Community Newsletter 12/14/2025

As we head into the final week of school before Christmas Break, the finish line is in sight. Semester finals begin Tuesday, and while students who are exempt from a final do not need to attend that specific exam period, they are still required to attend any other classes scheduled that day.

Finals can bring stress, but they are also an opportunity. While it might not feel like it at first, these exams allow students to demonstrate what they know, how much they’ve grown, and the effort they’ve put in all semester. A little nervous energy is normal and even useful. Research from Stanford shows that when students view stress as something that can help rather than harm, it can increase focus, improve performance, and increase resilience. Stress sends signals to the body that something matters. When students interpret those signals as preparation rather than panic, they’re more likely to rise to the challenge.

Encourage students to see finals as a chance to show up ready, not perfect. Remember that a racing heart or extra energy doesn’t mean you're failing it means the body is gearing up to perform. With preparation, rest, and perspective, stress can become fuel rather than friction.

This Week

Monday

• PTA Board Meeting

Tuesday

• Girls Basketball @ 7:00 PM vs Manvel
• 3rd Period Exam

Wednesday

• 1st and 7th Period Exams

Thursday

• 2nd and 6th Period Exams

Friday (EARLY DISMISSAL🤩)

• 4th and 5th Period Exams
• Boys Basketball 5:00 PM vs Dawson @ Home
• Girls Basketball 7:00 PM vs Dawson @ Dawson

Christmas Break for Students – December 22nd – January 6, 2026

January 7, 2026 -Students 1st Day Back for Spring Semester & 3rd 9 weeks begins

The football season may be over but the celebrations for their amazing season is not. We’re proud to celebrate several members of our football program who were recognized at the Houston Touchdown Club’s annual banquet, honoring the best across the Greater Houston area. Having finalists in all three major categories is a rare and impressive accomplishment.

• Ja’Maurey Champion, Senior Running Back – Finalist, Offensive Player of the Year

• Joseph Credit, Senior Linebacker – Finalist, Defensive Player of the Year

• Coach BJ Gotte, Head Coach – Finalist, Coach of the Year

This recognition reflects not only talent on the field, but the collective support that surrounds our student-athletes every day.

It's that time of the year, Semester Exams begin this week on Tuesday, and we want everyone to feel ready. You’ll find the finalized full exam schedule and the updated Turner bus shuttle details attached so students can plan ahead without any surprises.

Students, we have incorporated extra time in the schedule on the days leading up to each class period's exam. Use this time to make sure you are ready to do your best on these exams.

Today is the last day to select which exams you choose to exempt. The portal closes at 3:00 PM today. Make sure that you select all the courses you chose to exempt prior to saving and closing the portal as this will lock you out and prevent you from selecting additional courses.

Portal link: https://exm.pearlandisd.org

PHS PTA Holiday Soup Bar

PHS PTA will be hosting a Holiday Soup Bar to show our appreciation for the wonderful teachers and staff on Thursday, December 18th. We are asking for donations to help provide a warm and hearty lunch for everyone.

You can sign up to contribute here:

Sign Up Genius: https://bit.ly/PHSSoupBar

Please refer to the Sign Up Genius link for full details.

Item Drop-Off: Thursday, December 18th by 10:00 AM

📚 The Princeton Review Webinars

We have partnered with The Princeton Review to provide Academic and College Admission webinars for our PHS families. These are Free Virtual events for our families throughout the year.

• January 14th 6pm - 6 Most missed math questions

• February 18th 6pm - SAT Strategy Session

• March 4th 6pm - Study Skills 101

• April 8th 6pm - Inside the Admissions Committee

Membership

Join the PTA today! Join: Join PTA!

• Membership Drive Winners: Parker Perez, Kimberly Samuels, Carter Barnes, Lynette McManus, Denise Wilson, Lloyd Hendricks.

• Seniors: Only 12 senior signs are still available.Purchase Here: Purchase Senior Signs

• Students: All student members will receive special treats throughout the school year!

Stay Connected

Follow the Pearland High School PTA on social media to celebrate students and stay updated on events:

• Facebook Page
• Pearland High School PTA Newsletter

We’ve officially reached the final week of school before Christmas Break, and that calls for a little extra holiday fun! As students wrap up classes and gear up for finals, we’re inviting them to spread some cheer through our holiday dress-up days. Each day brings a festive theme to help keep spirits high and smiles going as we finish the semester strong. Participation is totally optional—but the more holiday cheer we see in the halls, the better!

Please remember: All dress-up day outfits must follow the PHS dress code.

The 2026 Local Scholarship Packet is now available online. Students can access the fillable application and review submission requirements using this link or through the PHS Counselors website.

Important reminders:

• All materials are due to the Counseling Office by February 6, 2026, at 2:45 PM

• No email submissions and no front desk drop-offs will be accepted

• Many scholarships require a counselor letter of recommendation, so starting early is essential

It may feel early, but planning ahead matters. The 2026–2027 Course Selection Handbook is now available online. The upcoming break is a great time for families to talk through interests, consider where students may want to challenge themselves, and explore options connected to future goals after high school.

Access the course selection handbook here:
https://www.pearlandisd.org/courseselection

Preparations are underway for the 2026 Brazoria County Fair — “Where traditions continue and new ones are made.” Fair Queen nominations are now open. Please review the attached forms and visit the official website for details and eligibility information: https://www.brazoriacountyfair.com

Application forms will be available beginning January 8th.

🔗 Brazoria County Fair FAQ

As we wrap up the semester and head into the holiday break, thank you for partnering with us to support both the academic success and well-being of our students. A few conversations at home about preparation, perspective, and progress can make a huge difference. Take time this week to encourage reflection, and confidence, to help students finish strong before enjoying a well earned break. We’re grateful for your continued support and proud of the growth we see every day at Pearland High School.