Latest Newsletter

AHS News, August 30-September 5, 2010
This newsletter is a service for parents provided by the Austin High School PTSA. Comments? Questions? Please contact PTSA E-Newsletter Editor Elise Schram, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Submissions should be received by noon on Thursday's for the following week's newsletter.
Subscribe to this newsletter on the PTSA Website, www.AustinHighSchoolPTSA.com;
Unscribe via the link at the bottom of this page.
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IN THIS ISSUE
1.  Maroon Maxims
Back to School Night, September 1
AHS Tutoring Center Opened August 25
School Pictures This Week
2011 Comet Yearbook Back to School Sale
Coffee with the Principal, September 8
From the Attendance Office
Mini-Maroons Academy Open at Austin High
2.  PTSA Précis
Parent Volunteers Needed in AHS and Counselors Offices
PTSA General Meeting, September 2
Donor to Match Excellence Fund Donations
3.  Activities and Accolades
Academics
Jonathan Box Honored by School Board
Austin High Student Council seeks Student Involvement
Arts
Hello Band Parents
Athletics
Pep Rally
Football Games
Girls Lacrosse at Back-to-School Night and More
Tennis Games
Volleyball News
Booster Club Meetings
4.  Class Notes
Senior Summary
Sign Up for Senior Career Day Now
Eat at Red Robin Restaurant September 1, Support Senior Celebration
Senior Pictures
Class of 2011 Blanket Sale
Senior Bricks for sale
5.  The College Connection
College Representatives Visit Austin
More Than A Teacher SAT Test Prep
6.  Extra! Extra!
SFA Dinner/Fundraiser September 5
Attention Staff, Parents, and Volunteers Who Plan to Serve Food
7. Maroon Memoir
New Section! Check it out
8.  Looking Ahead
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1.  Maroon Maxims
Back to School Night, September 1.
Learn about extracurricular activities and visit your kids' classes at Back to School Night on Wednesday, September 1. The cafeteria will open 6:00-7:30 PM - go there to purchase AHS spirit gear from booster clubs, yearbooks, etc. Dr. Calzada will welcome attendees in the PAC at 6:30 PM, then the class rotations are 7:00-8:46 PM.
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AHS Tutoring Center Opened August 25.
The Austin High tutoring center opened Wednesday, August 25th in Room 200, across from the 2nd floor office. The Tutoring Center will be open Monday-Thursday, 7:45 AM-6:00 PM and on Fridays, 7:45 AM-4:30 PM. Two late buses will provide transportation for students who stay after school for tutoring, clubs, and sports; they will depart from the bus circle near the PAC and flagpoles every afternoon, Monday-Friday, at 6:00 PM. One bus will head east and one will head south. Students simply show up at the bus about 5-10 minutes before 6:00 PM and tell the driver where they live. The driver will plan a route that takes each student to a point in their neighborhood near their home. Questions? Contact Chris Cain, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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School Pictures This Week.
Grades 9-11 school pictures will be taken on Tuesday, August 31 and Wednesday, September 1 in the PAC. The students will go through their English classes.  Tuesday is an A day, periods 1 - 4. Wednesday is a B day, periods 5 - 8. So period 1-4 English classes are Tuesday and periods 5-8 English classes are Wednesday.  If students want to order photos, they should bring the order form packets to the PAC at that time their pictures are taken.
Senior yearbook photos will be taken September 23-25 in the PAC. We will post a sign-up sheet in room #335, the yearbook office, starting September 7th. Seniors should sign up for appointments to have their portraits made at school, or call PhotoTexas at 512-617-7780 to schedule a studio appointment.
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2011 Comet Yearbook Back to School Sale.
The 2010 Comet Yearbook was a smash hit and sold out within two days of delivery. Many students who waited to the last minute went away empty handed. Don't miss out this year. Order your 2011 Comet Yearbook at the beginning of the year for guaranteed delivery. Comet yearbooks are on sale until Labor Day, September 6, 2010 for $60.   After Labor Day, the standard price of $65 will apply.
Personalizations are priced separately. You must purchase a nameplate to order icons: Nameplate - $5.00, 1st Icon - $5.00, 2nd Icon - $5.00. There are three ways to order your 2011 Comet Yearbook by Labor Day: (1) Complete and return the 2011 Comet Yearbook Order Form and payment in your Back to School Packet or mail it in, (2) Order on-line atwww.MyYear.com and go to the Stephen F Austin High School - Austin, Texas page, or (3) Come to the Comet Yearbook table in the cafeteria at Back to School Night and place your order (there will be a line).
Click here, http://sfacomet.org/Forms/2011%20Yearbook%20Order%20Form%2060.pdf, to print a 2011 Comet Yearbook Order Form.
