Latest Newsletter
This newsletter is provided as a service to our membership by the Austin High School PTSA. Comments? Questions? Please contact Newsletter Editor Elise Schram, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Submissions for the newsletter should be received by noon on Thursday's for the following week's newsletter.
IN THIS ISSUE:
1. Maroon Maxims
STAAR Information Evening, January 25
2. PTSA Précis
It's Coming! The Annual Valentine Breakfast
Special PTSA Meeting Called, February 7
3. Activities and Accolades
Announcements - Fundraising Events, Sales, Etc.
Orchestra Vertical Team Pops Concert and Dinner, January 25
Krispy Kreme Friday, January 27
Arts
Red Dragon Circle Social, January 25
Athletics
Boys Basketball
Girls Basketball
Girls Soccer
Swim Team Meet Results
Tennis
4. Class News
Senior Summary
Senior Ads for Yearbook FINAL DeaDline, January 23
Senior Parent Fundraising Dinner, January 29
Senior Career Day Deadline, January 31
Brick Pavers on Sale
Prom Date Set
5. College Connection
March 2012 SAT Prep
Financial Aid Saturday
2012-2013 AHS Course Selection Process
AP Test Registration
6. Extra! Extra!
House Public Education Committee to Consider STARR
Volunteer to Host a Booth at AISD's Diversity Fair at Austin High, February 4
7. Looking Ahead
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1. Maroon Maxims
STAAR Information Evening, January 25.
Parents of 9th Graders, join Dr. Calzada and his team for an information presentation and question/answer session about the new STAAR exams to be given to 9th Graders this April, 2012. Click here to read Dr. Calzada's letter to parents.
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2. PTSA Précis
It's Coming! The Annual Valentine Breakfast.
The annual AHS PTSA Valentine's Day Breakfast is Tuesday, February 14th, 7:30-8:45 AM, in the Austin High Cafeteria. This one-of-a-kind event, now in its 37th year, is a festive morning of food, dance, and musical entertainment to honor our teachers and staff and raise money for the PTSA. Mark your calendars and be watching for more information about becoming a Valentine Breakfast supporter. Contact breakfast chair, Dianna Perez, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you can help.
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Special PTSA Meeting Called to Elect Nominating Committee, February 7.
Please make plans to attend the PTSA’s Special General Membership meeting on Tuesday, February 7, 10:15 AM, in Conference Room D. Five PTSA members are needed for service on the Nominating Committee. This committee is extremely important; they are charged with selecting the 2012-2013 slate of PTSA officers. A large time commitment is not required. The Nomination Committee will report at the March PTSA meeting when nominations may also be made from the floor. If you cannot attend the February 7 meeting but are able to serve on the Nominating Committee, email Joni Guerrero, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , to volunteer. PTSA is looking for 5 PTSA members who will serve as Nominating Committee members that will be selecting the 2012-2013 PTSA officers. Please attend the Special General Meeting on February 7, at 10:15 AM, in Conference Room D.
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3. Activities and Accolades
Announcements - Fundraising Events, Sales, Etc.
Orchestra Vertical Team Pops Concert and Dinner, January 25.
The AHS Orchestra Vertical Team Pops Concert & Dinner is Wednesday, January 25th in the AHS cafeteria. Dinner will be served 5:30–7:00 PM and the concert will start at 7:00 PM. Tickets are $10 for dinner & concert or $5 for just the concert. Tickets can be purchased in advance from any AHS orchestra student or at the door.
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Krispy Kreme Friday, January 27.
Krispy Kreme donuts will be available for purchase every Friday morning, 8:00-8:50 AM, at both entrances of AHS (look for the Krispy Kreme balloons) Pick up a single donut for $1 or a boxed dozen for $10. It's hard to resist the warm taste of Krispy Kreme! Proceeds benefit the Class of 2013.
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Arts
Red Dragon Circle Social, January 25.
Five Guys Burgers & Fries, 4301 W. William Cannon Drive E-200, will be giving the Red Dragon Players a percentage of sales between 4-8 PM, but we will all meet at 6:00 PM to visit and eat!
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Athletics
Boys Basketball.
Tuesday, January 24, at Akins HS - v. Akins. Varsity tips off at 8:00 PM;
Friday, January 27, starting at 5:15 PM with Varsity at 8:00 PM, at AHS - v. Westlake.
Visit the Boys Basketball website for more or click here for the Varsity Schedule.
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Girls Basketball.
Tuesday, January 24, at AHS, Freshmen at 5:15 PM, JV at 5:30 PM, and Varsity at 7:00 PM- all vs. Akins;
Friday, January 27, at Westlake HS, Freshmen at 5:15 PM, JV at 6:00 PM, and Varsity at 7:30 PM- all vs. the Chaps.
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Girls Soccer.
Thursday-Saturday, January 26-28 - Varsity participates in the Lady Governor's Cup in Georgtown, TX.
Visit htosports.com/maroonsoccer for the complete schedule and other information.
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Tennis.
Wednesday, January 25, 4:00 PM, at Lake Travis HS - Varsity Dual Match v. Lake Travis;
Friday, january 27, all day, at Georgetown - Varsity Tournament;
Tuesday, January 31, 4:00 PM, and Conally HS - Varsity Dual Match v. Connally.
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4. Class News
Senior Summary
[2012 Parents, are you receiving email updates from the 2012 Booster Club? If not please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and ask to be added to the email list so you too can be informed and involved in your student’s senior year. For more information, go to the Class of 2012 website: www.AustinHighSchoolPTSA.com, then click on the Class of 2012 link in the right hand column.]
