Community Newsletter 12/7/2025
12/7/2025
This Week at PHS
Thank you for sending your students back from Thanksgiving with such great energy—they came in focused, motivated, and ready to finish the semester strong. This week, we will also be administering STAAR retests for students who are retesting. All parents of these students have already received an email with specific details. Our retesters have been working hard all semester to prepare, and we are proud of the effort they’ve put in.
If your student is retesting, please help set them up for success by encouraging a good night’s sleep, a fully charged laptop, and a solid breakfast so they can perform at their best.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll continue balancing the joy of the season with important academic work—from retesting and exam preparation to concerts and end-of-semester activities. Here’s everything you need to know to help your student navigate a busy, meaningful, and festive December at PHS.
Upcoming Events
This Week
Tuesday
- Swim @ Natatorium – 5:30 PM
- Girls Basketball @ 7:00 PM vs. Sam Rayburn (Home)
Thursday
- Band Concert @ 6:00 PM in the PHS Auditorium
Friday
- Choir Concert @ FUMC Pearland – 7:00 PM
- Boys Basketball @ 7:00 PM vs. Alvin – Teacher Appreciation Night
Next Week
Monday
- PTA 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
Fall Exam Schedule
Fall 2025–2026 Exam Exemptions
Last week’s message shared that students with four or fewer absences would be eligible for semester exam exemptions, which was a shift from previous years. After hearing from families and realizing the change created some confusion, we’re adjusting back to the familiar guideline: students with five absences or less will remain eligible for exemptions this semester. This keeps things consistent and gives everyone a fair, predictable path heading into exam season.
Exemption Portal
The district Exemption Portal will be open: Wednesday 12/10 at 7:00 AM → Sunday 12/14 at 3:00 PM. Students must submit their selections through the portal during this window or they will be required to take all exams. Portal link: https://exm.pearlandisd.org
Grade-Level Exemptions
12th Grade: 4 exemptions
11th Grade: 2 exemptions
10th Grade: 2 exemptions
9th Grade: 0 exemptions
General Criteria
Meet the exemption limit for their grade level
-
Have 5 or fewer absences (excused or unexcused)
-
Have no ISS, OSS, or ALA assignments
-
Have no outstanding discipline
-
Be clear of all fines and fees
-
Meet grade requirements (listed below)
Grade Requirements
-
Regular & PAP classes may exempt with an 80+ semester average
-
No exemptions allowed in STAAR-tested courses this semester
AP Courses
Option 1:
- Students meet the above general exam criteria.
- Semester average 90+
Option 2 (for one-semester AP courses):
Students meet the above general exam criteria.
-
Pre-register and pay for the AP exam
-
Earn a 70+ semester average
-
Commit to taking the AP exam in May
Students who skip the AP exam after using the exemption will take a makeup exam in the spring.
Bonus Exemption
Students with perfect attendance in 3rd period earn a bonus exemption.
Holiday Dress-Up Days at PHS!
We’re kicking off the last two weeks of the semester at PHS with some holiday spirit, and we’d love for students to join in the fun! Each day has a theme designed to bring some cheer to our hallways as we head toward final exams and winter break. Participation is completely optional—but highly encouraged!
Please remember: All dress-up day outfits must follow the PHS dress code.
Celebrating Our PHS Softball Team – Service, Spirit & Community Impact
As our 2025 Week of Giving comes to a close, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible work our PHS Lady Oiler Softball Team has done off the field. This group of student-athletes don't just play softball—they show up for our community in meaningful, compassionate, and impressive ways.
Throughout the week, our Lady Oilers gave their time, hearts, and energy to serve across Pearland. Their impact includes:
-
Reading to more than 1,000 elementary students through the team’s Reading Outreach Initiative
-
Packing, moving, and preparing over 10,000 pounds of food for families in need
-
Providing enrichment and care to animals in our community shelter
-
Supporting their peers in PHS P.E.A.R.S., building friendships and creating inclusive moments
-
And in total… more than 300 hours of volunteer service in just one week
Their commitment is a reflection of the best parts of Pearland High School: compassion, service, and a desire to lift others up.
Each year, the Week of Giving supports the Haynie Spirit Strike-Out Cancer Tournament, honoring the memory of Jennifer Haynie and Patti Powell, and celebrating this year’s honoree, Alexia Sanchez—all powerful stories featured in the flyer below.
Every single dollar raised goes directly toward:
-
Supporting local families battling cancer
-
Funding the Haynie Spirit Bone Cancer Foundation
-
Continuing the scholarship awarded in honor of Patti Powell
-
Providing hope and relief to families right here in our community
This is one of the most meaningful traditions at Pearland High School, and it exists because of the generosity and heart of our students, staff, and families.
If you are able to give $5 or $10, it truly makes a difference.
👉 Donate here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/week-of-giving--2025
Thank you for helping us support families who need it most and for celebrating the incredible work of our Lady Oilers. Their service this week—and your generosity—remind us why the Pearland community is so special.
Together, we are making an impact. 💛
PHS PTA Updates
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:
Underclassman & Senior Portrait Information
We’re heading into the final opportunities for school pictures this year, and we want to make sure every student is included in the 2025–2026 yearbook. Please review the important details below:
9th–11th Grade Picture Day (Retakes & Makeups)
Friday, December 12
Students in grades 9, 10, and 11 will take retake/makeup pictures through their Social Studies classes. This is the last chance for underclassman photos for this school year.
If your student missed the first picture day or needs a new photo, please make sure they attend with their class.
Senior Portraits (Class of 2026)
All senior portraits must be scheduled through CADY Studios. Appointments can be made at:
👉 CADY.com
On-Campus Date: January 14
Appointment times are filling quickly, and February 1 is the final day seniors can be photographed for the yearbook. Free Yearbook-only sessions are available at all CADY studio locations for families who prefer a no-cost option.