Pony Express
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF O. HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL
Mustang Families,
Spring is in the air at O. Henry. The days are growing a little longer and our campus begins to buzz with renewed energy, we are reminded that spring is a time of growth. We see that growth happening in our classrooms with our teachers and students every day.
Our spring performance season is here. The Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble held their Pre-UIL concerts this week, and Choir will have their Pre-UIL performance next week. We are so proud of the preparation, focus, and dedication our students and directors are demonstrating.
This week, Austin High counselors met with our 8th graders to help them complete draft course selections for high school, an exciting milestone as they look ahead to the next chapter. Our school counselor, Ivy Claflin, and Project Specialist, Casi Cook, also worked with 6th and 7th graders to guide them in making thoughtful choices for next year’s classes. We appreciate the intentional planning happening at every grade level.
A reminder for families transferring into O. Henry, the AISD transfer window is open from February 16–April 10. If you know families interested in joining our Mustang community, please encourage them to apply during this window. See more detailed information below in the information section.
School Resource Officer Appreciation Week
We are incredibly grateful for our campus School Resource Officers, Sergeant Dori Livingston and Officer Juan Olvera. Thank you for the care, safety, and support you provide to our students and staff each day. We appreciate you.
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.
