Pony Express
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF O. HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL
What is Happening This Week!
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
This week: A, B, A, B, A
Parents and Guardians: Opt-in to allow your student to NOT wear a mask during physical activity. You can complete the short-form here. Thank you.
Important Dates to Remember:
Monday, May 24-- Make Up STAAR Testing for Math 6,7,8, Algebra
No School Monday, May 31st- Memorial Day
Last Day of School- Thursday, June 3rd
Summer Enrichment- June 14-30
Newsletter Sections
- Mustang Day and End of the Year Celebrations- June 3rd- what is it, schedule, parent volunteers
- O. Henry Summer Enrichment- in person summer enrichment from June 14-20
- Registration for 21-22 Now Open
- Band
- Athletics News- NEW-- Physical Forms and Information for 21-22
- PTA-- Virtual Academic Coaching, Volunteers Needed, Mustang Mall, AHS Virtual Coffee for parents of incoming 9th graders.
- AISD Summer Camp Resource Guide and other Summer Camps
What is Mustang Day?
When: Thursday, June 3rd
Where: at O. Henry or Virtual via Zoom Links
What: See the schedule of events attached here
We will have zoom rooms set up for ACES activities, Dance, and Virtual End of the Year Awards. Our link for our Awards and Celebration will be shared soon so families close and far can all participate.
Students wishing to attend in-person school on this day will need to be up to date with all immunizations and curbside screening. Please call our main office phone at 512-414-3229 if your student is planning on attending this day.
Parents/Guardians may attend on campus events as volunteers.
Summer Enrichment at O. Henry-- June 14-30
This in-person program, taught by O. Henry teachers, will be project-based and interactive. Our goal is for students to have fun learning material that they still need help with! Students enrolled in our program will have a chance to improve their grades from the school year to pass these courses.
O. Henry Summer School Enrichment program:
WHEN: Monday, June 14- Wednesday, June 30 (no school on Fridays)
WHAT TIME: 9:00am- 12:00 pm
BUS TRANSPORTATION: Bus transportation will be provided to and from your closest elementary school Please make note of your need for bus transportation on the RSVP Google Form
MEALS: Breakfast will be provided before school and lunches will be provided after school
SCHEDULE:
8:45-9:00 Arrival Breakfast served before school
9:05-9:55 1st Period Core Subject
10:00-10:30 2nd Period Enrichment- Games/Activities/PE
10:35-11:05 3rd Period Enrichment- Wood-Working/Gardening
11:10-12:00 4th Period Core Subject
12:00 Dismissal Lunches available as students leave school
Please respond to this google form by Friday, May 28 to RSVP YES.
We are looking forward to this opportunity for your student to get a chance to be set up for success for next school year. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Shackelford (michael.shackelford@austinisd.org).
Thank you for responding to the google form, and we look forward to seeing you in June!
It's time for AISD Online Registration:
It's time for AISD Online Registration:
- All AISD RETURNING and NEW students must register online for the AISD SY 2021-22 school year through the AISD Portal: https://portal.austinisd.org
- Forgot your password? Call the AISD Family Support Line: 512-414-9187,
Need more help call your school and the Parent Support Specialist.- Parent Guide to AISD Online Registration
BAND NEWS
ATHLETICS NEWS
Athletic Physical Information for next year
Students planning to participate in an Athletics class period or plan on participating in a sport offered by O.Henry next year must get a physical on an AISD physical form before trying out/participating in their sport.
Students enrolled in an Athletics class for next year will need to have their completed physical no later than the second week of school in order to remain in the Athletic Period (regardless of when their sport season starts).
Football and Volleyball tryouts will begin on August 18th (second day of school). Physicals must be completed and turned in before that date in order to try out.
Physical Forms are available in the Main Office at O. Henry and will be handed out to all interested students who are currently on campus.
Please make sure this is the form that is used when the physical is received. If it is not on the current form, it will not be accepted.
Steps to take to make sure Physical Form is complete and ready to be turned in:
The physical is on 2021-2022 Participation Form (green form in OHMS main office)
all information on the front page of form is filled out completely (all "yes" marked answers have a brief explanation on space provided).
BOTH STUDENT and PARENT SIGNATURES are completed (electronic signatures will not be accepted).
(2nd page) Physical Evaluation is completed by a doctor/physician and is signed and dated after April 15th, 2021.
(3rd page) Emergency Student Information Card is completed and signed by parent.
(3rd page) all Rank One Electronic forms are signed and completed on austinisd.rankonesport.com (follow instructions provided on page to complete).
Parents can drop off completed Physical Forms on Friday, August 13th (DERBY DAY) from 2PM-4PM.
Did you miss the AHS Get Connected PTSA Meeting?
Did you miss the AHS Get Connected PTSA Meeting?
Click HERE for a handout full of helpful links.
Join us for an AHS Principal Coffee:
Tuesday, May 25
9:30-10:30 am
Academy Director, Steve Maddox, will discuss the transition to AHS for incoming 9th grade parents
Zoom Meeting ID: 929 1701 9829
Zoom Passcode: AustinHigh
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Thank you to those of you that have volunteered in the office! The office is happy to welcome two parents per shift so grab a friend and come on in! Please check out the volunteer calendar (Office Volunteer Schedule) and let Tim Tierney know when you would like to volunteer
(times are adjustable and any amount of time is appreciated).
