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WEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF O. HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL

Pony ExpressWEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF O. HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL
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Principal's Update - Week of October 14th - October 17th - No School Monday! Principal's Update - Week of October 14th - October 17th - No School Monday!

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Dear Mustang Families,


During times of challenge and change, the true character of a school community shines through. Every day, I am reminded how proud I am to serve as the principal of O. Henry Middle School, a place where students, staff, and families work together with courage, clarity, and empathy.

At O. Henry, our “main thing” has always been and remains simple: we do what is best for kids. Our focus on student learning, belonging, building relationships, and consistency is what makes our campus such a special place to learn and grow.


As we move deeper into the school year, our teachers and staff continue to reflect on how to strengthen classroom practices, support each student’s growth, and create a positive, connected learning environment.


Thank you for your continued partnership and trust. Together we are In Pursuit of Excellence-Every Student, Every Day.


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Feeling the Mustang Love

Thank you for an unforgettable Principal Appreciation Week! Last week, I felt so loved and appreciated during Principal Appreciation Week. Thank you to our incredible students, staff, and families for the flowers, kind words, and thoughtful gestures. It was a beautiful reminder of how truly supportive and generous our Mustang community is.

MAP Scores and Goal Setting

Last week, students brought home hard copies of their Beginning-of-Year MAP scores for reading and math. These reports show each student’s percentile for achievement and growth, offering a snapshot of where they are and where they’re headed. Teachers are conferencing individually with students about their math and reading goals, helping them plan next steps for success.

In addition, Monday, October 20 is Parent Conference Day. Teachers are reaching out to schedule time with specific families, but if there’s a teacher you’d like to meet with, please don’t hesitate to contact them directly.


Austin High Counselors Visit 8th Grade

On Tuesday, October 14, the Austin High School Counseling Team will visit all 8th grade ELA classes. They’ll discuss course selection, graduation pathways, and the Austin High Academies, helping students begin to envision their high school experience and future goals.


Mustang Volleyball Champions

We’re thrilled to celebrate our 7th and 8th Grade Volleyball Teams, who captured the Zone Championship last Wednesday night.

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Guardian Caps for Our Mustang Football Team

A huge thank-you to TK Injury Lawyers for ensuring every O. Henry football player is now equipped with a Guardian Cap, a soft-shell helmet cover that reduces impact during practices and games. O. Henry is proud to be one of the first middle schools in the nation to outfit our entire team with this protective gear.

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In Pursuit of Excellence Awards

Each week, we celebrate Mustangs who exemplify Respect, Responsibility, Perseverance, and Integrity. Teachers nominate students who show kindness, leadership, and integrity, doing the right thing even when no one is watching. Congratulations to this week’s honorees.

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Thank You, PTA

A big thank-you to our amazing PTA for treating our staff to a delicious Cabo Bob’s lunch this week. Your support keeps our team energized and appreciated. Special shout-out to Renee Bair, Lindsey Fell, Jennifer Bigbee, and Laura Cross for our special lunch. How cute are the decorations, right?!

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Weekly Schedule of Events Weekly Schedule of Events

Monday 10/13 - No School: Indigenous People's Day/Columbus Day

Tuesday 10/14

- Austin HS presentations for 8th graders during ELA class

- 4:00-5:15: Boys Soccer Tryouts

- 6:00/7:30: A Team FB, O. Henry vs. Lamar at Nelson Field

Wednesday 10/15

- 4:00-5:15 Boys Soccer Tryouts

Thursday 10/16

- 4:00-5:15 Boys Soccer Tryouts

Friday 10/17

O. Henry Lost and Found Cleanout! O. Henry Lost and Found Cleanout!

Is your student missing a jacket? Lunchbox? Water bottle?


O. Henry has a Lost & Found Rack inside the cafeteria towards the left side of the stage. We have many items stacking up that have not been picked up in many weeks. All items will be cleared out and donated before Thanksgiving Break, so be sure to check frequently.

8th Grade Families - High School Advancement Information 8th Grade Families - High School Advancement Information

Attention Families of 8th Grade Students!


Please mark your calendars for the following two events containing important high school transition information!


Tuesday, October 14th: AHS Counselor Presentations

Austin High School counselors will meet with all of our 8th grade students during their ELAR classes. Students will receive helpful information about Austin High, the AHS academies, and course requirements for high school. Students will fill out a draft "choice sheet," exploring the classes they will take in 9th grade. This presentation is completed during the school day and is for students only.


Wednesday, November 19th: Maroon and White Night

Learn all about Austin High! This event will showcase the course offerings, extracurriculars, and Academies at AHS. More information to come.


For any questions, please reach out to your counselor, Ms. Price (A-L) rachel.price@austinisd.org or Ms. Claflin (M-Z) ivy.claflin@austinisd.org.

