AHS year-at-a-glance MONTHLY/BI-MONTHLY EVENTS

PTSA Lunch & Learns. Students may sign up for these schoolday lunchtime events via a Google Form link that is shared in Blend and the Maroon Update. They can earn either 1 point toward their academy distinction or 1 hour of make-up time for unexcused absences. Pizza is provided. Past topics have included mental health, car maintenance, college admissions, nutrition, screens, substance abuse. Held in the iLab in the library, typically three times each in the fall and spring.

PTSA General Meetings. A brief business portion of the meeting is followed by a guest speaker, addressing topics such as college admissions, mental health, nutrition, screentime, etc. Held virtually, typically at 6pm on a weekday, in September, November, January and March. The May meeting is on campus, typically at 9:30am on a school day, and incoming families are welcome to join to hear about plans for the year ahead and ask questions.

JUNE+JULY
Summer Assignments. For select Advanced and AP classes, summer assignments are posted on
the school website and linked in the Maroon Update.
Maroon Meetups. Casual, come-and-go events for incoming families, typically held on a weekday in June and in July, from 7:30-8:30pm in front of the Austin High Performing Arts Center. Administrators and current students are on hand to answer questions, the PTSA sells merchandise, and Kona Ice is served.

AUGUST
Maroon Roundup. Orientation for new students, typically one weekday in early August from
9:30am-12:30pm.
New Parent 101. The PTSA holds this virtual event to orient parents whose students are new to the school, and answer questions.
Back to School Night. An event for parents/guardians, typically a weekday evening event the last week in August. It starts with principal remarks and brief PTSA meeting, followed by short visits to each of your student’s classes to meet their teachers, hear about the syllabus/curriculum/class policies, get supply lists. A marketplace is held an hour earlier for those who would like information on parent booster clubs and to buy spirit wear.
Picture Day. Takes place during English class, typically at the end of the month. Photo packages can be pre-ordered using a code that is shared in the Maroon Update, or ordered afterward by reaching out directly to [email protected]. Retakes are typically in October. *Seniors have multiple senior portrait days they can sign up for throughout the fall.

SEPTEMBER
Student Involvement Fair. Student clubs will be at tables in the second floor hallway during
lunchtime on two school days.

OCTOBER
Homecoming Dance. Held on a Saturday evening, typically 7-10:30pm, in the school gym. Tickets can be purchased for $15 online at https://austin.myschoolcentral.com/ and picked up at the second floor concession stand. (Prom in the spring is for seniors.)
ACL Fridays. School typically releases early, around 1pm, to allow students to leave before the roads are closed and crowds arrive. *Pending approval from the school district.

NOVEMBER
Maroon and White Night. An event where future students and their families can learn about academy programming, athletics, fine arts, electives and student organizations. Typically held on a Wednesday evening the week before fall break, 6-7:30pm.

DECEMBER
Winter Wonderbrains. The Link Crew holds a study session for freshmen in advance of finals; perks are free tutoring, extra credit points, and cookies. Typically held on a Tuesday for two academies and Wednesday for the other two academies, from 4:45-6:15pm in the cafeteria. Late buses are available.
Finals. The last four days of the semester, students take final exams in each of their classes - two per day - and school typically dismisses around 1pm.

JANUARY
Advanced Academics Night. Typically a weekday evening event in the library, where the college and academic counselors explain the various advanced course options at Austin High (AP, UT On-Ramps, ACC). All are welcome but it is geared toward freshmen and sophomore families.

MAY
Yearbook. Deadline to purchase a yearbook: https://sites.google.com/austinisd.org/thecomet-austinhigh (the link will also be shared in the Maroon Update starting in the fall). The earlier you order, the cheaper it is. They are typically distributed in the small gym, or may be picked up in room 335.
Finals. The last four days of the semester, students take final exams in each of their classes - two per day - and school typically dismisses around 1pm.