AHS BULLDOGS COMMUNITY NEWS

WELCOME TO AUSTIN HIGH SCHOOL

HOME OF THE BULLDOGS!

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 2023-2024 school year!

Students are assigned a Principal based on last name for each school year to support their needs. Please review the 2023-2024 Principal assignments below.

Students are assigned a Counselor based on last name for each school year to support their needs. Please review the 2022-2023 Counselor assignments below.

Parents, please use the link below to ensure courses are correct for the 2024-2025 school year. After the deadline we will no longer accept schedule changes ONLY schedule corrections. Thank you

Instructions for the 2024 Course Verification Process

September: https://www.smore.com/yr5pd

October: https://www.smore.com/gmfhy

November: https://www.smore.com/wzehcj

January: https://www.smore.com/0uwv2

February: https://www.smore.com/f4dzk

March: https://www.smore.com/n/2g9md

May: https://www.smore.com/n/6tjs5

We are excited to announce that applications are available for student and teacher scholarships from the Houston Museum of Natural Science. These scholarships provide students and teachers with additional funds that can help them in the classroom. Applications have been moved online this year to make applying more accessible to any interested educators or students.

2024 Student Scholarships

• High School Juniors

The Evelyn Frensley student Scholarship is awarded annually in the amount of $2000 to two high school juniors in the Houston area. Of special interest to the Museum review committee is a description of plans for college and future career and a description of projects or activities that demonstrate ability and interest in science or mathematics. To apply students will need: 2 letters of recommendation based on academic merit, a resume or curriculum vitae, student high school transcript, a 500 word or less essay about plans for college and future careers and a 500 word or less description of a project or activity that best demonstrates ability and interest in science or mathematics.

Included in this email is a flyer with information on how students can apply for this scholarship. Please feel free to share with your student body in any way you see fit. You are also welcome to send this email along to anyone who you think may be interested in this scholarship opportunity. To apply, students can fill out an application, and submit it by September 1, 2024.

2024 Teaching Awards:

• K-5th grade science or math teacher
• 6-12th grade science or math teacher

In recognition of the fine educators of Houston we also offer the Wilhelmina C. Robertson Excellence in Science or Mathematics Teaching Award. This award of $2,000 will go to one K-5th grade science or math teacher and one 6th-12th grade science or math teacher who demonstrate significant ability and dedication to teaching in either discipline in the Houston area.

As part of the award process, applicants are required to submit additional items: 1) Two letters of recommendation showing commitment to science or math education 2) a CV or Resume, 3) a 500 word or less description of your teaching philosophy and 4) a 500 word or less description of a specific classroom activity or teaching method that creates a love of math and science in your students.

Included in this email is a flyer with information on how teachers can apply for this award. Please feel free to share with your educators in any way you see fit. You are also welcome to send this email along to anyone who you think may be interested in this award opportunity. To apply, educators can fill out an application, and submit it by September 1, 2024.

For more information on our student or teacher scholarships, please visit our website at https://www.hmns.org/education/awards-scholarships/

All summer school information may be found on the FBISD website. https://www.fortbendisd.com/Domain/2053

Summer School Brochure https://www.fortbendisd.com/cms/lib/TX01917858/Centricity/Domain/2053/HS_Brochure_Summer_2024%2001-31-24.pdf

Are you interested in taking a Credit by Exam? More information can be found on the FBISD website. https://www.fortbendisd.com/Page/296.

Session 4 CBE registration window is May 6 – May 15 by 2pm. See your counselor for an application and for more information.

https://secure.smore.com/n/bdyhv

May 7-Senior Awards @6pm

May 17-Pro Grad & Senior Sunset

May 25- Graduation @11am (EpiCenter)

📣 Bookings are now OPEN for senior photo sessions for the class of 2025. You must be photographed by CADY to be in the yearbook. Get photos for grad announcements, senior yearbook ads, and flawless Insta posts. Book now at cady.com/schedule. #CADYsenior

Monday, August 21st, AHS started counting tardies for exemption purposes. Please take note of the following important points below for ALL students:

• No more than 8 absences for EACH semester
• 3 tardies equals 1 absence for exemption purposes
• Must have a semester average of 80% or above for the semester in the course
• No removals to DAEP/JJAEP during the current school year
• No outstanding fines or fees
• Must have met the minimum standard on the EOC exam for the course eligible

All other criteria are grade level specific, please review the document below or you can refer to the 23-24 Student Parent handbook on page 66. The link is embedded below for your reference.

https://www.fortbendisd.com/cms/lib/TX01917858/Centricity//Domain/91/2023-2024%20Student%20Parent%20Handbook%208.10.23.pdf

Please help us with congratulating the following DAWGS who have been recognized by their peers, teachers or staff for demonstrating the DAWG qualities. We look forward to recognizing many DAWGS this year.

