Cougar News

Week of April 11th - April 15th

Letter from Principal Nelson

Smallville-



With the current school year winding down, you may find yourself with some questions about how we plan on making it through the end of May and what plans we have in store for August. There’s a slew of celebrations, events, and final exams on the horizon and this correspondence should be your best best for all the info leading up to the above. So, here are a few events/reminders/ideas to whet your information whistle.


STAAR Tests: Theeeeyyyy’rrrrreeeeee baaaacccccckkkkk…….However, fret not; your students have this covered. We’ve been prepping for these exams since early August and your kids are more than ready. They’re not only ready, but by now they should know what exactly they need to improve upon and study to be completely ready. Our job is to create engaging lessons that drive them towards success and your job is to help get them prepared for the Big Day(s). Prepared, meaning being in bed at a decent hour, a healthy breakfast on the day of the tests, and to let them now they will be successful as long as they are calm, cool, and collected. The dates for the STAAR Tests are as follows:


  • May 10th - Math. Grades 6,7, and 8.

  • May 11th - ELA/REading. Grades 6,7, and 8.

  • May 12th - Science. 8th grade only.

  • May 13th - Social Studies. 8th Grade only.


Splashfest!: On May 6th, we welcome back the most spishiest-splashiest Carnival this side of New Braunfels; Splashfest! This fundraiser is everyone’s favorite day of the year and a great way to celebrate the hard work we’ve done and to signal that summer is nearing. This outdoor carnival is open to all grade-levels and families and has something for everybody. Check this newsletter for more details and if you know of any businesses who would like to sponsor or have an opportunity to move some merch, please email Jennifer Newell (jennifer.newell@austinisd.org). We’re always looking for family friendly businesses, activities and food options to provide for our community and this is a great way to make that connection. We would love if you would donate a raffle Item. Check out our Amazon Wish List to purchase and donate a requested raffle item.


8th Grade Promotion: This year we are excited to be able to meet in person to congratulate our 8th graders whilst we whisk them away to the wild blue yonder (high school). The date for the celebration will be May 27th, at 10:00 a.m. here in the Lettie Garza Gym. If you would like to help with donations, decorations, or assembling packets, please contact Mrs. Newell as well.


Q & A: This is but a weekly correspondence from me to you and rather one-sided. However, you don’t have to wait every 7 days for me to wax poetic; please send me any questions or concerns you have and I will do my best to get you an answer. I may not be able to answer you 100% of the time, but I promise to give it 100% of my attention. If ever you’re curious about a policy or program or need to know what next year will look like (spoiler alert: periods 1-4 =s A-day, periods 5-8 =s B-day) please email me and I will get back to you.


Thanks again for reading and for allowing us to work with your student.


Matthew Nelson

Principal

Clint Small Middle School

(512) 841-6705

www.smallmiddleschool.org


matthew.m.nelson@austinisd.org

Help a Small MS Family

One of our Small family members had a devastating fire which destroyed the trailer they were living in and the car that was parked next to it. One of the students is in our 6th grade, while the other student is attending Oak Hill Elementary. A family of 8 lived in the trailer. They had been moving from motel to motel using the Visa cards and HEB cards that were donated. They have recently moved into a rental home but are needing help. As if this was not enough, the mother has been going through her second round of chemotherapy. Any help that can be given for this family would be appreciated.


Go Fund Me link for Small family fire victims:



https://www.gofundme.com/f/fellow-small-and-oak-hill-family-in-need?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer

2nd Annual Hawaiian Day

Hawaiian Day is this Wednesday, May 13th


It is spring - About this time every year, our teachers and staff need a morale boost to make it to to summer. This is how Hawaiian Day was born. We all dress up in our best Hawaiian gear, order in some Hawaiian pizzas and have a staff bowling competition in the main hall to see who will win the golden pineapple.


If you would like to support the effort, please feel free to donate any Hawaiian themed snack or drink, or dessert, it will help get everyone into the spirit. Just drop it, or have it delivered to the main office.

Splash Fest Needs You!

Check out our New Splash Fest website


It is still a work in progress, but soon it will have the ability to buy wristbands and tickets online, sign up to volunteer and see what we have instore for our special day.


Pages that are up and running:


Vote for Mr. T!!!

Mr. Tabares, one of our amazing art teachers has been nominated for a "Thank A Teacher Award" in Austin Monthly! Let's show him how much we appreciate all he does here at Small!


Last Day to vote is April 12th.


VOTE for Mr. T! https://www.austinmonthly.com/thank-a-teacher-finalists-announced/#/gallery/321940769

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Please, Please, Please Register for Next Year!

Do you hate seeing all these reminders about Online Registration?

We do too! We don’t like bothering you guys.


We have 845 people who have NOT registered for the 2022-2023 school year. The more people who register, the faster we can stop bugging you!


Are you thinking “do I really have to register online? My kid is already enrolled.”

