Pony Express
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF O. HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL
What is Happening This Week!
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
This week: A, B, A, B, C*
- Tuesday, May 11th- Let's Get Connected-VIRTUAL session via Zoom
- Friday, May 14th-- Reading STAAR Testing for 6th, 7th, 8th -- Asynchronous Learning for students not testing-- see 2021 STAAR Testing Facts and Questions
- Monday, May 17th-STAAR Make-up Reading Day
Newsletter Sections
- UPDATE---Let's Get Connected Coffee-- Virtual Event May 11th
- 2021 STAAR Testing Facts and Questions
- Attendance Updates from Mr. Tierney
- Quick Updates
- Registration for 21-22 Now Open
- Art In Action
- Band Celebrations
- Counseling Corner-High School Drop Deadlines
- Athletics News- NEW-- Physical Forms and Information for 21-22
- Yearbook Pictures- Update
- Mustang Council- Campus Advisory Council
- PTA-NEW-- Virtual Academic Coaching, Volunteers Needed, Mustang Mall, 8th Grade Parents- AHS Parent PTA meeting
- AISD Summer Camp Resource Guide
- RAVE Recognition
GET CONNECTED COFFEE- Tuesday, May 11th
Please join us!!!
VIRTUAL Get Connected Coffee - THIS Tuesday, May 11th at 9am
May 11th-- Get Connected Virtual in the Mustang Zoom Room Password ohms2020
2021 STAAR Testing Facts & Questions -
Q: Does my students have to take the STAAR tests?
A: No, exams are not mandatory this year. However, students who attend in person the day of testing AND/OR the make-up day will be tested.
Q: How can I submit/communicate testing preferences for my student?
A: If you have not already, please complete this survey to let us know if you plan to be on campus for in-person testing.
Q: When are the remaining STAAR tests?
A: See below.
6th, 7th, 8th Reading - Friday, May 14 (make-up testing May 17)
6th, 7th, 8th Math- Thursday May 20 (make-up testing May 24)
Algebra I EOC, or End-of-Course - Friday, May 21 (make-up testing May 24)
*Algebra I EOC is a required test for high school graduation.
Q: Can my student take the exam remotely?
A: No, STAAR tests can only be taken on campus.
Q: Can my student be given a Chromebook? Or, can my student use a personal computer?
A: Yes, all testing rooms will have extra Chromebooks to check out. No, they cannot use another personal device to test.
Q: Can I pick up my student who is usually a remote learner after testing?
A: Yes, remote learners can be picked up after 12:30.
Q: What should my student bring for the exam?
A: Students should bring a Chromebook, water bottle and paper copy of a book to read when finished.
For additional questions regarding STAAR administration, please contact a member of our testing team listed below.
Serena McMillon, AP (students with last names A-L) serena.mcmillon@austinisd.org
Camie Fillpot, AP (students with last names M-Z) camie.fillpot@austinisd.org
Michael Shackelford, Instructional Coach michael.shackelford@austinisd.org
Casi Cook, 504 Coordinator casi.cook@austinisd.org
QUICK UPDATES
QUICK UPDATES
Students that are 16 years and up are now eligible to get the Covid-19 vaccine! This is just one of many. Please keep reading eh Pony Express, as we will update when teenagers under 16 will be eligible for the vaccine.
https://www.austinregionalclinic.com/services/covid-19-vaccine
CALLING ALL 8th GRADE DANCERS!
The Austin High Color Guard is actively seeking new members. This year-round dance and movement elective will earn students fine arts and PE credits and there is no prerequisite. Color Guard performs during football season with the Austin High Band and on their own in Winter Guard during the spring semester. All are welcome! For more information or to sign up for the 2021-22 school year, email AHS Band Director Brian Frock at brian.frock@austinisd.org.
ATTENDANCE UPDATES from MR. TIERNEY
This year the on campus STAAR test is optional for students. They will still need to log into their classes via BLEND.
If your student is not taking the STAAR test on campus, they will initially be marked absent.
When they log into their classes via BLEND, Blend will update their attendance three school days later at 11:59pm.
Example... a Wednesday course will be automatically updated by the following Monday at 11:59pm to RL = Remote Learning which = Present.
You may receive a phone call or text based on your settings
in the district portal, for absences.
As of Friday the 7th, we have sent out course credit recovery notices. The notice is for students that have high school credit courses. Please reach out to your Assistant Principal, Counselor, or to Attendance with any questions on how to make up these course credits, if you have questions and received this notice.
It's a great week to be an O. Henry Mustang!
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
ART IN ACTION
Ari Gerhard-7th Grade
Jettie Collins-7th Grade
Preston Kasprzak-8th grade
Youth Art Month Virtual Exhibit
Great news! The Youth Art Month Virtual Exhibit is back up and open for the public to view. Click the link below to access the show. You can view artwork from all AISD schools.
BAND NEWS
COUNSELING CORNER
High School Drop Deadline
The deadline to drop spring semester and yearlong High School credit classes (except Algebra 1) will be at 12pm on Friday, May 14th. If you are concerned about your child's grades and are considering dropping or have already decided you would like to drop the high school credit course, please contact your child's teacher.
