The Student News Site of McCallum High School

The Shield Online
The Student News Site of McCallum High School

The Shield Online
The Student News Site of McCallum High School

The Shield Online
Charlie Bates, a sixth-grade reading and language arts teacher at Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, speaks in front of the crowd at today's rally at the Texas Capitol. “Without our public schools, our communities will not survive,” she said.

Educators rally against vouchers at Capitol

Lillian Gray, staff reporter
March 10, 2025
Among the attendees at the PTA rally on Monday there were lots of proud parents, advocating for their students' schools and giving their children a voice. Two parents and PTA members, Jenny Rasco and Ashley Baker, were fighting for Timbercreek Elementary in Lewisville ISD.  “We wanted to advocate for our kids because they deserve better,” Rasco said. “We’re pushing for raising the basic allotment for students, and to make sure that Gov. Abbott knows that we don’t want the vouchers.”  Lots of parents view the vouchers to be harmful, not just within their inner circles but across the state.  “For me personally I don’t think my kids will be affected directly; however, vouchers don’t work for all the kids in Texas,” Rasco said. “Not every parent can come out here and advocate for that, and someone should, which is why we’re here. This shouldn’t be a political issue, it should be about the kids. It shouldn't be a right side or left side issue, just wanting the best for the future of our Texas kids.”  Baker and Rasco were both proud of how many people showed up to spread the word, just like them, and seeing government officials alongside them.  “The speakers were great, especially here in front of the Capitol,” Rasco said. “I’m happily relieved that all of the government isn’t supporting these vouchers we’re fighting against. It’s very comforting to know that there are people fighting with us. There’s a lot of people here, and it was a great turnout.”  Caption by Wren Vanderford. Reporting by Mira Patel and Sofia Saucedo.

Public school advocates descend on Capitol demanding more funding and assailing proposed vouchers

Lillian Gray and Wren Vanderford
February 26, 2025
A national park ranger for a couple of days before being let go, Kristen Jenn said she felt compelled to speak out against the recent firing of federal workers.

For second time this month, 50501 supporters rally at Texas Capitol

Beatrix Lozach, staff reporter
February 23, 2025

Brode, Kahlor on friendship, being labeled underdogs, and how to overcome as a team

Julia Copas and Callen Romell
February 21, 2025

Chen talks team culture, stepping up as a leader

Julia Copas and Callen Romell
February 20, 2025
Protesters gathered on the Texas State Capitol grounds on Wednesday to protest against the Trump administration and Project 2025. Photo by Arwen Pelletier

Hundreds convene at Capitol to join day of national protest

Arwen Pelletier, staff writer
February 7, 2025
Junior Paige Mitchell leaps during group performance for Blue Brigade's annual show-off held last Wednesday commencing the contest season.

Twirl, leap and spin into contest season

Daniela Di-Capua, Evelyn Jenkins, Josie Linton, Sienna Martens, Harper Maxwell, Katie Martin, Piper Norfolk, Elizabeth Nation, and Mira Patel
February 4, 2025
UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT: Senior Sasha Grapko is highlighted on stage by a spotlight during the McCallum Youth Dance Company show this past Thursday and Friday at the AISD PAC. The company put in tireless efforts to make the show a reality with late rehearsals and all-day preparations at the PAC in the days leading up to the show. The show was unique with multiple ensembles performing throughout the night. Since the company consists of students ranging from their freshmen to senior years, the dances vary in complexity which created a balance throughout the program over the two days. Overall, the efforts of the dancers and choreographers paid off, and the show was a success. As Grapko is shining above, every McCallum dancer was able to highlight their commitment to the program with their performances. Caption by Arwen Petellier. Photo by Adele Seeboth

McCallum Youth Dance Company delivers ‘moving’ showcase

Daniela Di-Capua, Carson Duncan, Chloe Lewcock, Beatrix Lozach, Josie Mullan, Piper Norfolk, Arwen Pelletier, Callen Romell, Chloe Seckar-Martinez, Maya Tackett, Fletcher Vandegrift, and Nate Williams
January 29, 2025
Arellano reaches the official state line of Alaksa marking the final leg to her 4000 mile biking journey. Photo courtesy of Arellano.

Eat, sleep, bike, repeat

Chloe Lewcock, editor-in-chief
January 28, 2025
The cheer team performs for an audience of family and friends during showcase last Saturday in preparation for UIL competition in Fort Worth this Friday. Sophomore Lainey Butler said the team has been perfecting its routine for months for the competition. We have been learning a routine since September from a coach at cheer station and we have been practicing it over and over, multiple times through the months," Butler said. Caption by Josie Mullan.

Cheer’s new frontier: UIL competition

Carson Duncan, Shila Gill, Josie Linton, Sophia Manos, Maggie Mass, Josie Mullan, Elizabeth Nation, Piper Norfolk, Mira Patel, and Priya Thoppil
January 15, 2025
DON'T RUB ME THE WRONG WAY: Goats rub their heads together as a sign of trust and affection. Here, two goats share a little love. “Aw, little love bugs, I bet they’re friends,” farmhand Chelsea Smith said. Goats will even do this with humans. If a goat feels positively about a person, it may rub its head on them to show its affection. This is different from goats habit of butting heads. Goats butt heads to establish dominance and their hierarchy.

Into the life of a dapper goat

Zanna Allen, Mac photojournalism
January 7, 2025
Preparing to march in the Dia de los Muertos parade, Harlow Mallison twirls through the streets of downtown Austin. Mallison is a sophomore in the Spanish 2 class at McCallum and was invited to join the annual Dia de los Muertos celebration with Ballet Folklorico, which walked through Fifth and Sixth streets. " I had a lot of fun and it was nice meeting new people," Mallison said. "I loved how everyone came together and were so supportive of each other."

Señora A, McCallum’s cultural ambassador

Sylvia Hurtado, Mac photojournalism
January 4, 2025
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