Yes! We need all parents to online register EVERY year, so that we have the most current information on file. This helps ensure we have appropriate staffing too.


Can’t remember what you need to do to register?

Please visit portal.austinisd.org click or search the “AISD Student Registration” Tile.


Here are some step by step instructions:

Parent Guide to Online Registration: English

Guía de inscripción en línea para padres y tutores legales Espanol


Not coming back to Small?

No problem, just email giovana.mcgettrick@austinisd.org your student’s full name, and what school they will be attending in the fall. We will update the database, so you come off our list.

8th Grade Permotion Ceremony

Save the date May 27th at 10 AM


More details to come.

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The AISD Summer Theatre Series is back!

Students of all experience levels are welcome to shine on stage during the free Summer Theatre Series program. Current fifth through 12th graders in Austin ISD are invited to try out for the program’s seventh consecutive season.


The program will start June 6 and run through July 25 and will feature The Addams Family musical production, Alice in Wonderland black box studio production, and the new Summer Theatre Series Rising Stars program—a one-week educational theatre camp that offers workshops in acting, dance and voice.


The technical track of the Summer Theatre Series allows students to explore design and construction in costumes, make-up, scenery, properties, lights, and sound. Students will work with professionals from the Austin theatrical community to create all of the technical elements of the productions.


Rehearsals take place at the Austin ISD Performing Arts Center. Several transportation options will be provided for participating students, including a daily bus running to and from Bedichek Middle School, carpools and free city bus passes available through the Kids Ride Free program with Capital Metro. City bus locations are located at the corner of Mueller Boulevard and Barbara Jordan Boulevard, and across from Dell Children’s Hospital.

Students interested in participating must register by April 13 and video auditions need to be submitted by April 15.


An audition workshop and Q&A session will be available Monday, April 11. For access to audition materials and more information on the 2022 Austin ISD Summer Theatre Series, go to www.austinisd.org/arts.


For questions, please contact Program Coordinator, Jessica Champion, at jessica.champion@austinisd.org.



Se invita a estudiantes con cualquier nivel de experiencia a brillar en el escenario durante el programa gratuito de la serie de teatro de verano. Se invita a los estudiantes de quinto a 12.° grado del Austin ISD a hacer una audición para la séptima temporada consecutiva del programa.


El programa comenzará el 6 de junio y continuará hasta el 25 de julio y presentará la producción musical La familia Addams, la producción de cámara negra Alicia en el País de las Maravillas y el nuevo programa Estrellas en Ascenso de la serie de teatro de verano, un campamento educativo de una semana que ofrece talleres de actuación, danza y voz.

La opción técnica de la serie de teatro de verano les permite a los estudiantes explorar el diseño y la construcción de vestuario, maquillaje, escenarios, utilería, iluminación y sonido. Los estudiantes trabajarán con profesionales de la comunidad teatral de Austin para crear todos los elementos técnicos de las producciones.


Los ensayos se llevan a cabo en el Centro de Artes Escénicas del Austin ISD. Se proveerán varias opciones de transporte para los estudiantes participantes, incluyendo un autobús diario de ida y vuelta a la Escuela Secundaria Bedichek, vehículos compartidos y pases gratuitos para autobuses de la ciudad disponibles a través del programa Los Niños Viajan Gratis de Capital Metro. Las paradas de autobuses de la ciudad están en la esquina de Mueller Boulevard y Barbara Jordan Boulevard y frente al Hospital Dell Children's.


Los estudiantes interesados en participar deben registrarse a más tardar el 13 de abril y las audiciones en video deben enviarse a más tardar el 15 de abril.


Habrá un taller para las audiciones y una sesión de preguntas y respuestas el lunes, 11 de abril. Para acceso a los materiales de audición y más información sobre la serie de teatro de verano del Austin ISD de 2022, vaya a www.austinisd.org/arts.


Si tiene preguntas, comuníquese con la coordinadora del programa, Jessica Champion, a jessica.champion@austinisd.org.

Our Green Team needs help!

We are running low on animal feed funds, and prices are rising as we head into summer. We can accept donations of food or checks, but the best way is to contribute to the Animal account on schoolcashonline https://austinisd.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/22007/63/False/True.


We also need new volunteers to help with animal care over the summer. It is a great family opportunity to spend time with the animals and support the Green Academy. To learn more about this opportunity, please fill out this form and Mr. Brooks will contact you.

https://forms.gle/NcCP8qTxUiswrL196

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8th grade Schlitterbahn Trip - UPDATE

Dear Students and Guardians,


We are opening the May 26th 8th grade Schlitterbahn Trip online payment early (April 11- May 5) We understand that it may be beneficial to pay at certain times of the month. Total cost for the trip is $75.00. Payment however does not guarantee your students eligibility to attend the trip. Please check the eligibility requirements with your student prior to paying.


