Smallville-

Many of your 8th grade students received portfolios this week from when they were fledgling 6th graders on campus. Retired teacher, and friend of squirrels, Michael Poliakoff saved these examples of their work so they could look fondly back on the days when they were in sixth; pre-Covid and basked in innocence. Among the treasures they’ll find samples of timelines, essays, and various written responses. We’re hopeful they can see their growth as writers and students in this magnificent collection. If your student received the manilla envelope this week, please take some time to sit down and share the journey with them this three-day weekend.

Student Council Helps Out: These last few weeks we’ve been fortunate to have our student leaders from Student Council assist us with drop-offs in the morning. The assembled group of student-leaders have been braving the elements in reflective vests encouraging all commuters to pull all the way forward to increase the speed of the traffic flow. Thanks to them, we are closing a few of the gaps in education.

Numbers for next year: With all the talk of number next year (6 classes out of 8 versus 7 out of 8, enrollment, budget deficit, etc..) it’s high-time we talked about the only number we concern ourselves with here in Smallville USA: 1.

That’s right, one. As in our staff has one job; to build relationships with the students in their charge. That’s it. We know that students who feel connected are more successful and the way we connect them to the content and the curriculum is not through BLEND, textbooks, or the lessons, it’s through relationships with the teacher. A student learns for their teacher more so than from their teacher and if there is no connection between the two, both parties will suffer. We want our kids to feel accepted, supported by, and connected to the teachers and staff on our campus and we are continuously striving for ways to create authentic relationships across campus in all areas. We firmly believe in the three Rs of education (relationships, relationships, and relationships) and know that our adherence to them will support our students regardless of any numbers.

Have a great three-day weekend with your family and friends. We look forward to seeing your student back here on campus on 2s day. That’s right, on Tuesday 2/22/22.

Matthew Nelson

Principal

Clint Small Middle School

(512) 841-6705

www.smallmiddleschool.org

matthew.m.nelson@austinisd.org

Hi everyone, I am Amanda Elliott the new attendance specialist at Small. I am excited to be working with everyone and look forward to getting to know you. We have updated the Small Website Attendance page and can submit notes online. This will allow for less paper and will help make Small a Greener Campus. On the Attendance Page you can now enter an absence and request an early pickup. Remember when picking up students early to give us at least an hour notice. This will ensure you are not waiting for your student for up to 15 minutes to arrive when you get here. It helps saves you time as well and will make sure you get to where you need to go as well. You can still handwrite an excuse note as well if needed. Don't forget that school starts right at 8:20. If you arrive after that your student will be marked Tardy. Please feel free to contact me with any questions by email at amanda.elliott@austinisd.org or directly at 512-841-6702. Have a wonderful Holiday Season.

Hola a todos, soy Amanda Elliott, la nueva especialista en asistencia de Small. Estoy emocionado de trabajar con todos y espero conocerlos. Hemos actualizado la página de Asistencia a sitios web pequeños y podemos enviar notas en línea. Esto permitirá menos papel y ayudará a que Small sea un campus más ecológico. En la página de asistencia ahora puede ingresar una ausencia y solicitar una recogida anticipada. Cuando recoja a los estudiantes temprano, recuerde avisarnos con al menos una hora de anticipación. Esto asegurará que no espere a que su estudiante llegue hasta por 15 minutos cuando llegue aquí. También le ayuda a ahorrar tiempo y se asegurará de que llegue a donde necesita ir. También puede escribir a mano una nota de excusa si es necesario. No olvide que la escuela comienza a las 8:20. Si llega después de eso, su estudiante será marcado como Tarde. No dude en comunicarse conmigo con cualquier pregunta por correo electrónico a amanda.elliott@austinisd.org o directamente al 512-841-6702. Que tengas una maravillosa temporada navideña.

https://small.austinschools.org/parents/attendance

Have your heard the new jingle staring our 6th grade choir? Check it out here.