The BA Bulletin - Feb 12th, 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. Early Defenses Season are Friday! Sign up to attend your child's Defense.
2. TELPAS Testing Starts February 20th, Assemblies for Students this week
3. See Something, Say Something in Advisory
As always, let me know if you have any questions!
Ms. Foster Arbaiza
Celebrate Black History Month at BA!
BA Celebrates Black History Month
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.
Early Defenses are this Friday!
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.
Who attends school on Defense Days? See the flyer below!
See the flyer below for information on who attends school during Defenses. ONLY students who are defending attend school this day. All other students will remain off campus for the day.
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.
See Something, Say Something Student Training in Advisory this Week!
What will happen during the See Something, Say Something meeting in Advisory?
Join us this week for the See Something Say Something Advisory Assembly, where community members come together to discuss the importance of vigilance and communication in ensuring safety. This interactive gathering aims to empower individuals to speak up about any concerning behaviors or situations they observe, fostering a culture of awareness and support. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a proactive effort in creating a safer environment for all.
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.
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