Pony Express
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF O. HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL
Mustang Families,
As we head into the final weeks of February, we are focused on finishing the month strong. Tuesday marks the beginning of the Year of the Fire Horse, and as Mustangs, we couldn’t ask for a more fitting symbol. The horse represents energy, determination, and strength. We look forward to embracing those qualities as a campus community as we continue striving for excellence together.
In Pursuit of Excellence Awards
This week we celebrated students through our In Pursuit of Excellence Awards, recognizing Mustangs who exemplify Respect, Responsibility, Perseverance, and Integrity. Teachers nominate students who demonstrate kindness, leadership, and doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.
We are so proud of these students and grateful to partner with you in celebrating the positive impact they make on our campus.
Additionally, our ACES teachers recognized students during our 2nd Quarter Honor Roll Assemblies this week. The slides from the assemblies are linked below.
8th Grade Families: Please bookmark our dedicated HS Advancement Newsletter! It will continue to be updated with relevant information throughout the spring.
Transfers:
General enrollment and general transfers such as to Austin HS opens on Feb 16th. Applications for admissions-based and magnet programs opened on January 12th.
Friday, February 20 - 8:30 - 9:30 am - PTA General Meeting with guest speaker, Dawn Wible from "Talk More Tech Less." She will discuss cyberbully prevention, extortion online, and other issues families are facing.
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.
