Pony Express
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF O. HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL
Dear Mustang Families and Caregivers,
We had a great first week of school at O. Henry. Our students came back full of energy and excitement, as they connected with each other and learned about O. Henry. This week has set such a positive tone for the year ahead. We are so proud of the way our Mustangs have started strong, and we can’t wait to keep the momentum going.
This Wednesday, August 27th, we’ll be hosting our annual Back to School Night. We’ll begin a little earlier than usual with a “Meet the Principal” session at 5:15 PM in the gym, followed by the PTA general meeting, opportunity to meet your student’s teachers, hear about the year’s classes, and get a feel for O. Henry. We hope you’ll join us.
Our Mustang athletes are also gearing up for their seasons, and this week we’ll kick things off with our first volleyball game against Gorzycki. We’d love to see our community come out to cheer them on and show that Mustang spirit.
Thank you for your support and for helping us make the first week of school such a success. We look forward to an amazing year together. It's always a great day to be an O. Henry Mustang!
Camie Fillpot
Interim Principal
WHAT IS ROUND UP?
Round Up is the O. Henry PTA’s main fundraiser and annual school carnival featuring sports booths, games, inflatables, food, raffle prizes and a middle school dance. Mark your calendar to support OHMS at this fun family event on the school grounds! Click HERE to learn more.
WANTED: ROUND UP SPONSORS
We need YOU and EVERY dollar counts!
Round Up depends on sponsorships from families and community partners! Proceeds from Round Up will be used this school year to fund student enrichment, technology updates for the library, classroom and student devices, new music instruments, staff and teacher appreciation and resources, a sound system in the gym, outdoor picnic tables and benches, Maker Space supplies to foster creativity and innovation, and student recognitions such as awards and celebrations. Please visit the website today to make your tax-deductible donation. Don’t let the levels make you think smaller donations don’t matter…whether it’s $5 or $5,000 or any amount in between, we welcome EVERY family to give ANY amount to show support for our amazing school!
The deadline for signs on Exposition Blvd. and banner recognition at the event is September 20th.
THANK YOU in advance for your contribution!
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:
UPCOMING PTA DATES
- Back to School Night with General PTA Meeting - Wednesday, August 27 at 5:15 pm.
- PTA Coffee - Friday, September 5 from 8-9 a.m.
- 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.
MUSTANG MALL
Parents, we need your help at the Mustang Mall! The Mustang Mall lives in the OHMS cafeteria and supplies students with anything they may need throughout the day; chapstick, PE shirts, OHMS spiritwear, gym locks, fudgets, pencils, paper, etc.! Shifts are ONE HOUR during lunch and a fun way to support our amazing student body!
Sign up HERE
Save the Date: Future Maroon Night at House Park - October 2, 2025
Austin HS invites O. Henry students and all of our future Maroons to join up before the game and show their Austin pride by running out onto the field with the team. This date also coincides the Red Jacket Dance Clinic and House Park Blues Night. Middle school band and dancers will have an opportunity to perform with their Austin HS peers.
Austin High School Model UN - September 27 Conference
Hosted by the Austin High School Model United Nations Program, AUSMUN is the largest Model UN Conference in the Austin Independent School District! Our 450+ delegate conference has been described by previous delegates as one of the most interactive, fun, and unique conferences in Texas. In years prior, AUSMUN has featured creative, historical crisis committees, a local live jazz band, pie-your-chair at closing ceremonies, and distinguished keynote speakers. We would be honored if your group could attend, as each individual contributes a positive, unique energy to AUSMUN!
Below, please find the most up-to-date registration information, rates, and dates for AUSMUN 2025.
AUSMUN 2025 Save The Date: September 27, 2025
Early registration price: $30
$5 of each registration goes to our chosen charity, Keep Austin Fed!
More information regarding registration costs can be found on our website and on the registration google form.
OFFICIAL EARLY REGISTRATION FORMS:
AUSMUN 2025 Early Group Registration Form (opens 8/1)
AUSMUN 2025 Early Individual Registration Form (opens 8/1)
