Pony Express
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF O. HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL
NEWSLETTER SECTIONS
This Week's Schedule:
A, B, A, B, C
SAVE THE DATE
- September 13-17- Coordinated School Health Kick Off
- September 14th- Mustang Council-- OHMS Campus Advisory Council
- September 14th- Open House Events on Campus from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
- September 15: Yom Kippur
- September 15th and 16th-Fall School Pictures-- students will be coming through their Social Studies classes. 21-22 School Yearbook Orders are now available
- September 27: Walk or Bike to School Week
- October 11: No School
OTHER SCHOOL NEWS
- NEW-- The Austin ISD Board of Trustees approved the 2021-22 Student Code of Conduct (SCOC) on August 26, 2021. The SCOC was revised based on feedback from community stakeholders, teachers, students, parents, administrators, and central office departments. See ATTACHMENT
- Band Updates
- Mustang Council- Campus CAC
- Counseling Corner
- Clubs Announcements
- Envision Our AISD Future-- AISD Long Range Planning Committee--Opportunity to Serve
- Gifted and Talented Announcements- Nomination Window September 13-24
- Progress Report Cards and Grading Dates
September 24th--ROUND UP- School Wide Afterschool Carnival and PTA INFORMATION
- ROUND UP 2021- September 24th from 3:50-7:00-- Sponsorship and Volunteers
- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR ROUND UP
- PTA NEWS- Membership Welcome, School Store, Thank You's, PTA Facebook Page
- Virtual Academic Coaching Program
- Campus Volunteer Opportunities
OPEN HOUSE-- Tuesday, September 14th
- ON BLEND PAGES NOW-VIRTUAL-Visit each of your student's BLEND pages for information about course work, how to get in touch with the teacher and tutorial times, helpful resources, school supplies.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14th---SCHEDULE FOR OPEN HOUSE:
- 5:30-7:00-- This evening is designed for you and your schedule to come and go. This is an AISD Masked Event.
- Teachers will have "Open House Style" set up in their room which will highlight curriculum for the school year, see student work, get class information.
- For specific conference about your student we ask that you schedule this individual time with the teacher.
- We ask that our OHMS students and other family members stay home
- Meet and Greet- Come and Go-- visit PTA tables to sign up for Round Up and other volunteer slots, purchase OHMS Swag
INFORMATION LEARNING SESSIONS in the Cafeteria or via the Mustang Zoom Room
https://austinisd-org.zoom.us/my/ohmsmustangs
6:00-6:20-- PTA Meeting and Meet Campus Principals and Counselors
6:40-7:00--Optional Math High School Credit Meeting-- Algebra and Geometry Classes
ART IN ACTION
BAND UPDATES
48th Annual AISD Marching Band Jamboree
On Tuesday, September 21, at 6:30 pm join us at the Toney Burger Center for the 48th Annual AISD Marching Band Jamboree. This event will feature marching bands from all AISD high schools. Admission is $3. Children 12 and younger are free. O.Henry Band members should wear their band t-shirt. This is a great enrichment opportunity.
Tickets are available online Band Jamboree Ticket Link: https://gofan.co/app/events/382408?schoolId=TX13111
Complimentary Tickets:
PROMO CODE: jamboree21O. Henry Campus Advisory Council (CAC)-- Mustang Council
Meeting Agendas and Meeting Minutes can be found on our campus web page.
Citizen Communications is the first item on the agenda and is time set aside for non-members to make comments to the CAC. The co-chairs may limit the time given to individual speakers and will ensure that the districts "Citizens Communication and Visitor Guidelines" are applied. Under these guidelines, except for requests for clarification, dialogue shall not occur between the speaker and the members. If the CAC is interested in hearing more from a speaker, the speaker may be invited to a future meeting and be placed on the agenda. The CAC may also call a special meeting specifically for the purpose of open-dialogue with non-members but it must be posted for discussion on specific topics.
