Memorial Early College High School
Website: https://mechs.comalisd.org/
Location: 1419 I-35BL, New Braunfels, TX, USA
Phone: (830) 221-2900
Twitter: @memorial_hs
"The Home of Academic Excellence"
February 19th, 2024
Memorial ECHS Norms
Work for the Team
Have a growth mindset
Engage in learning
Practice Professionalism
Mon = Student & Staff Holiday / Presidents' Day
Tue = A Day
Wed = B Day
Thur = A Day
Fri = B Day
Hello Memorial ECHS Family,
I hope everyone slows down a bit during the Presidents’ Day holiday. All staff in Comal ISD participated in a “Staff Development” day on Thursday. Our staff spent the morning together as a whole group on campus. The following artifacts mapped our session and guided our time together (and each class utilizes these tools in our day-to-day operations):
Learning Intention: Through fellowship and collaboration with one another, we will create awareness of student achievement and growth to inform and guide instruction.
Success Criteria:
Identify adjustments will you make to your “30 Day” Instructional Plan to identify, plan & commit to successfully support your student’s Achievement & Growth!!!
Identify 3 opportunities in your class to have students critically write.
We reviewed our school’s mission, vision, “norms”, and commitments to student success:
*See Picture #1 above*
We spent time assessing our students’ achievement and growth. Student Achievement measures students’ performance at a single point in time, allows comparison to a performance standard, and is critical to post secondary opportunities. Student Growth measures student progress in between two points in time, allows comparison to their own prior performance, and is critical to ensuring future academic success. We are able to gain powerful insight into the impact we have as a school and as teachers when we use Achievement and Growth together to learn about each student “by name and by need”.
Additionally, we reviewed the “5 Best Practicing of Teaching” that we refer to as “Instructional Look Fors”. We assessed how we are doing for each teaching strategy. We found that we, as a whole group, have achieved and maintained the teaching strategies of “Effective Relationships” and “Peer-to-Peer Collaboration” resulting in high levels of student learning. We will incorporate “Critical Writing” across the whole curriculum as a measure to continue to grow all students at all levels. Effective writing is a life-long skill that involves learning, the comprehension of the material, the application of new and previous knowledge, and synthesis of these two knowledges. And this skill will continue to support our students in all academic settings currently and post secondary.
*See Picture #2 above*
In order to support this goal of incorporating and growing “Critical Writing” throughout campus, we will utilize and lean into the “Building Strategic Readers & Writers” tool that the Comal ISD’s department of “Teaching, Learning and Leadership” presented to the entire district. Once again, during our Professional Development day together, we began the process of assessing ourselves on the effective use of the following components to support our students:
*See Picture #3 above*
I hope this glimpse into what we do as caring educators at Memorial ECHS results in an increased understanding of how we operate in supporting each student “cross two stages in four short years” (Memorial ECHS graduation and Northeast Lakeview College graduation). Our Student Achievement and Student Growth this year continues to reach high levels and/or trend to a high level of growth (as measured by STAAR scores year to year, periodic Unit Assessments, grades, TSI passing rates, and advanced academic achievements such as PSAT and SAT). And I venture to say that our students are very caring and model citizens beyond traditional academics. Thus, you will hear me comment often, “The future is bright!”.
As always, thank you for the trust and for reminding students that their “grit and determination” are remarkable and admirable. Go, Eagles!
Rackspace Technologies Guest Speaker
Mrs. Loper’s Cybersecurity class had the privilege of welcoming Mr. Minnick from Rackspace Technologies. They engaged in a deep dive into the life of a Level 4 Windows System Engineer and his expertise in real-world anecdotes in his career. Our students were provided a rare glimpse into the dynamics of a high-tech workplace, inspiring them to envision their future careers in technology.
Class of 2028 Recruitment
The recruitment for next year’s 9th grade class is in full swing! If you know of any current 8th Grade students/families that are interested in joining Memorial ECHS next year, please direct them to our website for more information ( Memorial ECHS website). Or they can call our Front Desk at (830) 221-2900.
