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A weekly newsletter - September 8, 2020
A message from Ameka Hunt, Principal of PHS
Greetings Panther Families,
Please note that there was a change to the academic school calendar as a result of the delayed start date for in person learning. September 11th is now a student holiday.
In an effort to meet the needs of everyone we serve, virtual learning will continue to be available for all students who selected that option on the survey. Students slated to transition to in person learning will begin sessions September 14th. For those students choosing to physically return to campus, things will operate differently in order to keep everyone safe. Please click on the link to view the PHS Return to Learn Plan for those students physically returning to campus.
Welcome, Mr. Christopher J. Riley Sr.!
Pflugerville High School is proud to announce Mr. Christopher J. Riley Sr. as the new assistant principal for students whose last name begins with Ro-Z.
Mr. Riley just finished his 9th year as an educator. He most recently served as the STEM Coordinator and Head Wrestling Coach at Shoemaker High School in Killeen, TX. Mr. Riley is originally from Waterproof, Louisiana and is an Army Veteran. He graduated from Tarleton State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering, and a Master’s Degree in Management Information Systems.
He is currently engaged to be married the summer of 2021, and has a son who is in his 2nd year at Prairie View A&M University. Mr. Riley is passionately active in helping students succeed while preparing them for their future. He also spends a lot of his free time doing community service work.
Mr. Riley’s contact information is Christopher.Riley@pfisd.net.
Parents - Let Your Voice be Heard by Participating in CAAC
We are looking for a parent and business volunteer to participate on the PHS CAAC. The following is the description of the job and responsibilities.
CAAC Purpose (BQB Local)
A campus academic advisory council shall be established on each campus to assist the principal. The council shall meet for the purpose of implementing planning processes and site-based decision making in accordance with Board policy and administrative procedures and shall be chaired by the principal.
The council shall serve primarily in an advisory or consultative manner regarding:
➢ The development, review, and revision of the campus [improvement] plan,
➢ The review of major campus programs,
➢ The campus budget,
➢ The review of student performance and campus [improvement] plan progress,
➢ The review of drop-out and completion rate information [see BQA(LEGAL)], (TEC §11.255) and
➢ Opinions related to campus waivers.
The council shall:
□ Approve staff development portions of the campus [improvement] plan, (TEC §11.253(e))
□ Determine the manner in which performance incentives shall be used, (TEC §39.264 (a), §21.357(c)) and
□ Hold an annual public meeting after campus accountability ratings have been received. (TEC §11.253(g))
If you are interested, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/estvEss1UcujwgKo7
Bus transportation Info
Parents - Managing Guardian Summaries in Google Classroom
Parents,
Please check out the following video presentation on how to manage parent/guardian summaries in Google Classroom: https://bit.ly/32Yx6GY
If you prefer to see a summary in a powerpoint presentation rather than a video, click here: https://bit.ly/2EZ0tkn
Thanks for watching!
Meg Jameson, Digital Learning Instructional Coach
Attendance
Parents and students, please take a moment and check attendance in Skyward. The attendance icon is available!
If your student was absent from class, please know that parents, guardians and medical offices can email excuse notes to cathy.martinez@pfisd.net or fax to 512-594-0505. Please be sure to include the student name and ID in the email/fax.
Affordable Internet Options for Qualifying Families
The District is working to lessen the burden of internet connectivity some of our families may be experiencing. Over the summer, PfISD Technology increased the Wi-Fi signal on its campuses to extend into the parking lots. Students who may not have reliable internet access at home could, therefore, come to the campus and connect to the school’s Wi-Fi from the parking lot.
Also, for families that do not have internet service at home, a number of providers are offering discounts during the COVID-19 pandemic to families that are on the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), also known as Free and Reduced Lunch.
- Spectrum is offering Spectrum Internet Assist, an affordable and reliable high-speed option for $17.99 per month to families in the NSLP, the Community Eligibility Provision of the NSLP or who are on Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If you believe you qualify for this discounted internet service, visit www.spectruminternetassist.com. You can enter your ZIP code to see if the service is available in your area and complete an application form. Spectrum Internet Assist Flyer
- SuddenLink has an option for families that qualify for the NSLP as well for $14.99 per month. More details can be found at www.alticeadvantageinternet.com or call 844-358-3147 to see if you qualify. SuddenLink Flyer: English | Español
- Grande Communications also offers an affordable option for low income families through its Internet First program. Pricing for eligible families is $9.95 a month. For more information and to apply go to https://www.internetfirst.com/.
- AT&T also has options available for affordable internet during these times. More information is available on its website: https://www.att.com/internet/access/
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services
Meals During Remote Learning
Important Medication Information from Donna Bartko, Nurse at PHS
Just a reminder to please review this years Medication Policy which is available on the website here.
If your child will be taking prescribed medication at school, don’t forget to provide a completed Medication Administration Form, found here. The form must be printed out, completed, and signed by a parent or guardian. Prescription medication must be in the prescription container. Non-prescription medication must be in the original container. This form must be updated yearly and be kept on file at the Nurse's Office.
