Manvel HS eNews

Happy August!

Welcome to the Dual Enrollment Newsletter! This newsletter will give you all the information you need to know about the month of August including important dates, useful links, and tips on how to be a successful Dual Enrollment student. We are excited to be able to share this monthly tool with our students, parents, and the community.

Have an amazing month and welcome back!

-The ACC Dual Enrollment Team

Stopfinder App – Get Ready for Back-to-School Transportation!

Families, make sure you're ready to roll into the new school year with the Stopfinder app—your one-stop shop for all things bus-related!

Check Your Email in Skyward:
To receive your personalized Stopfinder invitation, please ensure your email address is up-to-date in Skyward for each of your children. This invitation will give you access to your child’s bus route information before the first day of school.

Download the App:
Once you receive your invitation, download the Stopfinder app to:

• View bus route details

• Receive important transportation updates

• Track your child’s bus in real time

This tool helps keep you informed, connected, and confident as we kick off the 2025–2026 school year.

If you need help updating your email in Skyward, please reach out to our front office team!

Texas High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) is now accepting applications! HAS provides a free, authentic learning experience for Texas high school juniors to explore STEM fields through Artemis-themed content. Students who complete the online lessons can receive half of a science elective credit for their high school transcript. In addition, the highest achieving students attend a team-based virtual summer experience. During the summer experience, NASA scientists and engineers mentor student teams while they plan an Artemis-themed mission and design challenge to the Moon and Mars.

Visit the HAS website to learn more and apply. For questions, contact us at jsc-has@mail.nasa.gov.

Wishing Alvin ISD much success.

Yolanda Marshall

281.732.6384

Retired, NASA

The Charlie Brown Initiative Annual Youth Essay Competition will be held August 25 – November 1, 2025. The competition is open to all Brazoria County students, grades 6-9.

Eligible students may enter the competition by submitting their original essay. The 2025 essay theme is African Americans and Labor: The Impact on Brazoria County.

The objective of the competition is to increase literary awareness, promote public speaking, student research and writing skills while commemorating the life of Mr. Charles “Charlie” Brown.

According to the1870 Brazoria County census, Mr. Brown was unable to read or write. Yet despite his illiteracy, Mr. Brown became a successful businessman and landowner in Brazoria County. At the time of his death in 1920, Mr. Brown was considered the “wealthiest Negro in Texas” according to the Houston Post newspaper.

The Charlie Brown Initiative Youth Essay Competition is the first and only recognized competition dedicated to the legacy of Mr. Brown. In 2016, The Charlie Brown Initiative worked with the City of West Columbia to unveil the official Texas historical marker honoring Mr. Brown and his philanthropy and humanitarian efforts.

Prize monies will be awarded to first, second and third place winners in the Jr. and Sr. Division categories. In addition, an Outstanding Historical Research Award will be presented. There is no entry fee for student submissions. For official guidelines, please email wisdomwordpublishing@yahoo.com or contact your local Brazoria County library.

Sincerely,

Larry Thomas

Charlie Brown Initiative

Stay informed and connected with the latest updates and Hoka Hey Shoutouts from Principal Baldwin by following her Principal Instagram page.

She will be showcasing daily highlights so the community can see the great things happening daily at MHS.

SENIOR PARENTS - SAVE THESE DATES!

Mark your calendars for our upcoming Senior Parent meetings!

WHERE: MHS LGI Room (In-Person) or Join us on Zoom

BONUS: Earn points toward the BIG end-of-year event for EVERY meeting you attend - parents AND students!

We're planning something AMAZING for our seniors, and we need YOU to help make it happen! Get the inside scoop, share your ideas, earn prize points for your student, and be part of creating unforgettable memories.

Your input + Our planning = ONE EPIC SENIOR CELEBRATION!

Parents please check your email from CADY. Our picture company has been sending emails to all Class of 2026 families with emails registered in Skyward.

Unlike underclassmen pictures, every senior has the opportunity to take a selection of senior photos. CADY offers a variety of sessions but all seniors must sign-up for a session to ensure your picture is included in the Yearbook and in the slideshow that is shown before graduation.

If you do not want to complete a full photoshoot with CADY, at the bottom of "Choose Sessions", there is a yearbook only session for $10. The $10 sitting fee is a fundraiser for the senior class and is used to help lower the cost for the senior trip, prom, etc.

Don't want to go to the CADY Studio, No worries! There will be 4 Senior Roadshows were the studio will come to MHS. You still must BOOK the session online. This is a great option if you only want the Standard ($59), Simple ($29) or Yearbook Only ($10) session.

• August 7, 2025
• September 18, 2025
• October 30, 2025 (Date Change)
• December 4, 2025

As we look ahead to a successful 2025-26 school year, we want to make you aware of a new state law, House Bill 1481, which was passed by the Texas Legislature. House Bill 1481 prohibits students from using personal communication devices during the school day.

This law applies to:

• Cell phones
  
• Smartwatches
  
• Earbuds and headphones
  
• Tablets or any device that can text, call, record, or access the internet
  

In Alvin ISD, the expectation is simple: Not Seen. Not Heard. Not Taken.

Students may bring phones and personal electronic devices to school.

However, from the moment students enter the building in the morning until the final dismissal bell cell phones must be powered off or silenced, stored in a backpack or locker, and not used during class, passing periods, lunch, or restroom breaks.

Use in the Hallways

The use of personal communication devices in prohibited at all times.

Use at Lunch

Lunch is considered part of the school day so the use of electronic devices is prohibited under Texas Law.

Emergency Situations

Administrators may approve the use of cell phones in emergency situations where the device is necessary for the health or safety of students or others.

The Texas law requires school districts to administer disciplinary consequences if students violate the personal communication device policy in schools. Each infraction of this policy will result in the following escalating consequences:

• First offense – Device taken, returned to student
  
• Second – Parent must pick up
  
• Third – $15 fine + parent pickup
  

Refusal to hand over a device = disciplinary action per the Student Code of Conduct

Why this matters:

This law supports focused classrooms, respectful spaces, and safe learning for all.

Parents:

Please talk with your child about expectations before school starts. For emergencies, contact the campus office.

On January 14, 2025, the Alvin ISD Board of Trustees approved the 2025-2026 Academic Calendar.

Important Dates for Students:

• Transition students (Pre-K, Kindergarten, 6th grade, and 9th grade) will return to school on Monday, August 11, with all other students starting on Tuesday, August 12.

Key Features of the Calendar:

• A Fall Break October 13 - 17, aligning with the Brazoria County Fair

• Spring Break occurring the 2nd week in March (March 9-13)

• The school year concluding before Memorial Day weekend

Graduation dates for each high school are as follows:

• Iowa Colony High School – May 19, 2026 at Freedom Field

• RISE Academy – May 20, 2026 at Alvin HS PAC

• Manvel High School – May 20, 2026 at Freedom Field

• Alvin High School – May 21, 2026 at Freedom Field

• Shadow Creek High School – May 22, 2026 at Freedom Field