
Dear FBISD High School Parents and Students Participating in Academies, PTECH and Early College,
The FBISD Transportation Department has completed a review of its current bus routes used to transport students to our academies, PTECH and Early College programs. Based on the review, the district has identified a more time-efficient and cost-effective strategy for transporting students.
Effective after the winter break, the transportation department will change most of the pick-up/drop-off locations from the student’s zoned elementary school to the student’s zoned middle school.
This move will not only save the district money as it must continue to identify cost-cutting measures in the wake of the recent unsuccessful VATRE election, it will also result in later AM pick-up times. This will allow our students time in the mornings to get a little extra sleep -fueling their brains in alignment with the district’s Whole Child Health goals- since some students were required to be at their pick-up locations as early as 5:30 a.m.
A few of our pick-up/drop-off locations will remain at elementary schools due to logistical and safety considerations.
These changes will take effect starting on Thursday, January 5, 2023 -the first day of classes after the winter break holiday.
We wanted to make you aware of this change as far in advance as possible to give you enough time to adjust and plan for the modified bus pick-up/drop-off locations.
Before the winter break begins, the FBISD Transportation Department will send parents and students their new pick-up/drop-off locations and times.
As always, thank you for your support of the high school programs as we all work to provide the best possible level of service to our students and families under these difficult financial circumstances.
Sincerely,
Oscar Perez
FBISD Chief Operations Officer
A message from your Academy Coordinator
In this newsletter you will find helpful information, some volunteer opportunities, and enrichment activities
Parents/Guardians, please make sure that you have gone into skyward and checked your email addresses. It is our main way of communicating with everyone and last week many were undelivered. If it is incorrect, please update it.
If you need to, email Ms. Skelton and make sure to include your academy, campus, and ID number in the body of your email. Please reach out with any questions or concerns that you have to Ms. Skelton (mary.skelton@fortbendisd.com).
Enrichment and Volunteer Hours: You will find links in the newsletters to enrichment and volunteer opportunities for the semester. Please remember that you will need to complete two enrichments per semester for a total of 4 for the year and 12.5 volunteer hours for a total of 25 hours a year.
Digital Media Academy Online Payment
If your student plans to attend one of our field trips, please submit $20 payment to cover the yearly field trip costs. This funding goes toward the cost of the Fort Bend ISD bus usage and fees that might be included depending on the field trip location.
We have several DMA t-shirts that were designed by one of our students last year that are available for purchase. Once purchased, the t-shirt will be delivered to your student on campus.
https://fortbendisd.revtrak.net/hs/HHS/HHS-Digital-Media-Academy/#/list
JOIN the DMA BAND App - STUDENTS ONLY
Scan the QR Code or click the link below on the invite above to join our new group!
We would like to start highlighting our outstanding Academy students and their accomplishments in and outside of school. If your student has won an award, received a scholarship, participated in a competitive summer program, etc. please submit this form. We will post your student's accomplishment in/on the varies academy social media platforms and they may be featured in other community publication.
The name and photo associated with your Google account will be recorded when you upload files and submit this form
Schoology Codes
Schoology Code
Class of 2023 - 6WX8-CP4H-9F2WT
Class of 2024 - 6F9F-7XCM-4WGFF
Class of 2025 - HKW9-TJVG-38KBK
Class of 2026 - FG6CQ-RZD6J
Academy Opportunities
Hightower Academy Booster Club Needs You
Parents,
The Hightower Academy Booster Club is still looking for fill some board member positions. If you are interested please contact the Nikki at hightowerabc@gmail.com
RealTalk Virtual College Exploration
Real Talk is a virtual college exploration initiative designed to connect Black students and families with Black representatives from colleges and access organizations across the country. We empower Black students to own their futures their way.
Real Talk is a safe space for you to learn and engage, while also getting answers to your most pressing questions about life after high school. No matter where you are on your journey, we’re here for you. Family members and educators are also encouraged to participate!
Listen to the Wellness Tool Box Podcast
This is a PODCAST is host and produce by one of our very own Janavi Seshadri Check out her Podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/2QDq7fUk2CrsSseEA0VXme
Summer Discovery
Do you enjoy Photography and Film, Drawing and Painting, or Acting? Are you looking to step up your game on the dance floor? Or develop amateur fashion sketches? Our Arts & Design programs explore many different forms of Art and our teach you the important concepts of visual art, literary art, and performing art. We place emphasis on your individual artistic direction and allow unique avenues for exploration. Our programs are geared toward high school students and specified to fit the learning styles considered most effective for young adults.
Fundamentals of Logo Design
*Do not pay for certificate. Just take a screen shot of your course completion.
EdX Online Coursework
Texas Internship Challenge
Texas Internship Challenge: https://www.txinternshipchallenge.com/vosnet/Default.aspx
The Texas Internship Challenge encourages students to participate in the thousands of internships around the state to gain the marketable skills employers are looking for. Internships help you explore career opportunities, network with employers, and earn a salary or school credit. Start your search by entering your keyword in the search bar above. Click here to register and enter your résumé.