Book Fair Starts October 21st! - Volunteers Wanted Book Fair Starts October 21st! - Volunteers Wanted

O. Henry's annual Scare Fair hosted by our Library will begin October 21st. If you'd like to help us volunteer, please sign up here.

6th Grade Boys' Mustang Strength Club begins November 11 6th Grade Boys' Mustang Strength Club begins November 11

Welcome to the Mustang Strength Club! Strength Club will meet every Wednesday morning from 7:15-8:00 in the O.Henry weight room, starting September 24th. We will be lifting weights -bench press and squats - and doing simple movements: box jumps, jump rope, pull ups, push ups, etc. Athletes will also have access to the small gym to do various fitness activities.


Parents, fill out this Google Form in order to sign up.

ATHLETICS ATHLETICS

Boys' Soccer Boys' Soccer

Coach Gray A Team scott.gray@austinisd.org

Coach Hibbard B Team leslie.hibbard@austinisd.org

If your 7th or 8th grade Boy is interested in playing soccer this fall, please fill out the following survey. (Link below if it is easier)

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSehFralHqMgteusNJ6PPbQW_8BvIOMW-KJ54xACiV0gFA-NZw/viewform?usp=header


Soccer Tryout Information

  • You must have a completed AISD physical in order to try out for Soccer. The entire physical packet must be completed, with signatures, in order to be valid. The physical must be turned in by the first day of tryouts.

  • Tryouts will be 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm on October 14th, 15th and 16th.

  • Please wear cleats and shin-guards to every practice.


Regular Practice and Game Schedule - subject to change, more information as we get closer

  • Tuesday, 4:00 - 5:15

  • Wednesday, 4:00 - 5:15

  • Thursday- 4:00 - 5:15

  • Saturday - 9:00am A Team Game - 10:30am B Team Game


The season schedule is shown below. If your child participates in club soccer and has game/practice conflicts, please reach out to Coach Gray and Coach Hibbard. Coaches can work out a plan to make sure athletes can still participate.

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Football Football

7th Grade Football

Coach Richter ryan.richter@austinisd.org

Coach McNally patrick.mcnally@austinisd.org

Coach Gaffney kevin.gaffney@austinisd.org

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Coaches:

Coach Wolfe 8A: jerrod.wolfe@austinisd.org

Coach Brouillard 8A: tyler.brouillard@austinisd.org

Coach Hilliard 8B: elliott.hilliard@austinisd.org

Coach Mehta 8B: neal.mehta@austinisd.org

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7th Grade Girls' Basketball 7th Grade Girls' Basketball

8th Grade Girls' Basketball 8th Grade Girls' Basketball

FINE ARTS + PERFORMING ARTS FINE ARTS + PERFORMING ARTS

Guitar and Choir Fall Concert - October 24, 6:30 PM Guitar and Choir Fall Concert - October 24, 6:30 PM

October 24 - Guitar and Choir
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Gifted and Talented Program Nominations Gifted and Talented Program Nominations

Gifted and Talented Services Flyer: CLICK ME


The nomination window for GT identification is now open for middle school. The window closes October 17th and this will be the only nomination window for this school year. If you are interested in nominating your child for GT services, please fill out this form: CLICK ME. Please note that signing the form gives permission for your child to be tested and screened for the Austin ISD Gifted and Talented Program. If you have any questions, please contact Casi Cook. (casi.cook@austinisd.org)

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OHMS PTA Updates OHMS PTA Updates

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CLICK HERE for all things O. Henry PTA

OHMS SECRET PALS - MANY STAFF STILL AVAILABLE - PLEASE SIGN UP

Grateful for an OHMS teacher or staff member? Show your gratitude by becoming a Secret Pal! PTA Secret Pals anonymously deliver a minimum of 4 small gifts to the front office throughout the year (birthday, holidays, just because). It's a great way to show support for the amazing OHMS teachers and staff! Please sign up below for a teacher/staff member and you will receive their preferences. Happy gifting!


PTA IN ACTION

National Principals' Month

PTA celebrated our Interim Principal, Camie Fillpot, in honor of National Principals' Month with a bouquet of flowers. Thank you for your hard work, Ms. Fillpot!


Staff Appreciation Luncheon

O. Henry Teachers and Staff were treated to Cabo Bob's for lunch by PTA on Thursday, October 9. Thank you to Renee Bair, Lindsey Fell, and Jennifer Bigbee for executing this on PTA's behalf!'


NEW VOLUNTEERS

This year the district is requiring that all volunteers go through the new Voly system for background checks. The system is very quick and usually does not take more than 24 hours. Please use the link below to complete your application.

https://austinisd.voly.org/


MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY

The PTA provides a free online directory and mobile app for O. Henry Middle School, hosted by DirectorySpot. The directory is accessible to OHMS parents and staff only, and your information will never be shared or sold. If your family would like to be included please fill out the information found at this link.


