2019-2020 Academic Year

Heather Ramsay, Academy Director Tonya Moore, Academy Assistant

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Contact List 3 Introduction 4

Mission Five Pillars Major Courses of Study Program Description Purpose

Section 1: Getting Connected 6 Stay Updated Parents as Partners Facebook MAC Website & Academy Calendar MacKnightly Newsletter AISD Parent Cloud Academy Ambassadors

Section 2: Navigating Academy Requirements 8 Required Curriculum by Major Course Scheduling Summer Study Changing or Adding a Major Dropping One Major as a Double Major

Section 3: Expectations of Academy Majors 12 Performance/Exhibition Participation Requirement

Code of Conduct Grade Expectations Behavior Expectations Attendance Expectations Academy Probation Procedures

Section 4: Graduation & Beyond the Academy 18 Build a Portfolio

College Preparation Convocation

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McCallum Administration & Staff

Heather Ramsay, Academy Director: Heather.Ramsay@austinisd.org, 414-7506 Tonya Moore, Academy Assistant: Tonya.Moore@austinisd.org, 414-7533

*Email is preferable for questions/concerns. Most AISD emails are firstname.lastname@austinisd.org

McCallum HS Main Office Telephone 414-2519 FAX 414-2599

Administrators

Principal Brandi Hosack 414-7505 Assistant Principal, Last Names A-Cn Sophia Sherline 414-7532 Assistant Principal, Fine Arts Co-Hd Andy Baxa 414-7583 Assistant Principal, Last Names He-Me Gabe Reyes 414-7530 Assistant Principal, Last Names Mi-Sd Larry Featherstone 414-7503 Assistant Principal, Last Names Se-Z Tammy Stone 414-7588

Academic Counseling Staff

Counselor, Last Names A-Cn Lauren Croom 414-7508 Counselor, Last Names Co-Hd Shelley Goldstein 841-7317 Counselor, Last Names He-Me Daniela Galvan 414-7510 Counselor, Last Names Mi-Sd Cristela Garcia 414-7509 Counselor, Last Names Se-Z Mickey Folger 414-7514 College Counselor Nancy Nitardy 841-7315 Counselors’ Secretary Jody Ray 414-7502

McCallum HS Key Staff

Principal’s Secretary Bonnie Baker 414-7505 Front Desk/ Asst. Principals Clerk Cindy Torres 414-2519 Attendance Clerk Jewell Jackson 414-7582 Bookkeeper Tena Pinion 414-7527 Registrar Josie Santiago 414-7522 Registrar Assistant Crystal Harmon 414-7522 Data Processor Andrea Rogers 414-7519 PEIMS Clerk - withdrawal Lisa Valadez 841-7312

Police

AISD Police Dispatch 414-7503 McCallum HS Student Resource Officers 414-7537

MACTheatre tickets 414-8061

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Introduction Mission The mission of the McCallum Fine Arts Academy is to foster and advance a diverse group of student artists who will create, lead, inspire, and contribute to a global community. McCallum Fine Arts Academy’s Five Pillars The McCallum Fine Arts Academy:

Focuses on the individual development of each student Provides high quality instruction Integrates collaborative, intentional, reciprocal relationships with the broader Austin arts

community into our programs/classrooms/instruction Encourages an interdisciplinary approach to curriculum and instruction Graduates students who can produce a pre-professional level of product in their chosen art

form Major Courses of Study & Faculty Students apply to major/study in the following areas.

Choral Studies: Faculty, Allison Kashdan & Tyler Mabry Cinematic Arts: Faculty, Ken Rogers Dance: Faculty, Rachel Murray & Natalie Uehara Instrumental Music: Band: Faculty, Carol Nelson, Matt Ehlers, Jeff Rudy & Zach Travis Instrumental Music: Classical Guitar: Faculty, Andrew Clark Instrumental Music: Collaborative Piano: Faculty, Kate Wiley Instrumental Music: Orchestra: Faculty, Ricky Pringle & Erika Elder Performance Theatre: Faculty, Joshua Denning Technical Theatre: Faculty, Kristin Vandenberg Visual Arts: Faculty, Bill Cauthern, Jeff Seckar-Martinez, Carey West, Ana O’Keefe & Andrew

Cooke Musical Theatre Performance Certificate: Add-on honor with Choral Studies, Dance, and

Performance majors only: Faculty, Joshua Denning & Tyler Mabry Academy Program Description As Austin ISD’s district-wide fine arts intensive high school program, the Fine Arts Academy at McCallum High School provides an exemplary arts education program for 9th – 12th grade students to pursue an accelerated arts curriculum as fine arts majors. McCallum Fine Arts Academy attracts a diverse student body from all over the Austin area, including students who attended public, private, charter, and home middle schools.

