The Spear
October 18-22 | Austin Middle School
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- Doors open at 7:00 am. Breakfast is available until 7:25 am. Tardy Bell at 7:30 am.
- The school day ends at 3:10 pm.
- Early Dismissal Days end at 11:30 am.
- Dress Code in Effect. Remember Hoodies/Sweaters/Sweatshirts worn inside the building MUST BE SOLID Grade-level COLOR (no emblems, logos, patterns, etc.)
- Bring your supplies, GISD Chromebook, Earbuds/Headphones, and a clear or mesh backpack.
- Snack Bar Open- https://www2.mypaymentsplus.com/welcome
October 18-22 @ AUSTIN
Students not participating in the dress-up days must be in uniform dress code.
Monday, October 18
- Homecoming Week: see flyer below for details
- Homecoming: 90's dress day
- 7th Grade Volleyball at Austin MS 5 pm - 7 pm
- 8th Grade Volleyball at Angleton 5 pm - 7 pm
Tuesday, October 19
- 1st A+ Student choice class begins. 7:30-8:10 Tue/Thu
- Homecoming: Spirit Dress Day (students may wear mums)
- Homecoming Pep Rally during school day
- Homecoming Football Game vs. Friendswood @ Courville Stadium 5 pm
Wednesday, October 20
- Homecoming: We Wear Pink on Wednesdays Dress Day
Thursday, October 21
- A+ Class 7:30-8:10 Tue/Thu
- Homecoming: Tacky Tourist Thursday Dress Day
- PTO Meeting- Austin library 4 pm
Friday, October 22
- Homecoming: Neon Dress Day
- Glow Party- Austin Gym 5:00-7:00 pm
Weekend
Rest & Relax
COMING UP IN OCTOBER:
- October 25-29th: Red Ribbon Week
- October 27: 8th Grade takes the PSAT 8/9
- October 27: Early Dismissal Day. School ends at 11:30 am.
- October 27: ARTober Night 5:30-6:30 pm at Austin Middle School
- October 29: PTO Free Dress Day (NO Halloween Costumes) $2 at the door, Presale $1
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
- Bring a Water Bottle!
- Austin will no longer accept lunch deliveries from restaurants, fast food, or delivery services. If lunch is forgotten, a parent/guardian may drop off lunch at the front office.
Students must have their ID badges around their necks before entering the building. If students forget their ID, they can get a temporary one at the front office. The charge is $1 per day. Students that do not have the money will be charged. Students that need a new badge can purchase one for $5.
**All Device forms must be completed through Skyward before a device can be checked out to a student.
Has Your Child Been Absent?
The note should contain the following items:
- Student’s printed first and last name and GISD identification number
- Date of absence
- Reason for absence
Absentee notes must be received by the attendance clerk no later than three (3) days after the student’s return to school.
Austin Middle School's Academic Week At A Glance
ATTN: Parents/Guardians
RE: Canvas Observer Account Recommended
To view the Week At Glance Links below, you may need to set up your Parent Observer Account for Canvas. Many of you did this last year and will not need to set up a new account. If you need an account, please Click Here and go to the link under CANVAS OBSERVER GUIDE - TABLE OF CONTENTS for instructions.
- Math: Mrs. Mancil
- Science: Ms. Trevino
- Social Studies: Mr. Grasso
- Writing: Ms. Gonzales
- Reading: Ms. Salinas
- Tech Apps: Ms. Lee
- ELAR/MATH Co-Teach: Ms. Murphy
- Bilingual: Ms. Jones
6th Grade
- Math: Ms. Reyes
- Science: Ms. Diaz De Leon
- Social Studies: Ms. Terrell
- Reading: Ms. Root
- Writing: Mr. Murray
- Robotics: Ms. Marks
7th Grade
- Pre-Algebra: Mr. Ungurean
- Science: Ms. Costigan
- Social Studies: Ms. Ross
- Reading: Ms. Williams
- Writing: Dr. Cappiello
- PLTW: Mr. Burke
- VEX Competition Robotics: Ms. Marks
8th Grade
- Algebra I: Ms. Cartmell
- Science: Ms. Carranza
- Social Studies: Mr. Williams
- ELAR: Mrs. Taras
- PLTW: Mr. Puccetti
Intervention
Electives
- Ms. Wallace
- Ms. Robare
- Ms. Boxley
- Mr. Bari
Athletics
Planning to Volunteer this year??
