NYOS Secondary Newsletter
August 22, 2024
Welcome to the 24-25 School Year
We educate the whole student. We foster a collegial Pre-K – 12 program that challenges each learner with rigorous academics, innovative strategies and expectations for civic engagement.
Email: info@nyos.org
Website: www.nyos.org
Location: 12333 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78753, USA
Phone: (512) 583-6967
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nyoscharter/
Secondary Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nyossecondary/
Destination NYOS: Sailing to Success
The NYOS District theme for this year is Destination NYOS
Secondary's focus is Sailing to Success
We look forward to continuing to build on the growth of students and staff, and are ready to embark on the amazing journey of the 24-25 school year.
Hiring Updates
New Hires
Daniel Kilpatric- 8th Grade Math (Starts next Monday)
Pamela Jackson- Educational Assistant
Jori Dittmer- HS Counselor (starts next week)
Secondary Vacancies
- HS PE (LTS-Monica Helgesen, Offer has been made)
- SPED Math Inclusion (SPED + Math Certified)
Attendance
ATTENDANCE MATTERS!!
Stay Safe!
To ensure that our community continues to stay safe, please read the information below:
Covid Positive is treated just like Flu or any other respiratory illnesses- If you are fever free for 24 hours you can return to school. If you are positive without symptoms or fever, youc an return to work.
Here is a guide for respiratory illness-
- You can go back to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:
- Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
- You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).
- When you go back to your normal activities, take added precautions over the next 5 days, such as taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors. This is especially important to protect people with factors that increase their risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses.
- Keep in mind that you may still be able to spread the virus that made you sick, even if you are feeling better. You are likely to be less contagious at this time, depending on factors like how long you were sick or how sick you were.
- If you develop a fever or you start to feel worse after you have gone back to normal activities, stay home and away from others again until, for at least 24 hours, both are true: your symptoms are improving overall, and you have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication). Then take added precaution for the next 5 days.
Please visit here for more information: https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/air-quality.html
Academics
Progress Reports will be sent home, August 23rd!!
Students will receive a paper copy of their Progress Reports on Friday, August 23rd!
You can also access their grades and attendance in Skyward. If you do not have a Skyward login, please reach out to Isela Valles, ivalles@nyos.org.
AP Testing
AP registration and payments are now open! Students who are enrolled in AP classes at NYOS have the potential to earn college credit by taking the course AP exam. Do note- ordering exams is a 2 part process. Please review the AP parent letter for this year's details. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Reyes-Mink at nreyes@nyos.org.
General Information
24-25 Secondary Uniform/Dress Code Expectations
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Tops
Collared shirt: solid navy, white, gray, black
NYOS t-shirt in school colors
Undergarments
Undergarments must be covered at all times.
Bottoms
Students may wear loose fitting pants including dress pants, khakis, cargo pants, jeans, joggers, skorts, jumpers, shorts
Bottoms must be modest. Shorts must extend to or below the index finger. Jeans can have embellishments or rips, of appropriate length, at or below the knee.
Shoes
Closed-toe shoes
Piercings (8th-12th Only) Small facial piercings are ok. No large hoops or large gauges
Hats, hoods, and scarves are not permitted to be worn inside. Head coverings should not cover student faces. Headwear worn for religious purposes is acceptable.
Thursday
Tops
Collared shirt: solid navy, white, gray, black
NYOS t-shirt in school colors
College T-Shirt
Undergarments
Undergarments must be covered at all times.
Bottoms
Students may wear loose fitting pants (includes dress pants, khakis, cargo pants, jeans, joggers, skorts, jumpers, shorts
Bottoms must be modest. Shorts must extend to or below the index finger. Jeans can have embellishments or rips, of appropriate length, at or below the knee.
Shoes
Closed-toe shoes required.
Piercings (8th-12th Only) Small facial piercings are ok. No large hoops or large gauges
Hats, hoods, and scarves are not permitted to be worn inside. Head coverings should not cover student faces. Headwear worn for religious purposes is acceptable.
Friday
Tops
Collared shirt: solid navy, white, gray, black
NYOS t-shirt in school colors
Sweatshirts: solid navy, white, gray, black
College T-Shirt
Top of choice that aligns to expectations (See more regarding “ Dress Code Violations below)
Undergarments
Undergarments must be covered at all times.
Bottoms
Students may wear loose fitting pants (includes dress pants, khakis, cargo pants, jeans, joggers, skorts, jumpers, shorts
Bottoms must be modest. Shorts must extend to or below the index finger. Jeans can have embellishments or rips, of appropriate length, at or below the knee.
Shoes
Closed-toe shoes required in science labs and recommended at other times.
Hats (6th-12th)are permitted and should not cover a student's face. Headwear worn for religious purposes is acceptable.
Piercings (8th-12th Only) Small facial piercings are ok. No large hoops or large gauges
PE
Top: T-shirt
Bottoms: shorts mid-thigh or longer, athletic material ok
Tennis/athletic shoes
General Guidelines & Uniform/Dress Violations
Clothing should not be offensive or disrupt the learning environment in any way. Clothing should be neat, fit appropriately, and shirts must cover the abdomen.
