ECHS OWL Update

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 Community!

Together, we are moving right along within this nine week period.

Please feel free to check out the numerous highlights within today’s OWLstanding News section.

As a friendly reminder, tomorrow Monday, March 31st, is a RRISD student holiday and staff development day. However, ACC classes ARE still IN SESSION on Monday, March 31st. As a reminder, there is no RRISD bus transportation on March 31st, given it is a RRISD student holiday. ECHS students, please plan accordingly for your ACC classes.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

GO OWLS!

Dr. Wilson

3/31 - Staff Development Day /No School for RRISD students (ACC Classes are still in Session)

4/12 - ECHS/CHE Carnival from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

4/18 - Spring Holiday: No School for students and staff

Early College High School student representatives attended the College 102 Discussion at the University of Texas at Austin on March 28, 2025. Thanks to ECHS teachers Ms. Anaya & Mrs. Reaux, along with ECHS parent Mrs. Zamora for supporting and chaperones. During the field trip, they attended a student panel where our students had an opportunity to ask current UT students questions about their college experiences. Our students also gained valuable information about applying to college, scholarships, scheduling, programs, student life, etc. Also, they were able to ask the student panel some valuable questions about college life and what to expect. It was shared that they had a great time thanks to the wonderful UT students who hosted this event!

Last week on March 26th and 27th, our ECHS Sophomores participated in mock interviews. During the AVID II classes they used resumes they crafted in class.These one-on-one mock interviews were planned by ECHS teacher Mrs. Reaux. There was a prepared job description and interview questions for the students to answer. RRISD district employees, members of the RRISD school board, ECHS parents and ECHS staff members volunteered to conduct these mock interviews. KUDOS to our Sophomores who dressed for success, prepared and were very thoughtful with their interview responses! Nicely done Owls!

Keith Clinscales

Jaynelle Wagliardo

Sandra Lucero - Nominated TWO Times!

Amar Picazo - Nominated THREE Times!

Todd Spillers

Helen Holmes

Dr. Valerie Laugier

Emily Saavedra

Alma Martinez

Brooke Anaya

Rachel Reaux

Our Appreciation to ECHS PTSA for the Kona Ice Spirit Event! Thanks to the members of our ECHS community who participated in the Kona Ice Spirit Event on March 28th. ALL proceeds will go towards the ECHS/Caldwell Heights Carnival on April 12th!

Helen Holmes (Students whose last names begin with M-Z)

helen_holmes@roundrockisd.org

Valerie Laugier (Students whose last names begin with A-L)

valerie_laugier@roundrockisd.org

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:

https://roundrockisd.org/covid/

ACC RESOURCES

• ACC library - Resources now online

• Study Resource Tips

• Need more study resources tips, meet with an Academic Coach

• FREE online tutoring here.

• Student Accessibility Services

• Counseling Mental Health Resources

• Student Help desk

Dr. Azaiez, Superintendent of Schools, March 28 community message

Mar 28, 2025

Round Rock ISD community,

Before March comes to a close, I want to take a moment to recognize Women’s History Month.
Women’s contributions have profoundly shaped our world. In Round Rock ISD and beyond, women in education continue to play a crucial role in shaping the next generation.

Arminda Velasquez is the head band director at Cedar Ridge High School. She is the first female high school head band director in Round Rock ISD. As Velasquez breaks new ground in Round Rock ISD music education, she follows in the footsteps of other women in education who have paved the way for our future generations.

Round Rock ISD has seven facilities named after women — women who made it their life’s work to support and educate Central Texas families.

• Xenia Voigt had a 48-year career as an elementary teacher and principal. Voigt was first hired in 1925 at a salary of $90 per month. In 1975, her service was honored with the naming of Voigt Elementary School, now known as Voigt Elementary Arts Integration Academy.

• Neysa Callison became the first woman elected to the Round Rock ISD Board of Trustees in 1957. Callison served until 1963. In 2008, the district’s 29th elementary school was dedicated in her name.

• In 2005, North Oaks Elementary School became Kathy Caraway Elementary School. Caraway was an early childhood education teacher and librarian. She was appointed North Oaks’ principal in 1978, serving for 24 years. Caraway is known for her lasting connections with her students and their families, staying in touch even after they graduated.

• Patsy Sommer was a Round Rock ISD director of elementary education. Her namesake campus, Patsy Sommer Elementary School, opened in August 2008.

• Linda Herrington Elementary opened in 2011, honoring Herrington’s 39-year career in education. She served as principal at Purple Sage Elementary, Grisham, and Hopewell Middle Schools before retiring in 2003.

• Elsa England, a dedicated district teacher and counselor, was known for her relentless focus on students. In 2012, the Round Rock Board of Trustees named Elementary School #33 in her honor. Built on her family’s former land, Elsa England Elementary and nearby Pearson Ranch Middle now serve over 1,900 students each year.

• The district administration building at 1311 Round Rock Avenue honors Lillie Delgado, who served public schools from 1970 to 2012. Delgado was known as the heart of our district by her colleagues, demonstrating integrity and dedication as she supported numerous superintendents, campuses, and the community.

Round Rock ISD remains committed to preserving the rich history of these women educators. Through their dedicated service to children and advocacy for public education, Callison, Caraway, Delgado, England, Herrington, Sommer, and Voigt have left a legacy that continues to benefit all students. The voter-approved Bond 2024 will help ensure that the facilities named for these remarkable women (and all our facilities) are maintained and enhance the spaces where future generations will continue to learn and grow. Find out what’s happening at your campus on our Bond 2024 website.

Respectfully,

Dr. Hafedh “AZ” Azaiez

Proud Superintendent of Schools

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!

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