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
Late Start Day, February 9
STAAR - Letter for Parents
CAC Meeting, February 6
AGS Booster Meeting
2. PTSA Précis
Annual Valentine Breakfast, February 14
Special PTSA Meeting Called, February 7, 11:00-11:15 AM
3. Activities and Accolades
Announcements - Fundraising Events, Sales, Etc.
Valentine Flowers for Sale
Krispy Kreme Friday, February 10
Academics
Debate
Arts
Orchestra Parent Board Seeking Officers
Athletics
Baseball
**Plan Now to Attend the Annual AHS Baseball Clinic, February 17
**Games this Week
Boys Basketball
Girls Basketball
Boys Golf
Boys Soccer
Softball
Swim Team Competes in District Meet
Tennis
**Austin High Youth Tennis Camp
Wrestling
4. Class News
Senior Summary
Take Scholarship Survey Online ASAP
Class of 2012 Booster Club Meeting, February 14
Apply for These Scholarships, Now
Two Scholarships Offered by ACPTA
Local Scholarships Offered to AHS Students
Graduation Order to be Taken, February 9
Brick Pavers Sale, Deadline April 1
Junior Jots
Class of 2013 Newsletter
5. College Connection
SAT & ACT information for Juniors or Seniors
AP Test Registration Delayed
Financial Aid Saturday at AHS, February 18
6. Extra! Extra!
Hispanic Futures Conference at AHS, February 25
7. Looking Ahead
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1. Maroon Maxims
Late Start Day, February 9.
Classes will begin at 10:15 AM. Buses will run one hour later and parents will still be able to bring their students to school at the usual start time, if necessary. Hall monitors, substitute teachers, and others will supervise in the cafeteria. Click here for a list of Late Start Days.
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STAAR - Letter for Parents.
Dr. Calzada has additional information for parents about this year's STAAR exams, click here for page 1 and here for page 2. While the law stipulates the new EOC assessments count for 15 percent of the student’s grade in the corresponding course, it does not tell school districts how to factor test scores into the calculation of course grades. In fact, school districts are responsible for developing their own policies. AISD is asking for your help in selecting one of four options for factoring EOC assessment results into a student’s final course grade and will be conducting a telephone survey and an online survey at: http://www.austinisd.org/staar.
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CAC Meeting, February 6.
The AHS CAC (Campus Advisory Committee) will meet on Monday, February 6, 2012. The CAC meets the first Monday of each month at 5:30 PM in the AHS Library. Each meeting begins with an open forum that allows speakers two minutes to address the committee on any topic directly related to Austin High CAC work. State law requires the formation of CACs which are committees of parents, students, business, and community representatives, teachers, the principal, and other campus staff. Specific functions of CACs include providing review and comment on educational programs, campus performance, the Campus Improvement Plan, staff development plans, and campus budget. The mission of CACs is to promote excellence in education for all students through broad-based representation. The PTSA’s representative is Kim Nugent Anderson, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Click here for the January 9th Minutes and here for the February agenda.
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AGS Booster Meeting - Monday, February 6, 8:00 AM, Conference Room A.
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2. PTSA Précis
Annual Valentine Breakfast, February 14.
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. Click here for a sponsorship form.
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Special PTSA Meeting Called to Elect Nominating Committee, February 7, 11:00-11:15 AM.
Please make plans to attend the PTSA’s Special General Membership meeting on Tuesday, February 7, 11:00-11:15 AM, in Conference Room D (the meeting will follow the Executive Board meeting at the same locaton, 10:00-11:00 AM. The Special Meeting is for the election of the PTSA Nominating Committee. Five PTSA volunteers (and 1 alternate) are needed to serve as Nominating Committee members that will be selecting the 2012-2013 PTSA slate of officers. This committee is extremely important, but 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.
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3. Activities and Accolades
Announcements - Fundraising Events, Sales, Etc.
Valentine Flowers for Sale.
The AHS Orchestra will be taking orders for Valentine flowers and balloons on February 8, 9, 10 & 13th during both A and B lunches in front of the cafeteria. Flowers and balloons will be delivered to your Valentine on Valentine’s Day during 6th period.
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Krispy Kreme Friday, February 10.
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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Academics
Debate.
Friday-Saturday, February 10-11, at Bowie HS - Bowie Tournament
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Arts
Orchestra Parent Board Seeking Officers.
Orchestra Parent Board Positions available for the 2012-2013 year: The AHS Orchestra Parents Board (AHOP) will have the following positions open for the 2012 – 2013 school year. President, Vice President, Secretary & Treasurer. Job descriptions for each of these positions can be found on the AHS Orchestra website www.austinhighorchestra.com under the AHOP tab. The Board meets once month to plan for fundraisers, concerts, trips, etc. It’s a wonderful way to get involved in the orchestra and have fun. If you have any questions about these positions please contact Tina Ross at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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Athletics
Baseball.
