Originally delivered on 8/18/2024 10:02 pm

SUBJECT: DeBakey PTO Newsletter - August 18, 2024

DeBakey PTO

DeBakey PTO Newsletter

August 18, 2024


Sponsored by AP Tutors: To Enroll for SAT/PSAT Bootcamps, visit:

https://myaptutors.com/sat-and-psat

In This Issue
  • Important Upcoming Dates
  • Sign up to continue to receive newsletter
  • School News
    • C-A-B-A-B
    • Laptop Distribution
    • Freshmen
    • Schedules
    • Senior Class Photos (Class of 2025)
    • Class Dues (2025)
    • EF Tours
    • Updated Uniform Policy
    • PTO Uniform Store Updates
    • Scrub backorders
    • PTO meeting calendar
    • Clinical Requirements
    • Teacher Appreciation
    • VIPS application
    • Reminder: Student Volunteer Requirements
    • Parking Agreement
    • Arrivals and Departures
    • Bus Riders
  • Additional Resources
    • Grade Tracker
    • Canvas
    • HISD Connect Code
    • School Messenger
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES



  • Aug 19 - Lunchtime Uniform order pickups
  • Aug 21 - Lunchtime Uniform order pickups
  • Aug 23 - Sophomore Navy Scrubs Pickup @ Lunch and Afternoon Dismissal
  • Aug 27 - Senior Forum (Virtual) 5:30-6:30 pm
  • Aug 29 - Freshman Forum (Virtual) 5:30-6:30 pm
  • Sept 2 - Labor Day (No School)
  • Sept 3 - Teacher PD (No School)
  • Sept 4 - Open House 6:00-8:00 pm
  • Sept 10 - Junior Forum (Virtual) 5:30-6:30 pm
  • Sept 10 - First (virtual) PTO meeting of the year
  • Sept 12 - Sophomore Forum (Virtual) 5:30-6:30 pm


Sign up for this Newsletter (again!)

This newsletter is distributed through "Membership Toolkit" which requires all members to update their information each summer. 

Please take 2 minutes to update your information so you will continue to receive this newsletter throughout the school year. 


Update your membership info here

Laptop Distribution


Students who did not pick up a Chromebook last week, need to be signing up for a time during their assigned lunch period, freshmen and sophomores during B lunch and juniors and seniors during A lunch. Students need to make sure they have parent signature on the Laptop Agreement form and that they do not have any outstanding devices. Students are responsible for getting their Chromebook and for completion of the required laptop orientation, Students will get more information about this requirement when they pick up their Chromebook. 

Mr. Rosales, Customer Service Representative

Ms. Rodriguez, Instructional Technologist


Freshmen

Homerooms:

Teacher

Room

Student last names

Weinert, L

206

Abo - Bau

Franz, D.

217

Ben - Che

Le, J.

228

Chi - Eli

Khan, N

506

Ell - Gou

Leon, L

233

Gre - Jos

Romero, R.

407

Kad - Mah

Boughaba, F.

324

Maj - Mur

Le, B.

229

Nav - Pal

Lopez, F.

308

Par - Red

RendonOrozco, M.

311

Rey - Sim

Deenadayalu, C.

317

Smi - Urq

Stewart, J.

507

Uwa - Zur

Ms. Whiting, Attendance Clerk

Ms. Niaves, Registrar 

Dean Shargey, Dean of Instruction

Counselors:

Ms. Simon (last names A-L)

Ms. Arizmendy (last names M-Z)

Schedules

This item is about schedules. While in homeroom, teachers will pass out student schedules. Students, if your teacher does not hand you a schedule or your schedule is missing even one class, then you will need to report to room 148 on the first floor to have this issue corrected before you proceed to your next class. Students, if you have issues with your schedule, Do NOT run to the counseling suite. Instead, complete the schedule change form. It will open on Monday at noon and I will include more information in a follow up email. Once you get your schedules you will report to all classes on Monday. You'll also go back to homeroom again to pick up additional forms. Parents, please check with your student as many of these forms require your signature and must be returned by August 16th.

 

Before submitting this form think about your changes. This form will close August 23, 2024 at 3:00 pm. After the deadline no request will be honored. 

 

Please do not submit multiple requests for the same change. Submitting this form multiple times will cause an issue and may delay any requested changes.

 

Requests MUST be submitted no later than August 23, 2024 at 3:00 pm . The form will close @ 3:00 pm, NO EXCEPTIONS!

