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WEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF O. HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL

Pony ExpressWEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF O. HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL
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Principal's Update - Week of Oct 27th - October 31st Principal's Update - Week of Oct 27th - October 31st

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Dear Mustang Families,


We’ve had another exciting week at O. Henry, and I wanted to share a few updates and celebrations from around campus. This week we welcomed our new art teacher, Leslie Blanco, to the O. Henry community. We’re so glad to have her creativity and energy on campus.


On Monday we held our first Parent-Teacher Conference Day at O. Henry. Thank you as well to everyone who participated in the conferences, whether in person, Google Meet or on the phone. It was a wonderful opportunity to come together and collaborate on how to best support our Mustangs in their academic growth. We will be having another opportunity to collaborate in parent conferences in February.


A huge thank-you goes out to all of our parent volunteers who helped make this year’s Library Book Fair, Scare Fair, such a success. I also want to give a huge shout-out to those of you who made donations so all of our students could buy something at the book fair. Our Mustangs are grateful for your generosity. More in library news, our new library furniture has arrived, our first major purchase made possible through O. Henry Round Up funds. The new setup is already making the library more welcoming and flexible for students. We have new bookshelves to assemble, we will send pics next week of the phase one of our library refresh.
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Student Council held officer elections yesterday, and we’re excited to announce the results:

  • President: Noa Milch

  • Vice President: Alaina Benavides

  • Historian: Delaina Dominguez-Brown

  • Mustang News Liaison: Calvin Tyler

We have two more positions to be voted on next week. Congratulations to all of our new officers, and a big thank you to Mrs. Bass Patterson, our Student Council faculty sponsor and to everyone who participated in the election.

On the field, our 7th A and 8th A football teams played a double-header at House Park and both came away victorious against the Bailey Bears, way to go, Mustangs. Thursday marked the first girls’ basketball game of the season at Austin High against Gorzycki and on Friday we’ll wrap up the week with our Choir and Guitar Concert.


Looking ahead to next week, students are welcome wear costumes to school on dress up on Friday, October 31. We want our Mustangs to have a festive, fun and safe day together. Please take a moment to review the costume guidelines below:

• Costumes should not cover your face. Masks and face paint are not allowed.
• Costumes must allow students to sit comfortably in a chair or desk. Inflatable or oversized costumes are not permitted.

• Props, weapons, or accessories (including replicas) are not allowed to be carried throughout the day.
• Costumes must be school appropriate. Please avoid blood, gore, violent elements, or replica weapons.


Thank you, as always, for your continued support and partnership.

With Mustang Pride,


Camie Fillpot
Interim Principal, O. Henry Middle School
In Pursuit of Excellence

Weekly Schedule of Events Weekly Schedule of Events

Monday 10/27

Tuesday 10/28

Wednesday 10/29

Thursday 10/30

6:00 PM B/7:00 PM A: Girls Basketball Kealing vs O. Henry - 7th at KMS/8th at OHMS

Friday 10/31 - Halloween! See note about costumes

Saturday 11/1

9:00 AM - Soccer, Lively vs. OHMS

12::00-6:30 PM: Monster Concert @ Austin HS

OHMS PTA Updates - Families Needed for Secret Pals! OHMS PTA Updates - Families Needed for Secret Pals!

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OHMS SECRET PALS - SIGN UP

There are still plenty of OHMS teachers and staff left for Secret Pals! Show your gratitude by becoming a Secret Pal! PTA Secret Pals anonymously deliver a minimum of 4 small gifts to the front office throughout the year (birthday, holidays, just because). It's a great way to show support for the amazing OHMS teachers and staff! Please sign up below for a teacher/staff member and you will receive their preferences. Happy gifting!


OHMS Secret Pals 2025-2026



NEW VOLUNTEERS

This year the district is requiring that all volunteers go through the new Voly system for background checks. The system is very quick and usually does not take more than 24 hours. Please use the link below to complete your application.

https://austinisd.voly.org/


MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY

The PTA provides a free online directory and mobile app for O. Henry Middle School, hosted by DirectorySpot. The directory is accessible to OHMS parents and staff only, and your information will never be shared or sold. If your family would like to be included please fill out the information found at this link.