Unacceptable clothing and accessories:
Pajamas
Athleisure tights or legging worn in lieu of pants
Shorts, skorts or skirts shorter than the tip of the index finger in length or with slits shorter than the tip of the index finger.
Dresses or shirts that only partially cover the shoulders, i.e. spaghetti straps, tank tops, halter tops
Shirts with deep cut openings, that are sheer or that do not cover the midriff
Visible undergarments
Clothing, accessories, or tattoos with references to alcohol, drugs, sex, tobacco, vulgar language, violence, gang-related affiliation, or other symbols that detract from the learning environment
Bedroom attire (pajamas, slippers, etc.)
Caps, hats, hoods or any other head covering in the building, except as worn for religious purposes
Hair colors or styles that may cause a distraction to the school environment
Wheeled footwear
Administrators, sponsors, coaches, or other persons in charge of an extracurricular activity (or curricular activity such as a concert), may also regulate the dress and grooming of students who participate in school activities. Designated group or team apparel may be designated.
Dress Code & Uniform Violation Consequences
Uniform/Dress Code violations are considered a disciplinary issue and managed by administration. Staff are expected to support violation management.. See below regarding Violation escalation:
1st Violation: Warning & Parent Contact
2nd Violation: Detention & Parent Contact
3rd Violation: Detention, Community Service, Lost of Privileges & Parent Contact
4th Violation: Admin Discretion
If you have any questions, please reach out to secondaryadmin@nyos.org.
Cell Phone Policy
Cell phones are strictly prohibited DURING CLASS.
Cell phones will be turned off and stored in the classroom storage system.
In the event of an emergency, please contact the front office. They will contact your student’s teacher.
Students may use their cell phones, before school starts, during passing periods, during designated lunch times, and after school.
Addressing Violations:
Upon entering the classroom, the teacher will remind all students to place their cell phones in the classroom cell phone storage space. If a student refuses to place their electronic device in the storage space upon entering the classroom after the student has been asked to by the teacher:
1st Offense-Verbal Redirection: The teacher will ask the student to store electronic devices in the designated place. If the student follows the redirect, no further action is needed.
2nd Offense- Refer To Administration: If the student refuses after the Verbal Redirection, the teacher will contact an administrator. The teacher will submit a referral and contact parents.
Administrators will follow up with consequences that align to the cell phone policy in the Student/Parent Handbook. The student’s cell phone will be confiscated by administration and it will be a $15 penalty. A parent will need to claim the phone from administration.
Repeated violations of the cell phone policy will result in compounding $15 penalties, and/or other consequences determined by school administration which may include:
The phone will be held for multiple days, and will only be returned to the parent/guardian.
The student will no longer be permitted to have their phone with them during the school day and can only bring it to campus if they check it in and out with the campus secretary each day.
Phone will be confiscated/banned for the remainder of the school year.
While the focus of this document is cell phones, all electronic devices and accessories not issued by NYOS are prohibited in classrooms during the school day. These devices may include but are not limited to:
Cell Phones
Earbuds
Headphones
Personal Laptops/Chromebooks
E-writers
Smart Notebooks
Drawing Tablets
iPads
Smart Watches
Portable Gaming Devices (ex: Switches)
Violations involving these items will be treated the same as a cell phone.
We will continue to follow IEPs accommodations that expect for students to be able to use a cell phone, despite the campus cell phone expectations above.
Counselors Corner
If you would like to refer your child or if a student would like to see a counselor, please fill out the counseling referral form. The link will take you to the form.
NYOS Athletics
Student Athletes Grade Checks!
Student athletes will be required to complete a student eligibility form for marking periods, progress reports and report cards. If a student athlete is failing a class with less than a 70 or an AP course with less than a 65, that student will be required to sit out for at least 2 weeks, until they bring their grade back up. This policy is in alignment with UIL policy. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. Johnson (wijohnson@nyos.org)
Reminder - Athletic Fees are Due on August 5th! If you have not paid, please reach out to Coach Thompson!
Please reach out to Coach Thompson, lathompson@nyos.org, if you have any questions!
NYOS Athletics T Shirts on Sale!
You will be able to purchase NYOS Athletic T Shirts, Starting August 5th Online!!
Please reach out to Coach Thompson, lathompson@nyos.org, if you have any questions.
NYOS Football T-Shirts on Sale!
Don't miss your chance to order the new NYOS Football T-Shirt!
Short Sleeve Shirt- $20
Long Sleeve Shirt- $22
Orders will be taken until 08/23!!
Please go here to purchase!
https://oh-boy-print-shop-2.printavo.com/merch/nyosfootball
Designed by Taylor Huff!!!
LETS GO JAGS!!
Upcoming Athletic Events
Football
8/31: NYOS Jags vs. Corpus Christ Annapolis (HS-9:00am, MS-11:30am)
Location: Westwood High School (Round Rock) 12400 Mellow Meadow Dr. Austin, TX
Volleyball
8/30-8/31: Meridian Volleyball Tournament (Boys Varsity, Girls Varsity, JV, MS Blue & Silver)
Times will be provided once brackets are released
Location: Round Rock Sports Center ,2400 Chisholm Trail Rd, Round Rock, TX 78681
Cross Country
8/24: Savio Early Bird Invitational Garey Park Georgetown (MS & HS)
Location and Other Details: Click Here
Athletic Schedules
Come out and Support NYOS Athletics!
