Community Newsletter 12/2 - 12/6

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and is feeling rested and ready for the big push to the end of the semester!

This past week, between tackling all the chores that seem to pile up during the year, I had some time to reflect. While it might sound a bit cliché, I am truly grateful to be part of this incredible PHS community. When I ask for feedback from students or parents, I receive honest, thoughtful perspectives. When we discuss ways to move PHS forward, the conversation is always solution-focused, filled with ideas and collaboration. It’s rare to find a community so invested in progress and so committed to the success of our students.

As we enter the holiday season, I want to thank you—our parents and families—for your partnership. Whether you’re encouraging your student through challenges, helping them stay on top of their responsibilities, pushing them to achieve more than they believe possible, or showing up to cheer them on, your dedication truly makes a difference.

This week, there’s a lot happening at PHS. Here’s a quick overview of key updates:

• STAAR Retesting: Students will begin STAAR retesting this week. Please encourage them and share any last-minute words of support to help them succeed.
• Picture Days: Senior panoramic pictures are Tuesday, and 9th-11th graders will take yearbook photos on Wednesday.
• Letter Jacket Sizing: Balfour will be on campus Tuesday during all 3 lunches to size students that have earned a jacket through their organization and/or would like to purchase one.
• Fall Semester Exam Exemptions: The exemption process is now underway. Remind your students to meet all criteria and submit their selections via the Exemption Portal before the deadline.

Thank you for being such an important part of our PHS family.

Pearland High School students have the opportunity to qualify for semester exam exemptions by meeting the following criteria. Please review this policy carefully to ensure eligibility. The exemption portal can be accessed at this link on December 12th.

General Exemption Criteria

Students must meet all the following requirements:

• Number of Exemptions Allowed by Grade Level:
  • 12th Grade: 4 exemptions
  • 11th Grade: 2 exemptions
  • 10th Grade: 2 exemptions
  • 9th Grade: No exemptions
• No more than 5 excused or unexcused absences (school-approved activities do not impact exemptions).
• No assignments to ISS, OSS, or ALA during the semester.
• No unserved disciplinary consequences.
• All fines and fees must be cleared.

• Regular and PAP Classes:
• Semester average of 80 or above.
• AP Classes:
• Option 1: Semester average of 90 or above.
• Option 2: (For one-semester AP courses): Semester average of 70 or above, with pre-registration, payment, and agreement to take the AP exam in May.

Additional Information

• STAAR-tested Classes: Students may not exempt STAAR-tested courses in the fall semester.
• Bonus Exemption: Perfect attendance in 3rd period earns one additional exemption.

Key Dates

• Exemption Portal Opens: Thursday, December 12th, at 7:00 AM
• Exemption Portal Closes: Monday, December 16th, at 3:00 PM
• Exempt Student Lists Provided to Teachers: Monday, December 16th

This is an excellent opportunity for students to reward their hard work and dedication throughout the semester. Parents, please encourage your students to review their eligibility and submit their exemptions through the portal before the deadline. Students who do not meet the requirements or do not submit their selections on time will be required to take all exams.

This week marks the beginning of STAAR retesting, giving students another opportunity to demonstrate their hard work and move closer to academic success. Your support and encouragement during this time can make a significant difference in their confidence and performance.

Here are a few ways you can help your student prepare:

• Remind them they’ve got what it takes: A simple pep talk can boost their morale and reduce test anxiety.
• Ensure they’re well-rested: A good night’s sleep is essential for focus and stamina during testing.
• Provide a healthy breakfast: Starting the day with a nutritious meal can improve energy levels and concentration.

Here’s the testing schedule:

• Thursday, December 5th: English 1
• Friday, December 6th: Algebra, Biology, and U.S. History
• Monday, December 9th: English 2 and Biology (for those unable to test Friday)
• Tuesday, December 10th: Make-up testing for any re-tester absent on the scheduled date

A word of encouragement or a simple “You’ve got this!” can be the extra motivation they need to push through. Let’s cheer them on as they tackle this important milestone!

Our PHS FFA members have achieved an incredible milestone! At the Area III Leadership Development Contest, for the first time ever, we are sending three teams to the STATE Contest! Congratulations to the following state-bound teams:

• Senior Creed Speaking
• Senior Quiz
• Greenhand Quiz

In addition to this achievement, our teams had outstanding performances across the board:

• 3rd Place: Senior Chapter Conducting
• 4th Place: Senior Skills
• 4th Place: Agricultural Issues
• 4th Place: Greenhand Chapter Conducting

We’re proud of all our FFA members and their hard work. Best of luck to our three state teams as they compete at the Texas FFA State LDE Contest in Huntsville on December 6-7.

• Tuesday, December 3rd: Seniors will take their panoramic picture at 9:30 AM. If your student would like to purchase a panoramic photo, they can refer to the price packages in the attached image. Payments are due the following day, Wednesday, December 4th, during lunch.

