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August 26, 2019

Dear Parents/Guardians,

FIRST WEEK – I hope you all had a good first week of the school year. We had a great first week at MacArthur. I want to thank you all for helping by arriving early and getting your kids to school on time. There is a great deal of excitement on campus as we look forward to a great year ahead. The Brahmas represented very well last year in both academics, and extra-curriculars. This year will be no different. Our teachers have prepared for this year, and they are enthusiastic about helping our Brahmas do their very best. As always, each week I will update you and keep you informed via these newsletters.

Henry Ford once said that “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” That is what makes MacArthur such a great place. We have come together to start a new year. We keep together because we know that is where our strength is. We work together to build success. That is the very essence of Duty, Honor, Country. It is the basis of who we are. Go Brahmas!

Here is all the news for the week:

ANNOUNCEMENTS-

STUDENT DROP-OFF – Please do not drop off or pick up your child on the street. This creates traffic issues and it is not safe. The same is true at pick up time. I have even seen parents picking up kids in the middle of the street. This is VERY dangerous and you can be ticketed. Please keep your child’s safety in mind. The few minutes you believe you save can never compensate if something bad happens. Thank you.

TRAFFIC AND PARKING – Please remember that school begins at 8:55 am. If you drop your child off at 8:55, they are already running late. Traffic is always heaviest at the start of the day and at pick up at the end of the day, so please plan accordingly. The front circle is open for drop-off only in the morning. It is locked at 9:30 am and is not re-opened until approximately 4:40 pm. There are still Student Parking Tags available. All parking tags are sold on a first come first served basis. The cost for a parking tag is $30. Students must have a visible parking tag in order to park on campus. This is in effect on the first day of school. Student vehicles without tags will be ticketed and can possibly be towed. If your child does not have a parking permit, please remind them that they may not park on campus. Students may only park in designated parking spaces. Vehicles parked in Handicap spaces or on stripped areas are subject to being ticketed and/or being towed.

TRAFFIC FLOW - Please remember that the front parking lot has a one-way entrance and exit. It is very important that we observe the traffic flow to allow easier and safer access to and from the front lot. Failure to follow posted traffic flow can cause dangerous situations and, for students, it can result in the loss of the parking tag. The entrance is in the area closest to CVS. The exit is in the area right by the front circle. We also ask that parents picking up their students to please park in the available parking spaces to wait for and pick up your child. This causes severe traffic issues and you will be asked to move.

CLEAR BACKPACKS – Thank you so much for your cooperation with the clear backpack policy. Please remember that ALL students who choose to carry a backpack must have a clear backpack. This applies to any bag the student may use to carry their books and/or school items such as messenger bags, briefcases, etc. It does not apply to small purses, gym bags, band cases, dance/cheer equipment bags. We still have clear backpacks available in the principal’s office for $20. Students are not required to have a backpack so please remember, Clear Backpack or No Backpack! Go Brahmas!

DRESS CODE – As always, dress code is in effect the first day of school. We need your help in ensuring that your children are properly dressed for school.

• Girl’s skirts, dresses, and shorts must be of an appropriate length.

• Boys must wear their pants at their waist and should have a belt to secure their pants.

• No halter-tops, bare midriffs, or muscle shirts allowed.

• No translucent or see through clothing.

• No hats of any type for boys or girls. Students should not bring hats or caps to school because they will not be allowed to wear them at any time. This includes hanging them on their belts, backpacks or anywhere else. They are subject to confiscation.

• Hair should be a neatly groomed and not distracting.

• No piercings anywhere other than the ears. Students will be required to remove any facial or other visible piercings and they are subject to confiscation.

• Please help us with this issue. Remember that students who are out of dress code are subject to disciplinary measures.

This is just a brief rundown of what we have seen as problematic. Thank you for your support.

ATTENDANCE – If you are picking your child up early for an appointment or any other reason, please make sure that you sign them out at the attendance office. Please do not have them go directly to your vehicle as we will have no record of their leaving and it can show as an unexcused absence. Thank you for your cooperation.