STEM Learning in Action
Counseling Corner
Ms. Torres, our 6th Grade Counselor, will be joining us for 10 hours a week in the month of September. Ms. Dodd, our Substitute 6th Grade Counselor, will continue to be with us two days a week. Ms. Stangle and Ms. Price, our 7th Grade and 8th Grade Counselors, will be helping with all 6th grade students. To reach a counselor for 6th Grade please email ohenry.counselors@austinisd.org
Thank you😊
CLUBS ANNOUCEMENTS-- FCA starting this week
_______________________________________________________________________________
We would like to cordially invite you to participate in the O. Henry Chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)! FCA is a nationally recognized student club that focuses on impacting the world for Jesus Christ. This is a time for building friendships on campus while growing in relationship with Jesus through food, games, and Bible study. At O. Henry, we are not limited to just athletes. All students are welcome to join!
Meetings will be held at 7: 30 am on Thursdays in the gym. We will send out an email once we get started!
If you are interested in being a student leader, participating or learning more, email Coach Richter ryan.richter@austinisd.org or Coach McKey david.mckey@austinisd.org
Here is the 2021 promo video introducing the theme “Pursue”.
We can’t wait to meet you!
Gifted and Talented Information
The nomination windows for GT identification will be open from September 13-24 for middle school. This will be the only nomination window for this school year. If you are interested in nominating your child for GT services, please first talk with your child’s teacher(s) and complete the attached form. Please note that signing the form gives permission for your child to be tested and screened for the Austin ISD Gifted and Talented Program. Completed nomination forms can be sent to our Casi Cook. (casi.cook@austinisd.org)
Progress Report and Report Card Dates
Progress 1: August 17-September 3
Progress 2: August 17-September 24
1st 9 weeks: August 17-October 15
Progress 3: October 18-November 5
Progress 4: October 18-December 3
2nd 9 weeks: October 18-December 17
Envision Our AISD Future
Help us envision our AISD future! The district’s draft facility assessment reports and Educational Specification updates are ready for your feedback!
Check out our school’s reports by visiting www.austinisdplanningtogether.com and fill out the feedback form no later than Sunday, Sept. 26
Visit https://bit.ly/3DntgJ2 to learn more about how these documents fit into the district’s long-range planning process—which will help determine which improvements and new facilities are included in our next bond!
AISD Long Range Planning Committee- Opportunity to Serve
Long-range Planning Committees
The Long-range Planning Committees are ad hoc advisory bodies established by the superintendent.
The LPCs are made up of parents, community members, students, and district staff who represent different segments of the community.
The purpose of the Planning Committees is to develop long-range plans including a prioritized list of recommended capital projects in each of the planning categories:
- Academics & Career and Technical Education
- Athletics
- Visual & Performing Arts
- Facilities
- Safety, Security & Resiliency
- Transportation, Food Service & Maintenance
- Technology
More detailed information about the LPCs can be found in the LPC Charter.
If you would like to be considered to serve on one of the Austin ISD Long-Range Planning Committees, please fill out the online application no later than 11:59 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 19.
Communications and Visitor Guidelines
Long-range planning meetings are open to the public and provide a limited time for public comment. See the Communications and Visitor Guidelines for more information.
WANTED: ROUND-UP SPONSORS
We need YOU and EVERY dollar counts!
Round Up depends on sponsorships from families and community partners! Proceeds from Round-Up will be used this school year to fund supplemental department budgets, staff stipends, and supplies to help make our school safe for every student. Please visit the website today to make your donation. Don’t let the levels make you think smaller donations don’t matter…whether it’s $5 or $5,000 or any amount in between, we welcome EVERY family to give ANY amount to show their support for our amazing school!
*Deadline for recognition on signs and banners is - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17th
Thank you to the families and community businesses who have generously donated!
Thank you to the families and community businesses who have generously donated!
