Cougar News
Week of 12/18/17 - 1/3/18
Letter from Principal Nelson
Cougars-
We are officially halfway through this year and have had, by all accounts, a tremendous first semester! Our 6th graders entered in August without knowledge of block schedules nor any idea how to keep up with 8 different teachers, yet are finishing like the pros we knew they would turn out to be. Comparing elementary school to secondary is a lot like comparing apples to lava lamps; there tends to be more differences than similarities. That’s all fine and good because our kids have the best support staff in the district and the best team at home cheering them on. Kudos to our new middle school parent/guardians for doing such a bang up job supporting your student and us as well this semester.
Our 7th graders have made the transition from the 3rd floor to the 2nd floor and finally have been given an opportunity to compete in Fall Athletics, as well as take some of our upper level PLTW courses. These electives are their rewards for taking school seriously and for keeping their behavior in check. Our 7th grade team has enjoyed working with this group and looks forward to taking the rigor to a whole new level next semester.
Admittingly I am biased when discussing our th grade class as I feel they are the best group of 8th grade students Clint Small has ever produced. We have more students in high school level classes than ever before and their behavior has been above exemplary. In fact, at our first Pep Rally of the year I actually said something that has never been uttered in the history of middle schools: “Students, if you want to see a good example of how to be a polite audience, please look at our 8th graders.” Even when the words were leaving my own mouth I couldn't believe it. Trust me, their teachers will tell you just the same; this is a special group of students and we are pleased as punch they are taking their behavior and academics so seriously.
Please thank your student over the break for making our job so enjoyable. Every time I host a learning walk or tour, somebody always makes a comment about how happy our kids seem. Of all their glowing comments, I believe this is the one that always makes me the most proud as we pride ourselves on taking care of kids emotional state first and foremost. We know that if a student doesn’t feel at peace, accepted, or that h/she has value in their community, then all the textbooks and teachers in the world won’t amount to a hill of beans.
Also, thank yourselves and give yourselves pats on the back as well. This is a team effort and y’all deserve just as much credit for their success.
See you in the ‘18.
Principal
Small Middle School
(512) 841-6505
@smallprincipal
Girls Soccer Try Outs
Girls come try out for Soccer the week we get back!
January 4 and January 5 from 4:00-5:30
Transfer Information
The Austin School District will begin accepting transfer requests for in district students and children of out of district AISD employees for the 2018-2019 school year on Tuesday, January 2, 2018. Priority transfers to non-frozen campuses will be accepted from Tuesday, January 2, 2018 through 5 p.m., Wednesday, January 31, 2018. Non AISD employees may request out of district transfers for their student(s) beginning Monday, February 1, 2018.
How to Apply for a Transfer (for parents/guardians):
1. New this year, online transfers. Apply through the Parent Cloud. Create a Parent Cloud account at https://www.austinisd.org/technology/parents-guardians/cloud.
- New students residing in Austin ISD need to complete online registration (also in the Parent Cloud) before submitting an online transfer request. This allows for the creation of an ID number which is required to submit a transfer.
- Online transfer requests are for grades K through 12..
- Out of district non-Austin ISD employee transfer requests will be accepted beginning Thursday, February 1, 2018.
2. Submit transfer requests and required documents in person to the Office of Student Services, 1111 W. 6th St., A-200, Austin, TX, 78703, during regular business hours, 7:45 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
3. Mail transfer requests and required documents to the Office of Student Services, 1111 W. 6th St., A-200, Austin, TX, 78703.
4. Fax transfer requests and required documents to the Office of Student Services at 512-414-4994.
Transfers forms are not allowed to be faxed or emailed from the campus.
For information regarding the transfer process, dates, deadlines and frozen campuses please refer to https://austinisd.org/transfer. Information for the 2018-2019 school year will be available on December 19, 2017. You may also call 512-414-1726.
After the movie, Dr. Mike Brooks - psychology expert about technology and the adolescent brain will hold a discussion panel. Click here to learn more about Dr. Brooks.
Kids 4th grade and up are encouraged to attend - We are looking into child care for those that are younger.
Need Financial Assistance?
With the holiday season upon us, we know that financial burdens are felt especially heavily during this season.
The district asked us to share this resource guide for financial assistance with our AISD families during this holiday season.
Green Candle Fundraiser
2017-2018 Yearbooks On Sale Now!
You can order your yearbook online anytime. Click here
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