Pony Express
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF O. HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL
Principal's Update - Week of December 15-19
Dear Mustang Families,
If you would like to nominate an outstanding O. Henry staff member for an AISD Salute Award, nominations are now open and close on January 16. Families are encouraged to share their appreciation using the 2026 Salute Open Nominations link. 2026 Salute Open Nominations | Nominaciones abiertas para Salute de 2026
Fine Arts Spotlight
As we close out the Fall 2025 semester, we are celebrating all that our students have learned through our many winter showcases. This week kicked off with a fantastic Band Concert on Tuesday night in the big gym under the direction of Mr. Sedric Pinkney, with student band leaders introducing each musical selection. It was a packed house and a wonderful start to our showcase season.
On Wednesday, our Orchestra performed alongside Austin High under the direction of Mr. Luke Schroeder. Thursday night featured our Choir and Guitar students performing at Austin High under the direction of Ms. Jennifer Boltz. Thank you to our families for supporting our Fine Arts students, ensuring practice time, transportation, and encouragement makes a tremendous difference.
We look forward to our Dance Showcase this Thursday at 6:00 p.m. in Café O. Henry, under the direction of Ms. Sarah Tavarez.
In Pursuit of Excellence Awards
We also continue to celebrate students through our In Pursuit of Excellence Awards. Each week, we celebrate Mustangs who exemplify Respect, Responsibility, Perseverance, and Integrity. Teachers nominate students who show kindness, leadership, and integrity, doing the right thing even when no one is watching. Thank you for helping us recognize the many ways our Mustangs shine.
MAP Family Reports
MAP Family Reports will be sent home with students next week on Wednesday and Thursday through their ELA classes. Please review these reports with your student and reach out to their ELA or Math teachers if you have any questions or concerns about academic progress.
This final week before winter break is shaping up to be a great one- and a wonderful time to be an O. Henry Mustang.
Upcoming Events
ABABC Schedule this week
12/13- Saturday School
12/17- Girls Basketball Playoffs
12/18- Winter Dance Recital, Café O. Henry (6:00 p.m.)
12/19- Last Day of the Fall Semester
1/5 - AISD Staff Development / Student Holiday
1/6- First Day of School for Students (Spring Semester)
1/7–1/9 - Camp O. Henry
1/28 - O. Henry Course Sheet Fair
TBD - O. Henry Fine Arts Night
With Mustang Pride,
Camie Fillpot
Interim Principal, O. Henry Middle School
OHMS Fall Final Exam and Project Schedule
Detailed Weekly Schedule of Events
Monday 12/15 - A DAY
Tuesday 12/16 - B DAY
- 6th Grade Boys Weightlifting Club before school
Wednesday 12/17 - A DAY
- 6:55 AM: Run Club at track
- 6:00 PM: 7th Grade Girls BKB Playoff Game at Home vs. Murchison
- 7:00 PM: 8th Grade Girls BKB Playoff Game at Home vs. Bailey
Thursday 12/18 - B DAY
- 6th Grade Boys Weightlifting Club before school
- 6:00 PM: Winter Dance Recital - Free in Cafeteria!
Friday 12/19 C DAY
Happy Winter Break!
OHMS PTA Updates
UPCOMING DATES
Friday, January 9 at 8:30 a.m. - PTA General Meeting
PTA APPRECIATION
A huge thank you to Stacy Baker for all her time and dedication to Mustand Mall! She has spent many hours keeping Mustang Mall stocked, selling merchandise, and leading the coordination of the many other volunteers that have helped this semester. Thank you Stacy!
SECRET PALS GIFT TIME
If you volunteered for a Staff Secret Pal, it is a great time to deliver a surprise for them before winter break starts.
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.
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.
ATHLETICS
7th Grade Boys' Basketball Practices
The list of students who made A/B Team as well as the C Team has been posted in the Athletics wing.
All 50 players (A / B / C Groups) will practice @ 8:15am on M / TU / W / F.
Players selected for A/B Group (25 total players) will start early at 7 AM on Wednesdays and Fridays, with the C Group joining at the regular 8:15 AM time.
Reminders:
Please pull up / drop off along Exposition Blvd; NOT in the coaches’ parking lot.
For 7am starts, players must enter through the blue locker room door near the track, NOT the front of the school.
Students should be dressed and on the court by the listed time
Students should bring school clothes, towels, and toiletries in addition to their athletic gear
8th Grade Boys' Basketball - Schedule
Basketball tryouts were held Monday, December 1st to Friday, December 5th.
The list of students who made A and B team has been posted in the Athletics wing.
If a student-athlete does not make the cuts they will begin the year on the C-team with an opportunity to move up as the season progresses.
Further information re: scheduling of games is forthcoming.
7th Grade Girls' Basketball - A Team Playoffs Wednesday
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)
Playoffs
A team Last Game: 12/17 at Home vs. Murchison
“B” team does not have playoffs.
Team Parent: Amanda Thompson - adhthompson@gmail.com
8th Grade Girls' Basketball - A Team Playoffs - Wednesday
Coach Borders: A Team Head Coach - luke.borders@austinisd.org
Coach Cohen: B Team Head Coach - macie.cohen@austinisd.org
- Round Two, Final Game!: 12/17 at Home vs. Bailey
B Team does not have playoffs.
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.
Soccer Schedule
FINE ARTS + PERFORMING ARTS
Travel with O. Henry! Spring Break 2027
Club Corner
FCA is having it's first HUDDLE meeting this Thursday morning at 7:30 in the Big Gym. Please make sure you've approved your student to attend OHMS School sponsored clubs in order to attend. Hope to see you there!
Repeated Logistical Information - Tutorials, Supplies, Calendars, Handbook, Tech
Community Resources Hub for Families in Need
We know that some of our Mustang families may be struggling to get the food they need right now. If you are a family in need of help getting food and other necessities, please email ivy.claflin@austinisd.org. Need extra food support outside of school? These community partners can help you find assistance in your area. Please let us know if you would like help finding a food pantry in your area.
- Central Texas Food Bank
- Travis County Food Pantry
- United Way for Greater Austin
- Sustainable Food Center
- Texas Health and Human Services - Call 2-1-1 or (877) 541-7905 to speak to a live operator.
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.
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/SpanishPhysical 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 FormParticipation 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
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.
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.)
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
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.
School Absence Reporting
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