Dear Mustang Families and Caregivers,
May is in full swing, and our campus is alive with the energy of student performances, academic focus, and heartfelt appreciation. This week is one of celebration—from the classroom to the stage, from the clinic to the athletic fields—and we hope you’ll join us in recognizing the many ways our students, staff, and families make O. Henry such a vibrant community.
🍎 It’s Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week!
We’re rolling out the red carpet for the incredible educators who inspire, challenge, and support our Mustangs every single day. Please consider joining the celebration by sending a kind note, dropping off a small treat, or simply sharing a message of gratitude. Even the smallest gesture makes a lasting impact on those who give so much.
🩺 Nurse Appreciation Week – Thank You, Kim Spiller!
This week, we also honor Nurse Kim Spiller, who is at the heart of so many moments of care and calm across campus. Whether it’s a scraped knee, a medication need, or a reassuring presence, Nurse Spiller ensures our students are safe and supported every day. We’re so grateful for her steady hands and Mustang heart!
🌟This Week at O. Henry: A Celebration of Mustang Talent and Spirit
There’s a joyful buzz in the air as we head into one of the most vibrant weeks of the school year! From the spotlight of the stage to the echoes of instruments in rehearsal rooms, our students are showcasing the creativity, collaboration, and hard work they’ve poured into their Fine Arts programs all year long.
We’re proud to kick off Fine Arts Focus Week—a time to honor the dedication and passion of our student artists, musicians, and performers. Each day this week shines a light on a different group, giving our campus the chance to celebrate the diverse talents that make our school community so rich.
- Tuesday features performances from all of our Band students, whose music fills the halls with rhythm and pride. On Wednesday, the rescheduled performance of Charlotte’s Web takes center stage—a production full of heart, humor, and teamwork—alongside other theater showcases that highlight the power of storytelling. On Thursday, our choir and guitar students will share pieces that uplift and inspire, and on Friday, our orchestra students will close out the week with performances that reflect their dedication and artistry.
These events are more than performances—they’re celebrations of growth, joy, and the spirit of Mustang creativity. Whether your child is performing, cheering in the audience, or helping behind the scenes, we hope you’ll join us in celebrating their hard work and talent.
🏆 Thank You, PTA!
A huge shout-out to our amazing PTA for organizing the 3rd Annual Cornhole & Social and for meeting their fundraising goal! Your support directly fuels student experiences across campus. We’ll be sharing a financial update at the PTA General Meeting on Tuesday night at 5:30 PM. We hope you can join us!
🏃 Athletics Corner: Plan Ahead for Next Year
All student-athletes must have a completed AISD Physical Form on file before participating in summer training or fall sports. Forms are available online or in the front office and were handed out in class. We have posted below tryout dates for Volleyball and Football. Be sure to also check out the Community section for camps.
There is so much to be proud of and grateful for this week. Thank you for supporting our students, recognizing our staff, and showing up to celebrate all the ways our Mustangs shine—on stage, in classrooms, on the field, and in the heart of our community.
Let’s make it a great week to be an O. Henry Mustang!
☮️, ❤️, and 🐴’s,
Marlo Malott
The National Junior Honor Society is a national organization which recognizes students in middle school for their achievements in academic scholarship, leadership, service, and character.
We are excited to announce that the NJHS chapter is now accepting applications for qualifying students currently in either 7th or 6th grade.
NEW NJHS Applicants-- check out the Link about NJHS and the application process OR Students can self-enroll in the Blend course Application at this URL: https://aisdblend.instructure.com/enroll/FJDFRT
SAVE THE DATE
NJHS induction ceremony will be Wednesday, May 21 at 6:00 pm
If you have any questions please contact Mrs. White - Becky.White@austinisd.org.
Spring Band Concert (Tuesday, May 6)
Everyone is invited to our Spring Band Concert on Tuesday, May 6 at 6:30 PM in the O.Henry Gym. The concert will feature all band students in grades 6 - 8. Students should report to the Gym at 6 PM in uniform for warm up. We hope you can join us as we celebrate another great year of music making!
O.Henry Summer Band Camp (August 4 - 6)
Mustang Summer Band Camp will take place August 4 - 6 (Monday - Wednesday) from 1:30 - 4:30 PM in the O.Henry band hall. Band Camp is free and open to all rising 7th and 8th grade band students with at least one year of playing experience. Students who attend band camp will get to perform with the O.Henry Pep Band in the fall. Pep Band provides school spirit by performing at pep rallies, two O.Henry football games, the Casis Carnival Parade, O.Henry Round-Up, an Austin High football game, and other fun events. Band Camp is a great opportunity to improve your performance skills while learning some fun music. Please use this Summer Band Camp Link to RSVP. For more information, please contact Mr. Pinkney at sedric.pinkney@austinisd.org
Upcoming PTA Dates:
May 6 - General PTA Meeting w/ speaker Dawn Wible 5:30pm
May 16 - 8th Grade Dance
May 21 - NJHS Induction
May 26 - Memorial Holiday
May 27 - Athletic Awards Ceremony
May 28 - Grade Level Field Trips
May 29 - 8th Grade Recognition Assembly & Student Luncheon - 10am
May 29 - Mustang Day/ Last Day of School
OFFICE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Office staff could especially use help on Tuesday, April 8th, in the afternoon. SIGN UP HERE TO VOLUNTEER IN THE OFFICE! or email brookesalman@gmail.com.
2025-26 PTA Officer Vote Notice
The O. Henry PTA Nominating Committee submitted the following slate for the 2025-2026 PTA Executive Board. This slate of officers has been shared with the current PTA Executive Board and will be voted on at the general PTA meeting on May 6.
2024-2025 SLATE OF PTA OFFICERS
President: Jessica Hershey
First Vice President/President-Elect: Allison Jackson
Second Vice President/VP Fundraising/Ways and Means: Sara Trantham
Third Vice President/VP Support/Services: Molly Jones
Fourth Vice President/VP Communications: Pam Roberts
Secretary: Holly Lanham
Treasurer: Andrew Birge
Treasurer-Elect: Hunter Norris
O. Henry Scholarships for Graduating AISD Seniors!
Do you know a senior in high school who has fond memories of their years at O. Henry Middle School? In recognition of the outstanding students that O. Henry produces, the O. Henry PTA offers two college scholarships for graduating AISD seniors who attended O. Henry Middle School for at least two years.
The one-year scholarships are paid directly to the college that the two awardees will attend. Details on how to apply for the two $500 O. Henry PTA Scholarships can be found HERE. Applications are due by May 9, 2024.
Questions? Please contact Ann Cardenas at ann.b.cardenas@gmail.com. Thanks, and good luck!!