Also, don’t forget to provide Action Plans (asthma, seizures, allergic reactions) which need to be signed by the physician. You will need to call the nurse to arrange a drop-off time.
And, as always, continue practicing the three W’s!!
WASH your hands
WATCH your distance
WEAR your mask
Stay well and have a great Panther year!
Sleeves for Chromebooks
If you did not receive a sleeve for the Chromebook at distribution last week, they have arrived. Please contact Laura Owen for an appointment at Laura.Owen@Pfisd.net
From our Counseling Staff
Counselors would like to share the following information with parents:
2019-2020 AP Exam Reimbursements – The finance department plans to process the reimbursement checks in their next check cycle, which should be 2-3 weeks. Sorry for the delay.
Pre-AP and AP Drop window will officially open on September 11th. Students feeling the need to move out of a Pre-AP or AP class should contact their teacher to start the process.
Fall Free Classes: Our application is officially open to students wanting to earn a credit through Edgenuity for First Time Credit. Courses available are: Health, Art History, Psychology and Sociology. Only 50 spots are available to students each semester. Students must be one of the first 50 to apply and attend an orientation session in order to start their course work. All course work will be completed on-line outside of their set school work. If you have questions, please contact your counselor. If you are interested, complete our registration form: https://forms.gle/oGALuGGd2sU4papY9
Thought for the week: “Preservation of one’s own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures.” -Cesar Chavez
From our College and Career Counselor
Mr. Howell shares important information from the College and Career center:
College & Military Representative Visits – Over the course of the Fall semester, we will be hosting College and Military Representatives virtually to assist students in learning more about their specific institution. These presentations are PFISD wide and will happen virtually. Please visit this website to sign up for each opportunity (you will need to submit the form for each presentation). I would encourage checking it often as we just added many schools this week (University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, University of Texas at Dallas, and many more).
Requesting Documents from PHS – Please visit and bookmark this website to request any transcripts, fee waivers, or letters of recommendation. You will need to submit a form for each fee waiver or transcript you are requesting. Although these items are free, keep in mind that it may take Mr. Howell 5 – 7 days to fulfill your request.
Set up an Appointment with the College and Career Center – We are now encouraging all members of the Class of 2021 to set up an appointment to meet with a member of the College and Career Center during the month of September. This individual meeting will be set up by using http://www.calendly.com/phscollegeandcareer. Once you set up a time to meet, it will give you a code to the meeting. A member of our team will be available during your requested time.
Below you will find the college visits happening next week. Students can sign up by visiting this link.
COLLEGE VISITS FOR THE WEEK OF
September 8-11, 2020
Tuesday 9/8/2020
1:30 PM Wichita State University (Wichita, Kansas)
1:30 PM University of Houston, Victoria (Victoria, Texas)
3:00 PM Arizona State University, Tempe (Tempe, Arizona)
3:00 PM New Mexico Highlands University (Las Vegas, New Mexico)
Wednesday 9/9/2020
1:30 PM DePauw University (Greencastle, Indiana)
1:30 PM Southern Methodist University (Dallas, Texas)
3:00 PM Seattle University (Seattle, Washington)
3:00 PM Colorado Mesa University (Grand Junction, Colorado)
Thursday 9/10/2020
1:30 PM Texas State University (San Marcos, Texas)
1:30 PM Trinity College Dublin (Dublin, Ireland)
3:00 PM Alma College (Alma, Michigan)
3:00 PM Austin College (Sherman, Texas)
Friday 9/11/2020
1:30 PM George Washington University (Washington D.C.)
1:30 PM Austin Community College District (Austin, Texas)
3:00 PM Missouri University of Science and Technology (Rolla, Missouri)
3:00 PM Southwestern University (Georgetown, Texas)
Nick Howell
College and Career Advisor
Pflugerville High School
(512) 763-2415
https://nicholashowell.wixsite.com/collegeandcareer
RM #: A-103
PHS CEEB Code: 445-500
Attention Juniors and Seniors - Remind texts
Juniors and Seniors (and Senior parents),
Be sure to sign up for Remind texts to keep up to date on:
- Information on School Year
- School Events
- College and Career Information
- Counseling Information
HOW?
SENIORS - CLASS OF 2021
STUDENTS:
Text 81010 with code below:
Last Name A-D (Student): @phs2021ad
Last Name E-J (Student): @phs2021ej
Last Name K-O (Student): @phs2021ko
Last Name P-R (Student): @phs2021pr
Last Name S-Z (Student): @phs2021sz
PARENTS:
Text 81010 with code below:
Last Name A-M (Parent): @phsparam
Last Name N-Z (Parent): @phsparnz
JUNIORS - CLASS OF 2022
STUDENTS:
Text 81010 with code below:
Last Name A-F (Student): @pfhs2022af
Last Name G-O (Student): @pfhs2022go
Last Name P-Z (Student): @pfhs2022pz
From our Department Chairs
ELA DEPARTMENT
Dear ELA Parents,
This week we would like to talk about signing in to the digital textbooks for on level English classes. Here are the steps:
Type in “Clever log-in” into your Google Search or click on this link. Clever Log-in
It will ask you to type in your school. Type in - Pflugerville High School.
