Pirates Community journal #SintonHS

Cultivating Parent Engagement

Since this is a late issue of November's Pirate Community Journal, we wanted to include November's Counselor's Newsletter even though some of the events/info have past dates. Note: This issue of the newsletter was sent via ParentSquare to all parents
CLICK HERE: SHS School Counseling Survey

Important Dates

The dates of events in the flyers below are subject to change and/or additional events may be added.

INFORMATION FROM THE SHS OFFICES OF ACADEMICS

NWEA MAP Testing: BOY (FAll) / MOY (Winter) & Goals

The numbers in the NWEA MAP Testing chart below reflect percentages.

Across the board in each tested subject area, students have shown growth of about 50% - 78% overall. Keep up the great work Pirates!
SHS Instructional Program progress from August through November. The graphic above highlights the 9 essential instructional elements that administrators focus on during classroom observations and learning walks. This data-driven approach helps us identify trends, strengths, and areas for improvement across our classrooms, ensuring the quality of education your child receives. The month of December was filled with reviews, make-up assignments, and testing with Semester Exams, and Winter MAP testing, hence, the walkthrough/observations within classrooms was kept minimal and not included on the chart above.
SHS is on the rise!

Regular school attendance is essential in helping students prepare for not only their content exams but also MAP and EOC tests. Your involvement and encouragement play a key role in your child's success, and together, we can ensure they are well-prepared for the road ahead.

College Ready

At SHS, our commitment is to provide students with the support and resources they need to meet and exceed these expectations. Together, we can ensure our students are not only ready for college but also for success in any path they choose.
These are the College Assessments offered at SHS and they provide CCMR points in accountability.

12th Graders:

By law, students must complete the financial aid application requirement for graduation.

  • Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Complete and submit the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA)
Explanation of Financial Aid Application Graduation Requirement
  • Seniors need to be sure that they take full advantage of their last year to set up payment plans in paying off any accumulated fees/dues owed from throughout their Sinton Pirate career before May graduation.
  • Consider registering to take the ACT or SAT (If you didn't do so as a Junior).
  • Begin a college admissions process calendar. On your calendar, keep track of everything regarding college admissions process, from standardized testing dates and college interviews to scholarship deadlines. Frequently review the 2025 Counselor's Google drive to find important information/scholarship announcements at: 12th Grade: Class of 2025 ---- mhccb64
  • Make sure you're on the right track to fulfill graduation and college admission requirements.
  • Start narrowing down your college choice list.
  • Continue to apply for scholarships.

You will need to request transcripts through Google Classroom. There will be a form soon for you to complete. You will need to put whether you need an OFFICIAL or UNOFFICIAL transcript. OFFICIAL -- IN A SEALED ENVELOPE -- gets sent directly to the College/University digitally and can be used for scholarships. UNOFFICIAL -- are plain print outs NOT in an envelope

Dual Credit Students

  • To take dual credit you must do and have the following:
  • TSI scores
  • Transcripts
  • Registration form
  • ApplyTexas application
  • If you are absent from school, it is your responsibility to contact your professor. Please establish that rapport and also communicate with your in-class teacher facilitator.
  • If you have a question about grades, Canvas, and/or assignments please contact your professor and let your in-class teacher facilitator know.

11th Graders:

  • Begin a study routine for the ACT or SAT.
  • Take the ACT or SAT. Even if you do not plan to attend college, take the tests as they will help you build a solid Plan B post high school.
  • If you are taking any AP classes, strive to do well in them as they are excellent challenging courses to prepare you for college level coursework. Students in AP classes are expected to take the AP exam for the course and if you score a 3 or higher you are potentially provided college credit for the course(s).
  • Keep applying for scholarships.
  • Attend our college fair on September 9th and be prepared to plan in-person college visits.
  • Research potential colleges using TikTok and YouTube.
  • Frequently review the 2026 Counselor's Google drive to find important information/scholarship announcements at: 11th Grade: Class of 2026 ---- 7jff3sn

9th - 11th Graders:

Grade level Google Classrooms--check it often. all important information will be posted there:

  • 9th Grade: Class of 2028 ---- iucwzcf
  • 10th Grade: Class of 2027 ---- 53aiccj
We offer 6 Programs of Study of which 3 of them (Health Science, Engineering, and Business/Industry) are part of our P-TECH Program; a distinction that students in these areas may graduate with and obtain certifications.
9th Graders and 10th Graders have the opportunity to graduate with a certification in many of the programs of study offered at SHS which may grant them entry-level work in their respective fields.
Cover page to the 2025-26 SHS Course Catalog. Next year's Course Catalog will be posted and sent out to parents in January.

