The Weekly Memo Feb 23rd-Feb 27th

Use the Staff Google Calendar for more details of school events and activities!

• Melanin Monday
  Wear neutral colors: shades of brown, cream, tan, and black to celebrate the beauty of all skin tones (staff dressing up for BHM spirit week can wear jeans).
• In celebration of Black History Month, the media center will be hosting a Black Voices "Read‑In" during the last week of February. Teachers are welcome to join us anytime, but if you'd like to bring your classes, please sign up here. The event will also be open to individual students before school and during lunch. Feel free to reach out to Mrs. Sly with questions or ways to collaborate on ways to connect this event to your AKS.

• Black Iconic Figures Day
  Dress as influential Black leaders, scientists, artists, or athletes (staff dressing up for BHM spirit week can wear jeans).
  

• Cookout Kings & Sideline Queens
  Wear BBQ dad and soccer/football mom attire (staff dressing up for BHM spirit week can wear jeans).
  

• The Remix – Y2K Edition
  Dress like you’re back in the 2000s (staff dressing up for BHM spirit week can wear jeans).
  

• For the Culture
  Wear HBCU or Divine 9 clothing or the Pan-African colors — red, green, and black (staff dressing up for BHM spirit week can wear jeans).
  

🟢REMEMBER - With testing next week, ALL staff (not just those testing), should have TEAMS available on their computer.

🟢NO CHANGE - Dates - March 3-6

🟢NO CHANGE - Non-EOC Courses - Timing 40-45 minutes - 1 class period

🟢UPDATE - EOC Courses - Timing 75 minutes - 2 class periods

🟢EXTENDED TIME 7th PERIOD - Students testing a District Assessment during 7th period with extended time will receive a green testing pass from their teacher to report during 6th period. Students should check in with their 6th period teacher for attendance purposes and then go to their testing location. Best practice is that 7th period teachers should send a TEAMS message to the 6th period teacher to expect a green pass and to send the student the following day. Green passes will be in teacher mailboxes by Thursday, 2/26. This procedure only applies for district assessments.

Extracurricular Night is scheduled for Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 5:15–6:30 p.m. This event provides an opportunity for clubs and organizations to showcase their work and help rising 9th-grade students and their families learn how students can get involved at McClure Health Science High School.

The evening will begin with a presentation in the Theater, followed by the Extracurricular Fair in the Commons.

At the end of this email, you will find a link to a Microsoft Form that must be completed by each club planning to participate.

Event Expectations:

• All clubs must be represented at this event, and an adult sponsor must be present.

• Clubs should arrive no later than 5:00 p.m. on the day of the event to allow time for setup prior to families arriving.

• Each club must have at least one student representative and one adult supervisor/sponsor present.

• Clubs should prepare a table display that promotes and highlights their organization.

• Clubs must provide a one-page flyer or brochure for students and families to take with them.

• Clubs must have a sign-up sheet to collect student and parent names and email addresses for follow-up and recruitment purposes.

  
  

Please ensure the Microsoft Form is completed no later than Tuesday, March 6.

If you have any questions or need clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out to Ms. Alonso

Thank you for your support and continued commitment to student engagement!

Click here to complete the form.

🟣All students enrolled in Lit & Comp I (mostly 9th graders) will take Gwinnett Writes on March 19.

🟣All 11th grade students will take the SAT School Day on March 19.

🟣Most staff will be involved as proctors, "testing buddies", or hall monitors.

🟣Staff needing to take leave on 3/19 should set up a meeting with Dr. Hernandez before putting in for approval.

🟣All staff can wear jeans/scrubs on 3/19 AND can leave at 2:15 this day!

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MHSHS Website | Mission & Vision | Family Resources | Faculty Handbook

GCPS Portal | GCPS Newsletter | GCPS News | Archived Memos | HR Personnel Handbook

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Meadowcreek High School’s Girls Soccer team is currently hosting a fundraiser to support their program. We know several of our McClure students are part of this team, and we are proud to help share this opportunity with our staff community.

Supporters can contribute in two ways:

• Team Store (Spirit Gear): https://701043.snap.store/

• Direct Donation Page: https://raise.snap.app/donate/meadowcreek-women-s-soccer-2026-fundraiser

  
  

All proceeds go directly to supporting the Lady Mustangs. Thank you for considering supporting our student-athletes!

Cookies available for order at our Pulse Store! 🔽 🔽 🔽

Ramadan follows the Islamic lunar calendar, with its start determined by the sighting of the crescent moon. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin the evening of Wednesday, February 18, 2026, and end on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam and is observed as a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. During this month, many Muslim students may fast from dawn to sunset, refraining from food and drink throughout the school day.

Key considerations for supporting students during Ramadan:

• Many older students fast for the entire month; some younger students may fast part of the day or on select days.

• Fasting students may appear more fatigued, particularly in the afternoon, especially as Ramadan overlaps with Daylight Savings Time, which may impact sleep patterns.

