Douglas MacArthur High School - North East Independent ...



891540-139700Douglas MacArthur High School North East Independent School District________________________________________________________________________________________________2923 MacArthur View, San Antonio, Texas 78217 (210) 356-7600 Fax (210) 650-119500Douglas MacArthur High School North East Independent School District________________________________________________________________________________________________2923 MacArthur View, San Antonio, Texas 78217 (210) 356-7600 Fax (210) 650-1195April 20, 2020THE WAY IT IS! – Bruce Hornsby did a song a few years back called “The Way It Is”. In the song he sings about things being just the way they are. I have to admit I have felt that way with COVID19; that’s just the way it is. But I have to add, For Now! On Friday, Governor Abbott announced that schools are closed for the rest of the year. However, school is not over, the buildings are just closed. School is not closed it is just different…for now. I have to admit that it has weighed on me quite a bit this week. First of all, because I miss everyone. Also, because I do worry that everyone is okay and doing well. I feel so sad for all my seniors, because they have missed out on so much. However, I know there will be better days for you ahead, and I know that every one of my seniors can and will accomplish so much. Graduation will happen. It may look different, just like everything else this year, but we will honor our seniors. This is how it is for now, but not forever. In the first chorus of the song, Bruce sings “Ah, but don’t you believe it”. Don’t believe that this is how things will stay. It will pass, and the Brahmas will be back.As we approach the end of the year, there are many things we need to do to close out the year. We are working on plans for the return of books and uniforms and equipment, as well as clearing lockers. We have to be cautious and observe the safety requirements. I will send out news as we continue with our plans. On Friday, I sent an email with attached letters in English and Spanish explaining Grading and GPA for this semester. I have those letters to this email as well. The letters contain the most essential information you will need to know about grading during spring 2020.? It is even more important now that the Governor has ordered schools closed for the remainder of the year.? NEISD will also be publishing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on the distance learning website, which will be updated with new information as needed.? For now, this is how it is. Before you know it, we will be back together again. You see, the campus may be quiet for now, but the Brahma spirit will always ring loud and proud! Go Brahmas! ANNOUNCEMENTS-DISTANCE LEARNING - The next Paper Packet pick up for students without computer or internet access is Monday, April 27th. You can drop off completed packets and pick up the next three week’s packets from 9 am to 12 pm, in the bus lane by the tennis courts. I have attached the map for your convenience. This is a drive through pick up/drop off. We ask that everyone remain in their cars. If you have to walk up, we will have designated waiting areas, and we ask that you observe the 6-foot social distancing.This is also a reminder, there will be someone on campus on Mondays from 9 am to 2 pm.? The rest of the week will be closed, and we will be available remotely from 10 am to 2 pm.? You can call during those hours, and if we are not available, please leave a message and we will try to return your call as soon as possible.BENJAMIN FRANKLIN TRANSATLANTIC FELLOW – Reyna Stovall, who is currently a junior at Mac Arthur was recently named a Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellow.? She was selected for the prestigious 2020 Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellows Summer Institute, a highly competitive program sponsored by the?U.S. Department of State's?Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. This year's Institute was set to take place from June 27 to July 25, 2020 but due to the Coronavirus it has been pushed back to next summer. Reyna will join other chosen students from Europe and the United States in an intensive four-week program, which will feature prominent scholars and specialists who will focus on the areas of international relations, diplomacy, communication, media, civic education, and science . . . all in honor of different aspects of Franklin's legacy. This is highly competitive honor, involving a rigorous application?and interview process, and the Institute covers all expenses for those selected.?Reyna was selected to represent the United States of America along with 9 other US students between the ages of 16-18.? The 10 U.S. Fellows?will join 45 international fellows from Europe to take classes in International Diplomacy, Media and Journalism, Global Problems, Democracy, and Civic