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A group of Austin community members who realized the value of drawing together like-minded arts students to study and learn from arts experts and from each other initiated and coordinated the movement for a fine arts intensive high school in Austin in the early 1990s. This community group asked for guidance on where to create a fine arts academy in Austin from Ruth Denney, who founded Houston’s High School for Performing and Visual Arts after retiring as a professor at The University of Texas at Austin. Ms. Denney recommended McCallum High School as the site for the fine arts academy due to its rich history of excellence in arts education and its close proximity to a high concentration of community arts organizations. Partly as a result of Denney’s involvement, the McCallum Fine Arts Academy was embraced by The University of Texas College of Fine Arts from its inception in 1993 and enjoys a strong partnership which continues today. The McCallum Fine Arts Academy also collaborates with the Austin Chamber Music Center, Texas State University, the Austin Classical Guitar Society, ZACH Theatre, the Austin Symphony, MINDPOP, and myriad other artists, community organizations, cultural agencies, and educational institutions to provide the highest level of experiential learning opportunities for our students. Academy Purpose The Fine Arts Academy exists to develop well-rounded students, critical thinkers, collaborators, and a community of arts advocates. Well-rounded Students The McCallum community maintains a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. All McCallum students share the same academic classes, and Fine Arts Academy classes and auditions are open to any McCallum student. Academy majors take a minimum of six Fine Arts courses over the course of their high school careers along with a variety of before and afterschool arts-related activities. Critical Thinkers Instruction at the McCallum Fine Arts Academy teaches students how to be critical thinkers. Students are challenged and taught to analyze, critique, and revise their work. The Fine Arts faculty hold students to a high standard and require students to develop self-discipline as well as exhibit the motivation to do their best work. Our students learn to ask important questions and work hard to get the answers. Critical thinking is as key to learning to create an artwork or to choreograph a dance as it is to be successful at math and science. The McCallum Fine Arts Academy holds its’ students to the highest standards for their practice, which requires critical thinking and accepting constructive critique, as well as a willingness to analyze, practice, and revise. Collaborators All arts students are encouraged to work as members of a team at McCallum. This collaboration happens within each arts major as well as across majors. There are many opportunities for students to work with peers in other areas of the arts. For example, visual arts students plan and execute gallery exhibitions that go up before major Fine Arts Academy events in the theatre; orchestra members perform with dancers, singers, and actors; band and orchestra majors come together as a full orchestra to prepare and present music for contest. In addition, students collaborate with the broader arts community through in-school and outside-of-school fine arts partnerships. These few

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examples demonstrate that McCallum Fine Arts Academy students benefit from a broad range of opportunities throughout their high school experience. Arts Advocates By encouraging our students to explore multiple art forms during their time at McCallum, we cultivate future arts advocates who are able to speak firsthand about the value of the arts in education and in the fabric of society. We also have parent organizations that advocate for exemplary fine arts education in Austin ISD and especially at MAC! Indeed, when it’s time to support McCallum, the arts, or other important causes, the Fine Arts Academy gratefully enlists the help of our students and parents.

Section 1: Getting Connected Stay Updated The Fine Arts Academy maintains a database separate from the district system. All information originally listed on your Academy application is entered into its records. Therefore, we ask that you inform the Academy Office directly of any changes to phone numbers, email addresses, residency, etc. as they happen. Academy Parents as Partners First and foremost, parents partner with McCallum to be actively involved in their child’s education. Due to the rigors of our intensive fine arts programs, parents should be prepared to support the significant involvement of their child’s time at school. McCallum parents join advocacy groups (booster clubs/guilds) to support the activities in which their child is involved. Parents also volunteer in areas of their interest and professional expertise to support the school and the program. The McCallum Fine Arts Academy is known for our strong community of supporters, and we rely on our parent advocates to help us to continue attracting talented students. Parents promote and support McCallum Fine Arts Academy in the areas of:

Event assistance Promotion, publicity, and online presence Committee/ task force work: Bond Oversight and Campus Advisory Council Communications: local and broader community Curriculum support: securing guest artists and college/career speakers Fundraising and grant writing: securing matching funds and identifying corporate sponsors Graphic design: posters and programs Carpentry for productions Costume construction or acquisition Landscaping Photography Parent Advocacy Group: officer or parent representative