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Coffee with the Principal, September 8.
Dr. Calzada invites all parents to join him Wednesday, September, 8:30 AM, in the Rio Vista Room for coffee and informal discussion about everything related to Austin High School. Click here for a complete list of this year’s coffees and teas.
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From the Attendance Office.
Please be sure to send a note within 2 days of a student’s return to school following an absence.  If notes are not received within two days of return to school, the absence will remain unexcused.  Phone calls are not necessary and do not excuse an absence.  Notes may be faxed to 414-7373.  Remember to always include: 1) Student name, grade level and student ID number, 2) Date(s) of absence, 3) Reason for the absence, and 4) Parent signature and phone number. If you know of a scheduled appointment or leave time, you may send your student with a note. Have your student bring the note to the Attendance Office to get a Check Out Pass.  Your student may leave school and meet you outsideONLY if he/she has a pass.  If you do not send your student with a note for a pass you will need to sign him/her out in the Attendance Office (2nd floor administrative area). Phone calls for student pick up are not accepted.
Please refer to page 23 of the Student/Parent Handbook or call 414-7214 for any further questions.
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Mini-Maroons Academy Open at Austin High!
Austin High's new childcare center for teachers and district employees will help retain quality teachers at Austin High by providing them with excellent childcare for ages 2 months to 5 years old on-campus. Donations would be greatly appreciated! If you are interested in donating to help beautify the childcare center's playground area (purchase a canopy for shade, plants, aesthetically pleasing playground equipment, etc.), please make checks out to Austin High School and write "Mini-Maroons Academy" in the memo. Also, if you would like to donate gently used children's toys, bouncers, tricycles, books, etc., please email Debra Windham at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Thank you for your support!
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2.  PTSA Précis
Parent Volunteers Needed in AHS and Counselors Offices.
The AHS Office needs you....weekly and alternate week options are available for either 2-3 hours. We need 2 volunteers every few hours that work at the Attendance Desk and the Principal's Desk. The schedules are flexible and it is a great way to get to know your students school! Please email Laurie Mann, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , if you are interested. The schedule fills quickly so do not wait!
In addition, the Counselors need a total of 4 volunteers to work weekly to assist with college bulletin boards and the Guidance Counselors. These volunteers can create their own hours as needed by the Counselors Office. Please contact Laurie Mann at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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PTSA General Meeting, September 2.
Make plans to join us at this year's first PTSA General Membership Luncheon Meeting on Thursday, September 2, 1130 AM – 1:00 PM, in the Rio Vista Room. E-mail Esther Joucken, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , to reserve your lunch prepared by the Austin High School Culinary Arts Class (cost is $6.50), or bring your own sack lunch. All parents, teachers, and students are welcome! Click here to view minutes from the last meeting on April 22, 2010, and click here to view a tentative agenda. Click here for a list of this year's PTSA meetings.
The Austin High School PTSA needs you! Join PTSA and share your treasure by clicking here; to share your time, click here for ways to volunteer (these forms can be returned to the AHS office).
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Donor to Match all Excellence Fund Donations.
Now is the perfect time to donate to the PTSA's Excellence Fund! A local foundation has agreed to match your donation - doubling your gift! Click here for a PTSA membership form with all the ways you can give or here for an Excellence Fund donation form. Both forms should be sent to the AHS office on the second Floor.
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3.  Activities and Accolades
Academics
Jonathan Box Honored by School Board.
Austin HS senior Jonathan Box was honored by the AISD School Board August 23 for his stellar performance at National History Day where he won third place in the nation. He was accompanied by Dr. Calzada and his sponsor, history teacher Cherry Whipple. At his website, www.history-box.blogspot.com, you can see this performance as well as his 2007 first place performance. His performances feature historical figures such as Theodore Roosevelt, John D. Rockefeller, Bill Gates, Harry Truman and General Douglas MacArthur.

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Austin High Student Council seeks Student Involvement!
If your son or daughter would like to get involved in the school, Student Council is the answer! Our weekly meetings are on the first day of the school week from 4:20 PM-5:20 PM in Room 303. Student Council is made up of Executives, Class Officers, and Cabinet members. We currently have spaces for 9th-11th grade Class Officers and 9th-12th grade Cabinet members. Student Council is in charge of several school events during the year including Homecoming Week, Fall Fest, and the Spring Dodgeball tournament. We coordinate school projects and work to improve the school. If you are interested in getting involved, please see the Student Council website for more information (http://austinhighstuco.webs.com/) and/or email Mrs. Windham at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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Arts
Hello Band Parents!