Education. Over the course of the institute, fellows will meet with US politicians, scholars, and journalists. Fellows will participate in debates, practical workshops, and seminars. They will also learn how to organize and participate in community service activities.? The Institute cultural program includes trips to Indianapolis, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Washington. The program also includes an International Culture Night, talent show, 4th of July picnic, shows and concerts, movie nights and sporting events. Congratulations Reyna!FOR SENIORS:CAP AND GOWN AND ANNOUNCEMENT DELIVERY – The cap and Gown and announcement delivery scheduled for April 13th was cancelled. Our Josten’s representatives have been under Stay Home/Work Safe just like we are.? We have been in touch with them and we hope to set up a “curbside” delivery very soon. I will send information as soon as it becomes available. The MacArthur ceremony is still scheduled for May 30, 2020. Please trust that regardless of what happens, we will find a way to honor our seniors.TSI Testing - Seniors planning to attend an Alamo College school (SAC, Palo Alto, St. Philip's, Northeast Lakeview, Northwest Vista) and have questions regarding anything to do with enrollment, please contact Mr. Sustaita at dsustaita@alamo.edu.PROM UPDATE - It is unfortunate and very sad that our Prom fell victim to COVID19. We are currently working on sending out refunds to all of those who paid for their Prom bids. POTENTIAL DUAL CREDIT STUDENTS: Potential dual credit students who have paid to take a TSI test will be getting a refund once we get back. If you paid in cash, then your refund will be in cash. If you paid with a check, then you will get the same check returned to you. Our district is trying to see how else we can administer the TSI test. Once we get more details, we will forward the information to you. Thank you for your patience and understanding.AP RESOURCES: Students and teachers can attend free, live AP? review courses, delivered by AP teachers from across the country. The classes are designed as a flexible supplement, aligned to the course and exam description topic structure. Available on YouTube Live, the courses:Focus on reviewing the skills and concepts from the first 75% of the course. They also include lessons covering topics from the final 25% of the course; this is content that colleges expect students to know to earn credit and placement but won't be tested on the exam.Are mobile friendly and available on-demand so they can be accessed anytime.The course schedule (.pdf/456 KB) is available online, along with information about what will be covered this week. All times on the schedule are Eastern Time. We'll continue to post updates as they’re available.TECHNICAL INFORMATION/SUPPORT: I have sent information on parent webinars to provide technical help and support with distance learning. Unfortunately I got that information a little late However, you can still go to the parent resource page at: distancelearning.Technical Services is putting together a webpage with all upcoming parent webinars.? I will share that information once it is complete.? Here is a link to the recorded webinars: AND FRESH EXPRESS MEAL SERVICE - School Nutrition adjusted the meal distribution schedule per the directive to reduce social interaction with the public.?Meals are distributed on Mondays and Thursdays only from 11:30-1:30 at the same campus locations. The Fresh Express bus program will also follow the Monday/Thursday schedule.Monday meal packages will contain meals for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.Thursday meal packages will contain meals for Thursday and Friday.?Some of the meals intended for future consumption will be distributed frozen and the families will need to heat/thaw them when ready to eat. Food safety instructions in English/Spanish are included with the meal package.SAFETY – With the increase in Coronavirus cases, and flu season in general, it is important that hygiene and precautions be observed to reduce the risks. Good hygiene is an important step in remaining healthy, so please remember to do the following:Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.Avoid close contact with people who are sick.Stay home when you are sick.Cover your mouth and nose with the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze.Do not share food items with other people Simple precautions can make a big difference. Please take time to review this information with your kids. Thank you.ACTIVITIES -MAC ORCHESTRA - I am pleased to announce the Texas Music Educators Music Merit Scholars from the MacArthur Symphony Orchestra for 2020.? These twenty students maintained a cumulative A average for this year, performed a Class One UIL solo, qualified for state solo contest, and were members of TMEA Region Band/Orchestra, or reached TMEA Area status for Band/Orchestra.? They consistently “exhibited behavior that brought honor to the band/orchestra, school and community.”