• Students may decline participation in food-centered activities, including lunch.

• Please remain attentive to and proactively address any teasing, bullying, or insensitive comments.

Spaces & Accommodations

• During lunch segments, students may choose to remain in the Commons or relocate to the Media Center.

• Students may use a designated area in the Media Center or request a private space through Mrs. Sly.

• Students who wish to reserve a quiet space to pray during the school day may reach out to their school counselor for coordination.

• Parents visiting the school who would like accommodations for prayer may let a staff member know, and we will be ready to assist and coordinate those accommodations.

Meal Support for Students

• GCPS will offer meals to students fasting during Ramadan.

• Meals will be available for students to pick up and take home from February 17, 2026, through March 19, 2026.

• As we have done in the past, the cafeteria will have a designated service window open specifically for students observing fasting.

• Meals will be available at the end of the school day, prior to students heading to buses or car rider pickup.

• Families who would like their student to receive meals next week should complete the registration form by Thursday, February 19, at 4:00 p.m.

  
  

Resources to support staff understanding of Muslim students’ religion and culture:

• Teachers-Guide-to-Islam-Muslims-v2-1.pdf
  
• What is Ramadan? The Islamic Holy Month - Behind the News

Thank you for your continued commitment to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and culturally responsive school environment.

Student Food Support Referral

MHSHS Family,

If you are aware of a student whose family may be experiencing food insecurity, please complete the Student Food Assistant Support Referral Form. This allows the Counseling Department to discreetly follow up and connect families with available resources and food assistance. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Staff Referral Form: Student Food Assistance Support

• Tardy Report 08/04-Present
• 🆕Advisement Teacher Attendance Report for Friday 2/6 - Thursday 2/19

• Please review the admin coverage list while Ms. Zaretsky is out of the building until March 17

• 🚦After School Events pick up plan/ map-
  

• MHSHS Student Landing Page

• MHSHS Tardy/AWOL Plan & Behavior Intervention Flow Chart
  
• KSU Graduate School Info
• TALC to MLs – Fall Cohort 2 (Section 65067- Nov 11-20)

• Join the Sunshine Committee

• 25-26 Staff Surveys
• Advisement Calendar
  

• 🆕Need Chart Paper? Email Ms. Juarez

• 🆕Check the Technology Updates for information concerning room reservations

• Directions for Accessing IPTV for Staff
• Administrative Detention Form

• PE Equipment Request form - fill out at least 24 hours in advance

• Email Ms. Ray for a word-to-word dictionary
• Student Destination Log
• Staff Parking Location
• Staff Duties & Map Location Duties
• Bell Schedule (Yearlong - Starts 8/11)
• Lunch Schedule
• Staff parking tags!
• If you need language service support click here

• HR Mandatory Trainings
• Thursday 7/24 - Day 1 - Teaching & Learning
• Friday 7/25 - Day 2 - 9th Grade Academy Meeting Slides
• Friday 7/25 - Day 2 - Co-Teaching Meeting Slides
• Monday 7/28 - Day 3 - Supportive Community
• Monday 7/28 - Day 3 - CLT Intentional Collaboration Presentation
• Thursday 7/31 - Day 7 - School Operations 1
• Friday 8/1 - Day 8 - School Operations 2 (Technology & Compliance)
• 25-26 Bookkeeper Financial Procedures
• ML Professional Learning & Supports 10/27/25
• ML PD- Strategies for Supporting MLs 11/17/25
• 12.15.25 ML Department Meeting
• Jones/Robins Literacy PD 1/2/26
• ML ACCESS Pep Rally- 1/9/26
• Padlet: https://padlet.com/cathleeneckholm1/writing-professional-development-nu5ryh3ra7mlh2d5
• Prompts: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1z0Q1ZdHeNxkRm-yPx1uHN5s7FkAiVelAXbPI2ZZNPb0/edit?tab=t.0
• Learning Frame: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15ekaRBennxYWk98HQu9WhGBiI5Uy7Ppe/copy
• Shape Up: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YvBFLWEsGVabzY-bSB3Kw4L96LS78ROj/copy

• MHSHS Core Beliefs
• MHSHS Instructional Framework
• Instructional Conversation Resources
• 2025-26 Testing Calendar

We are proud to share that Tayyab Rajgoli has officially advanced to Finalist standing in the National Merit Scholarship Program! This is an outstanding academic accomplishment that reflects his dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence.

Please join us in congratulating Stephanie Howard on well-deserved recognition from the district.

Stephanie was acknowledged by Dana Terry, Financial Support Specialist, for her exceptional attention to detail and integrity in managing our school’s financials. She was specifically recognized for being the only bookkeeper who has ever questioned a monthly “investment interest” credit — simply to ensure accuracy and full understanding of the process. That level of diligence reflects her deep commitment to doing things the right way.

Before any activity moves forward, Stephanie thoughtfully asks the right questions and ensures we are aligned with all policies and procedures. Her thoroughness and professionalism give our entire team confidence that our financial operations are in excellent hands.