We are looking forward to seeing you Wednesday at Back to School Night. Please take a moment to drop by the Band Booster table in the cafeteria. We will be selling our merchandise and Mr. Maroos. We have a new AHS shirt design, long-sleeved shirts, and we have restocked our t-shirt inventory for those who were unable to find the shirt they wanted at Band Bash. And don't forget to pick up a Mr. Maroo or two to show Maroon Pride and for good luck!
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Athletics
Pep Rally.
Friday, September 3, 3:35 PM, in the AHS Gym - the theme is "Geek Day"
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Football Games.
Thursday, September 2, 5:30 PM, JV v. Belton at Belton HS, Freshman v. Belton at Burger.
Friday, September 3, 7:30 PM, at House Park, Varsity v. Belton.
Visit www.austinhighfootball.com for more information.
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Girls Lacrosse at Back-to-School Night and More.
*Lacrosse is a spring club sport and the AHS women’s lacrosse team will be starting fall practices around September 7. No experience is necessary to join the team. Coach Megan Luther will teach novice players stick skills this fall. All freshman, sophomore, junior and senior girls that would like to experience the thrill of this exciting sport are welcome to come to practices this fall. For more information and to register for the team, visit our website www.ahsgirlslax.org or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
*Visit our table on Back to School Night to support the AHS Women’s Lacrosse Team by buying Applebee’s All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast tickets for September 18!
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Tennis Games.
Wednesday, September 1, 4:00 PM, at Lake Travis HS - Varsity Dual Match v. Lake Travis
Friday, September 3, 3:30 PM, at Austin HS - Varsity Dual Match v. Westwood
Visit austinhightennis.com for more information.
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Volleyball News.
*Come out and support AHS Maroon Volleyball! This week, the Freshman girls will play at home on Tuesday, August 31, starting at 5:00 PM, and JV and Varsity will travel to Leander for games v. Leander and Dripping Springs, starting at 6:00 PM. On Thursday morning, September 2 and Saturday September 4, Varsity will play in the Hays Rebel Bash at Jack C. Hays HS. The Freshman and JV will have Saturday games starting at 8:00 AM at Bowie HS. Visit www.austinhighvolleyball.com for a complete schedule and "everything volleyball".
*The volleyball teams are selling MOJO Gear (t-shirts, car flags, and wristbands). Get yours at Back-to-School Night, home games, or text Nancy at 468-0046.
*Save Tuesday, September 28 for Maroon Volleyball's Second Annual "Dig Pink" Event as we take on Westlake High School and raise funds for breast cancer research. (Don't forget to wear pink!)
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Booster Club Meetings.
Be sure to check with your booster club officers for possible last minute changes.
Football - Monday, August 30, 6:30 PM, Maroon Room; www.austinhighfootball.com
Tennis - Thursday, September 2, 7:00 PM, Maroon Room; austinhightennis.com
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4.  Class Notes
Senior Summary
Sign Up for Senior Career Day, Deadline is September 8.
If you haven't had a chance to sign up on Naviance for this year's Senior Career Day, there is still time. The deadline to sign up for Senior Career Day is Wednesday, September 8. At that time, you will need to have your Naviance Application complete and the Release Form signed and delivered to the yellow box in the Counselor's Office. No late applications will be accepted. To participate, you need to be able to attend an 8:00 AM orientation meeting on Tuesday, October 26th and be at the school at 8:00 AM on the 27th to check in and go to your assigned business. To get to the Naviance sign-up link, log on to your Naviance account, click the "About Me" tab then the senior career day choice sheet survey link.
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Eat at Red Robin Restaurant September 1 and Support Senior Celebration!
Support the Senior class by participating (anyone may participate) in the Red Robin Restaurant (4809 W Hwy 290, Sunset Valley, www.redrobin.com) Senior Celebration fund raiser. All you have to do is present a voucher when you are seated or place a take out order on the first Wednesday of each month (Sept. 1, Oct. 6, Nov. 3, Dec. 1, Jan. 5, Feb.2, Apr. 6, May 4) and the restaurant will donate 20% of the price of your total order to our Senior Celebration. You may copy the voucher and give to friends and family and be sure to make enough copies to bring one each first Wednesday of the month. You may also download another copy at our website www.ahs2011boosters.org/redrobinvouchers.html. The first day is September 1, so pick up something at Red Robin on the way to Back to School night or on the way home!
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Senior Pictures.
Senior yearbook photos will be taken September 23-25 in the PAC. We will post a sign-up sheet in room #335, the yearbook office, starting September 7th. Seniors should sign up for appointments to have their portraits made at school, or call PhotoTexas at 512-617-7780 to schedule a studio appointment.