 

Grounds for SCHEDULE CHANGE REQUEST


1. You have received SUMMER SCHOOL CREDIT

2. You are in the WRONG CLASS LEVEL 

     EX: You took Geometry and passed but Geometry is on your schedule) 

3. You need to drop AP/HADV/Pre-AP class DUE TO HEAVY COURSE LOAD (Once you are removed from the class, you will not be able to return if you change your mind)

 

*Also, keep in mind that any changes made to your schedule will cause a shift, and you may not have the same teachers and class periods as your original schedule. This may also unbalance in your core and elective courses and result in different class assignments.

 

*Requests to move to another class period or another instructor will not be honored. For example, requesting your math course at B1 with Ms. Howard.

 

If you are requesting to move to AP/Pre-AP/HADV from a Magnet course, you must have at least an 85 final grade for both semesters. Classes require a teacher recommendation. 


Reasons why your requests may be denied:

1. Class is full (some classes have a maximum of students)

2. Class was not created

3. Teacher did not recommend you

4. Change creates a scheduling conflict

Counselors:

Ms. Simon (last names A-L) & Ms. Arizmendy (last names M-Z)


Ms. Whiting, Attendance Clerk

Ms. Niaves, registrar or Your child's teacher for specific grades

Completing Forms in HISD Connect Parent Portal (video)


Senior Photos (Class of 2025)

A reminder to Seniors that they must take their senior pictures with Prestige Photography at their studios! SCHEDULE YOUR SUMMER APPOINTMENT NOW! You have TWO options:

See the attached handouts to sign up with Prestige Photography for one of their two locations:

1). Katy Studio: 2501 SOUTH MASON RD. SUITE 210 KATY TX 77450

2). Houston/Willowbrook Studio: 18730 Tomball Parkway Suite B Houston TX 77070

 

CREATE YOUR PROFILE AND SCHEDULE YOUR IN-STUDIO APPOINTMENT AT,

LOCAL.PRESTIGEPORTRAITS.COM

FOR SCHEDULING ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CALL:

877-244-9873 OPTION 2, THEN OPTION 1



Class of 2025!!!

THE CLASS OF 2025 FEES/DUES ARE $350.00 AT THIS TIME DUE TO THE RISE IN COST OF LIVING .  THE FEES WILL INCLUDE GRADUATION EXPENSES SUCH AS CAPS & GOWNS, DIPLOMA COVERS, STOLES AND PERHAPS THE GRADUATE PROM TICKET.  CLASS OF 2025 FIELD TRIP EXPENSE MAY BE AN EXTRA COST. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT MRS. ROHINI VARGHESE, RVARGHES@HOUSTONISD.ORG     

(can be made in payments)

Pay Class Dues here!

EF TOURS

JOIN US FOR THESE AMAZING TRAVEL EXPERIENCES

Spring 2025
Summer 2025
Uniform Policy Updates

As part of our ongoing commitment to preparing our students for careers in healthcare, we are adding a medical professional uniform requirement. The medial professional uniform or scrubs, will be required by all students in grades 9-12, however each grade level has been assigned a different color, to be worn for the duration of their time at DeBakey. All students must wear their scrub uniform on the day they attend their health science class. Students may choose to wear their regular uniform or scrubs on other days. The PTO will support this initiative through their uniform sales. This information will be made available soon. Additional information will be included in an email. We believe this change will further enhance our school’s mission to provide a rigorous and professional education in the healthcare field.

From the student handbook: 

Medical Professional Scrubs (MPS) Uniform

Students must wear their MPS Uniform on days they attend their Health Science classes. Students may wear the standard uniform on days they do not attend a Health Science class.

MPS Uniform: Will be available to purchase from PTO Uniform Store


Shoes

Non-Canvas, skid/slip-resistant tennis shoes

  • No croc style shoes

All White, including laces

Lab Coats* (juniors and seniors)

  • Short length, all white with blue embroidered DeBakey logo on the left, pressed

All white with embroidered DeBakey Logo

Other Requirements

For Rotations, the following industry standards will apply:

  • Nails - natural without polish. Acrylic, gel, powder, press on nails not accepted.
  • Hair - Must be pulled back away from face. Hair longer than neck or in face should be tied back with a hair tie or band. No bandanas, bows, or large hair accessories.
  • Makeup - No heavy makeup including false eye lashes or extensions
  • Perfume/cologne - None
  • Jewelry - No dangling or large jewelry and no facial piercings. 