Austin High School Deca Org participated in ICDC Nationals April 26th through May 1st. It was one for the record books. With over 23,000 Deca students from across the globe your Deca students Lindsey Sou, Fatima Danish, Qinwen Zhu, Jacob Yan and Lucas Wat competed in various events against numerous odds. It was an eventful days of competition, meeting and making new friends. Great atmosphere and great company. All of the students competed well with our newbie Qinwen Zhu making it on the stage in her competition Principles of Marketing Role Play, this was her 1st time competing, winning District and then State and making it to the stage at Nationals. That was a major accomplishment. Congratulations to Qinwen you medaled at ICDC Nationals. This was a great event and we are looking forward to more Deca champions next year.

On Friday April 26th , Your very own Deca Organization will proudly be sending off Fatima Danish, Lindsey Sou, Lucas Wat, Jacob Yan and Qinwen Zhu to ICDC Nationals in Anaheim California to compete against the best in various Business Categories. They will be competing against 22,000 Deca students from across the globe. They earned a spot to nationals by advancing from District, and State competitions. They are representing Austin High School in grand fashion. Let’s wish them well on their journey. LETS GOOOO BULLDOGS!

Congratulations to our very own Coach Dickerson on receiving the honor of Coach of the year!

The following choir students received the Texas Music Scholar Award from the Texas Music Educators Association. This statewide award is given to students who have exhibited outstanding qualities in scholastic merit, musicianship, and citizenship in their school and community during the 2023-2024 school year. Congratulations Bulldogs!

Order your yearbook today at myhjyearbook.com !

We will sell out and the deadline is approaching.

Don’t miss out.

Join the SEPAC meeting on Wednesday, May 15 @ 6pm to learn more about the committee and meet other special education parents in FBISD. The meeting is open to all parents of students receiving special education services.

Topic: SEPAC Open Meeting

Time: May 15, 2024 06:00 PM

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/7386992457?pwd=d3JFdlI3Mm1ocC9kKzdGQmJuK1VKdz09&omn=98515039217

Meeting ID: 738 699 2457

Passcode: 123456

Campus representatives for the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC) are needed for the 2024-2025 school year. SEPAC is a support network where parents can ask questions, meet other parents on the special education journey, and learn about relevant issues in the state and district that pertain to educating students with disabilities. To inquire about being a SEPAC representative, please complete the SEPAC Application Form 2024-2025.

Want to travel the world? Come learn about Travel-Based Learning Opportunities at our Travel Night!

We are thrilled to invite you to a Parent Information Session where we will dive into three unique educational travel opportunities available to students: London, Paris, Munich and the Swiss Alps with Mr. Soto and Ms. Flores, Costa Rica with Mrs. Evermon, and Scotland and Ireland with Mrs. Cox. Which will you choose??

🗓️ Date: March 28th ⏰ Time: 6:00 p.m. 📍 Location: Cafeteria/Commons – RSVP below

📌 RSVP Now! (Mandatory): https://bit.ly/3Tn1yEO

**Not affiliated with Austin High School or FBISD**

Are you interested and willing to host a Foreign Exchange student? Please scan the QR Code below for more information.

Happy Tuesday!

The Salon at Reese is looking for a student intern eager to learn and get work experience. Please share this PAID opportunity with your students. The requirements are:

• Must have their own transportation and valid ID
• Must be 16 years or older and a former /current Fort Bend CTE student
• Must upload transcripts

Students may apply here: https://aa210.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=230002F3&tz=GMT-05%3A00&tzname=America%2FChicago

We are excited to begin the 23-24 athletic events for the spring semester! We invite all parents and community members to come and support our Bulldogs in elevating our school pride! Please see the schedules below for dates and locations. We look forward to seeing you there!