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

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OHMS PTA - Notice of Proposed Bylaws Amendments

The O. Henry Middle School PTA executive committee has proposed the following two amendments to the bylaws. These changes will be voted on at the PTA general membership meeting at 8:00 a.m. on November 7. Please send any questions to Jessica Hershey (President, jesshershey@gmail.com) or Laura Lee Daigle (Parliamentarian, lauraleedaigle@gmail.com)


Amendment #1

Amend Article VII. Section 2. Dues. by increasing annual dues to $9.00

Section 2. Dues.

a. This PTA shall remit a membership roster along with the national and state dues to Texas PTA for each of its members.

b. Annual dues for each member shall be the sum of national dues plus state dues plus the local dues amount of $ 9.00.


Rationale: This minimal increase will keep OHMS dues in line with other schools in our vertical team, while generating a modest increase in revenue. National and State dues currently total $6, so this proposed increase will result in a total of $15 for members. Note that teachers only pay National/State dues ($6).


Amendment #1

Amend Article X. Section 1. Executive Board Composition by adding a new 3 e, adding the role of Volunteer Coordinator to the Executive board.


Section 1. Composition. The executive board of this PTA shall be:

a. the officers including the president, 4 vice president(s), secretary, and treasurer;

b. the parliamentarian;

c. the campus principal (or representative designated by the principal);


d. council delegate, and historian

e. the volunteer coordinator


Rationale: This role is needed at the executive level to help ensure the timely and successful filling of PTA committees, roles and volunteer positions.

Repeated Logistical Information - Tutorials, Supplies, Calendars, Handbook, Tech Repeated Logistical Information - Tutorials, Supplies, Calendars, Handbook, Tech

Nurse's Office, Mental Health, and Student Clubs - Parent Consent Forms

Without signed consent, your child will not be able to receive these services or participate in any clubs.

  1. Mental Health-Related Services
    The district must notify parents of staff services related to school counseling and give parents the opportunity to opt out before those services are provided to their child. Mental Health Services Consent Form: English/Spanish

  2. Physical Health-Related Services
    Certain school-based health services, such as non-emergency medical screenings or treatments, now require your written permission.
    Physical Health Services Consent Form

  3. Participation in school-sponsored Student Clubs
    If your child wishes to participate in school or district-sponsored clubs or organizations, parental approval is required. (You may have already received and completed this form if it was previously sent by your school.)
    Student Club Participation Consent Form

Homework Club in Library - 2025-26 Homework Club in Library - 2025-26

Homework Club is held after school Monday-Thursday from 4-5 pm in the library. Please bring your school supplies and come ready to read or work on homework. Students can check in the office to confirm whether you qualify for one of the two 5:15 PM late bus home.

Teacher Tutorials

In addition to support in class, each teacher holds an hour of before school, after school, or lunch tutorials for students to get help on a concept, make up assessments, or connect in a smaller teacher to student ratio.


Expert tips for successful tutorial visits include

  • Ensure your teacher knows you are coming - ideally confirm the date with them beforehand and the specific assessment or grade you need help with so they are prepared for you.
  • Spend time figuring out "what you know" and "what you know you don't know." Teachers will be better equipped to help you master a learning concept if we can identify gaps.
  • Come prepared with all materials - if you have a specific paper assignment, bring it. Your Chromebook should always be fully charged at the start of every school day.
  • Be respectful of other students in tutorials, consider collaboration. Before and after an important assessment, there will likely be many students who need help with the same concepts. Understand that your teacher will offer as much individual assistance as they can but may work with you and your peers in a group on a concept if needed.
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Daily Bell Schedules

Please make use of our Bell Schedules for planning doctor's visits, other pickups from school. These times reflect bell transitions on C Days (Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays,) and A/B Days (Wednesdays/Thursdays.)

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Parent Technology FAQ

House Bill 1481 - Student Device Rules: What Parents and Students Need to Know


Grades and Attendance: Parents will find their student's grades, schedules, and other key information in the Frontline Parent Portal (access instructions linked.) While students may access content on the BLEND or Google Classroom platforms (see instructors' syllabi for more detail,) Frontline is the only official record for grades in Austin ISD.



Lunch Money in AISD: Guardians are able to deposit money into a student's account for school purchases. Guardians must make an account at https://www.schoolcafe.com/AUSTINISD

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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.

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_SY 25-26 Parent and Student Handbook .pdf
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School Absence Reporting School Absence Reporting

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Follow Us on Social Media! Follow Us on Social Media!

School Accounts

Facebook: facebook.com/ohenryms

Instagram: @ohenryms

X/Twitter: @ohenryms


Clubs and Organizations


Band on Instagram: @ohms_mustangband

Library on Instagram @ohenryreads

Community Events and Information Community Events and Information

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