Pony Express
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF O. HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL
Happy Friday, Mustangs!
I hope this message finds you well and that you are wrapping up the week feeling proud of the work happening across our campus. Spring is always a busy and exciting time at O. Henry, and I continue to be grateful for the energy, commitment, and care our staff and students bring each day.
Please join me in giving a warm Mustang welcome to Nancy Gorton, who is serving as our Assistant Principal substitute. Nancy brings valuable experience and a student-centered approach to her work, and we are excited to have her supporting our campus during this time.
Be sure to check the Pony Express for important STAAR logistics information as we prepare for upcoming assessments. Students take their reading STAAR on Thursday, 4/9. Your support in helping students feel confident and ready is greatly appreciated.
Our Portable Village installation is underway. While the rain caused a brief pause on Wednesday, we are looking forward to completing installation next week once the ground has had time to dry.
A reminder that students do not have school on Monday. I will be heading to Georgetown this weekend to spend time with my family, and I hope each of you enjoys the three-day weekend as well-taking time to rest, recharge, and connect with those who matter most.
In Pursuit of Excellence Awards
Application and Service Hours Deadline: May 6
The first deadline for NJHS is May 6 - students need to have submitted service hours as well as submit the Google Form application. Please read the PDF below or follow this live link in order to see all the details for the upcoming school year. Current members are required to reapply for membership each year and maintain all membership requirements.
Sponsors and Contact Information
michael.jurkovic@austinisd.org and kevin.gaffney@austinisd.org
Students, please email the sponsors directly in order to be added to the BLEND course for updates if you missed last week's meeting.
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.