Aaron and Kristen Day, Archer Investment Management, Austin Orthodontic Arts, The Bryant Family, The Chesney Family, Chris and Jackie Chuter, The Donahoo Family, Dwyer Murphy Calvert LLP, The Elder Family, Elise and Rob Bridges, The Ewing Family, Firehouse Animal Health Center, The Fons Family, Fons PR, Food! Food!, Free Family Fun in Austin, Frost Bank, The Hussaini Family, House of Torment, The Hutchison Family, The Jaros Family, The Kegg Family, Kristin and Mohan Balachandran, The LaMair Family, Make it sweet, The Maloney Family, Marjann and Michael Cooper, Mary Miles and Owen Temple, The Mika Family, The Morisey Family, The Murray Family, Nick and Jen Tramontana, The Poage Family, The Pounds Family, Rambler Sparkling Water, Randy and Laura Howard, Regan Lenehan & Jody Horton, The Renspie Family, The Salinas Family, The Scarborough Family, Sherrill and Downs Deering, SMILES of AUSTIN, Soledad Builders - The Molak Family, Stephanie and Corby Jastrow, Stouse Design, Tarrytown Dance, Tarrytown Pharmacy, Tarrytown Texaco, The Teague Family, The Tierney Family, The Vertuno Family, The Whelan Family
WE NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR ROUND UP
WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!
Volunteers make Round-Up possible! There are many fun opportunities for you to help including supervising game booths & inflatables, chaperoning the food court, working drink stations, selling raffle tickets at lunch, helping with back packs and providing supplies. Sign-up now to help make the 2021 Mustang Round Up the best ever! S
Sign-Up to support ROUND UP - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F054FABAE22A2F94-ohenry
BUY TICKETS AND WRISTBANDS
Preorder your Round Up tickets and bypass lines!
Preorder your Round Up tickets/wristbands and and bypass the lines! https://ohenrypta.org/round-up/round-up-wristband-and-ticket-order-form/
Wristbands are $30 each and allow unlimited access to all activities. Tickets are $5 per 10 pack. Most booths and games will require 2 tickets (although some inflatables, like Vertical Rush, will require 4 tickets).
Preordered tickets and wristbands can be picked up during lunch Tuesday, September 21st through Friday, September 24th (the week of Round Up), or at the Express Rider ticket table the day of the event.
Online ticket orders must be placed by Wednesday, September 22nd, 2021.
Tickets and wristbands can also be purchased during lunch Tuesday through Friday the week of Round Up with cash or check (made out to OHMS PTA).
Questions? Contact Round Up ticket chair Lauren Whelan at laurenwhelan@sbcglobal.net
MUSTANG CREW
*MUSTANG CREW:
Calling all dads, moms aunts, uncles, grandparents~ we could really use your help! OHMS Mustang Crew volunteers are needed to help for set-up and take down, arrange tables & chairs and hang signage.
Roll up your sleeves and help us get ready for our Round Up Event. We are looking for some help on Thursday, September 23rd from 5- to move our picnic tables to the designated food court. We would like to set up on Thursday evening before our Friday event.
Sign Up Here- https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F054FABAE22A2F94-ohenry
DONATE DRINKS
Please donate drinks from now thru September 23rd! We need cans of SPRITE, COKE, DIET COKE, and DR. PEPPER and 12 – or 16-ounce bottles of water in 6 packs, 12 packs or cases. Please drop off donated drinks in the office and mark them for ROUND UP.
RAFFLE BASKETS:
DONATE DRINKS:
Please donate drinks from now thru September 23rd! We need cans of SPRITE, COKE, DIET COKE, and DR. PEPPER and 12 – or 16-ounce bottles of water in 6 packs, 12 packs or cases. Please drop off donated drinks in the office and mark them for ROUND UP.
NO DANCE THIS YEAR
DANCE:
Due to COVID and needing to safely socially distance, there will be no indoor dance this year. We will still have a DJ to enjoy for outdoor music during the carnival activities.
Welcome to O. Henry PTA
WELCOME!
The OHMS PTA’s goal is to provide opportunities for parents, teachers, students, and the general community to GET CONNECTED. Our first general meeting is at Open House night, Tuesday September 14th at 6pm.