**Plan Now to Attend the Annual AHS Baseball Clinic, February 17.
Join your AHS Baseball Teams on Friday, February 17th (AISD Holiday), for their annual Austin High School Baseball Clinic, a baseball skills clinic with plenty of fun and games. 1st ~ 3rd graders 9:00 AM-12:oo PM and 4th ~ 7th graders 1:00-4:00 PM. $40 per child ~ price includes clinic, t-shirt & snack. Flyer, Registration & Waiver Form available on the AHS Baseball website: www.austinhighbaseball.com, click on ‘Youth Baseball Clinic” on the menu at the top. Email questions to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
**Baseball Games this week:
Monday, February 6, 5:00 PM, Burger Field - Varsity v. Crockett;
Tuesday, February 7, JV2 at 5:00 PM, JV 1 at 7:00 PM, Bechtol-Harper Field - v. Crockett;
Friday, February 10, 6:00 PM, Georgetown HS Eagle Field - JV1 v. Georgetown;
Saturday, February 11, 11:00 AM, Varsity at Georgetown HS Eagle Field and JV2 on AHS Thorp Field - v. Georgetown.
Visit www.austinhighbaseball.com, for more baseball information.
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Boys Basketball.
Tuesday, February 7, Freshmen at 5:15 PM, JV at 6:30 PM, and Varsity at 8:00 PM, at Anderson HS - v. Anderson;
Friday, February 10, Freshmen at 5:15 PM, JV at 6:30 PM, and Varsity at 8:00 PM, at AHS - v. Akins.
Visit the Boys Basketball website for more or click here for the Varsity Schedule.
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Girls Basketball.
Tuesday, February 7, at AHS, Freshmen at 5:30 PM, JV at 5:30 PM, and Varsity at 7:30 PM- all vs. Anderson. Wear Maroon and come out for Senior Night.
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Boys Golf.
Friday-Saturday, February 10-11, Bastrop - Dodson Evans Memorial
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Boys Soccer.
Monday, February 6, 6:00 PM, Nelson Field - v. McCallum;
Saturday, February 11, 10:00 AM - JV v. LBJ.
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Softball.
Tuesday, February 7, 5:00 PM, at Hays HS - scrimmage v. Hays;
Friday, February 10, 5:00 PM, in Lockhart - scrimmage v. Lockhart.
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Swim Team Competes in District Meet.
The Austin High Swim Team competed in the District 15-5A Swimming and Diving Meet January 27th and 28th. We are very proud to report two Maroons advanced to the UIL Region 4 Swim Meet in individual events, and several of the relays advanced as well. Congratulations to :
Sophomore Laine Reed who is 2012 District Champion in the 200 Free. Laine will also swim the 100 Free in Regionals after placing 3rd in District.
Junior Cameron Hernandez who advances with a 3rd place finish in the 500 Freestyle and a 5th place finish in the 200 Individual Medley.
Girls Relay teams consisting of seniors Taylor Harrison, Sarah Escobedo and Terrell McLendon, sophomores Rachel Escobedo and Laine Reed, and freshman Margaret Mercer.
Boys Relay teams consisting of juniors Cameron Hernandez and Billy Caldwell, senior Justin Couture, and sophomore Moe Salas.
Regionals will be February 10th and 11th in Conroe, TX at the Conroe ISD Natatorium.
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Tennis.
Thursday, February 9 - JV Tournament in Georgetown;
Friday, February 10 - Varsity Tournament at Lake Travis HS and Lakeway;
Thursday, February 16 - JV Tournament at Westwood;
Friday, February 17 - Varsity Maroon/Chap Tournament.
**Austin High Youth Tennis Camp:
February 20 - Kids ages 5-12 can register for an afternoon of tennis drills, games, and fun with the Austin High tennis team! Visit the Events page at austinhightennis.com to learn more and download a registration form. Questions? Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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Wrestling.
Thursday-Saturday, February 9-11, in San Antonio - Regional Meet.
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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. The Booster club meets monthly on the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 6: 00 – 7:00 PM at AHS in Room #257. 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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Take Scholarship Survey Online ASAP!
Austin High School Class of 2012! In an effort to collect all scholarship earnings for our graduating Austin High Seniors, please submit information on all scholarships you have won or been offered from any colleges that have applied to (even if you are not planning on attending) and private scholarships from organizations or corporations (but do not include grants from need based aid). These will be included in the graduation brochure as well. To submit, visit: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dF9PeG03R2ZjYkloZmtkSHVjbC1YUHc6MQ Contact Tara Miller, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 414-7232, with questions.
