Week 9: October 7th - 11th

Dear Oiler Families,

It’s been another fantastic week at PHS! The excitement surrounding Rivalry Week, with all the dress-up days and school spirit events, truly brought our campus together. It’s always great to see students enjoying these moments, but it's equally important to recognize the hard work they’ve been putting into their classes as we approach the end of the grading period. From challenging assignments to group projects, our students have been pushing themselves to meet their academic goals, and I couldn’t be prouder of their efforts.

I’m also excited to share some great news: Pearland High School has been named to the 2024 Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) School Honor Roll, earning a silver distinction!

This recognition is awarded to schools that not only deliver strong AP results but also broaden access to the AP program, reflecting a commitment to building a college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.

At PHS, 55% of our seniors took at least one AP exam during their high school journey, with 34% scoring a 3 or higher, and an impressive 22% taking five or more AP exams! These results show that challenging oneself in AP classes is a pathway to college readiness and success. I encourage all students to continue considering the benefits of enrolling in AP courses, as they provide valuable preparation for the next steps in their learning journey.

As we near the end of the grading period, I encourage you to have conversations with your students about the opportunities Oiler Time offers. This is a crucial time to close any learning gaps or address any concerns with their grades before the period ends. Every teacher is available each day during Oiler Time to provide additional support, and students should be signing up for the classes where they need the most help. If a teacher has already selected them for a session, that’s a sign they can benefit from targeted support. Students have done a great job signing up for these sessions, but a reminder to choose wisely if they’re struggling could make a big difference.

Go Oilers!

As mentioned in previous newsletters, PHS will be hosting the PSAT and SAT exams on October 23rd. These tests are pivotal steps in your student’s academic journey and can unlock numerous opportunities for their future.

For seniors, this day will be filled with unique sessions tailored to their individual interests, designed to prepare them for their next steps after high school. Seniors will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of classes, such as how to safely jump-start a car, college admissions guidance, trade school presentations, understanding credit cards, fiscal responsibility, job interview techniques, and many more. A full list of sessions will be sent out soon so that seniors can make their selections.

SAT/PSAT Preparation Resources:

To help your student prepare and perform their best, we recommend the following resources:

• Khan Academy: In partnership with the College Board, Khan Academy offers free, personalized practice for the SAT. Students can access practice tests, instructional videos, and tailor-made study plans. Visit www.khanacademy.org/sat to get started.
• College Board Resources: Official practice materials, sample questions, and study guides are available at www.collegeboard.org.
• Study Groups: Encourage your student to form study groups with peers to share tips and keep each other motivated.

Your student has the opportunity to attend an important presentation on the dangers of fentanyl, led by Janel Rodriguez, a parent, and Mark Andrews, a Hays County Sheriff's Deputy. This presentation will take place at Pearland High School on October 22nd during 4th period. Please note, this is an opt-in presentation, so only students with parent permission will attend.

Janel Rodriguez tragically lost her 15-year-old son, Noah, to fentanyl poisoning two years ago. Since then, she has partnered with Deputy Andrews to visit schools and share her story, raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl from both a personal and law enforcement perspective. This presentation is part of the Forever15 Project, which aims to prevent similar tragedies and educate young people about the serious risks associated with this drug.

We encourage you to attend the parent presentation on October 21st from 5:30 – 7:00 PM at the Pearland ISD ESC to learn more. You can also find additional resources and information about the fight against fentanyl through the Texas Health and Human Services Fighting the Fentanyl Crisis initiative.

For more information about Noah's story and the Forever15 Project, please visit the following links:

• Forever15 Project
• Noah’s Story

If you would like your student to attend the presentation on October 22nd, please fill out this form.

Band:
A huge congratulations to The Pride of Pearland Band for their outstanding performance this weekend at the Bands of America South Houston Regional Championship! Our band took home first place overall, showcasing their hard work and dedication. In addition to their overall victory, they were also recognized for Outstanding Visual Performance. Great job, Band!