? We are proud of these young persons for this high achievement.? Each student will receive a certificate and patch from TMEA.Vivian Barrera, clarinetKatherine Beebe, celloBarrett Brown, celloJuan Luis Carrasco Campos, string bassKayla DeJesus, violinGregory Felter, percussionDylan Justas Garibaldi, violaMarisol Gonzalez, violaMatthew Hsu, violaHannah Kim, violinZane Laijas, oboeBrando Lezzana, bassoonStella Marti, violaDoryann Mueller, fluteJbyr Reynoso, trumpetRueben Rueda, violinPatrick Schwegmann, percussionEmily Seddighzadeh, violinKathleen Torgerson, celloJonathan Villegas, violaCongratulations to all of our awesome Brahmas! At MacArthur, MUSIC Makes the Difference!MACTEACH - Our MacTEACH kids continue to do great things for our community. On April 16th, they held another Zoom meeting with the Victory Center. They received the following from the director:“The MacArthur MacTEACH PTSD Ambassadors are leading from the front against the fight on depression and anxiety. These kids are helping veterans, first responders, and our community members during our nation’s Coronavirus crisis. At the same time, they are sharing their own experiences of isolation. It’s a win-win situation for all. All of us associated with the Birdwell Foundation PTSD Support Group, and the Victory Center at San Antonio College, are grateful for them.”? Mike Gonzales – San Antonio Chapter Director Birdwell Foundation on PTSDIn addition, the MacTEACH students associated with Oak Grove recently completed a virtual read for the Oak Grove kids. Congratulations MacTeach for taking a tough situation and doing something great! Go MacTeach! NHS - Emails are being sent to current NHS members and new members’ student accounts. Seniors: Emails were sent last Tuesday mails that were sent on Tuesday 4/7 and/or Wednesday 4/8. Juniors and Sophomores: Emails will be sent on Tuesday 4/14. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Saaid at asaaid@. Go Brahma NHS!PEP SQUAD - Pep Squad – Would you like to dance and cheer? Would you like to perform at games, pep rallies, and competitions? Then you need to join the 2020-2021 MacArthur Brahma Pep Squad. There will be a virtual meeting on May 27th unless otherwise announced. For complete information please see the flyer below. Go Brahma Pep Squad!JROTC - SGM Perales and MAJ Garcia are available via email at lgarci2@ or cperal@ if you have any questions or concerns. Also, please feel free to call MAJ Garcia at 210-356-7675. Weekly online assignments and quizzes are posted on:Google Classroom (buzx6kx) and Socrative (CEJ9H24AY).If your child needs access to the JROTC locker room to retrieve their belongings, please email MAJ Garcia or SGM Perales to coordinate. Go Brahma Battalion!DEPARTMENTS – FROM OUR MAC LIBRARY – LIBRARY PROMOTIONS AND UPDATES:Book Returns on Hold: We have had some questions about how to turn in library books. Due to COVID-19, library book returns are on hold. Please keep up with your books and put them in a safe place until further notice. We do not collect overdue fees so there will be no penalty when we are able to begin accepting returns again.Happy School Library Month: April is School Library Month. To celebrate we are offering a Flip Out for Your Library with FlipGrid promotion. Students can visit our School Library Month Grid to pick something about the library and film 45 second videos talking about why they love that part of the library. Here’s how to participate:Visit bit.ly/libraryflip20 , choose your favorite thing about the library, and click on the green FlipGrid button in the corresponding box Log into FlipGrid with your NEISD student Google account credentialsIf you are on a smart phone: Download the FlipGrid App on the App Store or Google Play If you are on a PC or Chromebook: Use your webcam and microphone capabilities Film a FlipGrid video telling us what you love about that part of the library (45 seconds or less) and submit it!First Up with Mac Library: We have launched a video series called First Up with Mac Library. In each video we will highlight a book that is available for checkout online in Sora. We will focus on stand-alone books and first books in a series, reading the first chapter of the book to our audience. We'll also wish you a fantastic day so be sure to watch our videos in the morning to kick off your distance learning school day. Episodes are added regularly to the Upcoming Events section of our?Mac Library websiteApril is National Poetry Month: National Poetry Month was inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996. Over the years, it has become the largest literary celebration in the world with schools, publishers, libraries, booksellers, and poets celebrating poetry’s vital place in our culture. To celebrate, NEISD Library Services has created a Monthly Spotlight for National Poetry MonthDISTANCE LEARNING RESOURCES:NEISD Distance Learning