CLICK HERE for all things O. Henry PTA

Halloween Costumes and Candy - 10/31 Halloween Costumes and Candy - 10/31

We love to see the spirit and creativity on display from our students and staff on Halloween. We ask for student compliance on a few key rules to keep everyone having a safe and festive time.


  • Dress code for covering all parts of your body still applies
  • School staff should still be able to identify you. Costumes should not cover your face. Masks and face paint are not allowed.
  • Costumes must allow students to sit comfortably in a chair or desk. Inflatable or oversized costumes are not permitted.

  • Costumes must be school appropriate. Please avoid blood, gore, violent elements, or replica weapons.

  • Props, weapons, or accessories are not to be carried throughout the day.

  • No costumes allowed that are designed to parody or mock another nationality or race


Additionally, while we know that all students love candy, students who bring bags and baskets of candy will be asked to leave them in the office to be collected at the end of the day. Help keep our classrooms, hallways, and buses clean by following normal rules regarding not eating in class.

ATHLETICS ATHLETICS

7th Grade Girls' Basketball 7th Grade Girls' Basketball

Coach Gaffney A Team crystal.gaffney@austinisd.org


Coach Kobs B Team kristine.kobs@austinisd.org


Regular 7th Grade Practice Schedule

Monday: Before school and 1st period athletics (7:30-9:05)

Tuesday: Before school and 1st period athletics (7:30-9:05)

Wednesday: 1st period athletics (8:20-9:05)

Thursday: Game Day

Friday: 1st period athletics (8:20-9:05)

Regular Season Game Schedule:

10/30 Thursday vs Kealing @ Kealing B-6pm A-7pm

11/6 TBD BYE Week - Possible Scrimmage against 8th grade

11/13 Thursday vs Murchison @ Murchison B-6pm A-7pm

11/20 Thursday vs Marshall Home OHMS B-6pm A-7pm

12/4 Thursday vs Lamar Home OHMS B-6pm A-7pm


Playoffs

A team playoff schedule TBD - 12/10 and 12/17. “B” team does not have playoffs.


Team Parent: Amanda Thompson - adhthompson@gmail.com

8th Grade Girls' Basketball 8th Grade Girls' Basketball

Coach Borders: A Team Head Coach - luke.borders@austinisd.org


Coach Cohen: B Team Head Coach - macie.cohen@austinisd.org


Regular 8th Grade Practice Schedule

Monday: 8th period athletics (3:05-3:50)

Tuesday: 8th period athletics (3:05-4:30)

Wednesday: After school (4:00-5:00)

Thursday: Game Day

Friday: 8th period athletics (3:05-3:50)

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8th Grade Girls Bball 2025.pdf
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C Team Girls Basketball C Team Girls Basketball

C Team - Coach Pappas - ethan.pappas@austinisd.org


We will practice weekly on Monday and Tuesday from 7-8 am. The Locker room will be open at 7 am, and the girls will be in the small gym by 7:10 to start practicing. You can drop your students off at the gymnasium entrance on Exposition. I recommend they come dressed for practice and bring their change of clothes in their backpack. If you have any further questions, please email me.


We will update you about scrimmage schedule as it is finalized.

Boys' Soccer Boys' Soccer

Coach Gray A Team scott.gray@austinisd.org

Coach Hibbard B Team leslie.hibbard@austinisd.org


Regular Practice and Game Schedule - subject to change, more information as we get closer

  • Tuesday, 4:00 - 5:15

  • Wednesday, 4:00 - 5:15

  • Thursday- 4:00 - 5:15

  • Saturday - 9:00am A Team Game - 10:30am B Team Game


The season schedule is shown below. If your child participates in club soccer and has game/practice conflicts, please reach out to Coach Gray and Coach Hibbard. Coaches can work out a plan to make sure athletes can still participate.

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FINE ARTS + PERFORMING ARTS FINE ARTS + PERFORMING ARTS

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Art in Action - Ceramics Unit

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Art in Action - Ceramics Unit

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Art in Action - Ceramics Unit

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Repeated Logistical Information - Tutorials, Supplies, Calendars, Handbook, Tech Repeated Logistical Information - Tutorials, Supplies, Calendars, Handbook, Tech

Nurse's Office, Mental Health, and Student Clubs - Parent Consent Forms

Without signed consent, your child will not be able to receive these services or participate in any clubs.