Shout Outs

Arts & Humanities Program of Study

English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR) plays a central role in our Arts and Humanities Program of Study, shaping students into effective communicators and critical thinkers. Through a strong ELAR foundation, students gain skills in analysis, creativity, and expression, which are essential in all arts and humanities fields. Our curriculum emphasizes reading, writing, speaking, and listening, preparing students for diverse post-secondary pathways and careers in the arts, humanities, and beyond!

The English I and II teachers worked on their writing skills creating summaries of short stories, depicting evidence with drawings, and delivering student-created "Thank you" cards for the season!

Social Studies is a cornerstone of our Arts and Humanities Program of Study, connecting students with history, culture, government, and the world around them. Through Social Studies, students develop analytical skills, historical insight, and a global perspective--qualities that are vital in all areas of the arts and humanities. This curriculum not only prepares students for success in future studies and careers but also empowers them to become informed, engaged citizens.

Making History fun through gallery walk collaborative stations and using a bit of creativity through Art and summarizations from reading high-quality text!

Our Spanish curriculum is an essential part of the Arts and Humanities Program of Study, providing students with language skills and cultural understanding that broaden their global awareness. Through learning Spanish, students enhance their communication abilities, deepen their appreciation for diverse cultures, and open doors to future careers in international relations, education, and more. Mastering a second language prepares students to thrive in a connected world.

Spanish classes keep the students engaged using Wordwall Spin Wheel to encourage students in responding to various questions through collaborative conversations in Turn and Talk sessions. As they continue to learn Spanish culture and language, they proudly display their works of art!

Band, Choir, Color Guard, and Theatre Arts are integral to our Arts and Humanities Program of Study, forming the core of our Performing Arts pathway. These programs cultivate students' talents in music, vocal performance, and dramatic arts, fostering creativity, teamwork, and confidence. By engaging in performance, theory, and collaborative projects, students gain skills that inspire lifelong appreciation for the arts and prepare them for future success in a variety of fields. Our Pirates' Performing Arts programs truly bring creativity and expression to our Sinton school community!

Cheerleading is also part of the Performing Arts due to its emphasis on performance, choreography, and teamwork, similar to dance and theatre. Cheerleading combines athletic skill with elements of dance, rhythm, and coordinated routines performed for audiences, aligning it with many principles of the Performing Arts. Additionally, cheerleading teaches students about timing, expression, and presence, which are valuable skills in performance-based disciplines.

Business & Industry Program of Study

We take pride in having the best instructors in Career and Technical Education (CTE) who make a profound impact on our students, helping them achieve industry certifications that prepare them for success. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredible industry sponsors and partners for their unwavering support. If you want your high school student to gain hands-on experience in these fields and graduate with industry certifications, work-ready skills, and leadership abilities, be sure to explore the courses listed: Principles of Floral Design, Veterinary Medical Applications, Plant Science, Fundamentals of Animal Science, and Principles of Small Engine Technology.

Engineering Program of Study

Math and Science classes are essential foundations in the Engineering Program of Study at SHS. Through these courses, students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, enabling them to apply mathematical principles and scientific methods to engineering challenges. This integration prepares students for hands-on, real-world applications and success in advanced engineering studies and careers.

Mrs. Grataski's (Sample) classes utilized some engineering and math skills in building rockets that would have the highest hang time in the air! Some of her classes also make use of the open collaborative space in the hallway to do gallery walks for learning stations while discussing responses in small groups. Coach Busack also utilized small group collaboration for his classes as students tentatively workout online problems together. Mrs. Moreno's classes were in the Christmas spirit as they developed Christmas trees using some Geometry problems to create their class trees.
Mrs. Gonzales's engineering classes hard at work creating their models from their designs.
Mrs. Berry's Forensic classes worked DNA and Fingerprinting labs and utilized short discussions and writing within their hands-on labs. Mrs. Garcia's and Berry's Biology classes also had the opportunity to conduct a creative lab to practice protein synthesis and mutation analysis while making it fitting for the Thanksgiving Holiday by making turkeys!

Health Science Program of Study

While preparing for their Nat'l Certification Exam, the Seniors continued to work hard on their skills. They learned how to perform proper denture care for our patients. Our PCT (seniors) learned also how to give complete bed baths to bedridden patients. Our newly certified Patient Care Technicians practiced their skills by assisting their patients with transfers and ambulation. Our Health classes have also been learning and getting CPR certified.
Seniors took their National Certification exam receiving a 100% PASS rate! We are excited to announce that we now have 11 Certified Patient Care Technicians!

