Letter from the Principal

We're only two weeks into the semester, but our programs have certainly hit 2026 at full speed.  New Year, Same Us, Renewed Energy.

January also officially starts our recruiting and scheduling season.  We've already begun group tours of the campus for prospective students and have communicated with all high schools about our Clifton scheduling procedures and timeline.  If your student is returning to Clifton next year (which we hope is the case for all 10th and 11th-grade students), it is important that they choose the next-level Clifton course on their choice sheet.  While I will email guidance counselors directly with course codes for our returning students, the choice sheet helps avoid confusion and reinforces students' choices.  If students know they will have potential scheduling conflicts next year (for example, band or athletics that must be taken during a specific period), please encourage them to tell us so that we can be proactive with their schedule.  Rising seniors have the option to continue in their specific program and/or take our Career Preparation class, which focuses on more individualized transition goals.  If you or your student has questions about these options, please talk with us so we can ensure students have the best schedule to meet their needs.

A Note About Attendance

We began January by recognizing students who achieved 90% or higher attendance during the second nine weeks and by drawing winners from our weekly attendance raffle. Our assistant principal, Mr. Reyna, continues to meet with students who owe makeup hours to help them proactively recover credits. Full details about our Attendance Guidelines & Makeup Hours are available under our "Resources."

We know flu and cold season is affecting many families. If your student is ill, we absolutely want them to take the necessary time to recover.  When they return to school, remember to submit any medical notes so absences can be excused. While parent or guardian notes are helpful, they do not excuse absences in the same way medical notes do. Only absences supported by medical documentation do not count against a student when calculating the 90% attendance required for course credit.

Looking Ahead

• February 16: Professional Learning Exchange Day (Student Holiday)
• February 17: Conference Day (Student Holiday)
  • Expect an email from your student's Clifton teacher about conferences

Our Career Tech Programs

Agricultural Technology (Welding)

First-year students tested on the 1G position last week; this is a flat position with the weld made from above on a horizontal surface.  New week = new position as students continue to build their skills in shielded metal arc welding (SMAW).  For our second and third-year students, we've officially entered project season.  Students are designing their own projects (everything from metal Valentine's to floating benches), and we love seeing ideas turn into reality in the shop.  Several of our students also participated in the Travis County Youth Show Welding Contest at UA 286 Plumber & Pipefitters Union earlier this month.  Congratulations to all students who participated, and shout out to the four students who placed in the contest! 

Culinary Arts

First-year students are learning about a range of cooking methods.  In the past two weeks, they've tackled dumplings, poached eggs, fried rice, and eggplant parmesan.  Second-year students officially submitted their Travis County Youth Show projects this past weekend, with entries ranging from candied bacon and jerky to cherry pie.  We're so proud of the hard work our students put into developing these recipes.  There are lots of ribbons to hand out this week, and we're excited to share that two students received Reserve Champion (2nd place) and an additional two students received Grand Champion (1st place) in their categories!  Our Grand Champion winners will be taking their recipes to auction later this week.  Meanwhile, third-year students are preparing for their Food Protection Manager certification exam and have also found the time to adopt a new ATX Free Fridge.  First food drop off of 2026 is hearty individual chicken pot pies.

Diagnostics & Therapeutic Services (Health Science)

First-year students are continuing to deepen their understanding of the heart through 3D models and blood flow simulations.  They'll complete their assessments this week and then transition into CPR & First Aid next week.   Second and third-year attended orientation last week and officially started their hospital rotations today.  Each class period, they are shadowing medical professionals across different departments and gaining valuable first-hand experience.

Career Preparation

Students in Career Preparation are continuing to show greater initiative and leadership at their internship sites and checking off items on their transition checklists.  This morning, students toured ACC Round Rock, which offers strong programs in Welding and Automotive Technology.  In the classroom, students are practicing their interview skills and becoming more comfortable answering questions about themselves.

Bond Construction Update

It's becoming easier to envision our new spaces as we continue to see progress in construction.  Our last several conversations have focused on furniture and equipment.  Those decisions have been finalized for our Culinary and Cosmetology spaces, which allows the construction team to ensure we have the right electrical and plumbing connections for our programs (can't have a pedicure chair without water).