High School Programs

Parent Info Corner

As a parent, guardian, family, and other support member at PAC, we believe you play an integral role in the academic success of our students. As you continue to guide and support your high school student into a college student, we want to provide you with important information, resources, and tips to help keep you connected. We understand that for many families, this may be a new experience; know that we are here to support you through this transition. 

 

How to Support your College Student
  1. Whether your student decides to enroll as a Dual Credit, Early College High School or P-Tech while in high schools - All incoming students will be assigned to their designated High School Counselor and a PAC High School Program Liaison who will guide them through their time at PAC. It is important that your student communicates with their High School Counselor and the PAC High School Program Liaison to remain on their decided academic and career path.
  2. Remind your student to check their PAC school email through ACES regularly. This is pivotal to their success! Professors will use the college student campus email to share updates, course requirements and deadlines.
  3. Encourage your students to get into the habit of checking their professor’s syllabus to ensure that all deadlines are being met for their academic coursework. A syllabus is a document that a professor provides to students on or before the first day of class that outlines expectations and a roadmap for the course.
  4. Students adjust to the academic rigors of college life differently. Remind them of the FREE academic support that is available to them in various subjects through the PAC Tutoring Services
  5. Communication is key! Encourage your student to develop a rapport with their professors. Students should make use of professors scheduled office hours to discuss their interests (if it pertains to their subject) as well as concerns.
  6. PAC Student Accessibility Services
  7. Encourage your student to join a club and/or organization. Studies show that students who participate in campus activities persist and generally perform better academically. PAC has over 25 clubs and organizations available to students who want to get involved.
  8. For Parents: Community Education and Continuing Education
Deadlines

There are deadlines associated with attending college. For example, submitting proof of the bacterial meningitis vaccination (if applicable), completing the TSI, SAT, or ACT to meet the test score requirements, the submission of turning in-class coursework, and adding/dropping classes, to name a few. Students must maintain an awareness of and adhere to all deadlines pertaining to them as college students. This will ensure they remain on track to begin the semester and throughout their time at PAC. Please regularly encourage them to check their PAC emails and the Palo Alto College Academic Calendar for these important dates. Students should also follow their professor's syllabi, as coursework deadlines and other important information will be listed on the syllabus for each course. 

FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that affords privacy to the education records of students who are enrolled or have attended a postsecondary institution. This law applies to all institutions that have received funds from programs under the U.S. Department of Education. Under FERPA, a parent’s access to their student’s education record is transferred to the student when they turn 18 or attend a postsecondary institution. 

PAC FERPA Consent Form

What are some of the differences between high school and college?

There are many differences between High School and College – from students’ responsibilities to their schedules. Here are a few that we hope will be helpful during this transition:

High School
  • Parents can access their student's record and obtain their grades.
  • Schedules are mostly created in advance for students.
  • Parents can advocate for their students.
  • A typical school year lasts for 10 months (August/September – May/June)
  • Students can meet with their teachers before or after class.
  • Families can discuss a student's accommodations with their school.
College
  • The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) prohibits colleges from sharing a student's record without the Student's written consent.
  • Upon HS Graduation, Students choose their classes and their class times.
  • Students must practice self-advocacy.
  • A school year is broken up into 2 semesters (Fall, Spring) and 2 shorter sessions (Winter, Summer)
  • College professors have specific office hours for meeting with students.
  • Students who require special accommodations can contact the Student Accessibility Services office themselves to discuss their accommodations.
Meet our Team

Dr. Sonia L. Jasso, Director of High School Programs
sjasso19@alamo.edu

Holly Brown, College Coordinator of High School Programs
hbrown2@alamo.edu

High School Partners: South San High School – DC/ECHS/PTECH

Taylor Coffee, College Coordinator of High School Programs
tcoffee@alamo.edu   

High School Partners: Frank L. Madla – ECHS, Somerset ZECLA – ECHS, Somerset High School – DC

Louis Martinez, College Coordinator of High School Programs
lmartinez775@alamo.edu

High School Partners: Somerset Academy Brooks – DC/ECHS, Harlandale STEM – ECHS, Southside HS Early College – ECHS

Miguel Valdez, College Coordinator of High School Programs
mvaldez154@alamo.edu

High School Partners: Southwest High School – DC/ECHS, CAST STEM High School – ECHS, Southwest Legacy High School – DC/ECHS

Fabian Villalobos, College Coordinator of High School Programs
fvillalobos4@alamo.edu

High School Partners: John F. Kennedy HS – DC/ECHS/PTECH, Memorial High School – DC/ECHS, Poteet High School – DC/ECHS/PTECH

Evelene Fuentes, Certified Advisor of High School Programs
efuentes73@alamo.edu

High School Partners: Highlands High School – DC, Marion High School – DC, Bandera High School – DC, Ingram High School – DC, Madison High School – DC, O’Connor High School– DC

Hilary Hilario, Certified Advisor of High School Programs
hhilario@alamo.edu

High School Partners: Charlotte High School – DC, East Central High School – DC, Jubilee San Antonio – DC, Jubilee Lakeview – DC, Devine High School – DC, Jourdanton High School – DC, Burbank High School – DC, Karnes City High School – DC, Natalia High School – DC

Valerie Martinez, Certified Advisor of High School Programs
vmartinez332@alamo.edu

High School Partners: NSITE High School – DC, Harlandale High School – DC, McCollum High School – DC, Southside High School – DC, Pawnee HIgh School – DC

Aileen Camacho, Sr. Coordinator
acamacho23@alamo.edu

High School Partners: Home School– DC

 

Contact Information: 

Location:
Ozuna Library and Learning Center (OZU 116)

Phone:
210-486-3170

Email:
pac-hsprograms@alamo.edu