Pony Express
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF O. HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL
Dear Mustang Families,
November is a time to pause and give thanks. As I walk through classrooms and hallways each day, I’m reminded of how much there is to be grateful for at O. Henry; the laughter of students as they play in front of the school, the dedication and heart of our staff, and the ongoing partnership of our Mustang families. Gratitude is more than a feeling; it’s an active practice that helps us focus on what is meaningful in our lives.
This month, I encourage all of us, students, staff, and families, to look for opportunities to practice gratitude in action: a kind word to a classmate, a note of thanks to a teacher, a smile to someone who might need one. These small acts have a big impact, strengthening the sense of belonging and community that makes O. Henry the most special of places.
I want to extend heartfelt appreciation to parent volunteer Valerie Pardo Jules for creating the beautiful Gratitude bulletin in our front office. It’s a wonderful daily reminder of the many, many ways we can practice gratitude for our O. Henry community.
I also want to thank everyone who joined our PTA meeting this morning. We are so grateful to our PTA for hosting Dawn Wible on part two of her three-part parent series, “Talk More, Tech Less.” This important conversation focuses on raising awareness and promoting healthy technology and cell-phone use among students and families. O. Henry has been ahead of the curve in this area, our campus has maintained a no-cell-phones-out policy during the school day for the past five years. We’ve seen an even greater student focus, stronger engagement, and a sharp drop in tardies and class cuts since the new state law went into effect this year.
Honor Roll Assemblies This Week
We are excited to celebrate our students’ hard work and achievement during our A and A/B Honor Roll Assemblies this week.
Wednesday, November 12
6th Grade – 1:45 – 2:15 p.m. | Cafeteria
7th Grade – 1:45 – 2:15 p.m. | Gym
Thursday, November 13
8th Grade – 1:45 – 2:15 p.m. | Gym
Families are welcome to attend. We sent A Honor Roll and A/B Honor Roll announcements to students and their families by email. If you’re unable to join us, we’ll send home the slide deck from the assembly along with your student’s honor roll certificate so you can celebrate their success at home.
Mustang Pride
As we move through November, I’m reminded daily of how much there is to be grateful for at O. Henry. From our dedicated teachers and staff, to our supportive parents, and most of all our incredible students, each person contributes to the spirit and success of our Mustang community. Thank you for the countless ways you show up, give back, and make O. Henry a place where gratitude, kindness, and excellence shine.
With Mustang Pride,
Camie Fillpot
Interim Principal, O. Henry Middle School
In Pursuit of Excellence
Talk More - Tech Less Presentation and Resources:
PTA was glad to welcome as our guest speaker Dawn Wibel with Talk More. Tech Less. Ms. Wibel presented and answered questions on a variety of relevant topics related to technology use and youth mental health. The presentation was focused on proactive strategies and conversations that families can engage in together to enhance connection and stability. See the resource pack below for a variety of one-page sheets on whatever topic is relevant to your family.
A few staff and teachers remaining! Please 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!
Etta
Wyatt
Kaja
Cora
Juliet
Spanish 2 - Ofrendas
Spanish 2 - Ofrendas
Spanish 2 - Ofrendas
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.