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Whether an active participant or not, parents may wish to sign up and receive important information from their fine arts parent advocacy group, in case your child may forget to tell you something in advance. Each Fine Arts major manages their own communication systems to keep their parents informed. Facebook Although the McCallum Fine Arts Academy will send out important information via direct email, we recommend that you join the “McCallum Fine Arts Academy” Facebook page. Reminders of upcoming deadlines and events will be posted there. In addition, you can stay informed about each majors’ news and events on this page. McCallum HS/ Fine Arts Academy Website & Calendars The McCallum website (mccallumhs.com) has a significant amount of information about the school and its many excellent programs. While some pages are static sources of information, you will also find it useful for events, news, and calendars. Specifically, new Academy majors will need the “Fine Arts Academy Calendar” since it will assist with meeting the Enrichment Participation Requirement (see Section 3). MacKnightly Newsletter The MacKnightly Newsletter is a weekly online publication that keeps our MAC community informed about all-school activities such as testing, late start reminders, athletics, and more. To sign up go to the MAC website. At the bottom right of any page, you will see fields to enter your name and email to subscribe. AISD Parent Cloud As a reminder, all parents have access to the Parent Cloud. A link to more information can be found at the top of the MAC website. We highly recommend that you stay informed about your child’s ongoing progress as a McCallum Fine Arts Academy major through this tool. You are also encouraged to contact any of the MAC faculty, administration or staff should you have any questions about what you see there or otherwise. Academy Ambassadors Beginning in Fall 2017, the Academy Office started a new program for outstanding seniors. The purpose of the Academy Ambassadors program is to invite and engage our seniors’ participation in Academy programs and events. Information about the criteria as well as the nomination and selection process will be available in the spring for prospective Ambassador’s.

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Students are encouraged to communicate directly with the Academy Ambassador(s) from their major for assistance, information, or feedback. While we encourage all of our students to provide support for one another, students can be assured that the Academy Ambassadors are there for them as much as they can be. Class of 2020 Academy Ambassadors:

Band, Riley McDaniel & Stephen Shearer Choral Studies, Abby Lerma & Mia Orrick Cinematic Arts, Ayla Sheppard Classical Guitar, Riley Edwards & Abby Green Dance, Lilly Brown, Astra Elliott & Amelia Paul Orchestra, Kaya Fagerstrom & Anishka Vogl Performance Theatre, Charlotte Evelyn & Sam Richter Technical Theater, Catie Mendivil Visual Arts, Brooke Miller & Sara Milliken

Section 2: Navigating Your Courses Required Curriculum by Major In addition to completing the coursework necessary to graduate under the State of Texas and Austin Independent School District requirements, Fine Arts Academy students must complete the requirements* listed on their contracts and copied below for their major. All Fine Arts major curriculum is designed to include six courses to be completed at McCallum along with outside-of-school participation requirements. For a complete & confirmed list of your individual major requirements, please refer to your Major Contract. Copies are available upon request at the Academy Office. CHORAL STUDIES

Large Choral Ensemble every year Music Theory I/Piano – Required in 11th grade (option to test out in 10th grade) AP Music Theory – Required in 12th grade Participation in UIL Solo Contest every year

CINEMATIC ARTS

Audio Video Production I – Required in 9th grade Audio Video Production II – Required in 10th grade Practicum in A/V Production I and II – Required in 11th and 12th grade Theatre Arts (9th or 10th grade), Technical Theatre (10th or 11th grade) or Film Analysis (11th or 12th grade) –

Must take 2 of these 3 courses A/V Club every year Senior Capstone project

DANCE

Academy dance course(s) every year (course placement determined by Directors) One year of Ballet - Recommended in 10th grade The Anatomy and Physiology Course - Recommended in 11th or 12th grade Perform in the fall and spring faculty-directed Dance concerts every year. Please note that freshmen in

the fall semester will work as “crew” for the Fall Dance Concert.

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INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC: BAND* Large Band Ensemble and Marching Band every year Music Theory I/Piano – Required in 11th grade (option to test out in 10th grade) AP Music Theory – Required in 12th grade Participation in UIL Solo Contest every year

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC: CLASSICAL GUITAR

Large Classical Guitar Class/Ensemble every year Music Theory I/Piano – Required in 11th grade (option to test out in 10th grade) AP Music Theory – Required in 12th grade Participation in UIL Solo Contest every year

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC: COLLABORATIVE PIANO

Collaborative residencies with large music ensembles every year, faculty assigned Piano I, II, III, and IV Music Theory I – Required in 11th grade (option to test out in 10th grade) AP Music Theory – Required 12th grade Multiple recital performances every year Participation in UIL Solo Contest and TMEA every year Collaboration with McCallum musicians at UIL and/or AISD contests, faculty assigned

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC: ORCHESTRA*

Large Orchestra Ensemble every year Music Theory I/Piano – Required in 11th grade (option to test out in 10th grade) AP Music Theory – Required in 12th grade Participation in UIL or AISD Solo Contest every year Participation in chamber ensemble, faculty assigned

PERFORMANCE THEATRE

Theatre Arts course every year (Levels I-IV taken each year in sequence) One year of Technical Theatre (Level I) One year of Dance (dance can be taken for PE credit) Participation as cast or crew in one faculty-directed show in the freshman year and two faculty-

directed shows each following year. These shows require attendance at all rehearsals, performances, tech calls as appropriate.