Comal ISD Council PTA
Here is a link for the Texas PTA “Straight Talk” workshop recording via Youtube:
“Navigating the Smartphone Era”. This has fantastic information and thought-provoking considerations as we safeguard our young adults in all areas possible.
This event featured “panelists discussing how smartphones are impacting our children’s minds, bodies, and classrooms”. The goal of the Texas PTA is to educate parents and educators about:
The physiological effect of cell phones on children
More knowledgeable of recent research and studies on smartphone use
More understanding of pressures our children are facing
More empowered to navigate how we use smartphones in our families and schools.
PTA Nacho Bar Luncheon - click here to sign up for the next luncheon on February 22nd:
Nacho Bar and “Eagle Eats” signup
Second Semester Final Exam Exemptions and Attendance
In order for a student to be eligible for a second semester Final Exam students must NOT:
Have more than 3 absences total for the second semester in the high school credit. course applicable for exemption (school-related absences are excluded from the count)
Have more than 3 tardies in the course for which he/she is seeking a final exemption.
Please see the Comal ISD Grading Guidelines found on our district website for additional information:
1. Click www.comalisd.org
2. Under the “Students/Families” drop down menu
3. Click “Grading Guidelines
Parking Permits
All registered students who have a valid Driver License and Proof of Insurance may purchase a Parking Permit by submitting a completed Parking Permit application with the fee and parent/guardian signature. You can access the form on our school website under the “Students & Families” drop down menu. You may purchase a permit in the front office during breakfast (cash or check).
Please note - the Student Parking Lot is almost full at this time of the school year. Please plan ahead and purchase a parking permit at the front desk BEFORE parking on campus. A valid Driver License and Proof of Insurance are required for this process. Thank you for your assistance in maintaining school safety.
Dress Code
Please click here for the Comal ISD Dress Code
Electronic Device Policy (cell phones)
Please click here for the Electronic Devices and Technology Resources code
II. 2023 Children at Risk State Ranking
SAT Bootcamp
SAT School Day is March 5, 2024! In order to help our 11th graders prepare, an SAT Bootcamp will be offered. The cost of the bootcamp is $60, that includes the SAT Prep Book.
Please see the attached SAT Bootcamp flyer for more details or to sign-up.
Academic and Career Advisor (Connie Mashburn)
The 2024 - 2025 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) has launched!
The "soft launch" means there might be periodic maintenance updates as they work to ensure that all pieces of the new application are working.
*Your FAFSA data will not be reported to the colleges/universities/trade schools until late January, so while it is tempting to rush to get this done, this does give you some time to ensure you're able to log in and complete this form
Some reminders for applying:
Both student and parent need a user account, which is called an FSA ID. This can take several business days to process, so make sure you've signed up for one.
The FAFSA is here to help you receive financial aid to attend college, but some scholarship donors might need to know your information as well to provide a scholarship.
The state of Texas "priority deadline" for applying is March 15. This means this is when it is recommended to have it submitted to receive the most financial aid your student is eligible for.
For students not eligible to apply for federal aid, the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) is also available. All dates above are available for assistance with this application. This form can be found online in English and in Spanish.
Help is available from experts!
The Alamo Colleges Financial Aid Office will host a virtual session and two in-person sessions for Comal ISD to help you with your FAFSA.
They will also host many in-person sessions on their campuses:
Yard Signs
Grow our “footprint” and visibility in our community! Here is an opportunity to celebrate “the hardest working students” and “The Home of Academic Excellence” while helping a great cause - fundraising for Prom 2024. Below is a link to order a yard sign that will look exactly like the image below. Expect 2-3 weeks for production, and you will receive an email when your sign is ready for pick up from school. (Only online payments are accepted).
https://secure.payk12.com/school/_/123/item/243209
For questions, please call or email Linda Hoppe.