Join the O. Henry PTA
Families of O. Henry Mustangs: Mimi Fernandez, Sarah Spreitzer McCalla, Betsy Gonzalez, Karen Cotter, April Alejandro, Vera Muniz, Christine Napierkowski, Germaine Curry, Randi Bell, Nikki McCormick, Vic Ramirez, Laura Pigford, Delaine Teeple, Kate Fyda, Michelle Lee, Lauren Whalen, Erin Dempsey, Marisa Owen, Lisa Womack, Patrick Yonnone, Meredith Ansel, Sandra Frellsen, Kristen Day, Adam Koransky, Hallie Duncan, Acia Moody, Amy Salinas, Natalie Maloney, Jennifer Pac, Shannon Grethel, Carrie Williams, Charity Poage, Jessica Archer, Susannah Stinson, Clee Upchurch, Katie Lucio, Tina Donahoo, Cameron Tierney, Susan Horridge, Ann Pizer, Kathryn Atherton, Kit Purdy, Stephanie Teague, Martha Mangum, Rosa Theofanis, Elisabeth Anderson, Rachel Elder, Katie Mastovich, Rasha Madkour, Jyll Vertuno, Jennifer Skloss, Heather Davis, Ashley Beard, Randi Shade, Jennifer Banda, Shannon Pounds, Lauren Simmons, Melanie Dow, Emilie Salvagio, Sedric Pinkney, Elise Bridges, Lauren Sicarelli, Melissa Stangle, Kristie Buscaglio, Jennifer Shirk, Suzanne Perez, Jessica Manning-Acebo, Gloria Williamson, Kristen Jaros, Karen Kegg, Ashley Blumoff, Christina Dittmar, Christy Merritt, Jenny Mason, Emily Mika, Nicci Fowler, Elena McGinnis, Sherrill Deering, Kim McKnight, Jennifer Vogt, Carrie and Will Murchison, Tara Reid, Monica Smith, Caron and Matt Hutchison, Brandy and Ryan Fons, Jana Boderman, Deanna Brittain, Brooke Ward, Julie Butler, Jennifer Holland, Marie Evans, Nichole Henderson, Katherine Lieberknecht, Mary Miles Temple, Carolyn Bryant, Sean Peterson, Andrea Scarborough, Allison Crutchfield, Liz McGuire, Darcy Albee, Kelly Y, Jeff Achtermann
Teacher/Staff: Jennifer Boltz, Michael Shackelford, Macie Cohen, Sharon Stockbauer, Teresa Zardiackas, Duane Devereaux, Brittany McCulloch, Michael Jurkovic, Frank Munoz, Jessica Dillenberger, Tim Tierney, Marlinn Conway, Casi Cook, Amber Bass Patterson, Marlo Malott, Serena McMillon, Jean Ligtvoet, Chris Reuter, Clare Haugen, Rachel Price
The O. Henry PTA Appreciates
Join the O. Henry Middle School PTA Facebook Page
Join the O. Henry Middle School PTA Facebook Page to stay up-to-date on news and events.
Volunteer Opportunities
We would love to have you join us in the office, helping to answer calls, pass out student passes and check student’s out to appointments. All that is required is two hours a month. After you join us, you may even want to come more often!. We welcome everyone, grandparents welcome as well.
Please check our availability calendar: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18ujluG_l4wosgk991hDSi4L0_GO2ttsdDX65Dm38JTQ/edit?usp=sharing
While you can’t add or edit to it, you can email tim.tierney@austinisd.org to be added.
We’d love to have you!
SHOP & SUPPORT O. HENRY!
Donating to O. Henry Middle School’s PTA is as simple as doing your normal shopping! That’s right, there are a number of stores that have wonderful contribution programs and all you have to do is designate or inform them that you would like to participate in their school contribution program.
Randalls, through their Good Neighbor Program, will contribute 1% of your grocery bill every time you use your Remarkable Card when you designate O. Henry Middle School (# 713) as your charity of choice on the Good Neighbor Program form. Please see the link below to print and turn in your Good Neighbor Program form.
Randalls’ Good Neighbor Program Form
AmazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon that lets customers enjoy the same wide selection of products, low prices, and convenient shopping features as on Amazon.com. The difference is that when customers shop on AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to the charitable organization selected by customers. Click here to start supporting O. Henry through AmazonSmile
Virtual Academic Coaching Program:
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 after-school or weekend one-on-one virtual support with navigating BLEND, managing schedules, turning in missing assignments and coaching on executive functioning skills 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!
https://ohenrypta.org/new-virtual-academic-coaching/
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!