This week we will be holding Assemblies by grade level to go over all behavioral expectations for our students.

URGENT NOTICE! – Whenever we receive returned mail, we are required to get a new verification of residency. As we begin the new school year, please be aware that any student for whom we have received returned mail will not be allowed to attend school until we have a new verification of enrollment. In addition, any student attending MacArthur on a Power of Attorney (POA) or a Living With must have renewed the POA or Living With before the start of school. If your child (ren) fall within any of these categories, you will be contacted to provide the necessary documentation or pick up your child until the necessary documentation can be provided. We want your child (ren) in school, but these are legal requirements that must be fulfilled.

UPDATE EMAILS - Many of you do not have a current or correct email address in our system. You are missing out on important communication. Please make sure you take time to go into your Family Access account to update or ensure that you have a correct email entered so that we can adequately communicate with you. The sooner you do this, the better.

TOBACCO/VAPE PRODUCTS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY – The following is directly from the NEISD Student Code of Conduct, which can be found at:

North East ISD prohibits the following in accordance with Texas Education Code Section 38.006 and Texas Health and Safety Code Section 161.081:

1. Any adult and/or student from smoking cigarettes, tobacco, tobacco products, electronic, vapor, smokeless or any other substitute form of cigarettes, tobacco or tobacco-like products, as well as the use of any devices which are used for the purpose of ingesting or transmitting any type of tobacco or tobacco-like products at a school-related or school-sanctioned activity on or off school property.

2. Students from possessing or using cigarettes, tobacco, tobacco products, electronic, vapor, smokeless or any other substitute form of cigarettes, tobacco or tobacco-like products, as well as the use of any devices which are used for the purpose of ingesting or transmitting any type of tobacco, or tobacco-like products at a school-related or school-sanctioned activity on or off school property.

North East ISD will ensure that school personnel will enforce the tobacco/vapor rules. State law prohibits the possession, purchase, consumption or acceptance of an electronic cigarette, cigarette or tobacco product by an individual who is younger than 18 years of age. An offense under state law is punishable by a fine. Additionally, students will face disciplinary consequences which could include a DAEP placement or an expulsion for a THC or CBD related violation.

STUDENT ID’S - Please remember that every student is required to have a student ID. Students should have it in their possession and present it on request. It is also required to access the library. There are also many other discounts that can be accessible with the student ID. This includes the student rate to ride VIA. Freshmen receive one free ID card. Replacement cards are $5.

ACTIVITIES -

PEP RALLY – This Thursday we will have our first Pep Rally of the regular school year. We will be cheering on our football team as they prepare for their first season game of the year against Marshall. The Pep Rally will be held in the Courtyard, starting at 8:20 am. Come on out and be part of this great MAC tradition! Go Brahmas!

MAC Football – This past Friday our Brahmas had their annual scrimmage against Alamo Heights. The Brahmas were looking good and played well on both sides of the ball. This Thursday, August 29th, our Brahmas open their season against Marshall. The game will be at Gustafson Stadium starting at 7 pm. Remember that tickets can be purchased online in advance from the Brushfire website.  You can access tickets for Brahma games at:

for $7. All tickets are $8 at the gate. Come on out and support our Brahmas as they start their 2019-2020 run. Go Brahma Football!

MAC Volleyball – This week the MacArthur Volleyball teams had a tough match up with the highly ranked #7 Canyon Cougars. Despite the fight we put up, unfortunately the Brahmas did not come out on top. Next games will be Tuesday all at MacArthur versus Seguin. Freshman A and JV will be at 5pm and Varsity at 6:15pm. Help us fill our home gym and support these amazing ladies! Then on Friday the Brahmas take on Steele at Steele, Freshman A at 5pm, Freshman B at 6pm, JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm. We hope to see everyone there! Go Brahma Volley ball!