VIRTUAL ACADEMIC COACHING
The O. Henry PTA is excited to share information about a new program where families support families with parent/community member volunteer-led, free, VIRTUAL ACADEMIC COACHING for students! This program will provide students nominated by their family or teacher with access to one-on-one virtual support with navigating BLEND, managing schedules, turning in missing assignments and coaching on executive functioning tools and applicable assistive technologies to help them reach their academic goals. This program is supported by O. Henry parents and community members for O. Henry students! Even with just a few weeks left in the year we would love to connect with volunteers and students now to provide year-end support and build out the program for the upcoming 2021/2022 school year!
Interested in learning more? Please read our FAQ!
Interested in volunteering? Please complete this volunteer form!
Interested in nominating your student? Please complete this student nomination form!
SPIRIT SHOP---Mustang Mall Now Open
We are excited to announce that starting Tuesday, May 4th, the Mustang Mall will be open
Tuesday’s and Thursday’s during lunch, from 11:20-1:00, for the rest of the school year! There will be some fun new merchandise to buy as well as OHMS t-shirts and sweatshirts!
AHS Get Connected PTSA Meeting
Did you miss the AHS Get Connected PTSA Meeting?
Click HERE for a handout full of helpful links.
Join us for an AHS Principal Coffee:
Tuesday 5/25 10:00 am
Academy Director, Steve Maddox, will discuss the transition to AHS for incoming 9th grade parents
Zoom Meeting ID: 929 1701 9829
Zoom Passcode: AustinHigh
SUMMER AND SCHOOL YEAR 2021-2022 OPPORTUNITIES
Apply to Breakthrough- Support your child being successful in their future! Still recruiting 6th graders!
Apply to Breakthrough- Support your child being successful in their future! Still recruiting 6th graders!
The Breakthrough Program is for students who will the first ones in their family to graduate college and want the support to be successful during the school year and get amazing opportunities during the summer....FOR FREE!
Breakthrough creates a path to and through college for students who will become the first in their families to earn a college degree. During the school year, Breakthrough advisers serve each student, 24/7, as their go-to, knowledgeable, personal advocate and champion. These advisors, work one-on-one with students through middle school, high school, and college. New students have their first Breakthrough experience at an academically rigorous Middle School Summer program held on the University of Texas at Austin Campus...once again, for free!
The middle school Summer Program helps combat summer learning loss, a leading contributor to the achievement gap. Teachers are exceptional and diverse high school and college students. With a 1:6 teacher-student ratio, their summer program consists of extended learning, comprehensive advising, and leadership experiences, helps younger students experience breakthroughs in academics and confidence while the older students discover potential as educators and leaders.
Application links- Applications due May 14th
For English: https://breakthrough.tfaforms.net/306494?tfa_4268=tfa_5600
Para español haga clic https://breakthrough.tfaforms.net/306494?tfa_4268=tfa_4269
Breakthrough website: https://breakthroughctx.org/
Students can see Ms. Turner for more questions.
Summer Opportunities for Students/Families
Summer Opportunities for Students/Families
Please see below for some programs/summer camps your child can get involved with this summer to support their social and emotional health!
https://mailchi.mp/c9d03db98e92/art-therapy-groups-and-summer-camp-guide?e=46d9801e81
Middle School Process Group
Wednesday- 4:15 - 5:30 pm. Facilitated by Wanda
Wednesday- 5:30 pm - 6:45 pm. Facilitated by Twana
Tuesdays- 4:30 pm- 5:45 pm. Facilitated by Danielle
Navigating middle school can be especially stressful, and trying to do so in a pandemic is even more difficult. The focus of these groups continues to be skill building and making a place where the teens can support and give empathy to each other. Your teen will learn new communication skills, as we work through anxiety reduction strategies, getting connected in this disconnected time, friendship, and getting used to online education.
Orchestra Camp
Orchestra Camp:
Mark your calendars for Austin High’s Orchestra Camp for new and returning AHS Orchestra students August 9-13, 9 am to noon. Students will get to preview music for the school year, improve their technique, meet other orchestra students, get fitted for uniforms, and more! The link to register is below.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/19fBPEjyuMfz-L3RA0ufs46k33Fk8NJ6Y/view?usp=sharing
AHS Basketball Camp
Austin High Basketball Camp
When June 28 – July 1
Where Small Middle School gym
Who Boys and Girls entering 3rd – 5th grades 9:00 am – 12:00 noon
Boys and Girls entering 6th – 9th grades 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Cost $100 per camper
The Austin High Basketball Camp will focus on teaching the fundamentals of basketball and will provide campers the opportunity to improve and have fun with the game. Each camper will receive individual as well as group instruction from professional coaches. Coach Brad Ingram, head boys basketball coach at Austin High, will be the Camp Director. All equipment will be provided. Students will need to bring their own water bottle.
Sign up online at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfI2AXbNcpoAvgQIcS-SKnkh2owOX_TIYkmqaDhCyvcUj2png/viewform?usp=sf_link
and pay at https://austinisd.schoolcashonline.com/ (search for Austin High Basketball Camp)
Austin High School Athletics
Summer Weight & Speed Camp
For All Sports
Session 1: June 7-June 24 Session 2: July 5-22
Monday--Thursday 7-9am (HS Athletes), 9-11am (MS Athletes/Incoming Freshman) $60 per 3 week session (non-refundable). Checks payable to Austin High School Football. Austin High School Weight Room and Practice Fields.
Participants may attend only one workout per day. No make-up days. Scholarships may be available. Participants wear shorts, shirts, running shoes, cleats and bring a refillable water bottle. Cleats optional for field work.
Questions: Email Mike Rosenthal (michael.rosenthal@austinisd.org) or call 512-789-7532.