The Spear
October 11-15 | Austin Middle School
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- Doors open at 7:00 am. Breakfast is available until 7:25 am. Tardy Bell at 7:30 am.
- The school day ends at 3:10 pm.
- Early Dismissal Days end at 11:30 am.
- Dress Code in Effect. Remember Hoodies/Sweaters/Sweatshirts worn inside the building MUST BE SOLID Grade-level COLOR (no emblems, logos, patterns, etc.)
- Bring your supplies, GISD Chromebook, Earbuds/Headphones, and a clear or mesh backpack.
- Snack Bar Open- https://www2.mypaymentsplus.com/welcome
October 11-15 @ AUSTIN
Monday, October 11
- NO SCHOOL
- Parent-Teacher Conference Day: By Appointment Only. Please contact the teacher(s) directly for appointment times.
- 7th Grade Volleyball at Austin 5pm - 7pm
- 8th Grade Volleyball at Lake Jackson 5pm - 7pm
Tuesday, October 12
- Voting for Homecoming Favorites begins
Wednesday, October 13
- 7th Grade Football at Collegiate 5pm - 7pm
- 8th Grade Football at Courville 5pm - 7pm
- PTO meeting @ 5:15 in Austin's Library POSTPONED to October 21
Thursday, October 14
- Picture Retake Day (Not a Free Dress Day)
Friday, October 15
- Spirit Shirt & Jeans Dress Day
- End of 1st nine weeks grading period
Weekend
Rest & Relax
COMING UP IN OCTOBER:
- October 19th: 1st A+ Student choice class begins. 7:30-8:00 Tue/Thu
- October 18-22nd: Homecoming Week
- October 22nd: Glow Party 5:00-7:00 pm
- October 25-29th: Red Ribbon Week
- October 27th: 8th Grade takes the PSAT 8/9
- October 27th: Early Dismissal Day. School ends at 11:30 am.
- October 27th: ARTober Night 5:30-6:30 pm at Austin Middle School
- October 29th: PTO Free Dress Day (NO Halloween Costumes) $2 at the door, Presale $1
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
- Bring a Water Bottle!
- Austin will no longer accept lunch deliveries from restaurants, fast food, or delivery services. If lunch is forgotten, a parent/guardian may drop off lunch at the front office.
Students must have their ID badges around their necks before entering the building. If students forget their ID, they can get a temporary one at the front office. The charge is $1 per day. Students that do not have the money will be charged. Students that need a new badge can purchase one for $5.
**All Device forms must be completed through Skyward before a device can be checked out to a student.
Help us fund the A+ Program
Hey parents!
I’m sure you have all heard about the new A+ periods starting up in October for our students. We have some awesome teachers with some super fun passions that they want to pass on to our children! This program is exclusive to Austin and we are so proud of it. BUT, in order to make these classes a success we need lots of supplies! Which means we need your help! Please use the link below to donate. Remember, even a little goes a long way!
P.S. The grade level that donates the most money will get some awesome incentives! We are still working on the details of that but I promise it will be something they enjoy!
PTO President
Has Your Child Been Absent?
The note should contain the following items:
- Student’s printed first and last name and GISD identification number
- Date of absence
- Reason for absence
Absentee notes must be received by the attendance clerk no later than three (3) days after the student’s return to school.
Austin Middle School's Academic Week At A Glance
ATTN: Parents/Guardians
RE: Canvas Observer Account Recommended
To view the Week At Glance Links below, you may need to set up your Parent Observer Account for Canvas. Many of you did this last year and will not need to set up a new account. If you need an account, please Click Here and go to the link under CANVAS OBSERVER GUIDE - TABLE OF CONTENTS for instructions.