MAC Tennis – Mac Tennis opened district play with the Johnson Jaguars, the 3rd ranked team in the region.  Mac was competitive with the Jags early on but Johnson pulled away with a commanding 14-1 win.  Mac will continue district play next week with the Churchill Charger at Blossom Athletic Center. Come out and see the Brahmas. Go Brahma Tennis!

MAC Cross Country - Cross Country Team Makes Noise at NEISD Invitational!

The season opener proved to be a great start for the Brahma Cross Country Teams. The setting was an evening meet, with a mixed-terrain, filled with hills and dusty turns. The meet concluded in dramatic fashion—as it had to be canceled one minute into the Varsity Girls’ race (the last race of the evening) due to lightning in the area.

The Varsity Boys finished 9th out of 29 teams, entered in the division. Senior, Jesse Garcia, crossed the line in the top 20 runners. Close behind, were Seniors Josh Castellanos and Amir Abidi, respectively. Co-captain, Cannon Barry was the #4 finisher for the Brahmas, follows closely by Sophomore Trenton Workman and William Allen.

The JV Girls also took 9th place out of 33 total division teams. The top five finishers for the team were Elizabeth Colin, Sarah Montes, Ciara Cardon, Larissa Dretke, and Ariel Mata.

JV Boys were 18th of 35 teams, and welcomed a slew of newcomers to the team. They battled hard, and were led by Sophomore Drew Osborne. Gabriel Brown crosses line as the #2 runner; followed by Julian Herrera, Andrew Rodriguez, and Will Fenton.

Great job across the board! The Brahmas move on to the Hippensteel Invitational at Lockhart City Park, Lockhart, TX. On Saturday. Go Brahma Cross Country!

MAC Cheer - On Saturday September 14th, MAC Cheer will be holding their annual Fall Cheer Clinic.  It is open to K through 8th grade.  This is a great and fun event and includes a t-shirt, snack and a drink.  They will also have a chance to take a picture with the cheerleaders and to cheer that night at the MAC v. Champion game at Comalander Stadium.  The cost for this awesome event is only $25.  For complete information and registration, please see the attached flyer or contact Coach Tondre at stondr@.  Go Brahma Cheer!

MAC Pep Squad – It is never too late to join Pep.  There is no try out and no experience is necessary.  Pep Squad is a great opportunity for students looking for a place to get involved.  It is open to students at all grade levels. Go Brahma Pep Squad! 

MAC Theater - OPEN AUDITIONS for MACBETH!

MacArthur Theater is hosting OPEN AUDITIONS for cast and crew Tuesday, August 27 at 4:30 PM in the auditorium for our next mainstage Fall Production, Macbeth. Your child does not need to be in a theatre arts class to audition. Audition materials are available from Ms. Dinglasan and/or Mr. Whitus for ANY Mac student in the auditorium or D143. Performances will take place on the week of Halloween.

Accepted Cast & Crew Benefits:

← Create lasting friendships and memories!

← Learn technician or acting skills for the stage!

← Build your high school resumé!

← Earn Theatre Production ½ credit!

Don’t miss out on this this fast paced, action packed production opportunity! See you Tuesday!

Email: mdingl@ dwhitu@

Go Brahma Theater!

MAC FOLKLORICO – Returning members of Grupo Folklorico Magnifico will resume regular practice this week, Tuesday and Thursday, from 4:30 to 6:30, in the Senior Dining Room.  New member recruitment will begin the following week.  Membership is open to ALL young men and young women of MacArthur High School.  No previous experience is necessary.  Come learn Mexican Ballet Folklorico, Salsa, Bachata, maybe some Merengue and Flamenco with us!  Contact any returning member, or see Ms. Reyna (treyna@) in D346 for more information.  Bring your dancing shoes and your “ganas!!”  We’d love to see you there!! Viva Brahma Grupo Folklorico Magnifico!

DEPARTMENTS-

FROM OUR MAC LIBRARY – See what the library has to offer as well as some of our basic procedures in our Library Newsletter

Library Lunch Procedures:

• The library will be open during lunches starting Monday, August 26th.