Students and Parents,

We officially started recording tardies for the 23-24 school year on Monday, August 21st. Please note: All students' tardies will result in the following consequences, so please encourage your child to arrive to all classes on time.

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, That is Not Allowed, this area is for School Vehicles and School Personnel Only!

Please Drive Safe and Have A Great Bulldog Day!!

• • Seniors & Juniors:
    

    As we return for the 2023-24 School Year, Senior students will have the opportunity to purchase Preferred Parking for $75; all other student parking (for both Seniors & Juniors) will cost $50.

    To purchase parking, all seniors and juniors must have:

    • Completed the online application
    • A Valid Texas Driver's License
    • Valid Insurance showing the student's name as an insured driver
    • No outstanding fines on the AHS Fine List
    • Must be on record as a Junior/Senior by August 2023

    Seniors who have purchased their parking permits for the 2023-24 school year can come and pick them up on August 3 and August 4, 2023 in office 108 between 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM.

    Juniors can pick up their parking permits on August 7, 2023 in office 108 between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM and between 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM. Students who don't pick up their permits before school starts should not drive to school until they have their permit!

    To pick your permit up, you must bring:

    • a copy of the 2023-24 Student Parking Rules & Regulations (signed by a parent or guardian); and
    • a photocopy of your receipt.

Textbook Request:

Most textbooks are available online including resources and some accommodations to support learning. We highly encourage ALL students to utilize online textbooks. For students who want to request textbooks, please use the following link for the 23-24 school year.

If you have any questions, please see Ms. Masters or Ms. Udechukwu in suite 201.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=QWJ9SRo5d0KRrL3SqZ9wVPL0G1567AFEiBrkbgXp_QNUODJJTjQzSDNVWUNZQjdMUU45VFA5WkkwMi4u

Please use the link below to request a locker for the 2023-2024 school year. Lockers will be given as requested starting the week of August 14th.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=QWJ9SRo5d0KRrL3SqZ9wVPL0G1567AFEiBrkbgXp_QNUN1pDTE9aSVJLTjRQRVY0N0M2QVRTM0pMRi4u

Students and parents that might qualify for Free/reduced lunch please apply for free/reduced lunch. This will provide them with access to AP Test reduction, SAT/ACT fee waivers, reduced admissions applications for colleges etc.

https://www.fortbendisd.com/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&ModuleInstanceID=290642&ViewID=DEDCCD34-7C24-4AF2-812A-33C0075398BC&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=185301&PageID=334&Tag=&Comments=true

Attention Students with Existing Documented Accommodations!

If you don’t already have College Board accommodations, and you want your 504/Special Education accommodations for AP, SAT, PSAT exams in the Spring semester, then please complete the attached consent form to request the accommodations from College Board. Send the completed form to Irvin Casely-Hayford, AP & SSD Coordinator, at Irvin.caselyhayford@fortbendisd.com.

Use this form

For additional information, you may visit

https://accommodations.collegeboard.org/support/advice-students-families

Dear FBISD parents and guardians,

On September 1, 2023, House Bill 114 (HB 114), will go into effect to address the serious issue of vaping/e-cigarette use among students. Under this law, any student found in possession of any kind of vaping/e-cigarette device on a campus or at a school-related activity including bus transportation, will face disciplinary consequences including a placement in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP)*.

FBISD assures you that the district is committed to providing a supportive climate and safe learning environment that promotes students in accepting responsibility for their learning and behavior.

To be proactive, here are the ways your student might be impacted by the new law:

• If your student possesses an e-cigarette (even if it contains nothing) or any component, part or accessory for any vaping device while on school grounds or at a school-related event, they will be recommended for a mandatory placement in DAEP.

• When receiving disciplinary consequences for this offense, your student is not able to participate in any school activities. Furthermore, they may face removal from specific student clubs or organizations as stipulated by each organization's rules and regulations.

• Students with offenses that qualify for DAEP placement are not eligible for final exam exemptions for that school year.

Please speak with your student about the dangers of vaping and the new law. If your student is struggling with substance abuse, including vaping addiction or peer pressure to engage in these activities, FBISD counseling services are available to provide supports and resources to address such challenges.

As partners, FBISD and parents can work together to ensure student success. Thank you for your cooperation and support. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your campus directly.

* Based on DAEP program capacity, students may be placed in a campus-based discipline program.