- Math: Mrs. Mancil
- Science: Ms. Trevino
- Social Studies: Mr. Grasso
- Writing: Ms. Gonzales
- Reading: Ms. Salinas
- Tech Apps: Ms. Lee
- ELAR/MATH Co-Teach: Ms. Murphy
- Bilingual: Ms. Jones
6th Grade
- Math: Ms. Reyes
- Science: Ms. Diaz De Leon
- Social Studies: Ms. Terrell
- Reading: Ms. Root
- Writing: Mr. Murray
- Robotics: Ms. Marks
7th Grade
- Pre-Algebra: Mr. Ungurean
- Science: Ms. Costigan
- Social Studies: Ms. Ross
- Reading: Ms. Williams
- Writing: Dr. Cappiello
- PLTW: Mr. Burke
- VEX Competition Robotics: Ms. Marks
8th Grade
- Algebra I: Ms. Cartmell
- Science: Ms. Carranza
- Social Studies: Mr. Williams
- ELAR: Mrs. Taras
- PLTW: Mr. Puccetti
Intervention
Electives
- Ms. Wallace
- Ms. Robare
- Ms. Boxley
- Mr. Bari
Athletics
Planning to Volunteer this year??
Please turn in completed forms to Mrs. Zavala in the front office of AMS. Thank you.
INTRODUCING OUR AUSTEM AMS FACULTY
Mrs. Regina Bishop, Art Teacher
I am a proud BOI and graduate of Ball High School! This district is very dear to my heart. I graduated from the University of Houston Clear Lake with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Art and Design with a focus in Studio Art in Drawing and Painting. I have been the Art teacher at Austin Middle School since 2014. I live here on the island with my husband, two children, and two dogs. We absolutely love the island life!
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Art and Design
Mrs. Amanda Gaido, Physical Education Teacher & Coach
Hi, my name is Amanda Gaido and I teach Physical Education at Austin STEM Middle School. I have been teaching with Galveston ISD since January of 2001, and at Austin since August of 2009. I've taught Second Grade, Elementary Physical Education, and Technology. I graduated from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. I was born and raised here, on beautiful Galveston Island, and am a 1995 graduate of Ball High School. I live on the Island with my wonderful husband and our four amazing children! I love spending time with my family, being outdoors and traveling!
Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies - University of Houston at Clear Lake, Technology Applications Certification (EC-12), All-Level Physical Education Certification (PK-12), Elementary Self-Contained Certification (1-8), English as a Second Language Supplemental
Mrs. Ashley Hansche, Physical Education Teacher/Middle School Athletics Coordinator/Coach
I have been teaching physical education since 2012 and have been with Galveston ISD since 2014. I have coached middle school volleyball, basketball, track and tennis and have been the girls athletic coordinator at Austin Middle School for the duration of my time in GISD.
I graduated from Texas A&M with both a Bachelors of Science in Community Health and a Masters of Science in Health Education.
I am married and have 2 amazing boys. We love living in Galveston where we get to head to the beach and be active all the time! Family time is my favorite! I also love watching documentaries and listening to podcasts.
Bachelor of Science in Health / Master of Science in Health Education / Physical Education (EC-12)
Teen Health Offers Vaccines
Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are in stock at all Teen Health Center Medical clinics.
In order to receive their vaccinations, minors (ages 12- 17) must have a Teen Health Consent Form (GISD families completed during school registration) and a Covid-19 Vaccine Consent Form signed by a parent or guardian. The Covid-19 consent may also be completed in Skyward Family Access.
Call (409) 761-3530 to schedule an appointment at the Teen Health clinic of your choice.
SEL at AMS!
Self Management
Impulse Control
Self Management is the “ability to manage one's emotions, thoughts, and behaviors effectively in different situations and achieve goals and aspirations. This includes the capacities to delay gratification, manage stress, and feel motivation and agency to accomplish personal and collective goals."
Teenagers struggle to understand the intentions behind their actions, as they are motivated by instant gratification. One Stanford study found that impulse control is linked to greater life outcomes- higher test scores and higher academic achievement. Impulse control helps with achieving goals, developing perseverance, and making responsible decisions.
Watch this video (Helping Teens learn Self-control, ~4min)
Encouraging Positive Choices:
Be direct about expectations. Expectations do not have to result in rewards or punishments but rather building trust, intimacy, and responsibility. Middle schoolers transitioning from the carefreeness of childhood want the independence of adulthood, but haven't learned the skills yet.