Hub: NEISD has developed an online resource with tools for success in distance learning. Visit the NEISD Distance Learning Hub to find Google classroom, Seesaw, and Zoom tutorials as well as other helpful online learning resources.NEISD Launchpad at Home: Not sure how to access NEISD Launchpad from home? Follow Student Directions for Using Launchpad at HomeStudent Library Resource Overview: Your student has access to a wealth of digital resources through the Library Resources folder in NEISD Launchpad. Get to know your resources and see tutorials in our NEISD Library Digital Resource Overview Document.AP Test Prep Guide: AP testing is just around the corner. To help our students prepare for AP exams, we’ve created an AP Test Prep Guide at bit.ly/apthink5. The guide includes the following information links:Information about online testing this year (linked in center square)Information about each AP test by courseYouTube AP Review SessionsPractice Tests in Learning Express (available via Library Resources in Launchpad)AP Test Prep eBooks available in Sora Virtual Magazine Shelf: Did you know you can read full text articles from some of your favorite magazines with GALE resources? Check out our virtual magazine shelf at . Click on each cover to see full text issue lists and articles!SAPL Digital Resources and Wi-Fi: The San Antonio Public Library has made their digital resources available via a virtual library card. You can find more information at . San Antonio Public Library closures have been extended through April 30. However, public Wi-Fi is available outside of library locations (w/exception of Briscoe Portal & Pruitt Branch), daily from 7:30am-10:30 pm. To find your nearest San Antonio Public Library location visit SAPL’s Find a Library toolEBOOKS AND AUDIOBOOKS:Check out Library Books in Sora: Are you interested in accessing OverDrive ebooks and audiobooks from your school library, but you’re not sure where to start? Explore our Sora Reading App Learning Menu to found out more about features of the Sora online reading app, see a quick start video, and view a Sora scavenger hunt. The Sora reading app connects to all of the same content you can also find in the NEISD OverDrive app.Always Available Collection in Sora: We have added an Always Available collection in Sora. These books allow for simultaneous access, meaning there is no limit to the number of readers who can check them out at once. This collection can be found by logging into Sora and selecting the Explore icon at the bottom of the page.Parent OverDrive Accounts: Students already have their own OverDrive accounts, but if you would like to have your own parent account to access ebooks and audio books in OverDrive, please complete this Online OverDrive Parent Registration Form. Please allow 2-3 days for the account to be built. Existing parent accounts must be renewed each year by completing the registration form. Go Brahma Library!MAC COUNSELORS’ CORNER –?Seniors:?If you received a scholarship please send the letter or email to Mrs. Connolly at pconno@ by May 1st.?AP Testing -?Please see the attached parent letter and AP Exam Dates attachments for the most up to date information on AP testing. You can also visit the following link for additional AP information.? Support for Students?- Beginning on March 23 the district set up counseling support phone lines students and?parents can call for counseling?questions and concerns Monday-Friday from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. The phone number for MacArthur is 210-356-7619.Connecting with your counselor:?Students and?parents are also able to contact their individual counselor for specific counseling related questions such as credits, courses, grades, attendance, etc. Please contact your counselor with any of these questions you may have. Counselor contact information is available on the Counselors Corner of the MAC website:? Course Selection:?Course selection in Skyward has now closed. If students would like to make any changes to their selections for next year, they will need to submit the request in writing with?parent?permission to their counselor by the last day of school,?May 28 at 4:00 pm.?Requests are not guaranteed. During this time?parents can email counselors a change their student would like to request.Go Brahma Counselors!FROM OUR FAMILY SPECIALIST - It is daunting and overwhelming to think of the days that are ahead of us and what this distance learning experience will bring. Covid-19 has brought many challenges to all of us but be certain that the MAC team is ready to assist you an any way we can.? All you have to do is reach out to us. To find out more about what the Family Specialist has to offer, please go to the following site: BRAHMAS!!Have a SAFE Week!Pete MartinezPrincipal, MacArthur High School“An Investment in our children pays the best interest of all.” ................
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