• Lunch passes are available at the front office breezeway during the first 20 minutes of each lunch period. First come, first served.

• We also honor lunch passes from teachers. Each student must have their own individual pass

• Students can participate in our monthly library promotions for the chance to win a library lunch pass for the year

Library Digital Resources

There are a wealth of digital resources available to students through our Library Resources folder in Launchpad and our Library Resources Page. For more information, see our Library Digital Resources Guide. The icons on the list show how students will see them in Launchpad. Each icon on the list also links to a basic tutorial as well.

Library Student Interest Survey

In the MacArthur Library, we strive to provide helpful resources and meaningful opportunities for growth and exploration. In order to do this, every year we provide a Library Student Interest Survey for our students to complete. This will help us build book orders and design programming that meets the needs and interests of our students. Please have your student complete this survey by September 30th. All participants will be entered into a prize drawing!

Reading Biography Promotion:

The Mac Library is asking our students which books have shaped their lives by completing a Reading Biography. Destiny Collections is a fantastic resource available to students that allows them to curate content from our library catalog as well as outside resources. We are challenging students to build a Destiny Collection of 10 books that have made an impact on them as readers. Here is an example of Mrs. Schnacker’s Reading Biography. Students can find instructions for building their Destiny Collection at . Once completed, students can submit their Reading Biography share link at . Participants will be entered into a prize drawing. The promotion ends September 13th.

Sora Summer Reading Digital Achievement Promotion:

The Sora app from OverDrive (available in Launchpad under Library Resources) provides the quickest and easiest way to get started with digital titles from our school. The Sora platform also has features to track your reading progress and earn digital achievement badges. The library has offered a summer reading prize incentive program for students to earn digital achievements in Sora. Students have until September 30th to earn badges and collect their prizes! For more information, see our Sora flyer and open a world of reading!

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.

Stay Connected: Follow us on twitter and Instagram @MacArthurLib.

Go Brahma Library!

MAC COUNSELORS’ CORNER – The first week of school was busy in the counseling office. It was great to see all the students back and ready to start a new year. Over the next few weeks, we will be changing some schedules due to request and class sizes. Our goal is to make the changes with the least amount of disruption of student’s schedules.

If you have questions, now or during the year, please feel free to contact us using the information below.

|Piccirilli, Kim (Lead) |A - Ba |356-7639 |kpicci@ |

|Obey, Joy |Be - D |356-7671 |jobey@ |

|Reyes, Azucena |E - Hi |356-7635 |areyes4@ |

|FitzSimon, Samantha |Hj - Mol |356-7702 |sfitzs@ |

|Nicholson, Kathryn |Mom - R |356-7631 |knicho2@ |

|Sebastian, Karen |S - Z |356-7632 |ksebas@ |

|Esparza, Cristina |STAN |356-7634 |cespar1@neisdnet |

|Kersten, Janice |Counseling Clerk |356-7633 |jkerst1@ |

|Norman, Niccy |Counseling Clerk |356-7625 |tnorma@ |

|Cruz, Tracy |Registrar |356-7629 |tcruz@ |

|Johnson, Olga |Data Processor |356-7623 |ojohns@ |

SENIOR PARENTS: Mark your calendar!! Thursday, September 5:

Senior Seminar: Counselors will be meeting with all seniors, through English classes. We will discuss what students should be doing now to prepare for the years ahead. Students will receive a copy of their transcript, which will include their “Preliminary” Sixth Semester Rank. The preliminary ranks will only be available through September 12. Students wanting to send their preliminary rank to colleges/universities must do this by September 11. Official Sixth Semester Ranks will be printed on transcripts, for seniors, and can be viewed in Skyward Family Access under Portfolio on September 13.

Senior Parent Meeting (6:00pm in the MacArthur Auditorium): Parents are invited to attend a meeting in the evening to discuss the same information students received during the school day. We will also discuss financial aid and scholarship information.