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Senior Ads for Yearbook Final Deadline, January 23.
The senior ad deadline for the 2012 Comet Yearbook is Monday, January 23rd. You must order and pay for your ad by that date. We are required to tell Balfour Publishing Company exactly how many pages we will publish this year, so we have to have your commitments by then. Please visit our sfacomet.org web site for order forms and complete senior ad ordering information. Thanks for making this the best yearbook ever for your seniors.
For complete information about senior ads, visit our senior ads web page at http://sfacomet.org/Senior%20Ad%20Sales.html.
If you have questions regarding senior or business ads, or would like to schedule an appointment with a member of the Comet advertising staff, please contact: Katherine Romero, Senior Ads Manager, 512-744-1582, OR George Edwards, Comet Yearbook Adviser, 512-484-7615, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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Senior Parent Fundraising Dinner, January 29.
Join your fellow senior parents for one last chance to raise money for this spring’s Senior Celebration! The dinner will be held at the home of Melanie and Ben Barnes, 1706 Windsor Road on Sunday, January 29th at 6:30 PM. All parents of seniors are welcome and encouraged to attend! Tickets are $25 each, as well as other sponsorship opportunities. Click here for more information. Questions? Contact Jenny Gaston at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Amy Ehrlich at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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Senior Career Day Deadline, January 31.
ATTENTION SENIORS!! Senior Career Day for the spring will be on April 24th or 25th. The Senior Career Day Committee is working hard to secure these visits for all interested students who want to participate. They want to make sure that everyone is accommodated. If you are committed to participating in Senior Career Day, please confirm which day you prefer (either April 24th or 25th) by emailing them at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Include your full name and date you prefer. DEADLINE to RESPOND: JANUARY 31, 2012. If you have already responded, you do not need to respond again.
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Brick Pavers on Sale.
Support the Class of 2012 by purchasing a brick paver to honor your student or celebrate a faculty member, coach or special alumnus. These brick pavers will be installed in the Circle of Honor on the west side of our school. Cost is $125.00 and payment options are available. Profits support the 2012 Senior Celebration and Baccalaureate. Questions: Stephanie Connell – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Click here for an order form.
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Prom Date Set - Saturday, May 19.
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5. College Connection
What: March 2012 SAT Test Prep
Why: Tuition is only $329!* (Regularly $499)
When: Monday's & Wednesday's February 8 - March 7 from 4:30-6:30 PM
Where: at Austin High
Who: All juniors or seniors planning to take the March SAT test
Info: Register at morethanateacher.com ● This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ● 512.453.7272
*Discounted price will change to $379 on February 1st!
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What: Financial Aid Saturday
Why: Help students and parents of 2012 seniors fill out and submit their FAFSA (Financial Aid) application for college
When: February 18, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Where: AHS Library
Who: Seniors and their Parents
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What: 2021-2013 AHS Course Selection Process
Why: Students will select next years courses with their counselor on Naviance
When: January 23 - February 15
Where: AHS Computer labs
Who: All grade levels (Actual dates vary by grade level)
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What: AP Test Registration
Why: Students sign up to take AP exams
When: Window is February 13-23
Info: Please see the counselor's secretaries for more info
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Log onto Naviance, http://connection.naviance.com/austinhs, or contact Ms. Miller, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or Dr. Garza-Nyer, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , in the College and Career Center with all of your questions.
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6. Extra! Extra!
House Public Education Committee to Consider STARR.
The TX House Public Education Committee will meet at 1:00 PM on January 23, at the Capitol, Room E2.036, to consider monitoring state and local implementation of the new state assessment system (STARR), specifically the impact on students, instruction, teachers, and graduation or promotion rates, review how districts are implementing the requirement that the end-of-course assessment count for 15 percent of the student's course grade, and recommend any changes to graduation or testing requirements that promote instructional rigor and support postsecondary readiness while appropriately limiting an over reliance on standardized testing. Click here for more information. You can attend the meeting, listen live online, or listen to the recorded session after the meeting concludes at http://www.capitol.state.tx.us.
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Volunteer to Host a Booth at AISD's Diversity Fair at Austin High, February 4.
Calling students and parent volunteers. AISD's Diversity Fair will be held at Austin High School on Saturday, February 4, 2012, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Those interested in volunteering at Austin ISD Diversity Fair (No Place for Hate) on Saturday, February 4 must complete and turn in the volunteer form by Monday, January 20. Click here for a form. It would be great to have as much representation as possible from our Austin High students, parents, faculty and staff. If you are willing and eager to share with the community the practices, products and perspectives that make your home country special fill out the form and return to Tina Dong, World Language Coordinator AISD, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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7. Looking Ahead
NHS Induction Ceremony - January 24, 7:00 PM, in the PAC.
Tea With the Principal - January 25, 5:30 PM, Café Austin. Click here for this year's coffees and teas.
Late Start Day - January 26. Click here for a list of Late Start Days.
Schlotsky's Band Fundraiser - February 1. These are the 1st Wednesday of every month.
CAC Meeting - February 6, 5:30 PM, AHS Library. Meetings are the 1st Monday of every month.
Class of 2012 Booster Club Meeting - February 14, 6:00-7:00 PM, Room #257. Meetings are the 2nd Tuesday of
PTSA General Membership Meeting - March 1, 11:30 AM, AHS Conference D. Click here for a list of all this year's PTSA meetings.
Senior Prom - Saturday, May 19
4th Annual Battle of Bands - March 24. Questions? This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Class of 2012 Graduation - June 1, 12:00 PM, Erwin Center.
Click here for a 2011-2012 AISD calendar and here for the AISD Monthly Calendar.