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AHS blanket sale to benefit Class of 2011.
The class of 2011 is having a blanket sale (see picture, on website) for stadium, car, boat, anywhere to show your Maroon Spirit! They are $30 and you may reserve your blanket at ourwebsite: www.ahs2011boosters.org/purchaseitems.html.   You may pick up and pay for the blankets at Back To School Night, Wednesday, September 1. We also have Mr. Maroo t-shirts, A-town t-shirts and Nike shorts at clearance prices at our website and on Back to School Night (6:00-7:00 PM, in the Cafeteria).
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Senior Bricks for Sale!
Senior Bricks are a great way to honor your student and will be placed in the Circle of Honor on the west side of the school. Bricks are $125 and may be purchasedat http://www.ahs2011boosters.org/seniorbricksales.html.
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5. The College Connection
College Representatives Visit Austin.
Juniors and Seniors can register for College Visits. Log onto your Naviance, http://connection.naviance.com/austinhs, to view upcoming events and register. Students should print out a confirmation page from Naviance and have their teacher sign it to be used as a pass. Contact Tara Miller, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text95792 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //--> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , with questions.
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More Than A Teacher SAT Test Prep.
More Than a Teacher will conduct SAT Test Prep classes at Austin High School. Classes will be 4:30-6:30 PM on either Tuesday and Thursday’s or Monday and Wednesday’s, beginning on September 7 and ending on October 6. Call More Than A Teacher, 453-7272, to register at a reduced rate, classes fill fast!
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6.  Extra! Extra!
SFA Dinner/Fundraiser September 5.
Please join us for this year's SFA Society Benefit Dinner at the home of Pat and Julie Oles, on Sunday, September 5, 2010, 6:30-9:00 PM.   The Stephen F. Austin Society was created in 2002 to support extracurricular excellence at Austin High. The Society's sole fundraising event each year is an informal dinner which is attended by AHS alums, students, and parents of alums. Since the first dinner in 2002 the SFA Society has distributed approximately $200,000 to support every form of extracurricular excellence, including for the band, orchestra, choir, drama, debate, cheerleaders, Red Jackets, Ballet Folklorico, and every sport played at AHS. Grants have been made to purchase equipment, to expand and automate the irrigation systems on the softball, football, and Lacrosse fields, for improvements to the weight room, and funding coaching stipends.  Click here for an invitation and here for a reply card or visithttps://sites.google.com/site/stephenfaustinsociety.
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Attention Staff, Parents, and Volunteers Who Plan to Serve Food!
In order to obtain a temporary food event permit at any event, two responsible parties must receive Food Handler training. Free training will be provided by the Austin/Travis County Health & Human Services Department on Tuesday, September 28, 6:30 PM, in the Baker Center Cafeteria. The training is good for one year. Click here for a flyer. Contact Chris Carrillo or Charlie Washington in Food Services at 414-0251 with questions.
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7. Maroon Memoir
In this new section, we will take you down Memory Lane as we look at Austin High School's illustrious past. All of these articles have been researched and written by Mr. Brian Schenk, a teacher at Austin High School from 1975 to 1998, who started the Austin High School Archives (a treasure trove of local history) in 1981. He was the volunteer archivist until his recent retirement from those duties. Thank you, Mr Schenk! And to our readers: we hope you see why we're so proud of our school!
How Old Are We?

Stephen F. Austin High School is the “oldest, continuing, tax-supported, locally controlled, public high school in Texas” making it one of the oldest in Texas but not the oldest west of the Mississippi! Sixty-six students, 39 girls and 27 boys attended our first day on September 12, 1881.   “High School” was 9th and 10th grade until 1899. We went to school at the West Austin School, later called the Pease School.   Our two classrooms were on the third floor of the building – one for boys and one for girls. The building, located between 11th and 12th Street on the west side of Rio Grande Avenue, burned in 1902 and was completely rebuilt.
The 1880s were a wonderful time in Austin.   A new capitol building was built after the old Capitol burned in 1881.   A horsecar line was created to run on unpaved Congress Avenue.    The University of Texas was opened two years after Austin High.   St Edwards University opened in 1886.   The new Capitol Building opened in 1888.    The first real bridge was built over the Colorado River in 1884, connecting “North Congress and South Congress” avenues.    All after WE started!
From 1881 to 1895 - we think - Austin High was the only public high school in town. In 1895 - we think - 9th and 10 grades were added to the Robertson Hill School, allowing African American students - then segregated from white students - to get a high school education. For more than 50 years there were only these two high schools. Then in 1953 Travis and McCallum High Schools were built, and a new building was constructed for Anderson High - the African American school. In time, other high schools opened, including Lanier (1961), Johnston (1961), Reagan (1965) Crockett (1967), Anderson (1973), Bowie (1987), Garza (1997) and Akins (2001) were added.  Westlake opened their high school in 1969. Before 1969, most Westlake kids were “transfer students’ who went to Austin High by choice.