VOLUNTEER HOURS
**CHANGE: Students will submit all volunteer hours to Schoology in the appropriate assignment area. Please upload volunteer hour documents in the appropriate format so they may be viewed and recorded. You will NOT receive credit if the documents cannot be opened properly
The Sugar Land Rotary Running With A Heart 5K
The Sugar Land Rotary Running With A Heart 5K wanted to share with you that they have an opportunity to volunteer at their 5K race. This year’s race benefits Parks Youth Ranch which provides emergency shelter for abused or neglected youth.
Volunteer opportunities range from water station to cheering on runners the day of the event, February 11, 2023. It takes place at Sugar Land Town Square.
Below is our sign-up link if you are interested in volunteering.
Volunteers Needed
We are in need of student volunteers to support the set up of the African American and Hispanic Pioneers –STEAM Traveling Museum at the Fluor Daniel Building located at One Fluor Drive, Sugar Land, TX 77478.
Please use this link to see times available and other important details INCLUDING a pizza lunch!
Sign up to work either January 28th or January 29th
African American and Hispanic Pioneers -STEAM Traveling Museum sign up
Goodwill Houston Volunteering
Goodwill Houston needs volunteers like you to help change lives! Through our volunteer program, we offer fun, hands-on opportunities to get you involved and help us make a meaningful impact in the Greater Houston area.
If you are interested in making a difference, Goodwill Houston is the place for you!
We welcome the following types of volunteers:
Volunteer Program
Student Program
Vocational Learning Program
Community Service
Volunteer with SBP - Disaster Relief
Experience meaningful volunteer experiences that teach you life skills as well as help your community! Scan the QR code on the second flyer below to learn more!
Volunteer Opportunity - Fort Bend County Libraries
Volunteer at your local Fort Bend County Library!
Letter Against Isolation
Make and send 6 cards to equal 1 volunteer hour. Make sure you take a pictures of the cards you send and upload them with your volunteer forms.
See the website on how to get involved:
Cards for a Cause
Cards for a Cause is a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting the spirits of disheartened, hospitalized, and/or seriously ill children by creating and sending encouraging homemade cards to give them something to smile about during a difficult time.
Make and send 6 cards to equal 1 volunteer hour. Make sure you take a picture of the cards you send and upload them with your volunteer forms.
See website on how to get involved:
Send A Smile Today Volunteer Opportunity
Do you wish to volunteer with Send A Smile Today™ to earn community service hours? Here are the guidelines for earning volunteer hours:
*ONLY GREETING CARDS OPTION. NO DONATION OF STAMPS
Click here for our card making guidelines for further details.
Houston Audubon Volunteer Opportunities
Founded by volunteers in 1969, the mission of Houston Audubon is to advance the conservation of birds and positively impact their supporting environments.
From supporting our staff at our headquarters, to maintaining trails on our Bird Sanctuaries, to increasing appreciation and understanding of birds throughout Houston, and more, volunteers are the lifeblood of Houston Audubon!
Read below to learn more about our current volunteers needs and how you can get involved in helping protect bird habitat in your community. Click the link below for more information
Second Mile
Whether you love to work one-on-one with people in need or to work diligently behind the scenes, we have a place for you. People like you give their time and talents to help us serve our neighbors through the most devastating moments of their life. We could not do this work without generous volunteers. Volunteers ages 12 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- Before your volunteer session and for a quicker check-in, complete this online volunteer application: https://secondmile.keepntrack.com/apply/index.html?db=secondmile.
- Please be sure to sign in at the volunteer kiosk and sign out after volunteering. We will not be able to process your volunteer records without these steps.
Mask Mandate Update (August 2021)
In accordance with the latest CDC guidelines and with the rapid rise in Covid-19 cases, masks are required for all individuals who enter Second Mile.
Thank you for your help in supporting this ministry while prioritizing the health of our community.
SMITHSONIAN DIGITAL VOLUNTEERS:
This is a virtual/digital volunteer opportunity. Student need to sign up to volunteer. By signing up Smithsonian will record your date and time under "MY WORK" when you log in to transcribe. However, it will not track the amount of time you spend on each document. Therefore, each completed document you will receive .5 hours of credit. There is a 3 HOURs MAX for this volunteer opportunity. Take a screen of your "My Work" page showing your name and completed pages to get credit. No signature is need for this volunteer opportunity. CLICK HERE for more information about tracking your volunteer work with the Smithsonian
Project C.U.R.E
Please join us in saving lives by preparing medical supplies for shipment to hospitals and clinics in need around the world. Activities may include organizing warehouse inventory, sorting medical supplies, supporting administrative efforts, pulling for and loading containers, or other projects to be accomplished for the day. This will be a fun, engaging, and hands-on experience.