Cybersecurity Program of Study

The Cybersecurity program of study at SHS is critical in preparing students for one of today's most in-demand and rapidly evolving fields. As technology continues to advance, the need to protect data, systems, and networks from cyber threats has become paramount across industries. This program equips students with the skills necessary to identify, prevent, and respond to cybersecurity challenges, providing them with a solid foundation for careers in IT security, network management, and ethical hacking.

CAMPUS ACTIVITIES

Turkey Day meal at SHS
We celebrated two of our student-athletes as they made their commitment to participate in college athletics. Adrian DeAses committed to Texas A&M Kingsville to play baseball and Kash Wood committed to Abilene Christian University to play baseball, as well. Congratulations, Adrian and Kash!
Honoring our Veterans for Veterans Day as our Life Skills students prepped, cooked, greeted, and hosted the spaghetti luncheon, and our Advanced Floral Design students presented our Veterans with student-made wreaths.
Best wishes to Mrs. Grataski! Ms. Sample is now Mrs. Grataski!
Our SHS Debate students lead by Mrs. Garza were recognized by the San Patricio County Commissioners Court. Our debate students are: Eduardo Marroquin, Carlos Sanchez, Madilynn Perez, Julius Garcia, and Katelynn Hutton. GO PIRATES!
Four Sinton High School students competed in the District UIL Congressional Debate Tournament held at Del Mar College on Nov. 6, 2024. Participants included Carlos Sanchez, Madilynn Perez, Eduardo Marroquin, and Kateland Hutton. Sanchez and Perez advanced in competition from Prelims to Finals, and both placed in the top 6. Madilynn Perez earned the 5th Place medal and is an alternate to State. Carlos Sanchez placed 1st and is the District Champion, earning a spot at the State Meet in January. As District Champ, Carlos also gets to choose one piece of legislation that will be used at the State Meet. Congratulations to all of our Pirate Debaters and District medalists!
Our awesome SHS Challenge Team, coached by Mrs. Garza! Our SHS Challenge Team aired on PBS KEDT-TV their competition against Santa Gertrudis Academy at 7pm on November 28th with a rerun on November 30th at 6:30pm.
Congratulations to Mrs. Garza! She received the 2024 Teacher of the Year for Grades 9-12 award from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #12160. She is the winner of the local and district level, and now advancing to State Level competition. Sinton's SMS teacher, Sara Rodriguez, won the 6th -8th Grade Teacher of the Year! GO PIRATES!
Great collaboration of districts at the Del Mar's State of the College luncheon. Can you find our Sinton district and campus administrators and counselor?
Thank you to our NHS for the cold flavored water drinks and to our staff that donate to keep our coffee bar going to fuel us!
Staff's Thanksgiving Luncheon! Thank you SHS PTO for catering the delicious foods!
Building morale and supporting our Pirates in their awesome season...Potluck Breakfast: Let's Stomp the Texans!
At our annual Christmas Staff Luncheon, we recognized our two staff Pirate Influencers for the month of December! Congratulations to Hailey Ivey and Kalea Bennett! Hailey has made an impact with our students in preparing them to be college-ready and providing guidance in helping them seek colleges/work readiness and completing necessary forms to begin their college careers. Kalea has made a great positive influence with our students in navigating the waters and challenge of beginning the first Theatre Arts production in our new state-of-the-art building/facility and being relentless in ensuring a successful program continues by enthusiastically finding the time to prepare students and staff. Again, we are proud of Hailey and Kalea and CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations to Lisa Benavides as she was nominated as our district's Staff Pirate Award for November!
Congratulations to Julian Suarez and Leigha Naranjo for being selected as our SHS Pirate Award for the month of December!
Canned foods were brought in by staff and students for the Canned Food Drive. Our SHS student council collected over 580 cans! The counselors had a challenge of the one that had the most cans in their collection boxes, would then dress up as Santa at SHS. And well...see for yourself in the picture below.
Our very own Hailey Ivey as Santa! Oh, and of course, we had to have Mrs. Claus (Heather Blankenship), too!
Sinton For Youth helped spread holiday cheer to the boys and girls in our community! Thank you Sinton For Youth, SHS volunteers and staff for making this event a memorable holiday experience!
Congratulations to our Lady Pirates in their fantastic Volleyball season at 5-3 district standing, ranking 8th in Corpus Christi Rankings!
Congratulations to our Pirates and coaches for a spectacular 13-1 football season! Sinton Proud!
Project Pirate Day of Service was a success! This project consisted of our students and staff working on cleaning up the community along with the help of the Chamber of Commerce. This project was created by the Sinton FFA Chapter in the hopes to better serve our community. Sinton FFA hopes to impact the lives of those who not only receive the community service but also those who serve. This is the first annual Project Pirate Day of Service and Sinton FFA hopes to continue to grow it and impact more!
From our family to yours, we wish you a MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Don't worry, the Grinches and Elf soon learned to get along!
We ended our last day of the semester with the Volleyball Reindeer Games sponsored by our SHS Student Council. Seniors won the challenge games and ended the event with playing against the awesome SHS staff team!
We celebrated Secret Santa and pajama day!
Mark your calendars and schedule in for the TSI test offered twice a month!
OUR VISION

