Pony Express
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF O. HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL
Dear Mustang Families,
“People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is built.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
Eleanor Roosevelt’s words feel especially meaningful as we move through this busy and joy-filled season at O. Henry. Middle school is a time where students meet new challenges, form deeper connections, and learn more about who they are and who they want to become. Every day on our campus, I see Mustangs building character, through persistence in the classroom, courage in trying something new, kindness toward each other, and pride in representing their school and community.
Celebrating Austin High Volleyball
On Tuesday night, I had the privilege of attending the Austin High Volleyball playoff game at the Burger Center, where the Maroons defeated Dripping Springs in an exciting matchup. I was incredibly proud to see so many former O. Henry Mustang volleyball players on the court, wearing maroon, competing with heart, and representing Austin High and the Austin High vertical team so well. It was so fun to see former and current Mustangs and their families cheering on the Maroons as they won Regionals and secured a trip to the Final Four for the first time since 1992. What a huge accomplishment.
Austin High plays for a trip to the Texas State Volleyball Finals on Saturday, November 15th at 1:00 PM. They will take on Tompkins High School at the Delmar Fieldhouse in Houston. Good luck, Maroons.
Fine Arts Excellence
This week also showcased the talent of our Mustang musicians:
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.
