Cougar News
Week of 11/8/21 - 11/12/21
Letter from Principal Nelson
Cougars-
Thank you so much for the bounty of Twizzlers this week! Remind me next time to ask your students to bring me any extra five-dollar bills they come across.
We are managing our way through this pandemic and slowly returning to a state of normalcy. Or rather, a state of new normalcy. However, let’s take a minute or two to appreciate some of the fantastic lessons and skills we’ve developed due to our forced shutdown.
Technology and communication: Before this school year, I could count on one hand the number of emails I have received from sixth-grade students over my 20 years in education. Now, I receive emails daily from sixth-graders with questions, quote ideas, and set up appointments. I love this! This use of email is a direct effect of our students learning and working remotely for the last 18 months when this was their only way to communicate with their teachers. Now that we’re back on campus, they are still using this tool to seek clarification, ask for help, and even brighten their friendly neighborhood principal’s day. With a 1:1 device ratio for all students and new know-how, we are back to using technology to enhance and supplement education, not supplant it like in early pandemic days.
Books: Hang on to your hats for this one...kids are reading! Whether it be the long solitude or the need for escapism during the pandemic, our students are reading more than they ever have before. For proof, just look at our most recent Book Fair sales. Typically, most of the money we make is on the trinkets, fidget toys, stickers, and whimsical school supplies we sell. Not so this year; books are what broke the bank! Our much-ballyhooed boys and girls bought bountiful bevies of books! Kids are reading before school, during school, and hopefully after school as well. We love their newfound love for literature and know that a vast majority of the reason is thanks to y’all for encouraging them to read and by modeling reading as well.
Bikes: During the pandemic, bike sales increased dramatically, and stores had issues keeping them on the shelves, even with kickstands (see what I did there?). We have more kids riding their bikes to school than we’ve ever had before, and we love it! Case in point, last year, we discussed taking down the bike rack outside my office to make room for outdoor seating since, at most, we only had one bicycle parked there a month. Not so anymore. Even on this cold, frigid Friday, I count seven bikes parked right outside my window. I can’t think of anything better than starting the day off with a crisp bike ride to campus and imagine once our kids arrive, they are alert and ready to attack the day.
Outdoor Dining: Speaking of outdoor seating, thanks to the pandemic, we now have enough outdoor tables and seats to host as many as 350 students at one time. This may be my favorite pandemic scar. We’ve talked for years about incorporating outdoor seating for lunches, and now that the pandemic has played our hand, our students and staff are much better at it. While some kids are eating outside for health reasons, most are out there for pure enjoyment. It’s a beautiful scene, and the more time we spend outdoors, the better off we all are. 10 out of 10 doctors agree; Vitamin D, fresh air, and a cool Fall breeze will cure what ails you.
These are but a few of the positive changes our kids have experienced over the last year and a half. Maybe it’s the eternal optimist in me, but a “glass is half-full” mentality about the pandemic is not the worst thing one can have. We know all too well the horrible losses we’ve incurred in regards to lives, jobs, health, and freedoms, so taking a moment to reflect on our growth as individuals and as a community is necessary to balance it out.
Remember, events are not good or bad, and we cannot control them. All we can do is control our perception of them and how we react to them. Please remind your student of this simple fact and watch their faces as this newfound knowledge and clarity washes away their unease.
Matthew Nelson
Principal
Clint Small Middle School
(512) 841-6705
Cougar showcase
Families can walk from booth to booth, meet elective teachers and students currently in those classes to get a taste of what classes you might want to take next year.
Picture Make up Day
- Did you miss picture day?
- Did you buy pictures but want a retake?
Good News! 1st Photo will be here this Friday, November 12th during lunch for picture re-takes. If you would like to participate in retakes, just walk up to the photographers in or near the cafeteria during your lunch break and they will take your picture. Your pictures will be in the yearbook and on your Student ID cards. Swing by the main office to pick up an order sheet if you want to buy any.
If you want to retake pictures, bring back the pictures you ordered and turn them in to the photographer and they will take new ones.
Teacher Breakfast - Sponosored by the PTA
The way to ANYONE'S heart, is through their stomach.
--Texan proverb
The teacher and staff monthly breakfast is upon us! Let's show the incredible teachers & staff of Smallville just how much we love them!
Sign up HERE to bring breakfast goodies and/or volunteer your time, on Friday, November 12th.
Note: You do not need to register for a Signup account in order to donate goodies or your time!
A parent volunteer will be at the front of school on Friday morning, collecting items from 7:30am to 8:20am.