Then you will be asked to log in with LDAP. This is the student’s sign-in for PFISD.
information.
Click the button that says log-in.
Under the section of “Instructional Textbook Materials” there will be a button that looks like this: Click this button. This will take the student to the ELA textbook.
VERY IMPORTANT: Students will need access to a portable computer when returning to school on September 14th as we will still be 75 % virtual. Please make sure you have picked up the district provided Chromebook. This is a crucial part of all learning at this time. The following site will help you with information about laptop pickup: PHS Laptop Distribution Or you can contact Assistant Principal Sara Dardeau at <Sara.Dardeau@pfisd.net>
There has been some confusion as to whether Zoom meetings with teachers is optional. For the ELA department, Zoom meetings are not optional and should be attended each class period unless otherwise communicated to the teacher. Please make sure that if your student should need to miss a Zoom meeting, they need to reach out to the teacher about the assignment associated with that lesson.
Additionally, summer reading will be assessed next week. Please check out the following link for summer reading choices: 9-12 Summer Reading HS 2020.pdf
Thank you to parents and students for remaining patient during our journey with virtual distance learning. We look forward to continued success this week.
Sincerely,
Lisa Wernli
PHS English Department Chair
SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT
As school is now in full swing we encourage all our students to be keeping up with assignments and communicating with your teacher if you have questions or need to take quizzes or tests that are no longer available.
Most Social Studies classes have had their first major test. Our district’s retest policy has not changed so all students are eligible for reteaching and retesting on major grades. Take advantage of this and keep your grade as high as possible.
We are preparing to bring some students back on campus. It is the expectation that those students arrive in class with their school issued Chromebook. If you are using your own personal laptop you must bring it to campus or pick up a Chromebook. All class work and tests will be administered digitally this year.
While we are excited to actually see faces, we want to emphasize that safety comes first. All students are eligible for virtual learning, so if wearing a mask or following social distance guidelines is a challenge please consider staying virtual. You will be receiving the same lessons, tests, and homework as students on campus.
Karen Hense
Social Studies Department Chair
CTE - FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES DEPT
This year looks a little different but it's important for students to stay involved. Whether you are virtually or in-person learning, it is encouraged for you to join your National Teacher Student Organization. Family Careers and Community Leaders of America is your NTSO for Family and Consumer Sciences. We encourage you to join and attend our regular meetings to hear from career experts, leadership development, and participate in community service projects. If you're interested email your teacher and we will get you information for our Google Classroom that holds all of our FCCLA information!
Did I mention dues are FREE this year?! This is the perfect year to join-- no cost to you but you'll gain valuable friendships and skills that will last a lifetime!
Don't want to join FCCLA? Choose something! PHS has chapters for HOSA, FFA, BPA and more!
Jackie Pasquarella
Family and Consumer Sciences
I missed the laptop distribution - can I still get one for my student?
If you have not yet picked up a Chromebook computer for your student, please contact Mrs. Dardeau at Sara.Dardeau@pfisd.net to make an appointment.
Tips to Successfully Navigate Virtual Learning at PHS
Tips to Successfully Navigate Virtual Learning at PHS
Attendance will be taken daily. It is imperative students complete assignments everyday each period in order to be marked present. Remote learning sessions will include synchronous sessions (Two-way, real-time/live, virtual instruction between teacher and students), and asynchronous sessions (Instruction that does not require having the instructor and student engaged at the same time). All students will need to log into their teacher’s Google Classroom via the PHS website at the appropriate times to engage in synchronous sessions. Students have until 11:59 PM everyday to submit asynchronous assignments. Please review the schedule below for class times this week.
Return to Learn - Remote Learning Website
Pflugerville ISD has provided a webpage with information on starting the 2020-2021 school year. Please click here to learn more about virtual learning and on-campus learning.
Breakfast is served! Free breakfast for All PfISD Students
Parents,
Pick up your free Curbside Breakfast for enrolled PfISD students at Timmerman Elementary School Mon-Fri 7:00 - 9:00 AM.
Lunches are available at standard prices, reduced prices, or free, depending on the student's eligibility. Lunches are served 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, also at Timmerman Elementary School.
Students can come by themselves to pick up meals and/or a parent/guardian can come without the student to pick up meals. Students can pick up both breakfast and lunch at the same time.
¿Necesita ayuda en español?
Teléfono: 512-594-0583 (deje un mensaje de voz si no contesta)
Correo electrónco: Kristen.Hernandez@pfisd.net
Ella le brindará la ayuda que usted necesita.
There's an App for That!
Now more than ever, it's important to keep up to date The School Info App for Pflugerville High School is a great way to stay connected and informed. Notifications are sent in real time for ever-changing situations. Be in the know—download the app today!
Click on the attached QR code or this link: http://siap.ps/eaedd6, or search for Pflugerville High School in the app store. Be sure to allow notifications so you get all the notifications and news feeds to keep current with what’s happening at PHS.
Subscribe today!
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