TECHNICAL THEATRE

Technical Theatre course every year (Levels I-IV taken each year in sequence) One year Theater Arts (Level I) Art I – Recommended in 9th or 10th grade Participation as technical crew in one faculty-directed show in the freshman year and two faculty-

directed shows each following year. These shows require attendance at all tech calls, from the first production meeting through strike.

VISUAL ARTS

Art II Design I Four additional MAC year-long Studio Art courses (min. 1 course every year; 2 at honors/Advanced

Placement (AP) level) AP Art History – Required in 12th grade Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE,) or equivalent as determined by visual arts faculty team, every year Senior Capstone project

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MUSICAL THEATRE PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE*** Choral Studies, Dance and Performance Theatre Major General Requirements

Two years of Musical Theatre – Recommended in 11th and 12th grade Participation as cast in one faculty-directed musical each year Pay all theatre production fees

Choral Studies Major: Additional Certificate Program Requirements One year Theatre Arts – Recommended in 9th or 10th grade One year Dance – Recommended in 9th or 10th grade

Dance Major: Additional Certificate Program Requirements One year Theatre Arts – Recommended in 9th or 10th grade One year Choir – Recommended in 9th or 10th grade

Performance Theatre Major: Additional Certificate Program Requirements One year Choir – Recommended in 9th or 10th grade One year Dance – Recommended in 9th or 10th grade

Please note that these are the minimum requirements for each strand. Most Fine Arts Academy students participate in numerous electives, both within and outside their major. *Some courses are double-blocked, meaning they span two class periods in the student’s schedule ***Since the add-on Certificate requires additional coursework and participation, not all students who participate in the program fulfill the requirements to graduate with it. Selecting to pursue this distinction should be done thoughtfully. Course Scheduling At the end of February/beginning of March, all current MAC students/families will participate in the Choice course registration process for the next school year. Students need to know their INDIVIDUAL graduation and Fine Arts Academy requirements – referring to what a friend has to take in the same major is not recommended. Consult your Major contract, visit the Academy office and/or speak with a counselor, as needed. Staying informed is vital to not only selecting the correct required courses but also for registering in time to ensure that the classes they need or would like are available. During summer close to start of school, students will see their selected classes in Student Cloud. At that time, if any changes are necessary, students should immediately email their counselor. This is the quickest and most efficient way to clean up your course choices. If this option is not taken, campus counselors hold a Back-To-Mac event (August) where you can meet with the counselor directly. There is a strict deadline for course choice changes every August. Email your counselor for course or schedule change requests, not the Fine Arts Academy office. On the first day of school, students will receive their schedule containing order of classes and teacher names etc. Always refer to your individual Major contract for the “Required Academy Curriculum” necessary to graduate as an Academy major. Physical Education is a state requirement to graduate. Band majors fulfill this requirement with Marching Band over several years. Likewise, all majors should consider taking Dance (Aerobic Dance) for PE credit. See your counselor and/or faculty for specific scheduling advice.

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Summer Study Many of our students participate in summer courses in order to fulfill all of their requirements as well as to continue being actively engaged in their discipline through to graduation. The primary resource for camps and summer study within your major is your supervising arts faculty. However, if you are interested in completing academic courses during summer, you should speak to your guidance counselor in early spring. The benefit to taking an academic course during summer is that it opens a space in your school schedule for meeting requirements and/or taking a course of special interest.

Summer study on a college campus is also highly recommended for several reasons, including: introduction to dorm life, working with college professors, and immersing yourself away from home in a college environment. If summer study is done at a college where the student plans to apply, there is value added, such as meeting professors who may take special interest in students who will be submitting an application. There are a variety of summer study opportunities (short length and longer). They can be expensive, but students should not be hesitant to ask for a summer camp scholarship. If interested, students should start researching in the fall as an application usually is necessary. Almost ALL college campuses have a summer study program available to high school students. Changing or Adding a Major On occasion students wish to take a different direction on their path as an Academy major. As such, we have a required process for requesting any change or addition of a major. This process includes form completion, essay, signatures and conversations with student, parents, faculty and Academy Office. Once a year in late fall semester the Academy Office begins processing requests; students may stop in for a form and specific instructions at that time. An email will be sent to the addresses we have in the Academy database indicating process and deadline. While all requests are reviewed, they are not all approved. Requirements:

1. All changes to majors must be completed in the fall semester during the 9th, 10th, or 11th grade year. No major changes will take place after the fall deadline beginning 19-20yr.