Pie Tradition
Small PTA is asking for Pie donations for the last friday before Thanksgiving break (November 19th) our goal is 110 pies, so every Teacher, Admin, Custodian, Cafeteria worker, and Support Staff gets to take home a pie to start thier much needed and well deserved break with a sweet treat.
Here is how you help, go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c4dadad28aafb6-pies to sign up to donate a pie or volunteer your time to help that day
Congratulations Adv. Theater Students
Congratulations to the following Advanced Theater students who advanced at the AISD Zone 2 UIL One Act Play Contest, with their play, The Ransom of Emily Jane.
They are earned a place at the district competition on Nov 12th
Mary U.
Brandon B.
Sadie S.
Hazel E.
Opal B.
Rowan D.
Eleanor B.
Jacob B.
Anam C.
Opal B.
Piper P.
Kayla B.
Connor M.
Samantha R.
Simon N.
Monalena D.
Evelyn D.
8th Grade Students and Parents
Maroon & White Night
December 2nd, 2021 - 6:30 PM
At Austin High Performing Arts Center
It is almost MAROON AND WHITE NIGHT TIME!
Plan to attend the highly engaging Maroon and White Showcase Night at Austin High on December 2nd! This one-of-a kind event will allow future Maroons to explore all of the amazing programs that Austin High has to offer. Tour the Culinary Arts Kitchen, our Film Studio, or learn more about the exciting opportunities in Project Lead the Way. Visit with teachers and students about our Academies and learn about their signature experiences. The event will begin at 6:30pm in the Austin High Performing Arts Center, with a special performance featuring the many award-winning programs that Austin High has to offer. Families will then have time to visit with teachers and students representing all aspects of Austin High academics, electives, sports, and clubs. Mark your calendars for this exciting night!
Small M.S. Boys' Soccer Game Schedule
Boys Soccer Games
(subject to change)
10/30/21 Sat O. Henry vs Small 9:00am 10:30am
Scores:
A Team: Small- 6, O. Henry- 1
B Team: Small-8, O. Henry- 1
11/06/21 Sat Gorzycki vs Small * 9:00am 10:30am *
11/13/21 Sat Small vs Bailey * 9:00am 10:30am *
11/20/21 Sat Paredes vs Small * 9:00am 10:30am *
12/04/21 Sat Small vs Lively * 9:00am 10:30am *
12/11/21 Sat Kealing vs Small 9:00am 10:30am
Home Team Listed Last
* Zone Game
A team games are at 9, B team games at 10:30
NJHS Application Open for 6th AND 7th Graders!
Yes, you read that right! This year we have opened candidacy and membership in NJHS to eligible 6th graders. Students should make a copy of this document to their GoogleDrive and submit their completed application by Friday, Dec 10, 2021. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_iESrJd1Ux0RVS7JogeVAyPhRyG5LihJePwH9O1vj7o/copy
What are the eligibility requirements? 6th graders--an average of at least 85 over all classes for Quarter 1 and a history of good character, service, and leadership. 7th graders--an average of at least 85 in all classes for Quarter 1, a yearlong average of at least 85 over all classes for 6th grade, and a history of good character, service, and leadership. Part of the application process includes teacher recommendations. See the application for details and dates.
Complete applications received by Friday, Dec 10, will be reviewed by the Faculty Council. Students and parents will be notified of acceptance or non-acceptance in early January.
Order a Yearbook
Have your heard the new jingle staring our 6th grade choir? Check it out here.
NJHS Meetings for SY 2021-2022
All students inducted into NJHS this spring are encouraged to attend as part of participating in NJHS. Meetings will be in Mx. Manners' room, 204, from 4:00-4:45. Students have been invited to join a BLEND course for NJHS and the BLEND course will be the best place for communications and updates regarding NJHS.
- Thursday, Sept 9
- Thursday, Oct 14
- Thursday, Nov 4
- Thursday, Jan 13
- Thursday, Feb 10
- Thursday, Mar 10
- Thursday, Apr 14
- Thursday, May 5, 19
Current 7th graders who are interested in NJHS: Watch the Cougar News in October for information about applying to NJHS! If you have any questions for contact Mx. Manners at christie.manners@austinisd.org
Join PTA
We have an enthusiastic new team of parents heading up the PTA this year. We are excited to partner with these amazing volunteers. If you have any questions regarding PTA, be sure to email our president Celeste Schooley celesteschooley@gmail.com with any questions.
In the meantime show your support for Small by joining the 21-22 PTA at https://www.joinpta.org/
Did you know as a PTA member, you have access to discounts for car rentals,
hotels, theme parks and more? Check out this link for more perks:
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