ECHS OWL Update
November 24, 2024
Early College High School News
Mission Statement
Our ECHS Owls are taught to have H.O.P.E.--faith in the premise that they can create OPPORTUNITY and a better future through EFFORT, HARD WORK, and PERSONAL COURAGE. This idea of H.O.P.E. is woven into the fabric of our ECHS family.
Greetings ECHS School Community!
Our ECHS staff culminated the week by receiving a very kindhearted expression from our PTSA president, board, ECHS parents and students! We greatly appreciate ECHS PTSA President, Robyn Lynch, Mrs. Reass (ECHS Treasurer) along with ALL ECHS parents and families who shared Thanksgiving Pies for ECHS staff and ACC teammates, to enjoy with our families! This will be shared in the OWLstanding News section, along with a spotlight on our ECHS AVID Fall Expo and a few other campus highlights.
The RRISD Thanksgiving Break is November 25th through November 29th and is a RRISD student/staff holiday. However, ACC classes ARE still in session from November 25th - November 27th. As a reminder, there is no RRISD bus transportation during the RRISD Thanksgiving Break. Please plan accordingly.
Given our hardworking students, dedicated teachers, staff and supportive parents, we have made it successfully to this point. We wish all the members of the ECHS school community a very safe and restful Thanksgiving Break!
Please reach out if you have any questions.
GO OWLS!
Dr. Wilson
UPCOMING Events:
November 25-29: NO SCHOOL for RRISD Student and Staff - Thanksgiving Holiday
December 3rd: FAFSA Night at ACC
December 6th: ECHS PTSA Movie Night at 6:30 pm
December 13th: ECHS PTSA Travelin' Toms Coffee Truck Spirit Event
CAMPUS REMINDERS:
ECHS | Fall 2024 Final Exam Exemption Info
Our Fall 2024 semester is coming to a close and Fall Finals are quickly approaching.
Within this document is a complete overview regarding 2024-2025 Exam Exemptions at Early College High School. Additionally, this is the Fall 2024 Exam Schedule.
Please review the updated details completely. Be sure to note ALL DEADLINES listed. They will be followed as written.
Please touch base with Dr. Wilson or Mrs. Ross if you have questions.
ECHS “OWL”standing News!
ECHS Fall 2024 AVID Expo!
The Fall 2024 Round Rock Early College High School AVID Campus Expo was a huge success & the student presenters were awesome!
Our Appreciation to our ECHS teacher leader & AVID Site Coordinator, Mrs. Wagliardo and her team, for planning this great event!
We were pleased to welcome representatives from our district team (including SPLC Area Superintendent, Dr. Ephlin) and other RRISD AVID campuses, who attended the Fall Expo.
Thanks to our staff, student volunteers, parents and the ECHS school community for your presence and support.
We are elated to share about the great leadership opportunities and experiences our ECHS Students are participating in throughout the 2024-25 school year!
Gwendolyn H. - Cast in “Dickens’ Christmas Carol”
Gwendolyn H. (ECHS Senior) is cast in our production of a Christmas comedy, Dickens' Christmas Carol: A Traveling Travesty in Two Tumultuous Acts.
ECHS students and families are invited to come see a member of the Early College High School community on the stage. The show runs Friday, Nov. 29-Dec. 29 and tickets are available for purchase here: Buy Tickets.
CONGRATULATIONS Gwendolyn!
ECHS PIE DAY 2024 - Sponsored by ECHS PTSA & Families!
Our ECHS staff culminated the week by receiving a very kindhearted expression from our PTSA president, board, ECHS parents and students! We greatly appreciate ECHS PTSA President, Robyn Lynch, Kendall Reass (PTSA Treasurer), along with ALL ECHS parents and families who shared Thanksgiving Pies for ECHS staff and ACC teammates, to enjoy with our families!
ECHS Staff Thanksgiving PotLuck Luncheon!
An ECHS staff Thanksgiving PotLuck Luncheon was held on November 20, 2024 that included food dishes, sides and desserts courtesy of our ECHS staff! THANKS to the thoughtful planning of our Wonderful ECHS Staff Sunshine Committee!
THANK YOU!!! :-)
November is National Native American Heritage Month. We are pleased to acknowledge the generations of Native Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our ECHS community, society and the nation.
Each week, during this designated Month, featured Native Americans will be highlighted during within our announcements.
Quannah Chasinghorse (Diné/Lakota)
Quannah Chasinghorse is an Indigenous model and activist with a shared heritage of Lakota and Navajo ancestry. She is known for using her platform to support Indigenous sovereignty and sustainability. She made headlines at the 2022 Met Gala by combining contemporary looks with intricate Native jewelry and headpieces.
Jason Momoa (Pawnee, Native Hawaiian)
Jason Momoa is proud of his native heritage and talks about it every chance he gets, whether it’s in front of the camera or on the red carpet. He is Native Hawaiian on his father’s side. He is deeply involved in protecting his native land and helped to protest the development of Mauna Kea, Hawaii's tallest mountain. He also identifies as Pawnee, from his grandmother’s side.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR OWLstanding ECHS Students nominated since the start of the 2024-2025 school year:
Ellie H.