Linda.Hoppe@comalisd.com (830) 221-2900
2023-24 MECHS Senior Brag Board Yard Signs
The Senior “Brag Board” Yard Signs are ready for order. These have been created by Mrs. Loper and edited by senior Abigail Finn. Signs are $25.50 and the sales start on 1/22/24 and end on 5/3/24. The link to order online is below:
https://secure.payk12.com/school/_/123/item/249051
Student Identification Cards
Students are required to visibly display their Comal ISD-issued identification (ID) card on the front of their person while on campus during school hours and while riding the bus. A student must have their ID card worn and displayed at all times. The cost for replacement/duplicate ID cards is $5.00. Daily temporary IDs will be sold for $1.00. Schools may also sell lanyards for a fee of $3.00. Consequences for Failure Wear and Display Student Identification (ID) Card- Consequences are per Semester.
● Violations 1-10: Warning and Temporary ID issued
● Subsequent Violations: Campus-based detention to include After School Detention, Saturday School or Lunch Detention (Reminder: students who do not attend assigned detention may be assigned to In School Suspension)
*To be eligible for exam exemptions, students must not exceed ten daily temporary IDs for the school year to earn exam exemptions*
Click here for the 2023-2024 Student Handbook
Video Intercom System
A Video Intercom System has been added to our entrance. It is located to the right of the front door and marked with a yellow sign. Please push the button to request entrance to the Front Office. Mrs. Douglas has been trained to use the “Video Intercom” System as the only means for you to obtain permission to enter our school building. Thank you for your understanding.
February
02/19 - Student & Staff Holiday (Bad Weather makeup day - if needed)
02/24 - Student Council’s “Masquerade” Dance (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM / Cafe)
March
03/05 - SAT Day
03/11 - 03/15 - Spring Break (Student & Staff Holiday)
03/22 - Talent Show (GRES)
03/29 - Good Friday (Student & Staff Holiday)
April
04/01 No School/Staff Development (Student Holiday)
04/06 - Host UIL Competition (6:30 AM - 9:30 PM / entire campus)
04/08 - Total Eclipse
04/11 - STAAR / EOC = English I
04/13 - Jr/Sr Prom - “Endless Summer” (7:00 PM - 10:00 PM / The Venue)
04/16 - STAAR / EOC = English II
04/18 - STAAR / EOC = Biology
04/23 - STAAR / EOC = US History
04/25 - Class of 2024 “Graduation Fiesta” at Northeast Lakeview College (10:00 AM - 2:00 PM)
04/26 - Student & Staff Holiday (Bad Weather makeup day - if needed)
04/30 - STAAR / EOC = Algebra I
May
05/08 - Northeast Lakeview College Graduation (6:30 PM - 8:00 PM / Freeman Coliseum)
05/23 - End of 9 Week Grading Period
05/24 - Memorial Early College High School Graduation (7:00 PM / Pieper HS)
Please click here for email/contact information: Staff Directory
In addition to teachers, here is information for other important staff and contact information:
Academic Dean/Assistant Principal - Desiree Fehner desiree.fehner@comalisd.org
Counselor - Michael Quintana michael.quintana@comalisd.org
Academic and Career Advisor - Connie Mashburn connie.mashburn@comalisd.org
Student Support Specialist - Lauren Fooshee lauren.fooshee@comalisd.org
Nurse - Kathy Regan kathy.regan@comalisd.org
Senior Associate/Registrar/Bookkeeper - Linda Hoppe linda.hoppe@comalisd.org
Front Desk - Michaela Douglas michaela.douglas@comalisd.org
Important Links
Commitment Form/Agreement document
Electronic Devices and Technology Resources code
"How students check grades in Skyward"
US News & World Report best High School in San Antonio area
Practice test directions for students and parents.pdf
Texas Education Agency 2022 Report Card or School Profile, Performance (4 types), & Finance
Children at Risk - HS Rankings AWARE Family Information Center
Bell Schedule
1st period / 5th Period 8:55 – 10:23
2nd period / 6th Period 10:28 - 11:56
Lunch / Advisory 12:01 - 12:40
Lunch / Advisory 12:45 - 1:24
3rd period / 7th Period 1:29 - 2:57
4th period / 8th Period 3:02 - 4:30
As always, thank you for your trust,
Joseph Murguia, M.A., M.Ed.
(A very proud) Principal
joseph.murguia@comalisd.org (830) 221-2900 Twitter: @memorial_hs