Project C.U.R.E. was founded in 1987 to help meet the need for medical supplies, equipment, and services around the world. Project C.U.R.E. builds sustainable healthcare infrastructure by providing the medical supplies and equipment needed to deliver healthcare in communities. Since its inception, Project C.U.R.E. has delivered medical relief to people in need in more than 130 countries.
- Go to this link: https://projectcure.volunteerhub.com/lp/houston/
- Scroll to the calendar and select a date which you are available (Make sure to go fast, spots are filling up!)
- Select “Sign Up” and “Create new account”
- Once you have created your account, you will be emailed a confirmation
- Students below 18 must print/ fill out a waiver form signed by their parent/guardian and bring it to the event *The waiver will be in your email confirmation
- New volunteers must arrive 10-15 minutes early to their volunteer slot for an orientation
Important Information:
Thank you for volunteering to serve with Project C.U.R.E.
Project C.U.R.E.’s Houston facility is located at 8303 Kempwood Drive, Houston, TX 77055. We are located in Spring Branch near the intersection of Bingle and Kempwood.
Before arriving, please review the safety guidelines in this video.
Also, please keep the following in mind:
- Volunteers are required to wear closed-toed shoes in the warehouse.
- Please dress comfortably and wear weather appropriate clothing - the warehouse can be warm in the summer and cool in the winter.
- Some of our tasks can be physically demanding but are always optional
- Minimum age to volunteer is 15 (under 18 requires parent/legal guardian signed consent in advance).
We look forward to working with you soon! Thanks for your interest in helping in our mission of "delivering Health & Hope to the world!"
The safety of our volunteers and staff is our top priority. We are taking all possible precautions. During your volunteer time, we will be following CDC recommendations and all volunteers and staff are required to follow social distancing guidelines and wear a mask and gloves. If you have your own mask, please bring it to your volunteer session. Disposable masks will be provided if needed. Please wash your hands or use hand sanitizer throughout your volunteer session. Please do not come volunteer if you are feeling ill or have been in contact with someone feeling ill. Your support in maintaining a safe facility is tremendously appreciated!
Please keep in mind the following:
- Attire: Volunteers are required to wear closed-toed shoes. We recommend comfortable, weather-appropriate attire that you don't mind getting dusty. The warehouse is colder in winters and warmer in summers.
- Timing: Please arrive on time. You will be led by a Volunteer Leader and they will need adequate time to explain to you what will need to be done.
- Food/drink: You are welcome to bring water and small snacks with you if you wish.
- Age: The minimum age to volunteer is 14 years old; volunteers younger than 18 years old will need parent/legal guardian consent signature.
- Cancellation concern: If you are unable to attend, please cancel your registration so we do not schedule staff unnecessarily.
We look forward to working with you soon! Thank you for helping us in delivering health and hope to the world.
Target Hunger
Target Hunger depends upon the support of the community to fulfill our mission. A vital aspect of that support is volunteerism. Each year, Target Hunger welcomes hundreds of volunteers who donate their time to help children, families, and seniors in need of food assistance. If you are interested in volunteering with Target Hunger, please register below.
Current Volunteer Opportunities
Drive-Thru Food Distributions
Volunteer to help pack bags filled with food and place into the trunk’s of cars.
Register to Volunteer at a Food Distribution
Community Garden
Do you enjoy working outdoors? Do you want to share your passion for gardening with others? We welcome both novice and experienced gardeners to volunteer at our Garden. Volunteers work together to grow 6,000 pounds of nutritious produce that is distributed through Target Hunger Pantries and Food Fairs.
January SCHOLARSHIP Newsletter
Class of 2023 -
Student and Parent Resources
WHAT PARENTS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT COVID-19 INFORMATION AND PROTOCOLS
The Aggie Homework Helpline
The Aggie Homework Helpline (AHH) is an initiative to help provide quality, free online tutoring to PK-12 learners and families. The mission of the AHH is to connect Texas families and school district partners with Aggie tutors and education interns who are committed to improving learning outcomes for PK-12 students.
Tutoring appointments through the AHH can be scheduled between 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. CST Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m. — 5 p.m. CST Friday.
Virtual Meeting Expectations
I want to remind students that Academy Virtual meetings/events are school and academy sponsor events and FBISD Student Code of Conduct applies and enforce. I ask that students adhere to the following expectations.
- Demonstrate courtesy and respect for all participants and guests
- Behave in a responsible manner by turning off your mic, video, and refraining from using the annotating tool without permission from the meeting host.
- Ask thoughtful questions during Q&A
- Be in compliance with host requests
- Comply with all guidelines noted within the SCC (School Code of Conduct)
Digital Media Academy
Email: mary.skelton@fortbendisd.com
Website: www.fortbendisd.com/digitalmedia
Location: 3333 Hurricane Lane, Missouri City, TX, USA
Phone: (281)634-3106
Twitter: @DigitalMediaACA