2019-2020 SAT/ACT INFORMATION:

SAT Registration:

ACT Registration:

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES:

August 29/30 – Counselors meet with all 9th/10th grade students through history classes

September 2 – Labor Day- student holiday

September 5 – Senior Parent Meeting in MacArthur Auditorium

September 11 – Last day to request Preliminary Ranks to be sent to college/university

September 13 – Seniors can view Official 6th Semester Rank in Skyward Family Access under Portfolio

September 14 – ACT testing at MacArthur

Sept, 16 - Oct. 31 – Counselors will meet individually with all seniors

October 5 – SAT testing at MacArthur

October 29-31 – Counselors providing guidance in 12th grade classes – Coping Skills

October 14 – Columbus Day – student holiday

October 16 – PSAT Testing (all 9th, 10th, 11th will test)

October 18 – 10th and 11th grade will receive current rank in Skyward Family Access under Portfolio

October 30 – College Night at Blossom Athletic Center, Littleton Gym (5:00pm-8:00pm)

October 26 - ACT testing at MacArthur

November 2 – SAT testing at MacArthur

November 6 – ASVAB testing at MacArthur

November 11-14 – Counselors providing guidance in 9th grade classes – Responsible Decision Making

December 7 – SAT testing at MacArthur

December 14 – ACT testing at MacArthur

December 9-12 – STAAR/EOC Retesting

December 23-January 3 – Winter Break

Go Brahma Counselors!

FROM THE MAC CAFETERIA – We want to remind our parents to make sure that your child has money in their lunch account, or update your meal application for this school year if your child is on free and reduced.  Students can only charge up to 5.00. At this point, it is policy that the cafeteria provide students a cheese sandwich /milk/and fruit for a free meal choice instead. It is very important that the students are aware of this. Cashiers can help by letting the students know that they are in need of money. Our cafeteria staff will do their best to keep all students informed. The cutoff date is 9/30/2019 for the students that will need to re-apply free and reduced lunch benefits. If you have any concerns or questions, feel free to contact our cafeteria manager at cfmgr002@. Go Brahma Cafeteria!

PARENT INVOLVEMENT-

MAC ORCHESTRA BOOSTERS – If your child is a part of Mac Orchestra, you need to come out and be a part of this great group of parents.  All are welcome. Go Brahma MOPA!

MAC CHOIR BOOSTERS – If your child is in choir then you need to come out and join this great group of parents and support MAC Choir. Go Brahma Choir Boosters!

MAC BAND BOOSTERS – If your child is a member of our incredible Brahma Band, then you need to come out and be a part of these awesome parents. Please remember, for the latest updates and information as well as current news, information, and schedules, visit , log in to your Charms account, join us on Facebook (Mac Band Parents), or follow us on Twitter (@macbandsa) and Instagram (@macbandsa). Go MAC Band Parents!

MAC ATHLETIC BOOSTERS – If your child is involved in MAC Athletics, be sure to join the MacArthur Athletic Booster Club!  Support a Brahma as they compete on the field, court, track or pool.  One $15 membership sponsors one Brahma Student/Athlete.  Attached is the membership form.

Keep up to date on upcoming meetings and events by following the Booster Club on:

Facebook:  Brahma Booster

Twitter:  @Brahma_Booster

Instagram: brahmabooster

If you have questions or would like to become involved with the Booster Club, contact us at BrahmaBooster@. Go Brahma Athletic Boosters!

PTSA – Our annual Brahma Bucks Night/Meet the Teacher event is right around the corner. It will be held on Tuesday, September 17th. For complete information, please see the attached flyer. It is also your chance to join PTSA! You can join and make a contribution to this awesome parent organization. Attached is a contribution form.

The MacArthur PTSA is a vital link in connecting with our parents and families and a great way for every parent to be involved. The beginning of a new school year means it’s time to show your support for our students, our school, and our community. We invite all students, parents and teachers to join! The PTSA is here to advocate and positively influence the lives of all children and families. Make a difference and get involved! Look for a membership table at the upcoming Meet the Brahmas. Dues are $7.00/person. Please take time to join the PTSA and get involved in your child’s school and education.

