Pony Express
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF O. HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL
Mustang Families,
We were thrilled to welcome approximately 500 fifth- and sixth-grade students this week from our feeder elementary schools, Barton Hills, Bryker Woods, Casis, Mathews, Oak Hill, and Zilker. Students toured classrooms and enjoyed a Fine Arts Showcase highlighting our outstanding band, orchestra, choir, dance, and cheer programs.
Our future Mustangs asked thoughtful questions, shared their excitement about joining us in August, and even headed home with a little Mustang swag. The enthusiasm and curiosity we saw this week reflect the strong community and traditions that make O. Henry such a special place.
A reminder that on Monday, January 19, students and staff will observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a time to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy and the values that continue to guide our work at O. Henry, learning, character, service, and community. As Dr. King reminded us, “Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.”
O. Henry Teacher of the Year
Congratulations to Megan Aguilar, who was selected by staff as this year’s O. Henry Teacher of the Year.
Ms. Aguilar is a TEA Recognized Teacher and a valued member of our math department. She teaches advanced Algebra and Geometry courses for high school credit and has been teaching for 10 years, seven of them at O. Henry Middle School.
Her goal is to send students to high school with confidence in math, a willingness to take risks, and strong problem-solving skills. We are grateful to have Ms. Aguilar as such an impactful part of our Mustang family.
Austin High Course Selection Upcoming Dates:
Future Maroons, it’s almost time to pick your courses for Austin High! Please see below for upcoming dates regarding course selection.
Monday, Jan 12th: AHS will host an information session about course selection. Students/guardians will be able to select their courses with the help of AHS counselors. This event will take place at 6PM at Austin High School
Tuesday, Jan 13th: AHS counselors visit O. Henry during science classes to help 8th graders select their courses for AHS. Selections are final. Students will need to bring their choice sheets to school.
8th grade students who are applying to transfer into Austin High (or another high school) will be able to select their courses once their transfer is accepted. For transfer enrollment timelines and information, please see the Enroll Austin website.
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.