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Class of 2012 Booster Club Meeting, February 14.
The next meeting will be Tuesday, February 14th, 6: 00 – 7:00 PM, Room #257. We will be discussing the Baccalaureate Service and the Senior Celebration. Come join us and get involved in the planning of these two major events in your student’s life.
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Apply for These Scholarships, Now.
**Two Scholarships Offered by ACPTA - the Austin Council of PTA is offering two scholarships, and they would really like to see some Austin High kids apply! One scholarship is for someone planning to study education and another is for a Special Education student planning to go on to further study in any capacity. Both are worth $1,000, are due March 23, and will be posted on Naviance. The Austin Council of PTA scholarships are open to any senior who is a member of the Austin High PTSA or whose parent is a member.
**Local Scholarships Offered to AHS Students -
Rotary Club General Scholarship deadline is February 6 Maximum award is $1000 and is need based;
Braziel Scholarship administered by the Austin Rotary Club deadline is February 6 and award amount varies;
The AHS Continuing Education Foundation deadline is February 17 and the maximum award is $1000;
St. David's Neal Kocurek Scholarship deadline is February 24; see www.stdavidsfoundation.org/scholarships/overview;
Well Wisher’s Scholarship (Full ride tuition for 2 years at ACC) deadline is March 1; awards vary and are need-based.
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Graduation Order to be Taken, February 9.
Cap, Gown, and Announcement orders will be taken by Herff-Jones, 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM, in the AHS 1st Floor East Lobby.
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Brick Pavers Sale, Deadline April 1.
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. The last day to order your Brick Paver is April 1, 2012. 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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Junior Jots
Class of 2013 Newsletter.
Hello Class of 2013 parents!
Your Booster Officers, Kelly von Kreisler, Brooks Franklin, Carole Dale, and Pati Cumby, have started a newsletter to keep you up to date on all the booster club news and updates. Please click here for info on what we have planned and money raised. The clock is ticking and we need your help! Thanks for all you do for us!!
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5. College Connection
SAT & ACT information for Juniors or Seniors.
If you plan on applying to a 4 year college, you must take either the ACT or SAT test. (Fee waivers are available in the college center for students on free or reduced lunch)
Upcoming SAT Tests (register online at collegeboard.com): March 10 (register by February 10), May 5 (register by April 6), and June 2 (register by May 8).
Upcoming ACT Tests (register online at actstudent.org): April 14 (register by March 9) and June 9 (register by May 4).
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AP Test Registration Delayed.
AP Test Registration has been delayed to March 1-23. There has been much concern and uncertainty this year regarding test fees, since the state contribution of $30 per test was cut. Therefore, fees will be $87 per test ($20 for students on free/reduced lunch). Registration AND payment will be handled online this year, and I will send you the website information in the near future. The ability to use credit card payment may be helpful to some of our families in managing the increased fees, and the convenience factor will doubtless be appreciated by all. Contact Albert Ainsworth, AP Coordinator, with questions, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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Financial Aid Saturday at AHS, February 18.
Students and parents of 2012 seniors can get help with filling out and submitting their FAFSA (Financial Aid) application for college in the Austin High School Library on Saturday, Feburary 18, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM.
There are many other dates and locations that are open to any family as well. Please click here for all the dates of upcoming financial aid Saturdays around Austin.
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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!
Hispanic Futures Conference at AHS, February 25.
The Hispanic Futures Conference will be held at AHS on February 25th, 8:30 AM - 1:15 PM. The event is a Careers Conference on Fine Arts and the Creative Industries. It will feature keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and a career expo on careers relating to the creative industries (fine arts, film, music, digital media, media/marketing). Click here for a flyer and here for an agenda.
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7. Looking Ahead
Student Holidays - February 17 and 20.
PTSA General Membership Meeting - March 1, 11:30 AM, AHS Conference D. Click here for a list of all this year's PTSA meetings.
CAC Meeting - March 5, 5:30 PM, AHS Library. Meetings are the 1st Monday of every month.
Schlotsky's Band Fundraiser - March 7. These are the first Wednesday of every month.
Coffee With the Principal - March 8, 8:30 AM, Café Austin. Click here for this year's coffees and teas.
Spring Break - March 12-16.
Late Start Day - March 22. Click here for a list of Late Start Days.
4th Annual Battle of Bands - March 24. Questions? This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Tea With the Principal - May 10, 5:30 PM, Café Austin. Click here for this year's coffees and teas.
Senior Prom - Saturday, May 19
Last Day of Classes - May 30
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.