This is an exciting time of year where we look forward to the year ahead in middle school. It is also a time that requires some very careful planning for your future. Included in this newsletter are scheduled activities and information that will help you get ready for a successful new year at O. Henry Middle School.

O. Henry Middle School is a comprehensive 6th through 8th grade campus dedicated to providing a dynamic and inclusive educational environment for students and their families.

Our robust core academic curriculum emphasizes differentiation and integrates Social and Emotional Learning to meet the diverse needs of all learners. Students have access to advanced study opportunities within the classroom, fostering a culture of academic excellence.

At O. Henry, we are committed to educating the whole child—academically, socially, emotionally, physically, and artistically—within a supportive and vibrant community.

Check out the following photo for the list of electives offered at O. Henry. Elective videos coming soon.

All Middle School students take the four core classes every year - English Language Arts, Science, Social Studies and Math. Families can choose whether they want their child to take the Academic or Advanced level of each class. For Math, families can also choose two accelerated tracks which will lead to high school credit math classes by 7th or 8th grade. The math tracks are shown below.

Middle School students also need to take a year of PE or Dance in 6th grade, at least one semester in 7th grade, and at least one semester in 8th grade for a total of 4 semesters of physical education.

Finally, all students must take one Fine Arts class during their time at middle school. Incoming 6th grader students will be required to take their Fine Arts in 6th grade so that they have the option to continue throughout middle school and experience some of the great advanced level classes, field trips and competitions!

We have the 6th grade choice sheet presentation for families to review at home or for students not at our feeder schools. If you have any questions, please contact us at rachel.price@austinisd.org (students last name A-L) or ivy.claflin@austinisd.org (students last name M-Z)

Several of the elective courses offered to 7th and 8th grade students at O. Henry require applications. For students interested in these electives, please fill out an application and rank the elective as top 3 on your choice sheet. Note that library and office aides are not on the choice sheet; students interested in being a library or office aide should send in an application.

Elective Applications for 7th and 8th Grade

Theatre Production Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfsZnyj_NRp7r8Rc1AdckHBt50yBtK8WGYR_RBZ9YMdxeRD1g/viewform

Mustang News Application (Digital Communications in the 21st Century):

Mustang News Application (25-26)

Yearbook Application:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YwEm4JZQJFd2yUWssocN88yTYTDTIDZqyOdfGs8GUYk/edit

Elective Applications for 8th Grade Only

Library and Office Aide Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1V4rJz3_VIkks7vOyPhmNVn_5odZ7Qz9pMxacQIRxNIU/edit

At O. Henry we believe that academic along with Social Emotional Learning is important to help foster every child's unique talents and strengths. Every student is valued at OHMS!

O. Henry Counselors and Staff will be visiting classrooms and schools for Course Sheet Presentations.

Elementary Visits to O. Henry

Please see the dates below for 5th grade visits to O. Henry, where students will be able to hear our fine arts program and take a tour of the school. Please reach out to your students' teacher or counselor directly for more information.

12/2 Casis ES

12/2 Oak Hill ES

12/3 Mathews ES

12/3 Zilker ES

12/9 Barton Hills ES

12/9 Bryker Woods ES

O. Henry Middle School is open to transfer students. Transfer applications and instructions can be found at https://www.austinisd.org/enroll

Email: rachel.price@austinisd.org and ivy.claflin@austinisd.org
Website: https://ohenry.austinschools.org
Phone: 512-414-3229