Douglas MacArthur High School



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 13, 2020GOOD NEWS! – It seems like just yesterday we were getting ready for spring break. Now, that is more than a month ago, and we remain separated by COVID19. Some many things we have missed, but most of all, I miss all of you. I have tried to include pertinent information each week, but I am also trying to include some good things as well. Good news is a valuable commodity in difficult times. Because we have less activities, I have been able to include some pictures, which size limitations have prevented in the past. If you have a positive story, let me know and I will try to include it here. One of the victims of COVID19 was our Prom, which would have been a little over a week ago. One of the unique features of our prom is how we select our Queen and King. Each year the nominees are challenged to take on a charity and raise money for their chosen charity. Our prom Queen and King are not selected by popular vote, but for how much they give for others. This year our Queen is Alexandria Lopez, who raised $1,655 for Special Reach, which is an organization that serves families with special needs. Our King is Joshua Hamby, who raised $210 for Best Friends Animal Society. Honorable mention goes to Destiny Cardenas, who raised $426 for Maars Mission for Hope, and Angelina Schnabel $130 for Broken Warriors Angels. Congratulations on a job well done! Thanks to Ms. April Moyer, class sponsor, who provided this update. I love to share great news about our kids, and I will continue to do the best I can. My efforts may not always be perfect, but they are done with love for my kids and my families. I pray you all had a safe holiday weekend. I look forward to the day we are together again. Go Brahmas! ANNOUNCEMENTS-DISTANCE LEARNING AND OPERATING HOURS - This past Thursday we distributed paper packets for those students who do not have internet access or technology.? We worked off of the list of students who had previously picked up work.? However, we had a number that came in for the first time.? For all those who did not pick up your packet, and for those that were new, we will mail those packets to you on Monday.? This is to prevent anyone from having to come to campus to pick up a packet, which is in line with the current Stay Home/Work Safe mandate. The work distributed was for 3 weeks, which means the nest packet distribution and work return will be April 27th. We will also have fewer days on campus.? Starting this week, we will have 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.Please remember that school is closed through May 4th.? If that changes, I will let you know as soon as possible. Go Brahmas!TERRY SCHOLARSHIP – Two of our graduating seniors, were notified today they are Terry Scholarship recipients. McKenna Campsey and Emily Seddighzadeh are both recipients. What does that mean? Both will receive full tuition paid, including room and books, to the Texas university of their choices. McKenna will attend the University of Houston. Emily will attend UTSA.What is significant about the Terry Scholarship is how much, beyond their academic achievements, the students bring to their communities in the way of service. Both students, long time members of MacTEACH, truly impressed the Terry board with their unique service endeavors, service unique to our community. Congratulations to Mckenna and Emily! FOR 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.Cap and Gown and Announcement Delivery – The cap and Gown and announcement delivery scheduled for April 13th has been cancelled. Our Josten’s representatives are in a shut down just like we are.? Depending upon when they can get back up and running, they may go with a “curbside” delivery at a later date. If things allow, they may look at doing a “One day” delivery on the campus. No matter what, I will send information as soon as it becomes available. Will there be a graduation ceremony? I don’t know for sure, because things change from day to day and week to week. For right now, 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.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.GRADING: NEISD has worked on a way to support our grading system during this unknow time in education.? Due to all the unknowns and variables impacting our students, families, and communities we have developed a formative accountability grading plan to support our low tech and high-tech student learning.? This does not give a numeric grade at this time, but it does let you know if students are engaged in learning or not. In an effort to be fair and consistent all distance learning grades will be formative and identified as Complete, In Progress, or Incomplete. We are working with skyward so teachers will be able to post grades in Skyward as “C”, “IP” or “I”, which will be used for documentation purposes only at this time.??Incomplete-- Student did not pick up packet or student did not log-in to start the on-line assignment.?In Progress-- Students picked up packets or students logged into google classroom for the on-line assignment.?Complete--?Student picked up a packet and completed it or student logged into google and completed the on-line assignment.At this time, teachers will begin entering grades, and this is what you should see. AP RESOURCES: As of Wednesday, March 25, 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 - Starting April 13 School Nutrition will be adjusting the meal distribution schedule per the directive to reduce social interaction with the public.?Meals will be 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 -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!CULINARY ARTS - On Sunday March 8th the Culinary Competition Team competed in the 9th Annual High School Paella Competition hosted by Chef Johnny Hernandez.? The students went up against 11 other high schools including Lee and Madison.? They prepped and cooked for over 8 hours, producing paellas that were all restaurant quality.? The Brahma Team consisted of Captain- Mia Feliciano, Co-Captain- Kristiana Gallegos, Yusupha Mboob, Xitlali Castro, and Mary Votion.Lead by team captain Mia Feliciano, the students ended up on top and won 1st place.? All the hard work paid off and you could see it in their faces how happy they were.? The prize for winning is an all-expense paid trip to the Culinary Institute of America in New York City.? More than likely that is put on hold…..thanks corona.? Congratulations to these awesome culinary Brahmas. We are very proud of them and for the two seniors this was a good way to end their high school career.? Side note: Last year they finished second. Go Brahma Culinary! 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 attached flyer.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 – 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 SAPL Digital Resources: The San Antonio Public Library has made their digital resources available via a virtual library card. You can find more information at 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 MonthBook 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 accept 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 are launching a new 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. We'll be posting our video links soon in the Upcoming Events section of our?Mac Library websiteNEISD 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 HomeCheck 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.Student 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.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!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 have received a scholarship please send the letter or email to Mrs. Connolly at pconno@ by May 1st.?AP Testing - AP information has been posted on the NEISD website. Please see attached flyer and the following link for additional 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.” ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download