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8.  Looking Ahead
Labor Day Holiday - September 6
CAC Meeting - September 13, 5:30-7:00 PM, AHS Library
Late Start Day - September 23. Click here for a list of this year's Late Start days.
PTSA Executive Board Meeting - October 7, 10:00 AM-11:30 AM. Click here for a list of this year's meetings; click here for 5/13 minutes.
Homecoming - October 22, 7:30 PM, at House Park, v. Bowie
Homecoming Dance - October 23, AHS Gym
Senior Career Day - October 27
PTSA General Membership Meeting - November 4, 11:30 AM-1:00 PM. Click here for a list of this year's meetings.
Holiday Teacher Luncheon - December 17

Visit the PTSA website, www.AustinHighSchoolPTSA.com, for all the latest information, forms, and links!
Click here for an AISD calendar.

Click here to unsubscribe or change your e-mail preferences.

AHS News, August 30-September 5, 2010
This newsletter is a service for parents provided by the Austin High School PTSA. Comments? Questions? Please contact PTSA E-Newsletter Editor Elise Schram, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Submissions should be received by noon on Thursday's for the following week's newsletter.
Subscribe to this newsletter on the PTSA Website, www.AustinHighSchoolPTSA.com;
Unscribe via the link at the bottom of this page.
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IN THIS ISSUE
1.  Maroon Maxims
Back to School Night, September 1
AHS Tutoring Center Opened August 25
School Pictures This Week
2011 Comet Yearbook Back to School Sale
Coffee with the Principal, September 8
From the Attendance Office
Mini-Maroons Academy Open at Austin High
2.  PTSA Précis
Parent Volunteers Needed in AHS and Counselors Offices
PTSA General Meeting, September 2
Donor to Match Excellence Fund Donations
3.  Activities and Accolades
Academics
Jonathan Box Honored by School Board
Austin High Student Council seeks Student Involvement
Arts
Hello Band Parents
Athletics
Pep Rally
Football Games
Girls Lacrosse at Back-to-School Night and More
Tennis Games
Volleyball News
Booster Club Meetings
4.  Class Notes
Senior Summary
Sign Up for Senior Career Day Now
Eat at Red Robin Restaurant September 1, Support Senior Celebration
Senior Pictures
Class of 2011 Blanket Sale
Senior Bricks for sale
5.  The College Connection
College Representatives Visit Austin
More Than A Teacher SAT Test Prep
6.  Extra! Extra!
SFA Dinner/Fundraiser September 5
Attention Staff, Parents, and Volunteers Who Plan to Serve Food
7. Maroon Memoir
New Section! Check it out
8.  Looking Ahead
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1.  Maroon Maxims
Back to School Night, September 1.
Learn about extracurricular activities and visit your kids' classes at Back to School Night on Wednesday, September 1. The cafeteria will open 6:00-7:30 PM - go there to purchase AHS spirit gear from booster clubs, yearbooks, etc. Dr. Calzada will welcome attendees in the PAC at 6:30 PM, then the class rotations are 7:00-8:46 PM.
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AHS Tutoring Center Opened August 25.
The Austin High tutoring center opened Wednesday, August 25th in Room 200, across from the 2nd floor office. The Tutoring Center will be open Monday-Thursday, 7:45 AM-6:00 PM and on Fridays, 7:45 AM-4:30 PM. Two late buses will provide transportation for students who stay after school for tutoring, clubs, and sports; they will depart from the bus circle near the PAC and flagpoles every afternoon, Monday-Friday, at 6:00 PM. One bus will head east and one will head south. Students simply show up at the bus about 5-10 minutes before 6:00 PM and tell the driver where they live. The driver will plan a route that takes each student to a point in their neighborhood near their home. Questions? Contact Chris Cain, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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School Pictures This Week.
Grades 9-11 school pictures will be taken on Tuesday, August 31 and Wednesday, September 1 in the PAC. The students will go through their English classes.  Tuesday is an A day, periods 1 - 4. Wednesday is a B day, periods 5 - 8. So period 1-4 English classes are Tuesday and periods 5-8 English classes are Wednesday.  If students want to order photos, they should bring the order form packets to the PAC at that time their pictures are taken.
Senior yearbook photos will be taken September 23-25 in the PAC. We will post a sign-up sheet in room #335, the yearbook office, starting September 7th. Seniors should sign up for appointments to have their portraits made at school, or call PhotoTexas at 512-617-7780 to schedule a studio appointment.