Please turn in completed forms to Mrs. Zavala in the front office of AMS. Thank you.
AMS PTO
Mario's cards are for sale and they are $10. You can purchase in the office with cash or check or through the website with a card. These cards are for the Seawall Mario's and get you a free large pizza with the purchase of a large pizza. Please purchase and support the PTO.
We have started our monthly snack carts for teachers. In the middle of the month, every month, PTO will provide snacks and drinks to our teachers for the entire year. They deserve it! In addition, we have also started birthday gifts for our teachers on their special days. All of this is made possible by donations and support from our parents.
PTO meeting will be Thursday, October 21st in the Library. Time is TBD. Please check e-mail and Remind for time.
Thanks!
PTO President
INTRODUCING OUR AUSTEM AMS FACULTY
Mrs. Jo Ann Root, 6th Grade Reading Teacher
I love to teach! I began teaching in 2001. My teaching adventure began once my own children entered elementary school, and I was able to return to school myself to pursue what I love. I taught one year in Palestine, TX and another 13 years in Longview, TX. I taught an additional two years in adult education for the East Texas Literacy Council. I have the most amazing husband who has supported all of my dreams since 1985. We have 3 incredible adult children and eight of the most precious grandchildren you will ever meet. And I must not leave out, Sarge, our adorable mixed four-legger! My husband is retired and that is how I have arrived here in Galveston I.S.D. I am thrilled to be here teaching the future Ball High graduates!
BSIS from Stephen F. Austin / Certifications in Reading, History and Special Education
Mrs. Mae Diaz de Leon, 6th Grade Science Teacher
My name is Mae Diaz de Leon and I am the 6th grade science teacher at Austin Middle School. In my class, we learn a lot and have a lot of fun. I am a BOI and a proud graduate of Ball High class of 2000. I have a wonderful husband and 3 amazing children. I love spending time with my family, doing arts and crafts projects, and rooting for the Dallas Cowboys!
Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a certification as a 4-8 generalist, University of Houston Clear Lake
Ms. Yalitza Reyes, 6th Grade Math Teacher
I started working at Austin at the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year. I teach 6th grade mathematics. I am originally from Chicago, Illinois, but moved to Galveston in 2009. I completed my degree at the University of Houston Clear Lake.
Bachelor of science with certification 4-8 mathematics University of Houston Clear Lake
Teen Health Offers Vaccines
Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are in stock at all Teen Health Center Medical clinics.
In order to receive their vaccinations, minors (ages 12- 17) must have a Teen Health Consent Form (GISD families completed during school registration) and a Covid-19 Vaccine Consent Form signed by a parent or guardian. The Covid-19 consent may also be completed in Skyward Family Access.
Call (409) 761-3530 to schedule an appointment at the Teen Health clinic of your choice.
SEL at AMS!
Self Management
Stress Management
In the short term, stress can push a child to practice for her piano recital or inspire a teen to study when he’d rather be out with friends, but chronic stress is different. Left unchecked, long-term stress can contribute to a long list of physical and mental health problems.
Recognizing stress:
Irritability and anger: Adolescents don’t always have the words to describe how they are feeling.
Changes in behavior: A once-active teen now doesn’t want to leave the house.
Trouble sleeping: An adolescent complains of feeling tired all the time, sleep more than usual or have trouble falling asleep at night.
Neglecting responsibilities: If an adolescent suddenly drops the ball on homework or starts procrastinating.
Eating changes: Eating too much or too little.