2. A completed Change or Add Major form (pick up at Academy Office) and an essay are required by the deadline.

a. Grades and behavior will be checked from current McCallum reports. b. Faculty recommendations will not be necessary, as the approving faculty of your

new major should know you from classes you are currently in or have taken. c. Faculty determine whether an audition or portfolio review is necessary for each

individual student. Dropping one Major as a Double Major If you are considering dropping one of your majors (as a current double major) for any reason, the following are requirements that MUST be met:

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1. The student must meet with the Academy Director for an Exit Interview. During this conversation, the student should be prepared to share the reasons for choosing to drop. The student will need to have conversations with parents and her/his supervising arts teacher as well, which is recommended prior to this interview.

2. At the Exit Interview with the Academy Director, you will receive a Drop Form, which must be completed and returned to the Academy Office before the student will be officially dropped.

3. Information gathered during the Interview and on the Drop Form will be used internally to better the program for future students.

4. Once a student submits the Drop Form, they will not be reinstated into that major for any reason.

Section 3: Expectations of Academy Majors Enrichment Participation Requirement (Blend Assignment) The purpose of this Academy Contract Requirement is based on our commitment to developing well-rounded, critical thinking and collaborative arts advocates.

Freshmen Requirement: Sign into the Fine Arts Academy tile on your Blend dashboard; instructions sent via email. Once there, read through the assignment instructions. You must complete one assignment during fall semester AND one assignment during spring semester. Read instructions carefully for deadlines, details and requirements at the START of each semester to ensure you have time to plan, attend and complete the assignment by the deadline.

Sophomore Requirement: Sign into the Fine Arts Academy tile on your Blend dashboard (it will look different than last year). Only one assignment for the whole year is required. You may choose to either complete it in the fall or spring. Be sure to read instructions carefully and follow all deadlines.

Junior Requirement: We know you have the skills now to naturally think critically about performances and want to support your fellow majors! This year simply attend one performance not of your major between the start of the school year and April 1st. Bring a program with your name handwritten clearly on it from the performance you attend to the Academy Office for this year’s assignment credit. All program’s due prior to April 1st.

Senior Requirement: We love that you want to continue to attend Academy performances! This year it is your option to bring a program to the Academy Office to receive a reward. You are responsible for no other enrichment requirement.

Since this is a contract requirement, failure to complete these expectations each year fully can lead to removal from the Academy and loss of transfer, as applicable. Code of Conduct The Fine Arts Academy expects our students to follow the AISD Code of Conduct and represent themselves and our school in an exemplary manner. McCallum administration, Principal and/or

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Assistant Principals, will handle incidents of misconduct. Please review the AISD Student Code of Conduct at: https://www.austinisd.org/parent-information/conduct-code In general, the McCallum Fine Arts Academy expects students to:

Maintain passing grades Maintain exemplary attendance Earn no serious behavior consequences Make satisfactory progress in their major each year.

These higher expectations of our majors (as detailed below) are the minimum accepted for earning the honor and distinction of graduating from the McCallum HS Fine Arts Academy. An Academy student who falls short of expectations will be given required interventions to complete. In all cases, the automatic intervention: tutoring at minimum will always be required. The intention of the intervention is to show the student what it will take to achieve the desired result. Grade Expectations

All Academy majors are required to maintain a minimum grade of 80 in their required fine arts courses listed on the Major Contract.

All Academy students are required to maintain a minimum grade of 70 in all other classes at all times.

A student with ANY grade below the minimum expectation will be automatically assigned an intervention: mandatory tutoring. This applies to all classes whether AP, Honors or otherwise. (See Academy Probation Procedures for tutoring details). Grades, attendance and behavior are monitored every 6 weeks; semester and finals grades are not reviewed.

Your high school transcript is important when applying to colleges, as well as for graduate schools, internships, and potential employment. An excellent GPA, a transcript that shows rigorous high school courses, and a resume showing long-term commitment to an organization or activity contribute to more (and better) opportunities down the road.

Attendance Expectations At McCallum High, teaching and learning exists primarily in a face-to-face environment. Attendance is a vital factor towards developing good habits as well as staying engaged with the curriculum. As a Fine Arts Academy major, students are required to maintain a minimum 90% in-class attendance rate. Like grade and behavior expectations, poor attendance can lead to removal. Absence related questions should be directly to the Attendance Clerk (contact info pg 3). Any escalation in Probationary Status due to attendance will require at minimum an automatic intervention: tutoring. What Does 90% Attendance Mean & Other Important Guidelines:

Absences and tardies from class are reported by the teacher during the first portion of class. Once attendance is reported, should the student arrive to class, the teacher has to take additional steps to change the record. Therefore, we strongly recommend that the student monitor Student Cloud (or Parent Cloud) to ensure the record has been updated. In these

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circumstances, a parent note will not change a teacher’s attendance; verification must come from the teacher.

