Pony Express
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF O. HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL
Dear Mustang Families and Caregivers,
As we begin a new school year, my heart is full of excitement and gratitude. On Tuesday, August 19, we’ll open our doors to welcome our students into a year filled with opportunities to learn, grow, and connect. For our new Mustangs, I want you to know that you are joining a community that values every student and believes in your potential.
A huge thank you to all the families who joined us for Derby Day today. It was wonderful to see so many students exploring campus, connecting with friends, and getting ready for a great year ahead. It’s your energy and Mustang spirit that make O. Henry the amazing place that it is.
We also want to introduce our long-term Assistant Principal substitute, Dr. Monica Woods. She is no stranger to O. Henry, having filled in for Assistant Principal Paul Kleiman a few years ago after the birth of his daughter. We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Woods back, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a deep passion for supporting all learners.
This week’s Pony Express is jam-packed with important information, helpful resources, and key reminders to ensure you and your student have a strong start to the 2025-2026 school year. If you have any questions or need support along the way, our incredible office staff and admin team are here for you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out, we are happy to help.
Here’s to a year of learning, laughter, and Mustang Pride.
Camie Fillpot
Interim Principal
O. Henry Middle School
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.
Upcoming PTA Dates:
- Round Up 2025 - Friday, September 26, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. All hands on deck! Please plan on volunteering at our #1 fundraising event.
PTA In Action
Back to School Breakfast
Teachers were treated to breakfast tacos, fruit, and coffee provided by the PTA on their first day back to school. Special thanks to Laura Cross for organizing and setting it all up.