MacArthur HS Text Book Distribution - IT'S TEXTBOOK DISTIBUTION TIME! The staff of Douglas MacArthur High School is requesting YOUR help! Please review the available slots at the link below and click on the button to sign up. Bring a valid ID, check in the front office, and have them log you as a volunteer. To sign up as a volunteer for book distribution, please go to the following link:

MacArthur HS- Text Book Distribution

We want to remind the Mac Family and community to please remember to check out the PTSA website and blog for important information on what is happening at MacArthur!

This is a great resource and it can be found at: . Go Brahma PTSA!

COMMUNITY-

NEISD JOB FAIR – NEISD will be holding a Classified Job Fair on Saturday September 7, 2019 at Castle Hills Elementary. The event will be from 9 am to 12 pm. For complete information, please see the attached flyer.

VOTER REGISTRATION –

Voting is a precious right and your vote makes a difference. Don’t be silent; let your voice be heard. Each High School Principal is a Deputy Voter Registrar by law. I want to encourage you to make sure you are registered to vote. If you or your child need to register, you can get a registration card at MacArthur in the Principal’s Office. You can either send it in yourself, or turn it in, and we will make sure it is turned in for you. Go Brahma Voters!

BRAHMA FANS – We want to remind all of our parents, students, and guests who attend games or any event at home or away, that we need your assistance to ensure that we observe appropriate spectator behavior. It is okay to disagree with a call and to be a little loud when supporting our Brahmas. It is not okay to be disruptive or engage in personal attacks or confrontations with Coaches, referees, or students. Anyone causing a disturbance or verbally abusing the officials, coaches, or students will be removed from the game and may face removal from all athletic events. Please let the coaches take care of the coaching and dealing with the officials. It is extremely important for us to model appropriate behavior at any function. Your cooperation and support is greatly appreciated. Go Brahmas!

Here are the events going on in Brahmaland this week:

a. Monday 082619:

i. MAC Golf – Parent Meeting @ Library 5 pm

b. Tuesday 082719:

i. Theater Auditions for “MacBeth @ Auditorium 4:15 to 6:30 pm

ii. Grupo Folklorico Magnifico @ Senior Dining Room 4:30 to 6:30 pm

iii. Freshman VB v. Seguin @ MAC 5 pm

iv. JV VB v. Seguin @ MAC 5 pm

v. Varsity VB v. Seguin @ MAC 6:15 pm

c. Wednesday 082819:

i. Athletic Booster Luncheon @ Piper Bass 11:30 am

ii. Aquatics Parent Meeting @ @ MAC Library 5:15 pm

d. Thursday 082919:

i. Theme Day v. Marshall – Tie Dye

ii. Pep Rally @ Courtyard 8:20 am

iii. Varsity FB v. Marshall @ Gustafson Stadium 7 pm

e. Friday 083019:

i. Freshman FB v. Marshall @ Marshall 4:30 pm

ii. JV FB v. Marshall @ MAC 5 pm

iii. Freshman A VB v. Steele @ Steele 5 pm

iv. Freshman B VB v. Steele @ Steele 6 pm

v. JV VB v. Steele @ Steels 5:30 pm

vi. Varsity VB v. Steele @ Steele 7 pm

f. Saturday 083119:

i. BAND Rehearsal @ Gyms, Cafeteria 9 am to 9 pm

ii. Varsity/JV Cross Country Lockhart Meet @ Lockhart City Park 8 am to 4 pm

g. Sunday 090119:

i. N/A

h. Monday 090219:

i. Labor Day Holiday!

ii. BAND Rehearsal @ Gyms, Cafeteria 12 pm to 9 pm

Have a Great Week!

Peter Martinez

Principal, MacArthur High School

“An Investment in our children pays the best interest of all.”

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Douglas MacArthur High School

North East Independent School District

________________________________________________________________________________________________

2923 MacArthur View, San Antonio, Texas 78217

(210) 356-7600 Fax (210) 650-1195

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