Reminders & info.:

  • Please call SHS for any COVID related issues.
  • Please continue to call the campus when your child will be absent.
  • When picking up your child early or when your child needs to leave early from school, be sure to remind him/her to sign out in the front office before leaving campus. Otherwise failure to sign out may result in a consequence.
  • Every student should take the TSI college entrance exam (Texas Success Initiative). It is an exam used for college placement that measures college readiness in reading, writing, and math with testing 20-25 items per section. Encourage your child to take this exam even if they decide not to attend college.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Dec. 23 - Jan. 3 -- NO SCHOOL; Winter Break

Jan. 3 -- Lady Pirates vs Calhoun (here) JV-1pm, V-2:30pm

Jan. 3 -- Pirates vs IWA (away) JV-1pm, V-2:30pm

Jan. 4 -- San Patricio A&H Queens Contest in Auditorium 5pm

Jan. 6 -- NO SCHOOL for Students; Professional Development/Work Day for Staff

Jan. 7-8 -- State Debate in Austin

Jan. 9 -- NHS Induction at 6:30pm in Auditorium

Jan. 10 -- Lady Pirates vs Rockport (away) F-7:30pm, JV-5pm, V-6:15pm

Jan. 10 -- Pirates vs Rockport (away) F-6:15pm, JV-5pm, V-7:30pm

Jan. 11 -- Area Region Band Auditions; Saturday Attendance Recovery 8-12noon

Jan. 13 -- FFA Meeting at 6pm; School Board Meeting at 6:30pm

Jan. 14 -- Lady Pirates vs Beeville (here) F-7:30pm, JV-5pm, V-6:15pm

Jan. 14 -- Pirates vs Beeville (here) F-6:15pm, JV-5pm, V-7:30pm

Jan. 15 -- Health Science/CTE Dept. Parent Meeting at 5pm in cafeteria

Jan. 17 -- Lady Pirates vs Ingleside (away) F-7:30pm, JV-5pm, V-6:15pm

Jan. 20 -- NO SCHOOL; Holiday

Jan. 21 -- Lady Pirates vs Calhoun (away) F-7:30pm, JV-5pm, V-6:15pm

Jan. 21 -- Pirates vs Calhoun (away) F-6:15pm, JV-5pm, V-7:30pm

Jan. 22 -- December's STAAR EOC Retest Result Scores are available

Jan. 23-24 -- NO SCHOOL; Live Stock Show Days

Jan. 24-25 -- UIL Academic Decathlon Regional Meet

Jan. 28 -- Lady Pirates vs Rockport (here) F-7:30pm, JV-5pm, V-7:30pm

Jan. 29 -- ASVAB Testing

Jan. 30 -- SHS / SMS Expo @ SHS in gymnasium foyer from 9-11 am

Jan. 30 -- SHS Registration Parent Meeting for Upcoming Freshmen in SHS cafeteria

Jan. 31 -- Lady Pirates vs Beeville (away) F-7:30pm, JV-5pm, V-6:15pm

Jan. 31 -- Pirates vs Beeville (away) F-6:15pm, JV-5pm, V-7:30pm

Forging Ahead: SHS's Game Plan to TEA Campus Rating of an "A"

Enrollment & Attendance

ENROLLMENT for November --- Total of 544---Grade 9- 121 / Grade 10- 149 / Grade 11- 137 / Grade 12-129

ENROLLMENT for December --- Total of 549---Grade 9- 123 / Grade 10- 148 / Grade 11- 137 / Grade 12- 129

Attendance for November --- Grade 9 - 93.2% / Grade 10 - 93.3% / Grade 11 - 92.1% / Grade 12 - 92.2% / OVERALL ATTENDANCE --- 92.7%

Attendance for December --- Grade 9 - 93.6% / Grade 10 - 91.8% / Grade 11 - 92.3% / Grade 12 - 93.1% / OVERALL ATTENDANCE --- 92.7%

GET THE PHONE APP FOR ALL ISSUES OF PIRATES COMMUNITY JOURNAL

Use the QR code above to get all previous issues of Pirates Community Journal