  1. Mental Health-Related Services
    The district must notify parents of staff services related to school counseling and give parents the opportunity to opt out before those services are provided to their child. Mental Health Services Consent Form: English/Spanish

  2. Physical Health-Related Services
    Certain school-based health services, such as non-emergency medical screenings or treatments, now require your written permission.
    Physical Health Services Consent Form

  3. Participation in school-sponsored Student Clubs
    If your child wishes to participate in school or district-sponsored clubs or organizations, parental approval is required. (You may have already received and completed this form if it was previously sent by your school.)
    Student Club Participation Consent Form

Homework Club in Library - 2025-26 Homework Club in Library - 2025-26

Homework Club is held after school Monday-Thursday from 4-5 pm in the library. Please bring your school supplies and come ready to read or work on homework. Students can check in the office to confirm whether you qualify for one of the two 5:15 PM late bus home.

Teacher Tutorials

In addition to support in class, each teacher holds an hour of before school, after school, or lunch tutorials for students to get help on a concept, make up assessments, or connect in a smaller teacher to student ratio.


Expert tips for successful tutorial visits include

  • Ensure your teacher knows you are coming - ideally confirm the date with them beforehand and the specific assessment or grade you need help with so they are prepared for you.
  • Spend time figuring out "what you know" and "what you know you don't know." Teachers will be better equipped to help you master a learning concept if we can identify gaps.
  • Come prepared with all materials - if you have a specific paper assignment, bring it. Your Chromebook should always be fully charged at the start of every school day.
  • Be respectful of other students in tutorials, consider collaboration. Before and after an important assessment, there will likely be many students who need help with the same concepts. Understand that your teacher will offer as much individual assistance as they can but may work with you and your peers in a group on a concept if needed.
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SY 25-26 OHMS Tutorials - 25-26 Tutorials (1).pdf
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Daily Bell Schedules

Please make use of our Bell Schedules for planning doctor's visits, other pickups from school. These times reflect bell transitions on C Days (Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays,) and A/B Days (Wednesdays/Thursdays.)

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O. Henry Bell Schedule 2025-2026.pdf
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Parent Technology FAQ

House Bill 1481 - Student Device Rules: What Parents and Students Need to Know


Grades and Attendance: Parents will find their student's grades, schedules, and other key information in the Frontline Parent Portal (access instructions linked.) While students may access content on the BLEND or Google Classroom platforms (see instructors' syllabi for more detail,) Frontline is the only official record for grades in Austin ISD.



Lunch Money in AISD: Guardians are able to deposit money into a student's account for school purchases. Guardians must make an account at https://www.schoolcafe.com/AUSTINISD

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Car, Bus, Bike, and Walking Transportation

Bus Transportation: Students who take AISD buses will be picked up and dropped off on Wayside Dr on the east side of the property. The map to the side shows our bus lane. Families use the Where's the Bus through the AISD Portal or the phone app to track bus arrival times. Students pick up and drop off in the same place on Wayside Drive. Link to AISD's Bus Transportation Department homepage with contact information. Families seeking a "bus pass" to ride a route that they are not zoned to cannot be placed on routes for the first two weeks of school until space for zoned riders is confirmed. More information is available 7:45 am to 4:45 pm Monday though Friday at 512-414-0238.


Car Riders, Walkers, and Map: We understand that car dropoff can be a stressful time for families, especially at the beginning of the year for unfamiliar drivers and passengers. The map to the side shows the main drop off areas as well as the bus lane. While we do not close the street to eastbound traffic, having cars travel westbound on 10th Street is the safest option so that students do not have to cross in front of traffic or risk opening doors into traffic.



Staying on Campus Once Dropped Off: A reminder to all students, whether walkers, car riders, or bus riders, that once your mode of transportation has brought you to campus, you may not leave the campus to visit HEB, 7/11, or other locations. Students may not leave the property without being checked out by their guardian.

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_SY 25-26 Parent and Student Handbook .pdf
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Final Instructional Calendar for the 2025-2026 SY.pdf
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School Absence Reporting School Absence Reporting

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Follow Us on Social Media! Follow Us on Social Media!

School Accounts

Facebook: facebook.com/ohenryms

Instagram: @ohenryms

X/Twitter: @ohenryms


Clubs and Organizations


Band on Instagram: @ohms_mustangband

Library on Instagram @ohenryreads

Community Events and Information Community Events and Information

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