“Making up absences” at MAC can be done to satisfy the AISD (not Academy) requirement of 90% in-class attendance necessary for obtaining credit for the class. You may attend Saturday School to accrue replacement hours. The length of hours is specific to your absences. Speak to your Assistant Principal for the number of hours at Saturday School you need to complete to “make up” your absence.

Fine Arts Academy majors MAY NOT clear their Academy probationary status by going to Saturday School. Making up absences for AISD course credit does NOT change your Academy status. See Academy Probation Procedures next for more info. All majors are held to a higher standard and expectation, therefore being in-class is expected. Going to Saturday School is not the same caliber of learning opportunity as attending class.

When you are absent, you need to provide appropriate documentation immediately upon return to school. You should provide documentation, such as a parent note, for EVERY absence no matter the circumstance.

ALL absence documentation will be recorded. However, NOT ALL documentation types are approved to impact your 90% in-class attendance rate. To learn which documentation types are allowed and which ones will “excuse” the absence, thereby keeping your rate higher, speak to the Attendance Clerk.

If a physical or mental health concern is impacting absences, you should report it to both the counselor as well as the Academy Director. Determined on a case-by-case basis, Academy Probationary Status may be modified ONLY IF there are NO UNX (unexcused absences) and NO UT (unexcused tardy) codes in the student’s record. Therefore, it is essential that the student arrive to class on time and that ALL absences have documentation submitted to the Attendance Clerk.

Tardy Policy Administration will be monitoring attendance very closely in order to ensure students are attending class regularly and on time. Students have seven (7) minutes to transition from one class to another. Upon late entry (after the tardy bell), students will be marked tardy by their teacher. Students may get up to two (2) tardies per week without penalty. Upon the third tardy in a week, the student’s name will appear on their administrator’s discipline list. The progression of consequences is as follows: 1st & 2nd appearance on list 1 day lunch detention, parent notification 3rd appearance on list 1 week lunch detention, parent notification 4th + appearance on list 1 day ISS & parent meeting

Behavior Expectations Academy majors are expected to demonstrate a level of conduct both in and out of school that earns the honor and distinction of being called a McCallum Fine Arts Academy graduate. We look to our students to exhibit appropriate, respectful, and kind behavior towards faculty, staff, administration, community members and other students. The Code of Conduct is just the baseline from which Academy majors can serve as a role model to inspire and lead others towards becoming better global citizens.

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Most behavior infractions are managed directly by faculty. However, should behaviors persist or call for it, students and/or parents may be asked to meet with the Academy Director. Again, serious and persistent behavior infractions are handled by MAC Administration. Appropriate behavior, as indicated on the Academy Contract, is an obligation of each major, and, therefore, inappropriate behavior can lead to removal from the Academy and loss of transfer, as applicable. The level of escalation, whether up 1 or 2 levels of probation, immediate removal from the Academy or other consequence, will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the Academy Director. Generally, however, expulsions are an immediate removal and suspensions place the student on a Final Removal Warning status (all grades/behavior/attendance must meet expectations or immediate removal will occur). Any escalation of Probationary status due to behavior at minimum will require an automatic intervention: tutoring – although additional interventions may be determined necessary depending on the case. Again, specific outcomes and interventions are determined on a case-by-case basis with MAC Administration. Academy Probation Procedures We fully expect a student on probation to work harder, attend intervention tutoring, and earn all credits for the grading term and semester. We realize that working at this level is challenging. Sometimes failing grades are the result of not turning in work. Parents are expected to monitor their child’s grades through the Parent Cloud. In addition, our student-centered faculty make themselves available for tutoring/office hours. Please contact them directly with class concerns and questions. McCallum wants your student to be successful. With parent, student, and school working together, we expect good outcomes.

1. A student is placed on probation when s/he does not meet the minimum expectations of grades/behavior/attendance as outlined above.

2. There are NO methods to get off probation other than meeting the minimum expectations the following 6 weeks (or longer as required). Attending Saturday School and/or completing other tutoring will NOT clear your probationary status; instead, these are interventions for improvement.

3. Students will always be automatically assigned an intervention: tutoring. However, as described above, other interventions may be deemed appropriate and necessary for the individual student and her/his circumstance.

4. The Academy Office does not regularly RE-review grade/attendance/behavior records. Therefore, if after the official grade report is posted there is a change, you must contact the Academy Office to notify us of the changes – especially if it may impact a change in your probationary status.

5. Each probationary step below relates to one 6 week grading period. Grades, attendance and behavior are monitored every 6 weeks; semester and finals grades are not reviewed.

6. Failing a grading period happens when a student does not meet the expectations as listed previously. It does not matter whether a student fails one or more class; ANY fail constitutes a failure and places the student within the process described next.