Model positive choices. Girls are especially impressionable, learn most from peers, and look up to older teenagers/adults. Control your own emotions when their negative choices cause conflict.
Set boundaries. Emphasize the power of staying in relationships with other people. Do not let them take advantage of the trust and freedom you want for them.
Allow risk-taking. Do not restrict their ability to explore what works and doesn't work for them. Find balance between being permissive and authoritarian.
Explain potential consequences. Middle schoolers struggle with looking at the long-term effects of behavior and realizing how their behavior affects others.
Validate their emotional experiences. Reassure them that the stress they are facing is normal. Mention ways impulsivity and decision-making still affect your life. Middle schoolers tend to be egocentric, struggling to understand that their experiences are not unique.
Encourage personal control. Give them options to make their own decisions and set goals to help them feel more responsible and trusted. Following routines can help them feel organized and self-sufficient.
Encourage self-sufficiency. Teach them independent living skills early, such as meal preparation, cleaning their room, and self-care.
Sources:
https://casel.org/casel-sel-framework-11-2020/
https://ashevilleacademy.com/blog/impulsivity-in-teens/
https://www.today.com/parenting-guides/building-impulse-control-teens-t179028
https://ashevilleacademy.com/blog/impulsivity-in-teens/
Amy Argubright
Social Emotional Learning Specialist
Email: AmyArgubright@gisd.org
Principal's Corner
Put your heart, mind, and soul into even your smallest acts. This is the secret of success.
Principal
Austin Middle School
October is Bullying Prevention Month
Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying can occur through SMS, Text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation. Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behavior.
The most common places where cyberbullying occurs are:
Social Media, such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Tik Tok
Text messaging and messaging apps on mobile or tablet devices
Instant messaging, direct messaging, and online chatting over the internet
Online forums, chat rooms, and message boards, such as Reddit
Email
Online gaming communities
How to help prevent cyberbullying
While you may not be able to monitor all of your child’s activities, there are things you can do to prevent cyberbullying and protect your child from harmful digital behavior:
Monitor a teen’s social media sites, apps, and browsing history, if you have concerns that cyberbullying may be occurring.
Review or re-set your child’s phone location and privacy settings.
Follow or friend your teen on social media sites or have another trusted adult do so.
Stay up-to-date on the latest apps, social media platforms, and digital slang used by children and teens.
Know your child’s user names and passwords for email and social media.
Establish rules about appropriate digital behavior, content, and apps.
Counselor
Austin Middle School
The Carson Scholarship Opportunity
The Carson Scholars Fund awards $1,000 college scholarships to students in grades 4-11 who excel academically and are dedicated to serving their communities. Scholarship winners receive the honor of being named “Carson Scholars” and are awarded an Olympic-sized medal and a trophy for their school to celebrate their accomplishments. Previous winners of Carson Scholarships are eligible to reapply for Carson Scholar Recognition annually – please visit the Current Scholar page for more information.
Students must attend an accredited K-12 school in the United States. An interested student must be nominated by an educator at his or her school to be able to compete for a Carson Scholarship. Only one student from each school is able to apply, ensuring that each nominee epitomizes academic excellence. Carson Scholars must have a minimum GPA of 3.75 and display humanitarian qualities through community service. Scholarships are awarded solely on the basis of academic achievement and humanitarian qualities, without regard to financial need, ethnicity, creed or religion.
If you are interested in learning more about the scholarship program, please view more detailed information for prospective scholars and educators.
source: https://carsonscholars.org/scholarships/
Advanced Academic Specialist
Austin Middle School
Austin STEM Magnet Middle School
Principal
Kathy Aaron
Assistant Principal
Erika Puccetti
Counselor
Email: stephaniemendoza@gisd.org
Website: https://austin.gisd.org/
Location: 1514 Ave N 1/2, Galveston, TX, USA
Phone: 409-761-3500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/austinmiddleschoolgisd/