Phoenix Updates

HCHS Family

Linked below is the Smore with information from our Student Achievement Coordinator, Ms. Gonzalez who put together a new resource newsletter to help students and families navigate the many opportunities available after high school.

A few important items to highlight:

College & Career Center
Our College & Career Center is located in Room 211 and provides support with college applications, dual credit, scholarships, financial aid, career exploration, SAT/ACT and ASVAB testing, military opportunities, resumes, employment, and postsecondary planning. Students can visit before school, during lunch, or after school.

Financial Aid Workshop – October 14
HCHS will host a Financial Aid Workshop on Wednesday, October 14, from 4:30–6:30 p.m. in the library. Parents, guardians, and students will learn about financial aid options and the application process, with an opportunity to receive assistance completing the necessary applications.

NISD College Night – October 19
Save the date for NISD College Night on Monday, October 19, at the Northside Activity Center (NAC). This will be an excellent opportunity for students and families to meet college representatives and learn more about postsecondary options.

PSAT/NMSQT – October 21
HCHS will administer the PSAT/NMSQT to interested sophomores and juniors on Wednesday, October 21. The PSAT provides students with practice for the SAT, college and career planning resources, and, for eligible juniors, an opportunity to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program.

ASVAB – October 1
Students interested in exploring military and civilian career pathways can take the ASVAB on Thursday, October 1. Students should see Mrs. Gonzalez in the College & Career Center for additional information.

The newsletter also includes information about dual credit, AlamoPROMISE, college application fee waivers, scholarship search resources, workforce programs, and grade-level college planning checklists.

I encourage families to take advantage of these resources, particularly as students begin making decisions about life after high school. You can review the full College & Career Center newsletter for links and additional information.

Thank you to Mrs. Gonzalez for providing these resources and supporting our students as they plan for their futures.

Want to help make Class of 2030 events memorable?

Ms. Lascari and Ms. Colón are looking for freshmen to join our Class of 2030 Student Volunteer Committee!

Fall Fest / Help with planning, setup, decorations, activities, and more.

Christmas Tree Committee / Help create the theme and design our Class of 2030 Christmas tree!

This is a great opportunity to build leadership, teamwork, creativity, and event-planning experience while getting involved with your class.

Students can volunteer for Fall Fest, the Christmas Tree Committee, or BOTH!

Ms. Lascari & Ms. Colón
Class of 2030 Sponsors

In compliance with state law, the use of personal communication devices by students is not allowed at any NISD campus during the school day, from the first official bell to the last official bell to include passing periods and lunch periods.

Personal communication devices include cell phones, smart watches, earbuds, tablets, or any other electronic devices. If students choose to bring these items to campus, they will be required to comply with campus specific storage procedures (see section A).

Notice of Liability: Northside ISD is not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of any personal communication devices brought onto campus or stored under these guidelines. Students choose to bring these items to school at their own risk.

Students in violation of this State law and district policy will be subject to progressive disciplinary consequences, to include confiscation of the device. Confiscated items will be released to the student's parent/guardian .

• Professional Appearance: As a campus that works closely with healthcare professionals and community partners, Health Careers High School maintains a higher standard of dress and grooming to prepare students for professional environments.

• Hair Color: Hair should be a natural color. Unnatural colors (such as blue, green, purple, or bright red) and large sections of contrasting natural colors (e.g., half blonde/half black) are not permitted. Subtle highlights are acceptable.

• Piercings: Only traditional ear studs or rings are permitted. Gauges and facial piercings (including nose, eyebrow, lip, and cheek piercings) are not allowed.

• Shorts & Skirts: Students may wear shorts and skirts that are mid-thigh length or longer.

• Questions: Families are encouraged to review the complete dress code before the school year begins and contact the school if they have questions about whether an item meets expectations.

Please join us Tuesday, September 29 at 6:00 PM in the HCHS Library for an important General Membership Meeting.

At the request of the NISD Council of PTAs, our membership will discuss and vote regarding the VATRE proposal that will appear on the November 3rd election ballot. NISD’s Board of Trustees voted in August to place the VATRE on the ballot.

Your participation matters. We encourage our PTSA members to attend, learn more, ask questions, and take part in the vote.

Not a PTSA Member yet? No problem. Join today at joinpta.org. We hope to see you there!

Looking to connect with other HCHS families for transportation or carpooling? Complete our Carpool Connection Form, and the HCHS PTSA will help connect families with similar transportation needs.

Simply scan the QR code and fill out the form to get started!

The NISD Council of PTAs Head Start Challenge is on! If HCHS reaches 85% of last year’s membership — 174 members — by August 31, we’ll be entered to WIN A SNO CONE PARTY for the school! PLUS: Student & Teacher Membership Raffles!

Students AND teachers who join by Aug. 31 will be entered into their group’s raffle for 3 gift baskets each!

Winners announced Sept. 1!

JOIN TODAY at JoinPTA.org!
Let’s hit 174!

Alisha Arora, junior:

“Air conditioning. It’s AIR CONDITIONING! Have you not seen the heat we have!? I’d be melting right now, I’d be a puddle on the floor [without it].”

Aaradhana Nair, freshman:

“I’m grateful for WiFi because it helps me watch TV, and I’m also grateful for singers or artists cuz they make good music, and I’m also grateful for food because it’s so yummy.”

12th, Mya Mercado:

what advice would you give to the underclassmen?: sleep

If you had a song to describe this month what would it be? Happy birthday song

10th grader Joanna Thomas:

What advice would you give to the freshman: I think freshmen should not procrastinate, like they should actually do their work, and also they should join clubs and other organizations.

We’re so excited to invite all Health Careers students to MSA’s first meeting of the year! Whether you’ve been part of MSA before, or this is your first time, everyone is welcome! Come meet new people, connect with others, and learn more about what MSA has planned for the year! We can’t wait to start the year together and see all of you there!

There will be permission slips outside Mrs. Paiz's door that you can pick up, get signed, and bring to our first meeting. Permission slips will be needed to participate.

Monday, September 14th in Mrs. Paiz's Room in A149

4:30–5:00