DeBakey PTO Newsletter January 21, 2025
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- Important Upcoming Dates
NHS induction 1/23/25 5:30-7:30 pm 8th Magnet Open House 1/28/25 6:00-8:00 pm Winter Ball 1/31/25 7:00-11:00 pm Scientific Symposium 2/28/25 - Field day 3/28/25
International Festival TBA
- School News
- The Week Ahead!
- PTO Uniform Store Update
- Counselor's Corner: College Prep!
- School Information
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR for PTO meetings |
| PTO MEETINGS 2024-2025! 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. - 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. |
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 Excellence in Leadership! Congratulations Principal Herrera! |
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In recognition of Student Achievement. Maintained "A" Status. Central Division. |
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Schoolwide Dominos Fundraiser supporting all students Dear Parents,
Today we are starting the school-wide Domino’s fundraiser. Please register for the fundraiser with the link below and help us raise money for end of the year activities and other school related events.
Register: https://register.dominos.cards/46311
(Get a personal link and a chance to win two $50 Amazon gift cards)
Store: https://store.dominos.cards/46311
(Share this link if you do not register)
Dashboard: https://dash.dominos.cards/46311
(See everyone’s sales and keep tabs on the Amazon gift cards & Bonus Cash)
Leaderboard: https://leader.dominos.cards/46311
(Shows how we are doing in comparison with other groups to earn $100 Bonus Cash)
After you register, please forward your personal link or the general store link to every contact in your phone via text. You can also forward that link to all contacts in your email. Lastly, please post the link to all social media platforms that you use (Facebook, Twitter, IG, Snapchat, TikTok, etc.)
ORDER FORMS TO TAKE CASH WERE SENT HOME TOMORROW WITH EACH STUDENT
DeBakey Fundraising Committee and Vice President, Tiesha Ward |
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Parents in STEM Careers and Health Professions Save the date - Scientific Symposium February 28 The Scientific Symposium, the annual half day event where students can learn more about careers in the medical & STEM fields, will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025. Numerous medical and science professionals return yearly to DeBakey to talk to students about their work experiences. There are a few speaker spots left, so if you or someone you know might like to present to our students about their interesting career, please contact us for more information at sciencesymposium@debakeypto.org.
The event approaches! If you would like to be a speaker again or for the first time please fill out this form and return to Dean Shargey. This is an amazing opportunity to show how valuable pursuing a career in STEM can be. bshargey@houstonisd.org additionally you can contact Katarina Jonke and Lia Badalashvili at sciencesymposium@debakeypto.org
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Thank you to these amazing Viper Parents! |
Thank you Laura Virgadamo for you Sponsorship in our directory and your support on Spirit Night! |
Sponsor Directory Have a business you'd like to promote? Consider our online Sponsor Directory. Click here |
To purchase swag please contact Cris Stennett at athletics@debakeypto.org. |
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| Attention: Basketball Parents https://www.signupgenius.com We are raising money to support the DeBakey Basketball and Athletics. We need your help and support. Please donate snack items and/or volunteer to help sell snacks at the home games. Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. |
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The Weeks Ahead! - Monday, January 20 (MLK Holiday, no school)
- Tuesday, January 21 (A Day) - CLOSED due to weather
- Wednesday, January 22 (B Day) - CLOSED due to weather
- STAAR Interim Assessment: Algebra I - POSTPONED
- Thursday, January 23 (A Day)
- STAAR Interim Assessment: English I & II
- 4:00 pm - Basketball Practice, Gym
- 5:30 pm NHS Induction
- Friday, January 24 (B Day)
- Last day for students to submit assignments for PR4
- HOSA Leadership Conference
- No club meetings should be scheduled on Fridays
- Monday, January 27 (C Day)
- Report cards sent to parents
- UIL Grade Check - Academic competitors and sports players must submit a copy of progress report or report cards to their sponsors for eligibility
- Tuesday, January 28 (A Day)
- 11:00 am JSU, Room 148
- 11:40 am HHS, Room 148
- 3:30 pm DeBate, Flex Lab
- 4:00 pm - Basketball Practice, gym
- 6:00 pm Magnet Open House
- Wednesday, January 29 (B Day)
- Thursday, January 30 (A Day)
- 3:30 pm - Pickleball Club
- 4:00 pm - Basketball Practice, gym
- Friday, January 31 (B Day)
- Cycle 4 Progress Reports to Parents (Monday)