* * * * *
2011 Comet Yearbook Back to School Sale.
The 2010 Comet Yearbook was a smash hit and sold out within two days of delivery. Many students who waited to the last minute went away empty handed. Don't miss out this year. Order your 2011 Comet Yearbook at the beginning of the year for guaranteed delivery. Comet yearbooks are on sale until Labor Day, September 6, 2010 for $60.   After Labor Day, the standard price of $65 will apply.
Personalizations are priced separately. You must purchase a nameplate to order icons: Nameplate - $5.00, 1st Icon - $5.00, 2nd Icon - $5.00. There are three ways to order your 2011 Comet Yearbook by Labor Day: (1) Complete and return the 2011 Comet Yearbook Order Form and payment in your Back to School Packet or mail it in, (2) Order on-line atwww.MyYear.com and go to the Stephen F Austin High School - Austin, Texas page, or (3) Come to the Comet Yearbook table in the cafeteria at Back to School Night and place your order (there will be a line).
Click here, http://sfacomet.org/Forms/2011%20Yearbook%20Order%20Form%2060.pdf, to print a 2011 Comet Yearbook Order Form.
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Coffee with the Principal, September 8.
Dr. Calzada invites all parents to join him Wednesday, September, 8:30 AM, in the Rio Vista Room for coffee and informal discussion about everything related to Austin High School. Click here for a complete list of this year’s coffees and teas.
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From the Attendance Office.
Please be sure to send a note within 2 days of a student’s return to school following an absence.  If notes are not received within two days of return to school, the absence will remain unexcused.  Phone calls are not necessary and do not excuse an absence.  Notes may be faxed to 414-7373.  Remember to always include: 1) Student name, grade level and student ID number, 2) Date(s) of absence, 3) Reason for the absence, and 4) Parent signature and phone number. If you know of a scheduled appointment or leave time, you may send your student with a note. Have your student bring the note to the Attendance Office to get a Check Out Pass.  Your student may leave school and meet you outsideONLY if he/she has a pass.  If you do not send your student with a note for a pass you will need to sign him/her out in the Attendance Office (2nd floor administrative area). Phone calls for student pick up are not accepted.
Please refer to page 23 of the Student/Parent Handbook or call 414-7214 for any further questions.
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Mini-Maroons Academy Open at Austin High!
Austin High's new childcare center for teachers and district employees will help retain quality teachers at Austin High by providing them with excellent childcare for ages 2 months to 5 years old on-campus. Donations would be greatly appreciated! If you are interested in donating to help beautify the childcare center's playground area (purchase a canopy for shade, plants, aesthetically pleasing playground equipment, etc.), please make checks out to Austin High School and write "Mini-Maroons Academy" in the memo. Also, if you would like to donate gently used children's toys, bouncers, tricycles, books, etc., please email Debra Windham at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Thank you for your support!
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2.  PTSA Précis
Parent Volunteers Needed in AHS and Counselors Offices.
The AHS Office needs you....weekly and alternate week options are available for either 2-3 hours. We need 2 volunteers every few hours that work at the Attendance Desk and the Principal's Desk. The schedules are flexible and it is a great way to get to know your students school! Please email Laurie Mann, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , if you are interested. The schedule fills quickly so do not wait!
In addition, the Counselors need a total of 4 volunteers to work weekly to assist with college bulletin boards and the Guidance Counselors. These volunteers can create their own hours as needed by the Counselors Office. Please contact Laurie Mann at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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PTSA General Meeting, September 2.
Make plans to join us at this year's first PTSA General Membership Luncheon Meeting on Thursday, September 2, 1130 AM – 1:00 PM, in the Rio Vista Room. E-mail Esther Joucken, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , to reserve your lunch prepared by the Austin High School Culinary Arts Class (cost is $6.50), or bring your own sack lunch. All parents, teachers, and students are welcome! Click here to view minutes from the last meeting on April 22, 2010, and click here to view a tentative agenda. Click here for a list of this year's PTSA meetings.
The Austin High School PTSA needs you! Join PTSA and share your treasure by clicking here; to share your time, click here for ways to volunteer (these forms can be returned to the AHS office).
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Donor to Match all Excellence Fund Donations.
Now is the perfect time to donate to the PTSA's Excellence Fund! A local foundation has agreed to match your donation - doubling your gift! Click here for a PTSA membership form with all the ways you can give or here for an Excellence Fund donation form. Both forms should be sent to the AHS office on the second Floor.
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3.  Activities and Accolades
Academics
Jonathan Box Honored by School Board.
