Cougar News
The Weekly Newsletter of Clint Small, Jr. Middle School
Newsletter for January 16th - 20th
Letter from Principal Nelson
Howdy Cougars!
Don’t forget (I know your students haven’t) that Monday all AISD schools will be closed for the observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Our goal is for our students to be aware what Martin Luther King Jr. meant to our country. He was not a politician, nor an inventor, nor a philanthropist; he was merely a humble man who stood up to fight inequality and to give voice to millions who were deemed silent. He dedicated his life to others, seeking justice for not just African Americans, but for people of all races, color, and creed. We must make sure our students are aware of his contributions. We must teach them that a lot of the liberties they enjoy today are due to his tireless work ethic and his want for a unified America. Ultimately, we want for our students to know that when we see injustice, or hatred, or instances of bigotry, that we have the power to change it. We have the power to alter the course of history by speaking up and making sure our voices, and the voices of those being treated unfairly, are heard. Flies on walls never change anything and being silent rarely stirs the pot. We must speak up. We must speak out. We must speak often. We will all be recognizing his gift to us by taking the day off on Monday, but we must acknowledge it is more than merely a day of leisure; it is a day to bask in and enjoy the freedoms he helped bestow upon the future generations.
Choice Sheet Fair "Open House": While this night is typically beneficial for our rising 6th graders, it’s also a great way for next years 7th and 8th grade guardians to learn more about the classes their students are interested in. After a brief (6-6:30) meeting in the library with with our amazing counseling staff, take a tour of all our elective course offerings in the gymnasium. Now you will be able to see what exactly they’re talking about and know that they’re not just taking the class because one of their friends is in it. Click the big purple button below for more details.
Enjoy the three day weekend!
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 us feed the teachers at Open House Night:
After a long day of teaching, we would like to put together a chipotle bowl style dinner for our teachers so they are fresh and ready to answer your questions at open house night.
If you would like to donate something, check out our sign up sheet to let us know what you will bring.
PTA Meeting
Please join us for a brief PTA meeting in the library 1/18 from 5:45-6pm. We will be discussing Spring Carnival and Board members that are needed for next year.
See you then!!!
ACADEMIC UIL
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Academic UIL season is starting and it’s time to get involved. We need your help with sponsoring/coaching UIL events. There are 18 different events ranging from Math to Art to Creative Writing to Chess. Coaches with be responsible for arranging times for their event team (Max 12 students) to meet, practice and hone their skill. Materials will be provided to assist the team and coaches. The UIL Academic tournament Saturday April 8th, 2017 at Bedichek MS
Please use sign-up to volunteer.
STUDENT CONTESTANTS
Academic UIL season is starting and it’s time to get involved. Students interested in competing in the 2017 Academic UIL tournament need to sign up. This tournament allows students to choose from a variety of contests, study to become experts and compete against other AISD students. This year schools are Small, Bedichek, Marble Falls, and Pearedes Middle schools. Students must have passing grades, good attendance and no discipline issues in order to compete. CSMS staff and/or parent will coach all interested students and will set up meeting times. More specific information will come from the coaches or UIL Academic Coordinator. If your child is interested in trying out for an A+ UIL Academic Meet Event, please complete the following Goggle form.
- Volunteer Signup – Click here
- Student Signup – Click here
If you have questions, please email the UIL Academic Coordinator Becky White at Becky.White@austinisd.org
Gifted and Talented Nominations
The window to nominate students for AISD GT services is now open! You have until midnight on February 3, 2017 to nominate your student for testing and observations and possible acceptance to the GT program. To nominate your child, click on our Online Nomination Form, complete all questions and click Submit when you finish.
Paper copies of the nomination form are in the office if online submission is not possible for you.
A nomination does not guarantee entry into the program. Once nominated, students will be tested during school during the week of Feb 27-Mar 3, teachers will make observations of nominated students, and students will complete surveys. Once all these processes are complete, the school GT committee will review all assessments and make final placement decisions for all tested students.
Parents of students who have already been identified in the GT program do NOT have to re-nominate.
If you have questions, please contact the Small GT coordinator, Christie Manners at christie.manners@austinisd.org.
NEW YEAR, NEW SUPPLIES
Drop off all donations in the office. Supplies will be disbursed on 2/14 to each teacher.
Thanks, CSMS PTA
Attention parents of 8th graders:
Did you know...
AISD has a big awards ceremony and recognizes outstanding employees each year? Employee's of AISD and Parents can nominate their favorite AISD employees for any of the following categories:
- Campus Classified Staff of the Year - Office Staff personnel, Custodians, Bus Drivers
- Librarian of the Year
- Counselor of the Year
- Assistant Principal of the Year
- Principal of the Year
If you would like to recognize someone from our School, or any other AISD campus, please click the link below and nominate your favorite AISD Employee.
Barnes & Noble My Favorite Teacher Contest
Write an essay, poem or thank-you letter
describing your favorite teacher and
how that person has influenced and inspired you!
Once you have completed your writing, ask your teacher for an entry form. Your parents must fill out, sign, and have notarized. (this is an official, legal step in the process). Deadline to enter (writing complete, form complete, notarized and signed) is Friday, February 24.
You can also pick up Entry Forms in the office. Forms must be notarized and Small MS has a notary on campus. If you wish to have her notarize your entry, please bring a valid photo ID and this form to the front office.
Barnes & Noble’s team of judges will choose the winning work and recognize both the teacher and the student at a special ceremony at our store during spring Educator Appreciation Days. The national student winner will receive a $500 Barnes & Noble Gift Card and a NOOK® device. If you are the national winner, your school wins $5,000!
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