Art 1 - Jenny.Parker@austinisd.org
French 1 - Rebecca.Harrison@austinisd.org
French 2 - Rebecca.Harrison@austinisd.org
Fundamentals of Computer Science - Jenna.Justice@austinisd.orgGeometry - Megan.Aguilar.austinisd.org
Health - Lisa.Lindberg@austinisd.org
Keyboarding - Dell.Mann@austinisd.org
Principles of Business, Marketing, Finance - Dell.Mann@austinisd.org
Project Lead The Way: DM/AR - Jerrod.Wolfe@austinisd.org
Spanish 1 - Jeanette.Mirandasantiago@austinisd.org or Francisco.Munoz@austinisd.org
Spanish 2 - Jeanette.Mirandasantiago@austinisd.org or Francisco.Munoz@austinisd.org
Spanish for Spanish Speakers 3A - Jeanette.Mirandasantiago@austinisd.org
Spanish for Spanish Speakers 3B - Jeanette.Mirandasantiago@austinisd.org
AP Spanish 4 - Kevin.Gillion@austinisd.org
Web Design - Jenna.Justice@austinisd.org
Yearbook (Graphic Design) - Gerard.Castillo@austinisd.org
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.
As always if you have any questions or concerns, please email your coach.
YEARBOOK AND SCHOOL PHOTOS- UPDATES
YES! THERE WILL BE A YEARBOOK!!!
O. HENRY 2020-2021 YEARBOOK*
Order your OHMS Yearbook for $45 here: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1077713/O.-Henry-Middle-School/
Yearbook Pictures:
We are still accepting yearbook pictures from distance learners at the following link:
https://images.jostens.com/416174356
Additionally: We will have a Photo Studio in Mr. Castillo’s classroom**. The O.Henry Studio will be available on Thursdays from 3:00 to 5:00 pm.
Sign-up link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C48AEAD2EA6FFC34-ohenry1
All distance learners or any student that has transitioned to on campus learning are welcome to sign up.
Pictures from 2019-2020 school year will be added in the yearbook if a photo is not available.
[*To include Spring sports and activities we will distribute the yearbooks in the fall.]
[**Room 603 is located outside of the main building by the Tennis Courts on Wayside Drive.]
The Mustang Council, O. Henry's Campus Advisory Council (CAC), is looking for new parent and community members for the next school year!
The Mustang Council, O. Henry's Campus Advisory Council (CAC), is looking for new parent and community members for the next school year!
The Mustang Council is made up of parents, teachers, support staff, and community members who are interested in improving the educational opportunities for all at O. Henry. This advisory committee meets once a month with Principal Malott to discuss current issues and provide input on campus-level decisions. We provide guidance on important school topics including:
- Planning (Campus Improvement Plan)
- Budgeting
- Curriculum
- Staff Development
- Staffing Patterns
- School Organization
Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month immediately after school. If you would like to serve on the Mustang Council (a 2-year commitment is requested), please submit a CAC membership application (available on the AISD CAC website below) to co-chairs Sharon Albrecht (salbrecht78703@yahoo.com) or Jennifer Boltz (jennifer.boltz@austinisd.org). Submissions should be received by May 7.
More information regarding the CAC protocol and processes can be found on the AISD website pages:
AISD CAC Overview: http://www.austinisd.org/advisory-bodies/cac
AISD CAC Resources/Training: http://www.austinisd.org/advisory-bodies/cac/additional-resources
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!
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).
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 for the rest of the school year! There will be some fun new merchandise to buy as well as OHMS t-shirts and sweatshirts!
The front office is getting a makeover!
The front office is getting a makeover!
If you have a gently used, neutral tone or navy sofa that is 70-78” in length or a side chair that is playful, fun and soft, please contact sherrilldeering@yahoo.com.
The teacher’s lounge is also in need of a new refrigerator!
The Stephen F. Austin High School PTSA invites you to our GET CONNECTED General Meeting
Tuesday, May 18th 6:00 pm
https://austinisd-org.zoom.us/j/99731632413?pwd=QWlWWk5NMVpIa3NyS29TbjExNHFrUT09 Meeting ID: 997 3163 2413 Passcode: 859505
We welcome parents of incoming 9 th graders, parents of 9th graders who did not have a normal freshman year, and ANY current AHS parents who want to learn more about what to expect and how to get more involved during the 2021-2022 school year.
• Learn ways to get involved and how to find information on our websites
• Learn about summer camps and summer assignments
• Learn about important dates for Back to School
• Have your questions answered by staff & current parents
We look forward to Getting You Connected to AHS! Send your questions in advance to president.austinhighschoolptsa@gmail.com
RAVE: Recognizing All Valuable Employees
Parents, are you looking for a way to give back to teachers and staff at O. Henry Middle School?
RAVE: Recognizing All Valuable Employees
Let's send some sparkly gratitude to our faculty & staff this holiday season with an AISD RAVE submission!
- Does your student have a favorite teacher?
- Has someone at O. Henry (or any other AISD School) gone above and beyond for you and your family?
- Do you want to support teachers and let everyone (Teacher, Principal, AISD District) know about it?
All of our faculty and staff have gone above and beyond this semester. The best free, easy, sparkly way to show our gratitude is via the RAVE form on the AISD website (link below.) It only takes a couple of minutes to complete!
This form is received by AISD administration. RAVE submissions mean a lot to teachers and staff. It's equivalent to a virtual hug! And, there's never been a better time to remind the Superintendent how indispensable they all are.
Please submit a RAVE for any teacher or staff member (current or from school years past.)
Maybe send one or two a day! You do need the first and last name of the employee you wish to RAVE about. Those can be sourced on O. Henry's Staff Directory :
https://www.austinisd.org/schools/ohenry/directory
Flooding AISD administration with positive feedback will make an important and lasting impact. Let's make this holiday season sparkle a little extra with RAVES!
https://www.austinisd.org/hr/customer-service/rave
Thank you!
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.