Thank you, Stephanie, for the care, precision, and leadership you bring to McClure each day. Please join us in congratulating her on this recognition. 👏

MHSHS is proud to celebrate two outstanding student-athletes who qualified for the GHSA State Wrestling Tournament — and BOTH made the podium!

• Kyra Barnum (11th grade) placed 6th in the 145 lb bracket

• Zorah Lee (12th grade) placed 3rd in the 190 lb bracket

  
  

In addition to her success on the mat, Kyra was also named to the Georgia Wrestling Coaches Association All-Academic Team, earning this honor with an impressive 3.86 GPA — a true example of excellence in both athletics and academics.

When you see these incredible young women, please take a moment to congratulate them on their hard work, dedication, and outstanding accomplishments in the classroom and on the wrestling mat! 💙👏

This week, we proudly recognize and celebrate our School Resource Officer, Officer Carter.

Officer Carter is so much more than a presence on campus — she is a trusted mentor, protector, and positive influence for our students and staff. She builds meaningful relationships with students, supports our school community with professionalism and care, and helps ensure that McClure remains a safe and welcoming environment for all.

Her calm presence, dedication, and genuine care for our students do not go unnoticed. We are grateful for the leadership, compassion, and commitment she brings to our campus each day.

Please join us in thanking Officer Carter for all she does for Team Pulse! 💙👏

We are proud to share that Mr. Peter Udall and Ms. Bailey Baker have both been invited to serve as official AP® Readers at the 2026 AP Reading!

AP Readers are selected educators from across the country who are recognized for their content expertise and instructional excellence. During the AP Reading, they collaborate with fellow educators to evaluate student work and help ensure the accuracy, consistency, and integrity of AP exam scoring nationwide.

This prestigious invitation is a testament to Mr. Udall’s and Ms. Baker’s deep content knowledge, commitment to academic rigor, and dedication to student achievement—both at McClure and beyond.

Congratulations to you both for representing Pulse at the national level! 💙✨

We are proud to announce that five of our students have been selected as GHP State Semifinalists and will advance to the state interview on February 28th. Finalists will be announced in April.

Please join us in congratulating:

🔬 Siddharth Pathak – Science (Chemistry)
🎨 Lizeth Rodriguez-Arevalo – Visual Arts
🌎 Darlyn Ayala Martínez – World Languages (Spanish)
🌎 Jaqueline Gomez Negrete – World Languages (Spanish)
🌎 Sara Cardona Chantaca – World Languages (Spanish)

This recognition reflects their academic excellence, talent, and dedication. We are incredibly proud of these scholars and wish them the very best as they move forward in the selection process.

We are incredibly proud to celebrate CTAE Student of the Year, Jasmine Osorio-Antonio, for earning a national honorfrom NCWIT through the Aspirations in Computing program.

Jasmine Osorio-Antonio was selected as a 2026 National Aspirations in Computing Award recipient, an honor given to only 40 students nationwide from thousands of applicants. This prestigious award recognizes students for their technological innovation, leadership, and impact—and Jasmine stood out on the national stage.

Even more remarkable, Jasmine appears to be the only national recipient from the state of Georgia this year. Her achievement reflects not only her talent and dedication, but also the strength of our CTAE programs and the support of the educators who guide her.

Congratulations, Jasmine! We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what you accomplish next. 💙

Did you know that McClure Health Science High School was recently featured in the ML Newsletter for our innovative Pulse Passport initiative?

Our work to support Multilingual Learners through intentional classroom strategies is being recognized beyond our campus. The Pulse Passport was highlighted as a creative way to encourage teachers to integrate impactful ML strategies and celebrate linguistic diversity across content areas.

We are proud of the collaboration and commitment from our staff that made this recognition possible. Way to represent, Team Pulse! 💙

• A Few of My Favorite Things Form
• Responses

Major & Minor Incidents by Violation & Grade

This week, we surprised Mrs. Zamora with a well-deserved Pop-Up Celebration!

Mrs. Zamora consistently goes above and beyond to ensure her students have access to every opportunity available to them — from showcasing their artwork to connecting them with contests, exhibitions, and creative experiences beyond the classroom. She advocates for her students, pushes them to see their potential, and creates a space where creativity truly thrives.

Her dedication, passion for the arts, and unwavering support of our students make a lasting impact on our school community.

Thank you, Mrs. Zamora, for inspiring excellence and expanding opportunities for our students every single day! 💙👏

• February 6 – Matsui Boren
  
• February 11 – Crystal Havenga
  
• February 14 – Kimberly Best
  
• February 16 – Robert Barnes
  
• February 16 – Renee Williams
  
• February 17 – Tiffany Sanford
  
• February 19 – Tiffani Schick
  
• February 20 – Vanessa Chan
  
• February 20 – Morgan Sweatt

Click HERE to claim!

McClure Health Science High School

3921 Club Drive, Duluth, GA

770-806-7900

MHSHS Website