 

Scrub and Lab Coat Guide
PTO Uniform Store Updates

Don't forget to order uniforms so your student is ready for school!

(Scrub orders will not be available for pick up until the end of August.) An email notification will be sent when those orders are ready.

All teachers have been notified of scrubs and PE shirt backorders, therefore students will not be penalized for not having scrubs. However, they will be expected to wear the regular school uniform.

  • Uniforms
    •  Scrubs  
    • Top

      • Short Sleeve top in the correct size for the student and designated color for their class.
      • Student ID must be clipped to the top or on a lanyard.
      • A white cotton, long sleeve tunic may be worn under the uniform top.
    • Pants
      • Coordinating pants (full length) of the same color and the correct size for the student.



Please consider Volunteering for Uniform Store!

                   Click Here to Sign up!

Adults should be VIPS background check cleared.  Use this site to apply if you have not already done so:   

              For VIPS clearance click here!


MARK YOUR CALENDAR for PTO meetings
PTO MEETINGS 2023-2024

Join us to learn more about what the PTO is doing to help our school and get involved! All meetings will be at 6:30 pm.

  • Sept 10 virtual
  • Oct 8 virtual
  • Nov 12 in person
  • Jan 14 virtual
  • Feb 11 virtual
  • March 18 virtual
  • April 8 in person
  • May 13 virtual

More information will be shared as we get closer to each date.


Clinical Rotation Requirements

Juniors as you know your clinical rotation requires that you obtain certain immunizations. In the follow-up email, you will have a checklist of important items that must be completed by August 12th.

 

Failure to meet the clinical requirements the first week of school may result in your student not being able to participate in clinical rotations. Completion of Clinical Rotation Requirements will be considered when assigning clinical rotations.

Teacher Appreciation

Please help us stock our teacher and staff lounges to keep them energized and motivated!  


Click here to help!


Time to Renew Your VIPS application!

Parents and Guardians, it's that time of year! Even if you have been VIPS approved in the past, you must renew your application and be approved each year. You must be VIPS approved to volunteer in any capacity at any HISD school. Please apply now so you are ready when the volunteer opportunity arises!

Register for VIPS approval here!

Reminder: Student Volunteer Requirements

REMINDER:  Every DeBakey student must have at least 100 community service to graduate with a DeBakey diploma.

Remember, colleges look at the community service and how you give back to your community when choosing a candidate to accept into their school. The summer time is a great chance to get caught up and to give back to the community.

Guidelines for Community Service Hours >>

Volunteer Opportunities in Houston >>

Parking Agreement

Student drivers are required to have a parking tag to use the front lot. The parking fee is $75. Students wishing to secure a spot will report to the main office with their Texas-issued driver's license, license plate number, and proof of insurance in the first week of school. Please note that violations of the student code of conduct may result in loss of parking privileges. The follow-up email will contain the required form with additional information.

<>

  • Ms. Alexander - Assistant Principal, Student's last name A-L
  • Ms. Tapia - Assistant Principal, Student's last name M-Z
Arrivals and Departures

Brush up on Drop Off-Pick Up Procedures!

If you are new to DeBakey - and even if you are returning - please watch this video to reacquaint yourself with our DeBakey carpool procedures to keep everything running smoothly this school year.


*No parking on Pressler!

*Enter on Pressler (heading southbound); you may not approach northbound and take a left into the school parking lot

*Follow traffic pattern once in the DeBakey parking lot

*Pull into a drop off/pick up spot to let your student exit the vehicle and allow traffic to continue 

*Exit on Montclair side

*Please watch for pedestrians!


We tend to see quite a bit of traffic congestion in the first week of school especially around arrival time. We encourage everyone to make every effort to leave earlier than usual to avoid this congestion. Parents dropping off or picking up their students must be familiar with the procedures we have in place (video). Students are expected to be in their seats by 7:55 am every day. Be advised that students that accumulate excessive tardies may see a reduction in their conduct. The goal is not to penalize, but we want to encourage students be on time and in their classes ready to learn. 



From the Counselor's Corner
Bus Riders

This item is for our bus riders. I will be sending a follow up email with a link to a map (list of bus stops) and form for students that rely on bus transportation. If you have not received information from HISD about your bus route or have another concern about transportation, please call 713-613-3040 and/or complete this form

Ms. Jafferali, Magnet Coordinator

Ms. Lopez, Magnet Office Clerk


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -