Community Newsletter 10/5/2025

This Friday marks the end of the first grading period—an important milestone that captures all the effort and growth we've seen so far this year. Let’s finish strong. Grades aren’t just numbers—they’re snapshots of your learning, and they help us know where to support you next.

Parents: You can also stay up to date by logging into Skyward. Select Gradebook on the left side of the menu (tap the + icon first if you’re on your phone) to view all current grades. Want a closer look? Simply click on any grade to see the breakdown of scores for each assignment.

Parents: You can also stay up to date by logging into Skyward. Select Gradebook on the left side of the menu (or tap the + if you’re on your phone) to view all current grades. Want a closer look? Simply click on any grade to see the breakdown of scores for each assignment.

As we transition into the next nine weeks, we’re doubling down on attendance—because it matters more than most people realize. Starting next week, we’ll begin recognizing students with most improved attendance and outstanding attendance with rewards and shoutouts. Why? Because showing up is a life skill. In college, in a career, and even in relationships being present, consistently, makes all the difference.

This Week

Monday, October 6

• Boys Water Polo: Bi-District at 6:30 PM

Tuesday, October 7

• Volleyball @ Manvel: Freshmen and JV at 4:30; Varsity at 5:30
• Girls Water Polo: Bi-District at 6:30 PM

Thursday, October 9

• Cross Country at Dobie, 7:00 AM

Friday, October 10

• End of the 1st 9 weeks term
• Football vs Dobie: Home - 7:00
• Volleyball vs Dawson: Freshmen and JV at 4:30; Varsity at 5:30

Saturday

• Swim and Dive: Splash and Dash Sprint Meet; 9:00 AM at The Natatorium

Next Week

Monday, October 13

• Student and Staff Holiday

Tuesday, October 14

• Staff In-Service - No school

• Volleyball at Dobie: Freshmen and JV at 4:30; Varsity at 5:30

Thursday, October 16

• Football at Pasadena Memorial, 6:30 at Veterans Memorial Stadium

Friday, October 17

• Volleyball vs Pasadena Memorial: Freshmen and JV at 4:30; Varsity at 5:30

For the second year in a row, the Pride of Pearland Band earned top honors at the BOA South Houston Marching Contest, performing The Water’s Edge . They were awarded Outstanding Visual Performance, Outstanding General Effect, and were crowned Overall Champions. We are proud of the countless hours of practice and the leadership shown by this amazing group.

🎓 ACADEC Brings Home 31 Medals
Congratulations to our Academic Decathlon team for taking 1st place at the Turner Invitational! These incredible students brought home a combined 31 medals across subjects. This team continues to represent the academic excellence and competitive spirit we’re known for.

🎾 Oiler Tennis Advances to Playoffs

Our Oiler Tennis Team placed 3rd in the district and will compete in the Bi-District Playoffs this Tuesday, October 7 at Stephen F. Austin High School. Congrats to the players and coaches for a fantastic fall season.

🏈 Oilers Stay Undefeated With Big Win Over Dawson
In a thrilling crosstown showdown, the Oilers defeated Dawson 17-13 on Friday night to remain undefeated at 6-0. It was a tough defensive battle with big moments from both sides of the ball and our team showed heart and hustle until the very end in front of a packed house on the PHS side. The victory didn’t just echo through the stands, local media covered this game heavily and we even earned a nationwide shoutout on ESPN Saturday night. Keep bringing the energy, Oilers!

PHS Scholastic Book Fair

The Searcy Library is hosting a Scholastic Book Fair through Friday, October 10. Open from 6:45 AM to 2:50 PM, the fair accepts payment via cash, check, credit card, or Scholastic eWallet. Students may use their phones for purchases made before/after school. The fair closes early on the final day after 5th period. Check out the flyer and online shopping link here to browse titles and plan your visit!

Refined Ink

Our student literary magazine, is now accepting submissions for the October issue!
Students can submit short stories, poems, comics, artwork, and more—anything that showcases creativity.

• Submission forms: Searcy Library or Library Canvas course

• Deadline: Thursday, October 16
  Whether you're an experienced writer or trying something new, this is a great way to share your voice and become part of our campus literary community!

Membership

Join the PTA today! Join: Join PTA!

• All members who join by October 31st will be entered into a raffle for 3 $25 Amazon gift cards.

• Seniors: To qualify for local PTA scholarships, you must be a PTA member by 10/31. Only 20 senior signs are still available. Purchase Here: Purchase Senior Signs

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

Reflections Art Program

Students are encouraged to showcase their creativity in this year’s Reflections Program.

• Categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, Visual Arts

• Deadline: November 14th

• Theme: I Belong

• How to submit: Email your work to artsineducation@pearlandhspta.org

• More info: Reflections Info
  
  

Halloween Treats for Staff

PHS PTA will host a Trick-or-Treat Table for staff on Friday, October 31st.

• We need your help stocking the table with yummy treats (no tricks!)

• Signup to donate here: SignUpGenius Link

• Items can be dropped off at the front desk before 10AM on 10/31.

• Prefer online shopping? Contribute via the Amazon Wishlist: Amazon Link

October 13–19 is Free College Application Week across Texas! Thanks to a new statewide initiative, all public colleges and universities in Texas are now required to waive application fees for Texas residents applying through ApplyTexas.

This is an amazing opportunity for students to apply to multiple schools without the cost barrier. Whether you're planning to attend a large university or stay closer to home, this is your chance to take the next step—for free.

✅ What you need to do:

• Start your application now at ApplyTexas

• Reach out to your counselor for help with essays, transcripts, or selecting schools

• Submit your application between October 13–19 to qualify for the fee waiver

• Learn more at: MyTexasFuture.org

Let’s keep your future moving forward. Our counselors are here to help—stop by with any questions!

