It’s hard to believe that we have reached the end of the first semester!  Our newsletter is going to take a break until school starts again in January.  The PTO hopes everyone, especially our hardworking HHS staff, has a restful break and enjoys the time off.

In the meantime there is a lot of important information to share this week, so keep reading.

As a reminder, if you want to receive this newsletter directly in your email box you can sign up here.

TUESDAY! DECEMBER 19th at 6:30 PM 

Don’t miss the HHS Winter Concert! With performances from Mariachi, Jazz Band, Beginning Band, Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble. Can’t wait to see you there and spread some holiday cheer through music!!! Admission is Free!!!!

HHS presents "Heights Lights" on Wed. Dec. 20 - Heights Lights is like a holiday-themed waiver day - in the evening!  Come out to support Heights clubs and get in the holiday spirit.

There is still one date to take advantage of this great gift giving spirit event. On December 19th, every purchase you make at Beyoutiful Anti-Aging studio, either for that day or for future dates, earns 15% back to our PTO.  This includes gift cards (hint, hint to anyone still doing their Christmas shopping).  Don’t forget to mention Heights HS PTO when booking/purchasing. Bring in a gift for their Toys for Tots drive and get 10% off!

Some FAQs for finals week: 

Q: Are parents going to be able to check their kids out if they don't have an exam in the afternoon?
A: There are no final exam exemptions so all students should be taking finals in all classes.
Q: Are students who are not taking exams permitted to leave early? 
A: There are no final exam exemptions so all students should be taking finals in all classes. 
Q: What about kids who don't have an afternoon class such as an off period?
A: If students have an off-campus period, they would still be allowed to follow that schedule.

Thanks to your support, the PTO was able to include school capital improvement funds in this year’s budget.  New gates for the student parking lot have been on Ms Hampton’s wish list for a long time.  We’re thrilled to help make her wish come true!  

Last week we provided $28,000 towards the installation of new student parking gates.  The new entrance and exit gates will work on a timer allowing the gates to open/close on a schedule.  Ensuring gates are closed during classroom instruction periods will improve security in the lot.  The goal is for this project to be completed over the winter break.

The next Coffee with the Principal will be on Wednesday, January 10th at 8:45 am.  Hope to see you there!

The HISD Board recently voted to become a District of Innovation (DOI).  You can read more about DOI here.  One big change is that the school year will begin earlier next year (sometime between August 7 and 14).  The district will request input on the proposed calendar from staff and families, so be on the lookout for that in late January.

We have lots of several openings for volunteers in January.  We need your help! Sign up here.

HISD is hosting community events on December 19 & 20 regarding the school choice enrollment and application process.  In-person sessions will be held Tuesday, December 19, 2023, from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Two virtual information sessions will be offered on Wednesday, December 20, 2023......

Yearbooks for seniors are included in senior dues, but ads must be purchased separately.

Breaking News!  Class of 2024 graduation will be Sunday, June 9, 2024 at 12 pm (barring any changes from the district!).  Mr. Montanez will share more details as they are received.

Check the HHS College Center site often!  Updates include scholarships, college fly-in programs, university virtual information, application steps, and more!
Check out the Scholarship Opportunities 23-24
Follow the HHS College Center site for Class of 2024
Follow the HHS College Center Instagram
** Senior Dues pay here**
Yearbook Ads on Sale - If you would like to honor your senior with a yearbook ad, create and purchase a custom ad here. Yearbooks for seniors are included in senior dues, but ads must be purchased separately.

The College Center is preparing for the FAFSA 2024-2025 to open. The latest from the Department of Education is that the FAFSA will open by December 31st.  We are planning numerous workshops in January to help seniors and parents complete the FAFSA. Workshop dates are below.

For now, the best way to prepare for FAFSA is to create an FSA ID. Beginning with the 2024–25 FAFSA, all contributors (student and parent/guardian) must have their own FSA ID. The FSA ID is a username and password that is required to login to FAFSA. Processing a new FSA ID can take up to five business days. By getting the IDs now, you will be ready to complete and submit FAFSA once it’s available.

To create an FSA ID, please go to studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch

How to create FSA ID video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTb7hMVtzco

Those contributors without an SSN, but whose student is eligible to apply for FAFSA, will need an FSA ID. However, they cannot yet create an FSA ID without a Social Security Number. We expect this access to be available around the same time the FAFSA is released.

FAFSA Lunch Workshops:

January 8th
January 12th
January 29th
February 5th
February 14th

FAFSA Evening Workshop:
January 18th – 6:00-8:00pm
FAFSA Saturday Workshop:
January 27th- 10:00am- 1:00pm

*All workshops will be held in the Teaching Theater

The College Center will continue to communicate with seniors and parents. Encourage your student to check their Outlook email daily. You can also find more information on our Senior newsletter: www.smore.com/sq6d9 and Instagram: @Heights2college 

Thanks,  Ms. Schumacher and Ms. Garcia

Please register online to take your cap & gown photo off-campus at Legacy Studio. Every student is encouraged to take their photo for the yearbook, even if you don’t plan to purchase photos. There is a FREE sitting fee for this option.
 

Location: Legacy Studios @ Spring Street Studios
1824 Spring Street
Unit 222
Houston, TX 77007

Help support the Class of 2025 this upcoming sale during Heights Lights! Croc Charm $2
With each Bulldog Croc Charm purchase, 25 cents will be donated to the Houston SPCA to help animals in need!

Class of 2025
Remind code: @78cfcg3
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/heights2025/
Instagram: @heightsco2025

Juniors will be taking the digital SAT exam at school on March 20, 2024.  Khan Academy offers free digital practice!

Spread the word on this great opportunity! Open to ALL Heights Juniors. See the JROTC Department or College Center for questions or assistance registering. JROTC will have the permission slips since it will be during the school day. HURRY - limited slots available!

Check out this article on Junior Lady Bulldog basketball player Jazmyne Gilbert!
Heights Interact Club put together over 100 bags of needed items for Houston’s homeless
Heights Library: Bulldogs, do you love surprises? Get ready for your holiday reading and open the magic of a good book! You get a couple of hints, but the rest is “under wraps”!
ZIA had such a great time participating alongside the Harvard community at their All Around the World event!! Happy Holidays!!
JROTC cadets honored veterans by placing wreaths on headstones at the Wreaths Across America Event
The Christian Student Union collected and delivered over 300 gifts and to nearby children to make their holidays brighter 

A big thank you and shout out to our amazing cast and crew of “Mean Girls” the musical. We love and thank everyone who came out…….Till next time!