Cougar News
The Weekly Newsletter of Clint Small, Jr. Middle School
Newsletter for January 9th - 13th
Letter from Principal Nelson
Happy New Year!
I have no idea when the statute of limitations of wishing somebody a Happy New Year ends, but nevertheless, I want for you and yours to have one just the same. We are so thankful we get to spend 2017 with you and your student and are even more thankful students returned to school on Wednesday ready to work! The second semester is certainly more of a grind than the first (benchmark testing, STAAR, more days on, less days off) but our amazing staff set the tone of what is to come early this week and students quickly followed suit. Make sure to thank your student for returning to school prepared and willing to work.
4801 Jumpstreet: This semester we will be sending 3 teachers undercover back to middle school in order to infiltrate certain student groups and see what types of shenanigans they are up to...not the real reason, but certainly more cable-ready than what we actually hope to accomplish. Our goal is for these teachers to gain a better understanding of what it looks/feels/sounds like to be a middle school student at Small Middle School. Our kids attend four 90-minute classes a day, a 25-minute advisory, and a 30-minute lunch, all while only being given a five minute passing period to reach these various activities located on various floors. For the most part, our kids handle this quite well, but we can still come up with ways to improve upon our transitions. More importantly though, we want these undercover educators to see what it is like to sit through a 90 minute lesson in hopes they will be able to better plan and prepare for our students’ needs. Kids need breaks, hands-on activities, and multiple opportunities for movement and collaboration throughout this block of time in order to remain engaged and on task. Walking a mile (or in this case spending a day) in their shoes can only help increase our understanding of their needs. Look for these sleuths to report out to PTA and CAC with their findings.
Schedule Changes: If your student requires a schedule change, make sure to fill out the online form on our web-site. The google doc goes straight to the counselors and they will make the changes based on “first come, first served” order, so the quicker you fill out the form the quicker your schedule can be changed.
Happy New Year! Remember, if you ever have a question, a concern, or even a kudos, feel free to send me an email or swing on by for a chat.
Matthew Nelson
Principal
Small Middle School
(512) 841-6505
@smallprincipal www.smallmiddleschool.org
ATTENTION CURRENT 6TH AND 7TH GRADE PARENTS/STUDENTS:
Athletic Meeting on Jan. 18. from 5:20-6:00 (Before the Open House Event) in the Small Cafeteria
ANY STUDENT interested in ANY sport or the Athletic's class should attend this meeting with your parents. Important information will be discussed regarding 2017-2018 school year.
- Physicals
- Athletics class - coach approved
- Sport seasons/practices
- Game days
- Much more
Help Build a Bilingual Community in Austin ISD
Connect with other Parents and staff for a conversation:
- Ways to advocate and support bilingualism
- Latest research and best practices in the bilingual field
- Learn about AISD's Dual Language Programs
Monday, January 23
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Webb Middle School
601 E. St. John’s
A light meal and children’s activities will be provided
Ayuda a Construir una Comunidad Bilingüe en
Austin ISD
Conéctese con otros padres de familia y personal para una conversación:
Maneras de abogar y apoyar el bilingüismo
Las últimas investigaciones y las mejores prácticas en el campo bilingüe
Obtener información acerca de los programas de lenguaje dual de AISD
lunes, 23 de enero
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Escuela Intermedia Webb
601 E. St. Johns
Se ofrecerá comida ligera y
habrá actividades para los niños.
Join Cheryl Urow for this conversation
Cheryl provides professional development across the country for schools, districts, and other organizations supporting the education of English Language Learners. Cheryl has focused her professional work on areas related to biliteracy development, use of languages in classrooms, strategies for Spanish literacy instruction, and the Bridge between languages. Cheryl is co-author of Teaching for Biliteracy: Strengthening Bridges between Languages (Caslon Publishing, 2013) and co-founder of the Center for Teaching for Biliteracy, an on-line forum for supporting and connecting educators who teach for biliteracy: www.TeachingForBiliteracy.com
Acompáñenos en esta plática con Cheryl Urow
Cheryl se dedica a ofrecer capacitación profesional en escuelas, distritos y otras organizaciones en el país que apoyan a la educación de Aprendices del idioma inglés. Cheryl ha enfocado su labor profesional en áreas relacionadas al desarrollo de la biliteracidad, el uso de idiomas en el salón de clases, estrategias para la instrucción de la lectoescritura en español y la conexión entre idiomas. Cheryl es coautora deTeaching for Biliteracy: Strengthening Bridges between Languages (Caslon Publishing, 2013) y cofundadora deCenter l for Teaching for Biliteracy, un foro en línea para apoyar y conectar a educadores que se dedican a la enseñanza de la biliteracidad: www.TeachingForBiliteracy.com
Clint Small, Jr. Middle School
Email: jennifer.newell@austinisd.org
Website: http://www.smallmiddleschool.org/
Location: 4801 Monterey Oaks Boulevard, Austin, TX, United States
Phone: (512) 841-6700