Dear Parents/Guardians/Caregivers,

There is a growing threat to the health and safety of our youth that we want to bring to your attention. Fentanyl is a man-made, Schedule II narcotic that has reached a growing number of communities of all sizes across Texas and has impacted so many lives. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), within the last two years, teen overdose deaths related to Fentanyl have tripled. Over half of all overdose deaths are related to Fentanyl use. Death from Fentanyl overdose happens when the respiratory system slows, or not enough oxygen gets to the brain.

Fentanyl is a manufactured opiate drug that is generally used in the medical field to treat severe pain. It is often used in emergencies and given by paramedics and in emergency rooms. Sadly, an underground market has developed for this drug, and it is often marketed to youth. Fentanyl can come in many forms and even the smallest amount can be lethal. It is often mixed with other drugs such as cocaine and heroin. Prescription medications can also be laced with it. There have been some cases where the Fentanyl pills were made to look like candy. Oftentimes, the teen has no idea that what they are taking has Fentanyl in it.

The State of Texas (HB3908) requires school districts to annually provide to students in grades 6–12 research-based instruction on fentanyl abuse prevention and drug poisoning awareness. The required instruction in fentanyl prevention and drug poisoning awareness must include the following:

§ Suicide prevention

§ Prevention of the abuse of and addiction to fentanyl

§ Awareness of local school and community resources and any processes involved in accessing those resources

§ Health education that includes information about substance use and abuse, including youth substance use and abuse

What can you do as a parent to prevent your teen from falling prey to this deadly trend?

1) Talk to your teen. Talk about the dangers that they may face at parties and social events. Let them know that they can talk to you about things that are concerning them.

2) Monitor their social media and app usage. This is a common way that teens get access to this drug.

3) Encourage your teen to get involved with extra-curricular activities, church, service projects, community, and school organizations. Keeping your teen involved can help battle loneliness, isolation, and hopelessness.

4) Know how to access the district’s anonymous reporting tool, See Something, Say Something. It can be found on the district’s website. Report any suspicion that Fentanyl use may be occurring in the schools or that someone may be abusing it. Encourage your child to do the same. You could save a life.

5) Monitor your child’s behavior. Has their behavior changed lately? Do they have a new set of “friends”? Are they keeping to themselves more often than usual?

6) Seek help if your child is facing a mental health challenge or if you suspect they are using any substance.

FBISD Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Webpage

CDC Protect Yourself From the Dangers of Fentanyl Video

Together, we can help our youth make better choices to avoid this dangerous drug and to keep it out of our schools and communities.

Sincerely,

Fort Bend ISD

Parents,

Please review the information below. It provides important dates and times for transportation and Open House for the Reese Center.

The University of Texas at Austin Automatic Admission Policy

taa-2023-10-26-university-of-texas-at-austin-automatic-admission-policy.pdf146.89 KB

Subject:The University of Texas at Austin Automatic Admission Policy

Category:Automatic Admission

Next Steps: Share with high school junior-level students and their parents

Senate Bill 175, passed by the 81st Texas Legislature, allows The University of Texas at Austin to limit automatic admission to 75 percent of the university’s enrollment capacity designated for first-time resident undergraduate students.

The University has determined that it will automatically admit all eligible summer/fall 2025 and spring 2026 freshman applicants who rank within the top 6% of their high school graduating classes. A letter from University President Jay C. Hartzell is attached to this correspondence.

This information should be shared with all high school junior-level students and their parents. If you have questions regarding this policy, please contact Miguel Wasielewski, Vice Provost of Admissions at The University of Texas at Austin at (512) 475-6210..

All clubs and organizations that have been approved for the 23-24 fall semester are listed below in alpha order with basic club information. We encourage all students to join a club/organization that aligns with your interest or join to learn something new. If your club was unable to locate a sponsor or not approved, please see the list of clubs that may align with your interest for the 23-24 fall semester. There will be another opportunity to join or create more at the start of 2nd semester.

Questions? Email Ms. Udechukwu -adaun.udechukwu@fortbendisd.com

Email: adaun.udechukwu@fortbendisd.com
Website: https://www.fortbendisd.com/ahs
Location: 3434 Pheasant Creek Drive, Sugar Land, TX, USA
Phone: 281-634-2000
Twitter: @AHSBulldogs