Community Newsletter 1/6/2026

Welcome back! I hope your winter break was restful and filled with meaningful time together. As we begin the second semester, we quickly move into one of the busiest and most important stretches of the school year. Over the coming months, students will participate in TELPAS, STAAR, SAT, TSI, and AP testing. This is the time when students get to shine and show off the learning, growth, and skills they have built throughout the year.

While testing is a major focus, it is only one part of a much larger picture. The second semester is full of opportunities for students to grow academically, connect with teachers, and stay engaged through athletics, fine arts, and activities. Great attendance, consistent routines, and supportive conversations at home make a meaningful difference during this stretch.

Please have students review their schedules in Skyward tonight and tomorrow. Many students had schedule changes and this helps them start the semester smoothly. This week, Oiler Time will not be held so students can maximize time in class and build relationships with any new teachers before returning to our traditional schedule next week.

As we begin a new semester, we would like to share a brief reminder about electronics expectations during the school day. The state law prohibiting student use of personal communication devices remains in effect. As students continue to adjust, we are hopeful this fresh start will lead to fewer disruptions and more time focused on learning.

Reminders and Updates

• Personal communication devices may not be used from 7:15 AM–2:35 PM

• Violations result in escalating consequences

Headphones and Earbuds

• Bluetooth headphones, earbuds, and earphones are not permitted during the school day

• No headphones of any kind may be worn in hallways between 7:15 AM and 2:35 PM

• Corded headphones connected to a district-issued device:

  • Allowed during instructional time at the teacher’s discretion

  • Not allowed during passing periods

The second semester moves quickly, and how students begin often sets the tone for the months ahead. Starting strong, staying organized, and planning ahead for major tests helps reduce stress and allows students to focus on learning rather than last minute pressure. These upcoming tests and events give students the opportunity to demonstrate their growth and preparation while building confidence for what comes next.

• English I Field Test: February 4

• TELPAS Testing: March 18–20

• SAT: March 25

• STAAR ELA I & II: April 8

• STAAR Biology & U.S. History: April 15

• Prom: April 18

• STAAR Algebra: April 21

• SAT (SAT Prep): April 29

• AP Testing Window: May 4–15

• Graduation: May 22

Encouraging consistent attendance, steady study habits, and open conversations about goals can make a meaningful difference as students prepare for these milestones.

Pearland High School’s Academic Decathlon team is consistently ranked among the top two to three teams in the state, and their success is built not only on student dedication, but also on strong community support. We are currently looking for a small number of volunteers to help judge at one of our upcoming Academic Decathlon competitions.

The Regional Academic Decathlon competition will take place January 23–24 at Clear Lake High School, and for the first time ever, all three district high schools will compete at the same regional event. Volunteers are needed to help score essays, speeches, and interviews, and no prior experience is required. All judges will receive training, and past volunteers have shared that the experience is both rewarding and inspiring as they work with some of the brightest students in our area.

Essay Scoring

• Saturday, January 17, 2026

• 9:00 AM–1:00 PM

• Pearland High School Searcy Library

• Training and norming will be provided at the start

• Breakfast, a boxed lunch, and a $50 stipend are provided

Speech & Interview Judging

• Friday, January 23

• 5:00–8:30 PM at Clear Lake High School

• Training from 5:00–6:00 PM

• Boxed dinner provided

Volunteers must be available for the full time block of the event they choose. If you are interested in supporting our students by serving as a judge or essay grader, please complete the volunteer form. All volunteers will be contacted in advance with details regarding parking, arrival, and what to bring.

The last opportunities for senior portraits for the Class of 2026 are quickly approaching. The final deadline to take senior portraits at the studio is February 1 for the 2026 Yearbook.

Senior Portraits taken after the deadline will not be included in the 2026 Yearbook.

Final Dates At PHS

January 14 - Schedule Full

January 22 - Schedule Open

Free and paid appointments are still available at both studio locations.

Visit cady.com to schedule all appointments.

📚 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!

• Seniors: Only 7 senior signs are still available.Purchase Here: Purchase Senior Signs

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

🌮 1/12/26 Gringos Spirit Day

Take the night off from cooking and support PHS PTA!

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

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