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7. A student can be on probation for grades > improve the grades the next grading period but fall short in attendance > and the probationary status will be escalated. Not meeting minimum expectations in any area will result in the escalation of probation.

8. Students managing physical or mental health challenges are still held to the minimum expectations of a major. However, allowances for extra time may be made on a case-by-case basis. The Academy Office utilizes official records only to make these determinations. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student/parent to ensure MAC administration and counselors are notified ASAP of any pending or current concerns. Please copy the Academy Office about the concern – even if only a general summary for privacy.

9. Steps rollover to the following year. Students can only come off probation when passing all of the minimum requirements for grades/attendance/behavior on the next grade report.

STEP 1: 1st PROBATION If the student fails to meet an Academy expectation, the Fine Arts Academy office will notify the student and/or parent by email. Students are expected to complete the mandatory automatic tutoring hours as a remediation intervention. Hours are recorded and submitted to the Academy Office on an Academy Tutoring Log by the student. The tutoring log is sent as an attachment with the probation notice email and can be found in the wall pocket just outside the Academy Office. Further details about completing tutoring can be found below and on the log. When the student passes the next grading term, s/he will be removed from probation. However, failure to make improvements will lead to Step 2: 2nd Probation. What Counts as Academy Intervention: Tutoring:

The goal of tutoring is to provide a timely intervention strategy for individual improvement as well as a planned opportunity for rigorous engagement towards academic success in the Fine Arts Academy.

All tutoring must be completed on the student’s own time. In-class time during the school day DOES NOT count. After school called rehearsals or work sessions DO NOT count.

Tutoring must be completed with a teacher on your current course schedule before/during/after school, at Saturday School, or with a private professional tutor hired by a parent/guardian. Tutor MUST sign Academy Intervention Tutoring log every time, and then the student returns it completed to the Academy Office.

Tutoring must be actively supervised by a teacher. Library time and/or studying with a peer DOES NOT count.

Tutoring does not need to be completed in the same courses that were failed/low grade, if applicable. However, it is highly recommended that tutoring is completed where there is the most immediate need.

General Tutoring Instructions: Tutoring must be completed DURING the six weeks following the failed/low

grade(s)/attendance/behavior infraction by deadlines indicated on log. Student is responsible for logging and turning in all tutoring records, including Saturday School, to

the Fine Arts Academy Office, Room 161A located in the Language Hall.

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Completing the form: Subject/Type: list class or Saturday School; for example, Pre-Cal, AP Music Theory, or Saturday School Total Time: amount of time completed during that one instance; for example, 45minutes or 1hour Total Hours Completed: add up your total time; it should match your total intervention tutoring hours needed

How Much Academy Intervention Tutoring Time Am I Reguired to Do:

4 hours for the first failed/low grade; expectation – min. of 80 in major coursework and min. 70 in all other academic coursework

PLUS 2 hours for every additional failed/low grade class AND/OR 4 hours required for probationary status escalation due to attendance and/or behavior Example: 68 in English and 75 in Ceramics – a Visual Arts major would do 6 hours of tutoring vs. a

Band major would do 4 hours because Ceramics is not a class in their major; if attendance was also below the minimum, add 4 hours – in the examples above it would be 10 hours or 8 hours

Exception: AP Music Theory (all music majors), Anatomy and Physiology (dance majors) and AP Art History (visual art majors) expectation is min. of 70 each 6weeks due to level of rigor in these courses *NO exception for any other courses AP or otherwise Failure to Complete Tutoring: Failure to meet tutoring deadlines will result in immediate communication with parent(s). Failure to complete tutoring demonstrates lack of engagement in intervention strategies meant to support your success to remain an Academy major and at McCallum HS. STEP 2: 2nd PROBATION If a student fails a 2nd grading period in a row, then s/he is placed on 2nd Probation. Everything in Step 1: Probation applies, including mandatory intervention tutoring, with the addition of the following. Students beginning to show a consistent pattern of failure should meet directly with the Academy Director. Students should contact the Academy Office to schedule a meeting during the school day (ideally during a fine arts class). The Academy Director may also pull you from class without a scheduled meeting as time permits. Students will receive support and encouragement, direct talk, and a full intervention and remediation plan will be discussed and completed. The Intervention & Remediation Plan form must be taken home and returned with a parent signature within 2 days. We recommend that parents and students discuss the plan as well as any other intervention strategies that may help to improve student success. Failing grades, as well as poor attendance and behavior, are not acceptable for a Fine Arts Academy student. Therefore, with support from the Academy office, administration, counselors, and parents, we expect full pro-active engagement from the student to do her/his part to remedy the situation. When the student passes the next grading term, s/he will be removed from probation. Failure to do so leads to Step 3: Removal Warning.