- 7:00 pm - Winter Ball
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Update! We want to wish everyone a restful MLK Day! Take a moment to reflect on the legacy of Dr. King and his impact on justice and equality. While students were to return on Tuesday, Jan. 21, The district has announced that schools will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. Stay tuned to the news and district social media for additional information. Links to social media accounts will be included in the email to follow. Mr. Herrera, Principal |
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Cycle 4 This week marks the halfway point of cycle 4 and this Friday is the last day students can submit assignments for Cycle 4 Progress Report. Remember that Progress Reports are like a snapshot of your child's progress thus far. Students not earning at least a 70 may be assigned to a mid-day tutorial to help support them for the remainder of the cycle. Check HISD Connect for real-time progress of your child's academic progress. Mid-Day Tutorials are held Tuesday through Friday. All students are required to attend their assigned tutorials or study hall sessions. Failure to attend may result in detention. Students can check Canvas for a list of tutorial or study hall assignment. Parents may also get a notification if their student does not report to their assigned tutorial. Dean Shargey, Dean of Instruction |
STAAR This week the district will administer the STAAR Interim Assessments to students enrolled in Algebra I and English I & II. Algebra I which was scheduled for Wednesday, January 22, is postponed while both English I and II will be administered on Thursday, January 23rd. Most of the testing will take place on the second and third floors, so students should check Canvas for room reassignments. We want students to get a good night's rest the night before they take their exam, therefore no other major coursework or assessments will be administered to the mostly freshmen students, on these days. We begin serving breakfast at 7 am. |
Spring Exemptions Parents, now is the perfect time for students to start planning for Spring Final Exam exemptions! While students can't submit exemption requests until May, it’s important to review the criteria now to ensure they qualify. For exemptions, students must: - Maintain a semester average of 85% or higher.
- Have a conduct grade of S or better, with no outstanding detentions.
- Have no more than 3 total absences. It does not matter whether these absences are excused, unexcused, made up for NGs, or any other reason.
- Exemption Limits:
- Freshmen: 1 final exam
- Sophomores and Juniors: 2 final exams
- Seniors: All final exams
Additionally, students enrolled in AP courses may submit a separate exemption request for each AP course, regardless of grade level. For exemption of AP Finals, students must sit for the AP exam. It is the student’s responsibility to meet these requirements and adhere to all deadlines. Still confused? Parents and students should ask their questions and start planning now to meet the criteria and make the most of this opportunity! |
Rice Summer Mathematics Project Interested in resources to help your student practice math this summer? The Rice University School Mathematics Project will offer camps this summer for students preparing to enter Algebra 1 through Calculus next year. Each camp is approximately 2 – 4 weeks and can provide academic support for your student as they prepare for the upcoming school year. Spots are limited so sign up as soon as possible. Additional information will be included in the email to follow. Contacts and Resources: Ms. Tapia - Assistant Principal |
Grading Policy As the first semester comes to a close, we want to ensure that students and parents clearly understand the whole course averaging policy. Whole course averaging allows students to earn credit for a year-long A/B sequential course by averaging their final semester grades, even if they fail one semester. To qualify, the combined grades from the first semester (A portion) and second semester (B portion) must total 140 points or more, resulting in an average of 70 or higher. This policy is designed to motivate students who may struggle in a course to improve academically and still have the chance to earn full credit. Please note that to be eligible, both the passing and failing grades must be earned within the same school year. The school registrar will automatically award credit to students who meet the requirements—no application is necessary. Feel free to contact your child's counselor for more information. Contacts and Resources: Ms. Simon (last names A-L) Ms. Arizmendy (last names M-Z) |
EMERGE Program I have important information to share regarding the EMERGE program for Class of 2027. Their recruitment page is now open and they are taking applications. The deadline to submit an application is February 17, 2025. Additional information will be included in the email to follow. Contacts and Resources: Counselors: Ms. Simon (last names A-L) Ms. Arizmendy (last names M-Z) |