Football:
Friday night was a thrilling success as our Oilers faced off against the Dawson Eagles in an intense rivalry matchup. From the opening kickoff, our team took control, establishing an early lead that they held onto throughout the game. With a final score of 42-29, the Oilers continue their impressive winning streak, now standing at 5 games in a row! The team's focus, determination, and energy were on full display, and they continue to show why they are a force to be reckoned with. Keep up the momentum, Oilers!

Volleyball:
The Lady O’s continued their dominant season with a commanding win over Manvel on Friday night, improving their record to an impressive 32-4! The team was in top form, sweeping Manvel in three straight sets with scores of 25-14, 25-12, and 25-20. Congratulations to the Lady O’s for their continued excellence on the court!

Lady Oilers Water Polo:

Congratulations to Lady Oilers Waterpolo team for qualifying for the playoffs this season. They have shown TREMENDOUS heart and growth this season!

Varsity Boys Water Polo:

Congratulations to the Varsity Boys Waterpolo team, they have made it to the playoffs and will take on Strake Jesuit tomorrow at 5:00 PM at Strake Jesuit.

Book Fair Information:

• Dates: Fri., Oct. 4 - Fri., Oct. 11
• Location: Searcy Library
• Fair Hours: 6:45am - 2:45pm; Closes after 5th period/C Lunch on Fri., Oct. 11.
• Preview book fair titles in the Book Fair Flyer and book trailers in the Book Fair Collection in the Library Catalog.
• Pay with Cash, Check (made out to PHS), Card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Scholastic eWallet.

Online Book Fair:

• Fri., Oct. 4 - Thurs., Oct. 17
• Shop from the Book Fair Homepage.
• You'll need to create your own account for online ordering.
• All online orders will ship directly to your home.

World Mental Health Day has been recognized globally since October 10, 1992, with the goal of raising awareness and promoting advocacy for mental health. At Pearland High School, we want to honor this important day by encouraging our students and staff to take a moment to focus on their well-being.

To mark the occasion, Oiler Strong is proud to present "Take Ten on 10/10 at 10 am." During this time, all students and staff will have the opportunity to participate in a relaxing activity, engage in meaningful conversation, or simply take some individual downtime to recharge.

We want parents to know that by participating, students are developing healthy mental habits, which are just as important as academic success. Activities like meditation, guided imagery, and creative outlets help students manage stress and improve their focus in the classroom.

We are excited to share the September edition of the Pearland High School Counselor Connection Newsletter! This month, we cover important topics such as the upcoming College Fair, PSAT, TSI, fee waivers, and more.

Click to read! https://secure.smore.com/n/byu47

We’re excited to announce the 2024 PHS College Fair, taking place on October 14, 2024, from 6-8 PM in the Searcy Cafeteria. This event is open to students from both Pearland and Friendswood ISD, with over 70 colleges in attendance!

During the fair, there will be panel discussions on important topics like FAFSA, Apply Texas, and College Admissions (available in English and Spanish). A lab will also be available for those who need assistance with their applications.

Steps to Register:

1. Go to https://falltacrao.swoogo.com/registration

2. Create a student account or log in if you already have one.

3. Register for the fair as a student.

4. Select **Gulf Coast Region** and then **Pearland High School**.

5. Once registered, you’ll receive a barcode via text and email to bring to the fair.

This is a great opportunity to explore your college options and get the support you need for the application process. We hope to see you there!

October

10th- ACC College App Day

14th TACRAO

15th- ACC Senior Day on their campus

23rd-San Jac College App day with other campus events/ PSAT/SAT/TSI

25th- UHCL Step Field Trip

If you have not yet joined the PTA you can do so by visiting this site.

Joining the PTA is an excellent way for parents to actively participate in their child's education and school community. By being involved in the PTA, parents can stay informed about school events, advocate for important issues, and collaborate with teachers and staff to enhance the educational experience for all students. The PTA provides a platform for parents to contribute to positive changes, and help create a supportive environment that fosters student growth and success. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other parents and build a strong network within the school community.