Every October, the Pearland High School Volleyball Program rallies together to raise awareness and support for families affected by cancer. While October is often recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, our program uses this time to shine a light on all types of cancer, knowing that it affects families in many different ways.

This year, the team is dedicating their efforts to honor and support a PHS volleyball parent currently battling stage 4 prostate cancer. It’s a deeply personal cause for our volleyball family, and we invite our entire school community to stand with them.

Here’s how you can help:

• Make a Donation
  Every dollar makes a difference. Donations will be accepted up through the match on October 21.Donate here

Let’s show what it means to be part of the Oiler family—standing together, giving back, and lifting each other up. Pride. Honor. Support.

In the coming weeks, all sophomores and juniors (and a few seniors who’ll be taking the SAT) will participate in PSAT / Digital SAT testing. This isn’t just “another test day”—it’s an opportunity with real benefits:

• Benchmark your skills — the PSAT helps you see where you stand in reading, math, and data analysis, and reveals areas for growth.

• College & Scholarship advantages — strong PSAT scores can qualify you for programs like National Merit and bolster your college application profile.

• Build test familiarity — taking a full-length exam under timed conditions helps reduce nerves and improves pacing for future testing.

• Refresh core skills — some math or reading strategies may have become rusty; this gives you a chance to sharpen them.

• Free, high‑quality prep resource — our students can access Khan Academy’s Digital SAT tools to practice real test items, work through skill modules, and simulate exams.

Take advantage of this time to prepare. Using the Khan Academy resource will help you feel confident going into test day: Khan Academy Digital SAT

Let’s use this test as a stepping stone to greater success.

1. Set a starting point with a diagnostic or course challenge
   Begin by taking the “Course Challenge” in the Math or Reading & Writing Digital SAT courses. That gives you a snapshot of your strengths and what skills need work. (SAT Suite)

2. Work through leveled lessons
   Each topic is offered at three levels — Foundations, Medium, and Advanced. Start at a level where you feel comfortable, then move up as you master each concept. (SAT Suite)

3. Use videos + guided examples
   Short video walk‑throughs (often ~5 minutes) walk you through how to think through sample questions. Pause, try the work yourself, then compare strategies. (SAT Suite)

4. Practice questions, unit quizzes, and tests
   After learning a concept, do the practice problems. There are quizzes and mini‑tests tied to units so you can check your progress. (SAT Suite)

5. Set mastery goals & track progress
   The Digital SAT courses on Khan Academy support “Mastery” tracking. You (and your teachers) can set goals (for a whole course or individual units) and monitor which skills are mastered, proficient, or in need of review. (Khan Academy Help Center)

6. Link with full‑length practice tests (via Bluebook)
   While Khan Academy is great for practicing discrete skills, all official full digital SAT practice tests are accessed via the College Board’s Bluebook app. After taking a test there, you can get a link to review your answers (and explanations) back in Khan Academy. (Khan Academy Help Center)

7. Plan your schedule & be consistent
   Break it into small chunks: a 10‑15 minute video + some practice problems each day is more effective than cramming. Use unit quizzes regularly to keep skills fresh.

Pearland High School will host on-campus TSI (Texas Success Initiative) testing this fall, giving students an important chance to show they’re ready for the next step after graduation. The TSI measures college-level reading, writing, and math skills, helping students identify strengths and areas to improve before starting dual credit courses or college classes. A qualifying score can remove the need for remedial coursework, saving time and tuition, and it also unlocks opportunities such as early enrollment in dual credit and other advanced programs.

Testing here on campus means students can complete this test in a familiar place, with support close by. We encourage all interested students to register early to take advantage of this opportunity to prepare for life after high school.

Pearland ISD is proud to partner with Alvin Community College (ACC) to provide a range of events and opportunities that support our students in exploring college and career pathways. These experiences are designed to inspire, inform, and prepare students for post-secondary success. Here are some upcoming opportunities.

Saturday, October 4 | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Nolan Ryan Center – ACC Main Campus
Students are invited to connect with professionals in business and education to learn how college helped shape their careers. This event includes:

• Guest speakers like the Superintendent of La Porte ISD and the CEO of Gringo’s

• Business and education pathway exploration

• Family fun, food, dance performances, and community resources

Register here to attend.

October 11 & November 1 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM @ Turner High School
Students needing to improve their TSI scores for dual enrollment can attend a focused bootcamp session in Math, Reading, or Writing.

Strong TSI scores are often required for students to enroll in college-level courses while in high school and play a key role in accessing dual credit opportunities at ACC and beyond. These bootcamps help students build the skills and confidence needed to meet TSI benchmarks and unlock college-level coursework.

• Only $15 per section

• Limited to 60 students per session

• Testing dates follow each bootcamp at the ACC campus

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🔗 Register for October 11 Bootcamp
🔗 Register for November 1 Bootcamp

Students and families interested in earning college credit while still in high school should attend one of the upcoming info nights hosted by ACC’s Dual Enrollment team. Learn how to apply, enroll, and succeed in the program.
Virtual Sessions via Microsoft Teams

• Thursday, October 23 | 6:00 PM

Join these sessions online at this link.

• Grading Period Ends Friday! Check Skyward and finalize all missing work.
• Attendance Recognition Starts Next Week – show up strong and finish the semester with momentum.
• Book Fair closes Oct. 10 (after 5th period) – plan your visit!
• Submit to Refined Ink by Oct. 16 – unleash your creativity!
• Join PTA by Oct. 31 to qualify for raffles and scholarships!
• Reflections entries due Nov. 14 – start your masterpiece now.
• Donate staff treats by Oct. 31 @ 10AM – thank you for making this spooky season sweet!