Students must meet all of the following requirements to be eligible for the Schlitterbahn trip:

  1. Must pass all classes ─ including electives ─ for the 8th progress report (April 29th) and the final report card.

  2. Must have a completely clean discipline record for the 4th 9 weeks. (For example, the student must have no referrals of any kind, no more than 3 trips to lunch detention for behavior, no home suspension, and no bus referrals)

  3. Attendance of 90% for the last 9 weeks (March 11- May 26) (less than 3 unexcused absences)

  4. Must have approval from all of their teachers (including elective classes) for participation in the trip.

  5. Must clear all obligations (including textbooks, library books, Chromebooks, and charger, etc.) by Friday May 13th, 2022.

  • We are looking for students that will be on their best behavior and represent Small MS in a positive way.

Payment DOES NOT guarantee

your students' eligibility to attend the trip.


Refunds will automatically be issued

if you pay and are NOT eligible at the time of payment.


Any student removed from the trip after May 13, 2022,

will NOT receive a refund,

but will still receive their ticket that can then be used over the summer.


Online payment window will close May 5th

there will be NO late payment acceptions.


Scholarships are available. Please contact Ms. Castenada


Here's a link to the online store: https://austinisd.schoolcashonline.com/

It will show up under the student tab once the parents access the site.


Please complete permission form along with payment: https://forms.gle/fBXMwjVrUSfHhhfq7


Thank you,

8th Grade Team and Mrs Becky White

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Chromebook Chargers

We can no longer give out extra Chromebook chargers if your child looses theirs. If your child needs a replacement charger you can purchase them on Amazon. Here is the link: https://www.amazon.com/Charger-Chromebook-ThinkPad-GX20M33579-4X20E75131Adapter/dp/B0834CRZNW/ref=sr_1_3?crid=LEHIAOSVID9C&keywords=lenovo+chromebook+charger&qid=1646338358&sprefix=lenovo+chromebook+charge%2Caps%2C123&sr=8-3

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8th Grade Girls going to Bowie

All current 8th grade girls interested in playing softball at Bowie next year, please have your parents complete the following form:


https://forms.gle/1QoTWBMC9pX835tJA


More information can be found at https://bowiesoftball.org

Incoming 6th Grade Information

Important dates for incoming 6th Graders


Cougar Camp - August 1st - 2nd, 2022 (Choose AM or PM Session)

This is the transition camp to help teach kids about how middle school works, make new friends and learn more about the campus - Click here to register and learn more


Scavenger Hunt - Aug 4, 2022 - Time TBD

Come show your parents what you learned in camp. See if you can find your way around Small and that you are ready for the first day of school. More details to come


Parent Camp - August 4th. 5:30 pm - Zoom

This is all the information every new to middle school parent will need to know about Small and how middle school works. Click here to register


First Day of School - August 15th, 2022


Ways to keep informed.

Website: www.smallmiddleschool.org

Newsletter: https://small.austinschools.org/our-school/announcements/newsletters

Parent facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/groups/SmallMiddleSchoolParents/


Questions?

Small FAQ Page

Small Acronym

Email or call Jennifer Newell at


jennifer.newell@austinisd.org 512-841-6701

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Are you tired of sending your child to summer camps that lack an academic element? Are you on the hunt for an academic and entertaining summer camp where students can collaborate and formulate solutions to the most pressing issues the world is faced with?? If so, sign up for Jr. AUSMUN!! Jr. AUSMUN is a four-day summer camp open for incoming 7th, 8th, and 9th graders THIS SUMMER!! . The camp will reflect the high school class, Model United Nations, an extracurricular offered at Austin High in which students represent delegates in the United Nations and simulate debates in UN committees. Campers will explore the most current and relevant topics and engage in activities for three days in preparation for a Model UN conference on the 4th! The camp will be held at Austin High School, June 20th through 23rd from 8:30 am-12:30 pm. For more information and registration details please visit https://jrausmun.weebly.com/
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Back the future at Small Middle School. Join PTA today.


www.joinpta.org

Thank you to our Sponsors!

ATX Benjamin is our first big sponsor for Splash Fest and boy are they offering us a great deal.
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Be sure to send some busniess thier way for partnering with Small Middle School!!!

Order a Yearbook

Order your yearbook before the winter break and get it for just $40. You can bring a check or cash to Mr. Shoptaw room 113 or order online at https://www.balfour.com/student-info?smi=108267


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

Green Academy Blog

Did you know the Green Academy has a blog? Check it out!

Keep Small MS Beautiful

Join the Small MS PTA on April 9, 2022 at 9am to keep the campus beautiful. We will be picking up trash around the building and grounds. Gloves and trash bags will be provided. Feel free to bring your own gloves or trash picking up tools. Volunteers will meet at the main entrance and will be assigned areas of the campus to beautify. RSVP on Facebook to join us. Questions - cougarcage@smallmspta.org.