MS/High School Cross Country Schedule
Check the NYOS Athletics Website for more information regarding Athletics!
ACE IS COMING TO SECONDARY!! - Only for 6th & 7th Grade Students
Starting August 1st!!- YOU CAN STILL SIGN UP!!!
You can sign up your students below for ACE! Send completed form to jrochell@nyos.org.
You can register here: https://na4.documents.adobe.com/public/esignWidget?wid=CBFCIBAA3AAABLblqZhB4-pPae6ymSeflI-tJWMf60VK7yQvSUZ7CWQxDSrn5oPGpWMJ7slW_uavLAxIOugA*
Texas ACE (Afterschool Centers on Education) provides no-cost activities before and after school and during summer for K–12 students in Title I schools. The program is federally funded through 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) and administered on the state level by TEA.
When the last bell rings, Texas ACE is just getting started with interactive, hands-on learning disguised as fun and aligned to the school curriculum. Local programs also provide homework help, tutoring, and other targeted needs-based assistance, as well as enrichment activities such as sports, clubs, and youth development projects that build character, confidence, and leadership skills. Students can also receive a warm meal! Students have to attend four days a week, where students are in the program for 2 hours (4pm-6pm).
Please reach out to Johnny Rochell, jrochell@nyos.org, if you have any questions.
You can register here: https://na4.documents.adobe.com/public/esignWidget?wid=CBFCIBAA3AAABLblqZhB4-pPae6ymSeflI-tJWMf60VK7yQvSUZ7CWQxDSrn5oPGpWMJ7slW_uavLAxIOugA*
Please reach out to jrochell@nyos.org is you have any questions!!
Get Involved!
Volunteer at NYOS Secondary!
NYOS Secondary is looking for volunteers for the 24-25 school year. Any and all support makes a difference, whether it is one hour at the beginning of school or a regular shift throughout the school year.
Hall and Lunch monitors make an impact on the school community, culture and climate. These are wonderful opportunities to connect with NYOS staff and students.
Sign up in Track it Forward, or contact secondaryadmin@nyos.org.
We look forward to seeing you around!
Secondary Parent Webinar-If You MISSED IT!
Thanks so much Parents for supporting and attending our 1st Secondary Parent Webinar!!
If you missed it, here are the PPT slides and below is the video link.
Please reach out to lbenoit@nyos.org if you have any questions and if you need translation support!
Upcoming Events
Not Your Ordinary Friday-September 20th (8th-12th ONLY)
8-12th Grade students will be able to sign up for a variety of “life skill” classes lead by teachers & community members.
Please reach out to Katie Gowell, kgowell@nyos.org if you have any questions!
Food Service Forum-August 30th
Please reach out to Curt Marek, cmarek@nyos.org, if you have any questions!
Support Audio/Video Production!!
Help support Audio/Video Production by purchasing a t-shirt or hoodie! Proceeds will go towards buying equipment for the class. Shirts and hoodies are uniform approved! Sale ends Aug 20.
Link: https://www.customink.com/fundraising/nyos-audiovideo-production-shirts
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen is a new student organization, and is accepting applications for membership. The organization will focus on:
* Developing young men as leaders on campus.
* Encourage students to exemplify problem solving skills.
*Promote an inclusive and supportive campus culture.
*Build relationships with the community through philanthropy.
Members of the organization will be asked to participate in community service projects, as well as campus culture initiatives. If you would like for your student to be considered for membership, please use the link to submit an application.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeDXay8mzvWPg2Uys4eATpX7XxZr9OrL59VqZJOjAPLQVeBfA/viewform
Wizard of Oz!
Secondary students have been hard at work on the first show of the year, Wizard of Oz. We hope families will come out and support the show, September 13th and 14th. Tickets go on sale 8/29 at 7pm!
Please purchase tickets here: https://nyosmusicaltheatre.ludus.com/index.php
8/20-8/23: Make Up MAP ELA Testing
8/23: Parents can view Progress Reports in Skyward
8/24: Savio Early Bird Invitational Garey Park Georgetown (XC)
8/30-8/31-Meridian Volleyball Tournament (All Day)
8/30: Food Forum
8/31: NYOS Jags vs. Corpus Christ Annapolis (MS-9:30am, HS-11:00am)
8/31: SA Patriots CC Invitational River City Community Church Athletic Fields San Antonio (All Day)
9/2: Beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month
9/9: Secondary Picture Day
9/10: Secondary Picture Day
9/13: Secondary Makeup Picture Day
9/20: NYOF-Like Skills
9/20: Last Day of the Quarter
Secondary Administrators and Counselors
Lauren Benoit
Secondary Principal
Will Johnson
High School Assistant Principal
Candra McGee
Middle School Assistant Principal
Andre Fields
Assistant Principal of Instruction
Charie Jackson
High School Academic Advisor and College, Career and Military Readiness (CCMR) Counselor