Cougar News
Week of February 27, 2023
Letter from Mr. Nelson
Smallville-
KAT Day was amazing! Don’t believe me? Check out this KAT Day Re-Kap for validation.
Here’s what your loveable, affable, excellent students produced for some local charities:
6 Wreaths for local Nursing Homes
24 handmade blankets
200 Cat Toys for the Austin Humane Society
250 Cards for Meals on Wheels
50 Spa Day Gift Boxes for Refugees of Austin
100 Toiletry Packs for Caritas
75 Snack Packs for Caritas
50 Toiletry Packets for Austin Addiction Services
400 Seed Bombs
This all stems from one day of giving of themselves to be kind. Kindness extends beyond the hallowed halls of Smallville, and our kids made sure the local charities and their recipients were knowledgeable of that fact. The numbers above are astronomical, but the impact these items and gestures will have on the lives of others is even more significant. We started a ripple that will become a wave in the hands of these charities.
None of this could be accomplished or even attempted without the dedication, service, and sweat equity provided by our Parent/Counselor Committee. These parents and counselors have been working on this since the summer, and not only planned, prepped, and provided the materials but also participated in the day. We are who we are because they are who they are.
Student Chromebooks:
Now, for some news from the not-so-kind department.
We need our students to take care of their AISD-issued Chromebooks as well as they take care of their phones, watches, and Crocs. There has been a rash of vandalism lately, and it stems from the kids not caring about or understanding these devices' importance. We’ve found them in trash bins, bushes, off campus, and in various states of disrepair since the Winter Break. Please help teach them that these devices are tools and not toys and that any time they purposely damage or neglect to care for them properly, consequences will be levied, including up to a $50 fine. In the past, we have banned students from technology when this sort of incident occurs, but since we are so dependent upon these devices today for learning, we cannot afford to do that lest our students fall behind.
Please help us keep these devices operational and functioning, especially since every student on campus will need them for the STAAR Tests at the end of April. Also, please dissuade your student from bringing their own devices to campus; we need them on our Chromebooks exclusively during the school day.
Ahhhh…Spring is in the air. Have a wonderful weekend!
Matthew Nelson
Principal
matthew.m.nelson@austinisd.org
(512) 841-6705
Attendance Procedure Change
Cougar Tennis Team Tryouts
Tryouts are open to all 7th and 8th grade students.
Must be passing all classes
Students must have had a physical before tryouts.
All online paperwork must be filled out. https://www.austinisd.org/athletics/forms
Students must wear appropriate clothing, including tennis shoes.
A limited number of rackets will be available.
7th Grade - March 6 and 7 - Plan to attend both days
8th Grade – March 8
When: 4.00 – 5.00
Where: Small tennis courts
If you have any questions, please contact
Jill Burgess - jburgess@austinisd.org
Parents of Small:
Each year your child(ren) attend an AISD School, they must be pre-registered for the next school year. Online registration is an integral part of our campus’ success (funding and appropriate staffing as well as updated contact information).
Please be sure to log in to your Parent Portal and confirm your child’s information via the Online Registration tile.
Thank you for being a part of the Cougar Community and helping us win together!
Counseling Corner
Unknown Incoming 5th Grade Info
Choice Sheets: It is time to turn in your choice sheet for next year. Please go to our Counseling Choice Sheet Page. There you can learn more about what we offer, print a choice sheet and fill it out. Please turn it in asap to our front office. If you have any questions about the choice sheet, contact our counselors cynthia.diaz@austinisd.org, zahra.asadi@austinisd.org, zahra.asadi@austinisd.org
Transition Events: We are offering some summer transition events to make sure your student is very comfortable coming to Small next year. Save the date...
- Cougar Camp: (Kids only) July 31st & August 1, 2023 This is a 2 day, 1/2 day camp
- Scavenger Hunt: (Parents and Kids) August 3rd, 2023 11 - 1 PM
- Parent Camp: (zoom) August 3rd, 6 to 7:30 pm
Communication Tools: You can get lots of information in the following places.
- This newsletter ;) - If you want to get it in your in box every week, Click here
- Our Website - Keep an eye on the Calendar and take a look at our FAQ for incoming families. It needs a little updating, but there is a lot of good info there.
- Parents of Small Facebook - Join here, Ask questions and get answers from other families from Small.
STAAR Tests are coming
Chargers
Every chromebook comes with 1 charger. If your student loses that charge, you must purchase a new one. We do not have extra chargers in the office to loan or give out.
Click here to purchase or see what charger you need for the school chromebooks.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057380592586
We're returning July 10-14, 2023 and Applications are out! Use the QR code on the flyer to apply today for Camp NAWIC 2023. We will be accepting 24 first year campers and 16 returning campers. Applicants will receive notice of acceptance or waitlist status by the end of April. Apply today!
Order a yearbook online!
Our yearbook is a full color celebration of everything that makes Small special; it's a great fun way to preserve all your student's fond memories of Small. The price is now $40. Get your yearbook today!
Click here for the easy link: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/2369067/Small-Middle-School/2023-Yearbook/2022092615150740089/CATALOG_SHOP/
If you have any yearbook questions, please email Mr. Shoptaw at thomas.shoptaw@austinisd.org.
Thank you to our Gold Sponsors
Clint Small Middle School
Email: jennifer.newell@austinisd.org
Website: https://small.austinschools.org/
Location: 4801 Monterey Oaks Boulevard, Austin, TX, USA
Phone: 512-841-6700
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057069836221