Michael T.
Finley S.
Lillian M.
Flor S-V.
Berkley C.
Charmi P.
Julia N.
Nicholas T.
Katelyn I.
Vivian O.
Madeline B.
Asher K.
Finley S.
Mohammed W.
Elijah G.
Arsenii M.
Brandon Z.
Miles M.
Elijah P.
Diego T.
Bharat S.
Kylie W.
Leah E.
Amelie H.
Paulina M.
Emily P.
Jonatan A.
Jaleah B.
Anahli T.
Zoe E.
Chloe C.
Aidan M.
Aarika S.
Mikayla L.
Leyla E.
Xabier B L.
Amanda B.
Madelyn Y.
Arthur P.
Aleyna G.
Kelsey C.
Kidus M.
Rawan A.
Mackenzie H.
Mason L.
Onyinyechi D O.
Sador T.
Genavi V.
Annette S J C.
Vivian O.
Vonara P.
Evan P.
Mason W.
Samuel J.
Christine G.
Yvette O.
Iaroslav K.
Kelsey C.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR OWLstanding ECHS Staff nominated since the start of the 2024-25 school year:
Julian Jones
Margaret Thompson
Alma Martinez
Jaynelle Wagliardo
Amar Picazo
Sandra Lucero
Robin Foerster
Brooke Anaya
Arjun Malik
Ryan Kubicek
Harry Meyer - Nominated THREE Times!
Rachel Reaux
Elsie Westmoreland
Ryan Kubicek - Nominated TWO Times!
ECHS November Newsletter is here! CLICK ON THE VISUAL BELOW FOR MORE INFO!
Pie Day Thank You!
Glad to "Represent" in Senior Shirts with members of our ECHS Class of 2025! :-)
Helen Holmes (Students whose last names begin with M-Z)
Valerie Laugier (Students whose last names begin with A-L)
Wellness & Student Voice at ECHS!
Mental Health & Other Resources for 2024-2025
Crisis resources for anything related to mental health, dating violence, and substance use. This includes a 24-hour hotline and text line.
Community resources including financial, food, medical, dental, and mental health assistance.
More student and parent resources can be found on the district Counseling Services and Behavioral Health websites.
RRISD Health Services website for info and medical forms:
https://roundrockisd.org/health-services/
RRISD Covid website:
ACC UPDATES:
ACC RESOURCES
ACC library - Resources now online
Need more study resources tips, meet with an Academic Coach
FREE online tutoring here.
DISTRICT UPDATE:
Students put their science skills to the ultimate challenge
Nov 22, 2024
Two Canyon Vista Middle School students have earned national recognition at the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, a national STEM contest for middle schoolers. Hosted by the Society for Science, the competition invites the top 10% of nationwide middle school participants from regional events.
Samvith Mahadevan and Arya Gowri Hirsave were among the 30 finalists invited to Washington, D.C., following their success at the 2024 Greater Austin Regional Science and Engineering Fair and the Texas Science and Engineering Fair.
Canyon Vista Principal Laura Terry-Brown praised their accomplishments.
“We, as their Mustang family, couldn’t be more proud of them,” she said. “Arya and Samvith embody the qualities we need in tomorrow’s leaders—kids who navigate challenges with resilience, engage in thoughtful reflection, and turn their passions into meaningful contributions for the greater good.”
Samvith won first place at GARSEF in Biomedical and Health Sciences/Biomedical Engineering with his project, Novel Application of Olfactory Sensor Arrays in the Detection of Food and Environmental Allergens, Using Artificial Intelligence. He went on to claim first place at the state contest and received an honorable mention for the Best of Physical Science Award.
Arya won first place in Biochemistry at GARSEF with her project, Effect of Various Antibiotics on Digestive Enzyme Activity. “My science project was a better way for people to know the reasons behind the side effects of taking different antibiotics. I wanted to help people better understand their own bodies and help others,” Arya explains.
Samvith said he hopes his experience inspires other students to participate in science. “The way my project can help others brings a good feeling because I’m not only helping myself but others, and it could change their lives,” Samvith states.
Round Rock ISD is proud to celebrate both Samvith and Arya’s accomplishments. Way to go!
This Week’s Inspirational Quote:
Have you seen Early College High School on Facebook and on Twitter?
Early College High School is on Facebook and Twitter!
Please like us on Facebook @RRISDECHS and follow us on Twitter @ECHS_RRISD to see what is happening at ECHS!
In an effort to maintain our good health, safety and well being; we are ALL encouraged to please continue following the current restrictions instituted within our school district, city, state and nation.
Please take care of yourselves!
Round Rock ISD Early College High School
Email: web_master@roundrockisd.org
Website: https://earlycollege.roundrockisd.org/
Location: 4400 College Park Dr, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA
Phone: 512-704-1650
Facebook: facebook.com/RRISDECHS
Twitter: @ECHS_RRISD