Winter Ball Tickets for winter ball are on sale now on schoolpay.com, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable evening. Inspired by the enchanting world of Harry Potter, this year's theme will help you step into the magic of the Yule Ball. Invitations to accept nominations will begin soon. Nominees will have the opportunity to accept their nominations from January 17-20, and voting will take place from January 21-24. Tickets will be available for students now through January 24, while guest tickets will be on sale from January 27-29. Please note that a guest form is required for non-DeBakey student attendees. The PTO is also seeking volunteers to help bring this magical night to life. |
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! |
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Class of 2026!!! THE CLASS OF 2026 DUES ($350) CAN BE PAID IN PAYMENTS AS LOW AS $25 ON SCHOOL PAY. DON'T MISS OUT ON ANY IMPORTANT EVENTS NEXT YEAR! MAKE A PAYMENT TODAY. REFER ANY QUESTIONS TO DR. BIELAMOWICZ: MBIELAMO@HOUSTONISD.ORG Pay Class Dues here! |
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From the Counselor's Corner |
Teacher Appreciation Please help us stock our teacher and staff lounges to keep them energized and motivated!
Click here to help!
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| 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 >> |
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JOIN US FOR THESE AMAZING TRAVEL EXPERIENCES |
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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! |
Contacts and Resources Ms. Alexander - Assistant Principal, Student's last name A-L Ms. Tapia - Assistant Principal, Student's last name M-Z |
Elevator Rules!
A reminder to students that they may not ride the elevator without a pass from the nurse. This applies before and after school, therefore students who attend tutorials, club meetings, or practice sports after school must use the stairs. Students with instruments may only ride the elevator if they are carrying a large instrument and this only applies to before or after school. Students, don't get grumpy when you are asked to show your ID and pass, we are simply verifying that your status is current. Even if you've shown us the pass before, just do it. Students riding the elevator without a permit will be assigned detention.
Contacts and Resources: Ms. Alexander - Assistant Principal, Student's last name A-L Ms. Tapia - Assistant Principal, Student's last name M-Z |
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Policy for Tardiness and Absences Students who return to school from an absence or were tardy to class must bring a note to have it excused. A student is absent from a class if they are not actually in school at the time attendance was taken. Please note that a student must be in class for 60 minutes out of a 90 minute class (or 35 minutes on C day classes). The absence is unexcused and requires the student to bring a note from a parent or health care professional if the student was at a doctor's appointment to Ms. Whiting in room 117 within 3 days of the absence. Please read the district's attendance policy. What to do if your child is absent or tardy Students who have been absent or tardy must present a written excuse from the parents or guardian when they return to school. Excuses for absences and tardies are: - personal illness
- sickness or death in the family
- quarantine
- weather or road conditions making travel dangerous
- participation in school activities with permission of the principal
- juvenile court proceeding documented by a probation officer
- approved college visitation
- emergencies
- or "any other cause acceptable to teacher, principal, or superintendent"
Written excuses should be in the school's possession no later than three school days after the date of the absence or tardy. The three-day period begins with the day the student returns to school. Are tardies absences? Students must be present at least (35 minutes of a 60-minute C-Day class period or 60 minutes of a 90-minute A-Day or B-Day class period) to be considered in attendance unless they are participating on a field trip or other activity approved by the principal. Unexcused tardies are not converted to unexcused absences. Tardies are a disciplinary issue. Check HISD Connect for attendance. An A or AT is a recorded absence and remains unexcused until the student submits an excused note from parent or doctor. Make sure you submit this note ASAP. More than 3 A or AT will result in loss of credit for that class. See the sample below. Contacts and Resources: Ms. Whiting, Attendance Clerk Ms. Niaves, registrar or Your child's teacher for specific grades Ms. Alexander - Assistant Principal, Student's last name A-L
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