Getting sick more often: Stressed students often report headaches or stomach aches and make frequent trips to the school nurse. https://www.apa.org/topics/child-development/stress
Stress Management Tools:
Sleep well. Experts recommend 9 -12 hours of sleep a night for 6-12-year olds. Teens need 8 - 10 hours a night. Limit screen use at night and avoid keeping digital devices in the bedroom.
Exercise. Physical activity is an essential stress reliever for anyone.
Talk it out. Talking about stressful situations can help put things in perspective and find solutions.
Make time for fun — and quiet. Students need time to do what brings them joy, whether that’s unstructured time to play or uninterrupted hours to practice music or art.
Get outside. Spending time in nature is an effective way to relieve stress.
Write about it. Research has found that expressing oneself in writing can help reduce mental distress.
Learn mindfulness. In a study of a five-week mindfulness training program researchers found that teens who learned mindfulness experienced significantly less mental distress.
Thank you so much!
Amy Argubright
Social Emotional Learning Specialist
Email: AmyArgubright@gisd.org
Principal's Corner
Homecoming week is always fun for Austin and showing school spirit. I look forward to seeing students full of spirit. Go AMS!!!!!
Principal
Austin Middle School
October is Bullying Prevention Month
Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying can occur through SMS, Text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation. Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behavior.
The most common places where cyberbullying occurs are:
Social Media, such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Tik Tok
Text messaging and messaging apps on mobile or tablet devices
Instant messaging, direct messaging, and online chatting over the internet
Online forums, chat rooms, and message boards, such as Reddit
Email
Online gaming communities
How to help prevent cyberbullying
While you may not be able to monitor all of your child’s activities, there are things you can do to prevent cyberbullying and protect your child from harmful digital behavior:
Monitor a teen’s social media sites, apps, and browsing history, if you have concerns that cyberbullying may be occurring.
Review or re-set your child’s phone location and privacy settings.
Follow or friend your teen on social media sites or have another trusted adult do so.
Stay up-to-date on the latest apps, social media platforms, and digital slang used by children and teens.
Know your child’s user names and passwords for email and social media.
Establish rules about appropriate digital behavior, content, and apps.
Counselor
Austin Middle School
Paying Tribute to Hispanic/Latino Scholars in Gifted Education: Past and Present
by: Dr. Jaime A. Castellano
September 15 marked the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, often seen as an opportunity to celebrate the lives, culture, and contributions of the 63 million Hispanics in the U.S. The month is celebrated until October 15 and recognizes Hispanic leaders and historic moments.
What a perfect time to celebrate and pay tribute to the Hispanic/Latino scholars in the field of gifted and talented education. Celebrating who they are, where they come from, and what they have done leaves a legacy for other Hispanic scholars to follow.
My very first scholarly encounter in the field of gifted education occurred in 1980, over 40 years ago. I was just accepted into graduate school at Northern Illinois University’s College of Education, and I decided to take a class the summer before the start of the fall semester. I chose a gifted education course because the description in the course catalog sounded interesting. The class provided only a cursory mention of giftedness among culturally and linguistically diverse student populations. I found this unsettling and that would serve as a catalyst for a career in gifted education.
I was not aware then of any scholars who were Hispanic/Latino. As the years progressed and my interest transitioned to writing, speaking, and advocacy in gifted education, I came across many individuals who inspired me, mentored me, and helped me make a difference. Through this blog post, I acknowledge and honor them; as well as contemporary leaders in the field who continue to carry the torch by writing, speaking, and advocating for culturally and linguistically diverse gifted students. The list is by no means exhaustive, and I apologize in advance if I have left anyone off of it. Please take some time to learn more about these important Hispanic/Latino scholars, practitioners, and advocates listed here.
source: nagc.org
Advanced Academic Specialist
Austin Middle School
Austin STEM Magnet Middle School
Principal
Kathy Aaron
Assistant Principal
Erika Puccetti
Counselor
Email: stephaniemendoza@gisd.org
Website: https://austin.gisd.org/
Location: 1514 Ave N 1/2, Galveston, TX, USA
Phone: 409-761-3500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/austinmiddleschoolgisd/