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CAST STEM Parent Newsletter
November 3, 2023
Dear CAST STEM Families,
This past week, there were some important decisions that were made regarding our move to Palo Alto College. It is important for us to turn this information around in a timely manner to everyone involved. Therefore, we met with 9th & 10th grade students today to let them know about the change. I am attaching a letter that explains everything here. In addition, we sent a hard copy of the letter home with students this afternoon and we have scheduled a parent meeting for Wednesday, November 8 at 5:30 pm. Our dedicated staff are committed to making the transition a success so please submit any questions to this Google Form.
If you have not signed up to attend the Southwest ISD Parent Symposium scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday, November 4), it is not too late. There are numerous sessions that parents will have the opportunity to choose from throughout the morning. For additional information and to register for the symposium, click here.
We officially have enough PTSA members to hold an election meeting! Thank you to everyone who has joined! The PTSA Officer election meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 9 at 5:30 pm at CAST STEM High School cafeteria. We need at least ten members to be in attendance so if you are available, please plan to attend so we can vote for the new PTSA board.
Just a reminder that there is no school on Tuesday, November 7 due to some of our SWISD campuses being polling sites.
Next Friday, November 10 is another TSI testing day for math at Palo Alto College and San Antonio Water Systems (SAWS) field trip. Students know which location they will be going to on that day. The SAWS trip needs a parent waiver so please make sure this is signed and returned before next Friday.
Have a great weekend!
10th Grade PBL Presentation
Absence Note Link
Whenever a student is absent, it is extremely important that they turn in a note to excuse their absence. The following link is specifically for our campus so parents can now upload/send attendance notes. Thank you for helping us keep attendance a top priority!
Upcoming Dates
- November 4: Parent Symposium @ SWHS
- November 4: Innovate Conference @ CAST STEM
- November 4: Attendance Recovery (8:00-12:00)
- November 10: Title I Parent Zoom Meeting (8:00 am)
- November 10: Math TSI Testing @ PAC & SAWS Field Trip
- November 11: Attendance Recovery (8:00-12:00)
- November 7: Student Holiday
- November 8: Palo Alto Transition Parent Meeting (5:30 pm)
- November 9: CAST STEM Thanksgiving Luncheon (order lunch w/ Ms. Zandra-$5)
- November 9: SWISD College Fair @ Legacy High School
- November 9: PTSA Elections (5:30 pm)
- November 10-12: Thespian Convention
- November 15: STEM Extravaganza @ CAST STEM (5:30-7:00 pm)
- November 17: One Hour Early Release
SAT/PSAT Scores Available
SWISD College Fair - November 9
Thanksgiving Lunch - November 9
Our annual Thanksgiving Lunch is scheduled for Thursday November 9th, 2023. The Plates will be $5.00. The menu includes: Turkey, Homemade Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes w/ Gravy , Green Bean Casserole, Mac & Cheese, Homemade Rolls, Pumpkin Pie and a variety Of Fresh Fruits. Sweet/Unsweet Tea will also be served.
If you are interested in purchasing a plate please order no later than Tuesday, November 5th. This is just to ensure that we have enough food for everyone.
PREP Program
The Application window for the Prefreshman Engineering Program (PREP) at UTSA is quickly approaching, on November 14, 2023. Please mark your calendars for this amazing opportunity! This year SWISD is hoping to give 20 students a $500 dollar scholarship to attend this unique opportunity that is held during the summer.
PREP is a pre-college summer program committed to delivering science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) enrichment opportunities for middle and high school students. PREP seeks to contribute to the development of the future generations of STEM professionals, and provide opportunities for high school and middle school students to identify pathways to and through higher education. Our Middle and High School counselors have been helping to spread the word to assist students and their families with the application process.
Please make sure to encourage your students, 6th - 11th grades to complete their applications by the cut-off date.
To learn more about PREP and the amazing opportunities it provides our students click on the link below :
STEM Extravaganza - November 15
Palo Alto FERPA Form
There have been a few parents inquiring about having access to their child's college records. We have confirmed that this is possible but students will need to follow the steps below.
Students will need to log into their ACES account to access the FERPA form for their parents to have access to college records. The link is below.
Palo Alto College FERPA Consent for Parents/Guardians:
1) Click on the link: https://www.alamo.edu/academics/academic-resources/student-forms/
2) Click on Palo Alto College (home campus).
3) Click on FERPA Consent.
4) Log into your ACES account.
La Familia Parent Program
Please see the attached flyers for the La Familia parent program from Texas A&M San Antonio. This is open to any 11th or 12th grade student who is interested. The district will be hosting the early school day session at 9:30 AM at CAST STEM HS. The evening session will be at Texas A&M San Antonio at 6:00 PM.
Tuition Guarantee Programs
Click this link to take you to programs that provide renewable tuition support to eligible Texas residents who have been accepted to the college and have submitted any necessary financial aid documents by the program deadlines. Once you are on the pdf document, click on the program and deadline links to find out more information.
Medicaid Renewals
Yearbook Cover Competition
The CAST STEM Yearbook Staff is looking for a student to create an exciting new yearbook cover. Submissions are due on November 6th. See the attached flyer for additional information.
Recruitment
Counseling Department Request Form
Attendance Recovery
Parent Self Serve
All parents are encouraged to access student grades and attendance through the Parent Self Serve. If you need help accessing the Parent Self Serve, use the link here or contact our front office.
Jacque Rodriguez, Principal
Email: jarodriguez@swisd.net
Website: www.caststem.swisd.net
Phone: (210) 622-4810
Facebook: www.facebook.com/swisdCASTSTEM
Twitter: @swisd_caststem