Pony Express
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF O. HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL
Mustang Families,
We experienced some challenging weather earlier this week with bad weather days on Monday and Tuesday, and I hope everyone was able to stay safe and warm. It was great to hear students sharing stories about making sleds out of all kinds of household items, it sounds like they truly made the best of those extremely cold days. Thursday brought beautiful weather, and we enjoyed being back outside during ACES. While the cold temperatures are expected to return this weekend, it looks like we will avoid precipitation. Stay warm, everyone.
This week’s highlight was our O. Henry Course Fair. Families had the opportunity to explore our course offerings and hear from our ELA teachers about selecting advanced versus grade-level ELA courses. Our math teachers shared information about the different math pathways, including pathways that may lead students to high school advanced geometry or advanced algebra in 8th grade, as well as the grade-level 8th grade math option. Ms. Claflin, our counselor, also provided guidance on how to complete course selection sheets.
We were thrilled to enjoy performances from the Austin High Jazz Band, along with performances from our very own dance team, band, and guitar students, showcasing so many of our award-winning programs. A big thank-you to our PTA for providing a wonderful P. Terry’s burger bar dinner for teachers after a long day at O. Henry, we truly appreciate the support.
Next week, teachers will begin reaching out to families to schedule parent-teacher conferences, with priority given to students who may need additional academic support. If you would like to request a conference and have not been contacted, please email your child’s teacher, and we will do our best to schedule a meeting on February 17. If that date does not work, we will coordinate a time shortly afterward that works for both families and teachers. Please remember that Monday, February 16, is a student holiday, and Tuesday, February 17, is a parent conference day.
Next week is also School Counselor Appreciation Week. Students have been writing thank-you notes to Ms. Claflin and Ms. Reyes in ACES to show appreciation for the care, guidance, and support they provide our Mustangs.
We also send our best wishes to Ami Cortes, who has served as our substitute Assistant Principal since September. Today was her last day at O. Henry. She has done an outstanding job supporting our students and staff, and we wish her the very best as she begins her new role supporting early childhood education across Texas.
Finally, next week we will administer STAAR interim assessments for all students. Reading assessments will take place on Monday, and mathematics assessments will take place on Tuesday. Testing will occur from 8:20–11:35 a.m. Please make sure students come to school on Monday and Tuesday with a fully-charged Chromebook and their charger. Students who need additional time will be able to continue testing in the library. Teachers will use these results to plan reteach and targeted support for students during the second semester. Students will attend classes as usual in the afternoon.
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.
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.
