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OnTheCover: Back To School! y Sally KalosBTbuilding skills.To all the teachers, students, and familiesnavigating through this school year, we extend our best wishes. Enjoy and cherish every moment; they pass quicker than you might think.he 2025-2026 school year has kicked off with bustling activity! Buses are back on schedule,football teams are hitting the fields, bands are tuning up, and both students and teachers are engaging in new introductions.This new academic year sparks great enthusiasm. It’s a time filled with excitement for both parents and students, looking forward to a year of learning andBSy Gilda Laureleptember is recognized as Attendance Awareness Month to highlight the importance ofregular school attendance for student success and address chronic absenteeism. During this month schools explain to students and parents the importance of school attendance. Throughout the month campuses will conduct activities that are aimed at promoting attendance awareness and improvement. Many students tend to believe missing 1 or 2 days of school will not affect them. However, studies show that missing just 2 days a month can have academic consequences. We need your help to make this month a success. You can help by doing the following:• Ensuring your child attends school dailyfun. As students dive back into school life, they eagerly anticipate making new friends and immersing themselves in a variety of extracurricular activities. From robotics and cheerleading to sports, band, chess, tennis, and pickleball, schools are bustling with clubs and programs that cater to diverse interests. These activities not only provide a creative and relaxing break from academics but also foster social interactions and team-~ Back To School ~• Reinforcing good habits that promote daily attendance• Communicating with your child’s school regularly regarding attendance and any need for assistance• Supporting your child in attendance related activities• Make school attendance a priority• Set a time for your student to go to bed, wake up, have a healthy breakfast and get to school on time• Visit your student’s school and get involved and volunteer• Get to know the principal, teachers, attendance clerks• Attend parent conferences, meet the teacher night and open house• Understand the difference between anexcused and unexcused absenceWhat is chronic absenteeism?The U.S. The Department of Education defines this as missing 10% or more of school or approximately 18 days in a year for any reason excuse or unexcused.More information can be found our NISD website about Texas Compulsory Attendance Law under Office of Student Advocacy and School Choice https://www.nisd.net/district/sascBAy Lisa Felty Shawt the Agricultural Science and Technology Academy (ASTA) FFA Awards Banquet at Sandra DayO’Connor High School on May 15, 2025, the Felty Education Foundation (FEF) awarded its latest round of financial resources toward the higher education pursuits of deserving students. Since its beginning in 2022, the FEF has extended annual scholarships of at least $2,000.00 to graduating high school seniors who have been an active member, in good standing, of the ASTA FFA program OR an active member of the Helotes 4-HFFA for which he garnered many awards and high praise. Volunteerism and mentoring are strong values for him, as evidenced by a long list of community service activities. James will attend Texas A&M Engineering Academy at Alamo Colleges District for one year beginning this fall. In 2026, he will transfer to Texas A&M in College StationAlexandria “Ally” Garciafor completion of his engineering degree, and then on to his pursuit of a career in civil engineering.Alexandria “Ally” Garcia was awarded a FEF scholarship of $2,500.00. She is a newly minted alum of O’Connor HS/ASTA where she was actively involved in both 4H and FFA, citing her time there raising goats as “some of the best days” of her life. She overcame significant ongoing health issues to raise champion show animals and to serve in leadership and volunteer positions, both in and out of these organizations. In addition, she represented the City of Helotes as Miss Citizenship on the Miss Helotes court, and she was a member of the O’Connor State Championship Softball Team. Ally, who is the daughter of Gino and Amy Garcia, will head to Abilene Christian University in the fall where she will pursue a Nursing degree, along with a minor in Agricultural Science.The 2025 FEF Scholarship was presented by FEF Board Members, Jeff Felty, Kathy Felty Pierce, and Lisa Felty Shaw. On behalf of Ken and Ruth Felty, heartfelt congratulations are extended to James and Ally. They are wished the absolute best as they embark on their respective university studies. As the page is turned on this year’s award, future scholarship hopefuls are encouraged to be on the lookout for an announcement about the 2026 application process after the first of the year.Felty Education Foundation 2025 Scholarship AwardedJames Cainprogram. Applicants are evaluated based on their community service, evidence of leadership qualities, high academic standing, and a desire for further education. Of the many who applied for this year’s award, two accomplished candidates stood out for their lofty standards of excellence.The winner of a $3,500.00 scholarship is recent O’Connor HS/ASTA graduate James Cain, son of Justin and Rachel Cain of Helotes. James has a vast catalog of accomplishments from his 4H and FFA endeavors. He served as a 4H officer, a 4H Stem Project Participant, and received at least 18 awards for work on his 4H Photography Project. James was also active in Swine Projects and Ag Mechanics for ASTACAT GROOMINGCall or Text For Appointment!(726) 229-2588(Located Near Babcock & Hausman Rd.) https://kiiscatgrooming.com• Bath • Hair Cut• Nail Trimming and more!Hours: Mon - Thurs. 9am - 5pm Closed Fri. & Sat - Sun: 9am - 5pmExpires 9-30-256www.heloteshighlights.comSeptember 2025