• Wednesday, December 4th: All 9th-11th grade students will take their school photos for the yearbook.

These photos are a great way for students to preserve memories of their time at PHS for the yearbook as well as add another photo to the front of the refrigerator. Please remind your student to dress for their picture day.

We’re bringing some holiday cheer to PHS with fun-filled themed dress-up days leading up to Christmas Break! Students are invited to participate and show off their holiday spirit. Please note that all outfits must remain school-appropriate.

Here’s the lineup for this week:

• Monday: Boots and your favorite holiday shirt
• Tuesday: Holiday bling day – shine bright! ✨
• Wednesday: Ugly Sweater Day – a fan favorite!
• Thursday: Dress like Rudolph or one of his friends 🦌
• Friday: Keep it classic with red and green

We hope your students will join in the fun and make this week festive and memorable. Let’s celebrate the season together while keeping our focus on learning!

Looking for something to read or listen to? Students can enjoy library eBooks and audiobooks 24/7, even when the library is closed. Whether you’re cozying up at home or traveling, your next great read is just a click away!

Check out the PHS Library Canvas Course for easy handouts to guide you through accessing our digital collection.

Sora

Sora is an eBook, audiobook, and digital magazine lending platform. Most books are available for checkout to one student at a time.

To access Sora, download the free Sora app to your device, or go to https://soraapp.com.

• School = Pearland Independent School District
• Library Card = 6-digit Student ID number
• Pin = pearlandisd

Comics Plus

Comics Plus offers access to comics and manga titles. Books are always available with no wait list or checkout limits.

To access Comics Plus, download the free Comics Plus app to your device, or go to https://pearlandhighschooltx.librarypass.com/

• School = Pearland High School TX
• Username = 6-digit student ID number
• Password = pearlandisd

There are only a few weeks left to get your 2024-2025 yearbook at the current price.

Please see below for how to order and the year's pricing breakdown. Please note that we will receive the books in late July/early Aug. to allow us to place the entire year, including graduation and baseball/softball state runs, in the yearbook.

The 2024-2025 Yearbooks and Student Recognition/Dedication Ads are on sale now at https://www.jostens.com/.

Yearbook Prices for the Year

October 1 - December 31 - $95

Spring Semester and/or Sold Out - $100

Student Recognition/Dedication Ad Prices for the Year:

Full Page - $400

Half Page - $200

Quarter Page - $110

Eighth Page - $65

Skyward Orders: To order your Yearbook through Skyward, click here.

Ship to Home: Shipping your yearbook straight to your home is still available. Due to shipping costs, it will now be available for $15.

Protection Plan: Josten's offers a Protection Plan for your yearbook for $8.99. "If your yearbook is lost, stolen or damaged during your lifetime, you can get a replacement for a reduced reprint charge." If you would like to take part in this offer, please visit Jostens.com to purchase your yearbook.

Donate A Yearbook: Josten’s offers parents and/or organizations to donate a yearbook to someone. Please type DONATE in the first and last name spaces then choose “other” for grade.

We’re excited to announce that this spring, we will be offering all juniors the chance to take the SAT right here at school – for free! I wanted to share this with you early so that you can make any necessary arrangements, and to help you avoid paying for an SAT that we’ll be providing at no cost.

The SAT is valuable for all students, not just those who know they’re college-bound. Scoring well on the SAT can demonstrate college readiness and may allow students to skip certain entry-level courses once they’re in college. Even for students who aren’t yet sure about their post-high school plans, taking the SAT can be a confidence boost, reminding them that they are capable of success in higher education.

Additionally, the SAT is an important part of our state accountability score, which reflects how well our campus prepares students for their futures. With our students' best efforts, we aim to showcase Pearland High School as the A+ campus we know it is! Every score helps to keep our local tax dollars here in Pearland rather than being sent to Austin, so your support in preparing our students is invaluable.

Please encourage your student to take advantage of this opportunity. More details will follow, but in the meantime, feel free to reach out with any questions!

It might be hard to imagine but it's time to prepare for graduation! Balfour will be on campus to assist with ordering official Pearland High School graduation supplies. This includes graduation announcement cards, senior rings, and caps and gowns.

Dates and Location:

• Monday, December 9th - Wednesday, December 11th
• Location: Pearland High School (front entrance area)

Important Details:

• A $50.00 deposit is required for graduation supplies.
• Add your 2025 class ring for an additional $50.00 deposit!
• Order forms can be found in the graduation packet provided to seniors.

Balfour representatives will be available to help with any questions or customizations for your orders. For more details or to explore ordering options online, visit www.balfourgrad.com or scan the QR code in the attached flyer.

Don’t miss this opportunity to ensure your senior is ready to celebrate their graduation in style!