Austin HS senior Jonathan Box was honored by the AISD School Board August 23 for his stellar performance at National History Day where he won third place in the nation. He was accompanied by Dr. Calzada and his sponsor, history teacher Cherry Whipple. At his website, www.history-box.blogspot.com, you can see this performance as well as his 2007 first place performance. His performances feature historical figures such as Theodore Roosevelt, John D. Rockefeller, Bill Gates, Harry Truman and General Douglas MacArthur.

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Austin High Student Council seeks Student Involvement!
If your son or daughter would like to get involved in the school, Student Council is the answer! Our weekly meetings are on the first day of the school week from 4:20 PM-5:20 PM in Room 303. Student Council is made up of Executives, Class Officers, and Cabinet members. We currently have spaces for 9th-11th grade Class Officers and 9th-12th grade Cabinet members. Student Council is in charge of several school events during the year including Homecoming Week, Fall Fest, and the Spring Dodgeball tournament. We coordinate school projects and work to improve the school. If you are interested in getting involved, please see the Student Council website for more information (http://austinhighstuco.webs.com/) and/or email Mrs. Windham at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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Arts
Hello Band Parents!
We are looking forward to seeing you Wednesday at Back to School Night. Please take a moment to drop by the Band Booster table in the cafeteria. We will be selling our merchandise and Mr. Maroos. We have a new AHS shirt design, long-sleeved shirts, and we have restocked our t-shirt inventory for those who were unable to find the shirt they wanted at Band Bash. And don't forget to pick up a Mr. Maroo or two to show Maroon Pride and for good luck!
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Athletics
Pep Rally.
Friday, September 3, 3:35 PM, in the AHS Gym - the theme is "Geek Day"
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Football Games.
Thursday, September 2, 5:30 PM, JV v. Belton at Belton HS, Freshman v. Belton at Burger.
Friday, September 3, 7:30 PM, at House Park, Varsity v. Belton.
Visit www.austinhighfootball.com for more information.
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Girls Lacrosse at Back-to-School Night and More.
*Lacrosse is a spring club sport and the AHS women’s lacrosse team will be starting fall practices around September 7. No experience is necessary to join the team. Coach Megan Luther will teach novice players stick skills this fall. All freshman, sophomore, junior and senior girls that would like to experience the thrill of this exciting sport are welcome to come to practices this fall. For more information and to register for the team, visit our website www.ahsgirlslax.org or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
*Visit our table on Back to School Night to support the AHS Women’s Lacrosse Team by buying Applebee’s All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast tickets for September 18!
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Tennis Games.
Wednesday, September 1, 4:00 PM, at Lake Travis HS - Varsity Dual Match v. Lake Travis
Friday, September 3, 3:30 PM, at Austin HS - Varsity Dual Match v. Westwood
Visit austinhightennis.com for more information.
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Volleyball News.
*Come out and support AHS Maroon Volleyball! This week, the Freshman girls will play at home on Tuesday, August 31, starting at 5:00 PM, and JV and Varsity will travel to Leander for games v. Leander and Dripping Springs, starting at 6:00 PM. On Thursday morning, September 2 and Saturday September 4, Varsity will play in the Hays Rebel Bash at Jack C. Hays HS. The Freshman and JV will have Saturday games starting at 8:00 AM at Bowie HS. Visit www.austinhighvolleyball.com for a complete schedule and "everything volleyball".
*The volleyball teams are selling MOJO Gear (t-shirts, car flags, and wristbands). Get yours at Back-to-School Night, home games, or text Nancy at 468-0046.
*Save Tuesday, September 28 for Maroon Volleyball's Second Annual "Dig Pink" Event as we take on Westlake High School and raise funds for breast cancer research. (Don't forget to wear pink!)
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Booster Club Meetings.
Be sure to check with your booster club officers for possible last minute changes.
Football - Monday, August 30, 6:30 PM, Maroon Room; www.austinhighfootball.com
Tennis - Thursday, September 2, 7:00 PM, Maroon Room; austinhightennis.com
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4.  Class Notes
Senior Summary
Sign Up for Senior Career Day, Deadline is September 8.
If you haven't had a chance to sign up on Naviance for this year's Senior Career Day, there is still time. The deadline to sign up for Senior Career Day is Wednesday, September 8. At that time, you will need to have your Naviance Application complete and the Release Form signed and delivered to the yellow box in the Counselor's Office. No late applications will be accepted. To participate, you need to be able to attend an 8:00 AM orientation meeting on Tuesday, October 26th and be at the school at 8:00 AM on the 27th to check in and go to your assigned business. To get to the Naviance sign-up link, log on to your Naviance account, click the "About Me" tab then the senior career day choice sheet survey link.