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STEP 3: REMOVAL WARNING Should the student fail a 3rd grading period in a row, then s/he is placed on Removal Warning. Everything in both Step 1 & Step 2 apply as requirements and expectations, with the addition of the following. At this consistent stage of failure, the matter should be taken very seriously. The Academy Director will meet with the student, if this has not been done so previously, as well as pursue direct contact with parents to discuss removal from the Academy and what might be done to assist the student to prevent that outcome. Any student who is removed from the Academy loses the transfer to remain at McCallum, as applicable. To be taken off of Removal Warning status and the danger of leaving the Academy, the student must pass the next TWO grading periods in a row. Failure to do so will lead to Step 4: Removal. STEP 4: REMOVAL FROM THE FINE ARTS ACADEMY If the pattern continues and the student still is unable to meet the minimum expectations of a major, s/he will be automatically removed from the Fine Arts Academy. Parents will be notified of the removal via email. Students will not meet with the Academy Director regarding removal unless explicitly requested by the parent(s). This ensures parents have the option to speak with the student themselves. If the student is on a transfer, the transfer will be revoked. Students who lose their transfer are required to leave MAC and enroll in their home school at the end of the semester that the transfer is removed. Students can apply for a transfer from AISD Student Services (414-1726) to remain at McCallum as a non-major. Choosing to Leave the Academy When you were accepted into the Academy, you were given a valuable spot that many other young people would have loved to have had. Therefore, a decision to voluntarily drop your major should not be taken lightly. While we understand that there are some circumstances from which a student may choose to no longer be a major in the McCallum Fine Arts Academy, we do not wish to see this happen. Administration, faculty and staff invest time and effort towards your success that should not be taken for granted. Likewise, positive character traits of commitment, dedication and follow through are very important to future colleges, professors, and employers. Regardless, while we will look for and discuss ways to support you in staying, we will respect your final decision. If you are considering leaving for any reason, the following are requirements that MUST be met:

5. The student must meet with the Academy Director for an Exit Interview. During this conversation, the student should be prepared to share the reasons for choosing to drop. The student will need to have conversations with parents and her/his supervising arts teacher as well, which is recommended prior to this interview.

6. At the Exit Interview with the Academy Director, you will receive a Drop Form, which must be completed and returned to the Academy Office before the student will be officially dropped.

7. Information gathered during the Interview and on the Drop Form will be used internally to better the program for future students.

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8. Seniors will only be allowed to drop during the first 6 weeks of the school year. After that time, no drops will be provided and seniors will need to meet the rest of the expectations of her/his major.

9. Students attending McCallum on a curriculum transfer will lose the transfer and the ability to remain at MAC upon dropping. Contact Student Services for transfer info, 414-1726.

Section 4: Graduation & Beyond The Academy Build a Portfolio Although the Fine Arts Academy is not officially a portfolio school, you will be building a body of work that, when documented, will be your fine arts portfolio. Not just for visual arts majors, the portfolio can be an excellent tool to set yourself apart from other college candidates. While you should talk directly with your fine arts faculty about specifics, the portfolio is a collection of evidence of your work. Starting as a freshman, Academy majors are held accountable for particular requirements in and out of their classes. Parents - documenting this evidence will greatly assist you later. Artifacts could include:

Performance Photographs Recordings Programs/ Playbills UIL/ VASE Adjudication Results Honor Organizations

Other Clubs and Activities Academy Portfolio High School Resume Brag Sheet Scrapbook

Convocation Every year, often the day prior to the whole school graduation, the McCallum HS Fine Arts Academy hosts a Convocation (graduation) ceremony for the class of graduating Academy majors. Attendance is mandatory, as we believe that the success of each of our student’s hard work should be celebrated in the best possible way. Specific information about Convocation is communicated in the spring. College Preparation The Fine Arts Academy strives to provide you with enough opportunities for success in learning that you will embark upon your college endeavors fully prepared, whether as a pre-professional in your arts field or as an academic in another direction. However, getting there will take some planning and work.

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At McCallum, all students have access to the Gear Up Lab, which is our college resource room run by a college counselor. In addition, your fine arts faculty is the best resource for preparations towards a fine arts program. Start your research early to know what is required as well as when deadlines occur for each college you are interested in applying. While staying actively engaged in your coursework and other studies, keep your portfolio and resume up-to-date. Remember that colleges can, and do, revoke admission due to poor work senior year. Cultivate professional relationships with your faculty and other experts in your area(s) of interest. These people can serve you by writing your college recommendations. Ask early, and give them reminders so that they can meet your timetable.

Remember that attending the McCallum HS Fine Arts Academy is a priviledge and not a right. We look forward to helping you make the most out of this honor and distinction!

HLR 8.8.19