THE GENERAL EDITION

We extend congratulations to Mr. Jose Diaz as a 2020 UIL Sponsor of Excellence. School administrators from across the state nominated teachers, directors, and coaches for this recognition. "Jose Diaz was selected because he demonstrates the high level of dedication, care, and achievement we look for in a Sponsor of Excellence", stated Charles Breithaupt, UIL Executive Director.

In her letter of recommendation, Mrs. Peterson, Principal said the following of Jose Diaz: "The dedication and passion for music he shares with his band students is unmatched. Jose Diaz provides MacArthur High School students with a comprehensive music program. Students gain opportunities to bond with other students sharing the same aspirations and network with professionals to advance in their dreams of becoming successful musicians."

We thank Jose Diaz for his commitment to UIL programs and the benefits they provide for the young people of Texas!

Persistence paid off for senior Shonese Murphy who had to pass three auditions that started in September. This year the audition process was a bit different than usual due to COVID. Each audition required her to learn the Alto 2 (lowest treble voice part) of three pieces of choir music.

Each audition consisted of her making an audio recording of herself singing three sections (or cuts) of the music in one take, with no editing of any type allowed. The cuts were released on a Saturday and she had 5 days to make her recording and submit it. After the recording is submitted a panel of five judges evaluate and score the recordings, knowing no information about the student, just their voice. The average of all scores is taken and used for placement. The first audition (Region), they only moved the top 20 students to the next round. The second audition (Pre-Area), they only moved the top 5 students to the next round. The final audition (Area), they chose the top 10 students. Each audition required the students to learn and perform different cuts and music.

Congratulations to Shonese Murphy who is one of only two students in Aldine ISD to make the All-State Treble Choir!

Texas State Technical College Annual Senior Day event is happening January 29, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm VIRTUALLY! This event is a great opportunity for the graduating class of 2021 to come visit and explore the opportunities we offer at TSTC all in a virtual platform.

Register today at https://bit.ly/SeniorDay21.

See your counselors for more information.

Announcing the first-ever virtual HSF College 101 Series, three (3) programs, which will be hosted on Wednesday evenings this spring.

HSF College 101 is a FREE, bilingual program held in various time zones, designed to help middle and high school students, and their parents, prepare, plan, and pay for college. Subject-matter experts will deliver the content and will be joined by Admissions and Financial Aid representatives from universities.

HSF is actively seeking to establish partnerships to recruit as many students as possible in your local community. Below are the dates and registration links for each of the three HSF College 101 webinars:

· Wednesday, February 10, 2021, 6:00 p.m. PT

· Wednesday, February 24, 2021, 6:00 p.m. CT

· Wednesday, March 10, 2021, 6:00 p.m. ET

We are off to a very busy start of a new semester. We are determined to give more attention, time and support to enhance student success. An important part of that is family and student engagement. Please refer to the website, Facebook, Twitter, the school marquis, flyers, etc. and participate in our school sponsored/related events.

Below are a few reminders of some of the celebrations that we will support. We hope this helps you.

Parent Trainings

• Wednesday, January 13

Lone Star College Courses

English Session: 9:00-10:00 a.m. http://bit.ly/LoneStarCollege

Spanish Session: 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. http://bit.ly/ColegioLoneStar

• Wednesday, January 27

Mental Health

English Session: 9:00-10:00 a.m. http://bit.ly/MentalhealthTraining

Spanish Session: 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. http://bit.ly/entrenamientoSaludMen