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Eat at Red Robin Restaurant September 1 and Support Senior Celebration!
Support the Senior class by participating (anyone may participate) in the Red Robin Restaurant (4809 W Hwy 290, Sunset Valley, www.redrobin.com) Senior Celebration fund raiser. All you have to do is present a voucher when you are seated or place a take out order on the first Wednesday of each month (Sept. 1, Oct. 6, Nov. 3, Dec. 1, Jan. 5, Feb.2, Apr. 6, May 4) and the restaurant will donate 20% of the price of your total order to our Senior Celebration. You may copy the voucher and give to friends and family and be sure to make enough copies to bring one each first Wednesday of the month. You may also download another copy at our website www.ahs2011boosters.org/redrobinvouchers.html. The first day is September 1, so pick up something at Red Robin on the way to Back to School night or on the way home!
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Senior Pictures.
Senior yearbook photos will be taken September 23-25 in the PAC. We will post a sign-up sheet in room #335, the yearbook office, starting September 7th. Seniors should sign up for appointments to have their portraits made at school, or call PhotoTexas at 512-617-7780 to schedule a studio appointment.
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AHS blanket sale to benefit Class of 2011.
The class of 2011 is having a blanket sale (see picture, on website) for stadium, car, boat, anywhere to show your Maroon Spirit! They are $30 and you may reserve your blanket at ourwebsite: www.ahs2011boosters.org/purchaseitems.html.   You may pick up and pay for the blankets at Back To School Night, Wednesday, September 1. We also have Mr. Maroo t-shirts, A-town t-shirts and Nike shorts at clearance prices at our website and on Back to School Night (6:00-7:00 PM, in the Cafeteria).
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Senior Bricks for Sale!
Senior Bricks are a great way to honor your student and will be placed in the Circle of Honor on the west side of the school. Bricks are $125 and may be purchasedat http://www.ahs2011boosters.org/seniorbricksales.html.
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5. The College Connection
College Representatives Visit Austin.
Juniors and Seniors can register for College Visits. Log onto your Naviance, http://connection.naviance.com/austinhs, to view upcoming events and register. Students should print out a confirmation page from Naviance and have their teacher sign it to be used as a pass. Contact Tara Miller, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text34510 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //--> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , with questions.
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More Than A Teacher SAT Test Prep.
More Than a Teacher will conduct SAT Test Prep classes at Austin High School. Classes will be 4:30-6:30 PM on either Tuesday and Thursday’s or Monday and Wednesday’s, beginning on September 7 and ending on October 6. Call More Than A Teacher, 453-7272, to register at a reduced rate, classes fill fast!
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6.  Extra! Extra!
SFA Dinner/Fundraiser September 5.
Please join us for this year's SFA Society Benefit Dinner at the home of Pat and Julie Oles, on Sunday, September 5, 2010, 6:30-9:00 PM.   The Stephen F. Austin Society was created in 2002 to support extracurricular excellence at Austin High. The Society's sole fundraising event each year is an informal dinner which is attended by AHS alums, students, and parents of alums. Since the first dinner in 2002 the SFA Society has distributed approximately $200,000 to support every form of extracurricular excellence, including for the band, orchestra, choir, drama, debate, cheerleaders, Red Jackets, Ballet Folklorico, and every sport played at AHS. Grants have been made to purchase equipment, to expand and automate the irrigation systems on the softball, football, and Lacrosse fields, for improvements to the weight room, and funding coaching stipends.  Click here for an invitation and here for a reply card or visithttps://sites.google.com/site/stephenfaustinsociety.
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Attention Staff, Parents, and Volunteers Who Plan to Serve Food!
In order to obtain a temporary food event permit at any event, two responsible parties must receive Food Handler training. Free training will be provided by the Austin/Travis County Health & Human Services Department on Tuesday, September 28, 6:30 PM, in the Baker Center Cafeteria. The training is good for one year. Click here for a flyer. Contact Chris Carrillo or Charlie Washington in Food Services at 414-0251 with questions.
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7. Maroon Memoir
In this new section, we will take you down Memory Lane as we look at Austin High School's illustrious past. All of these articles have been researched and written by Mr. Brian Schenk, a teacher at Austin High School from 1975 to 1998, who started the Austin High School Archives (a treasure trove of local history) in 1981. He was the volunteer archivist until his recent retirement from those duties. Thank you, Mr Schenk! And to our readers: we hope you see why we're so proud of our school!
How Old Are We?

Visit the PTSA website, www.AustinHighSchoolPTSA.com, for all the latest information, forms, and links!
Click here for an AISD calendar.

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