Cougar News
Week of May 1st, 2023
Letter from Mr. Nelson
Cougar Nation-
Three down (for 8th graders), and only one more to go! That’s right, I’m talking about the STAAR test, and the only one we all have left to take is the Math STAAR on May 4th, STAAR Wars Day!
The math test, and all high-stakes, standardized tests in the future will be taken via computer, but that does not mean students do not need paper and pencils. We still want them to work out every problem by hand. We need them to rely on the method they’ve been taught to work on math problems since pre-k and only interface with the computer when submitting their final answer. Our math teachers remind them of this daily, but hearing the same sage advice from the parental units and guardians never hurts.
AISD Counselor of the Year:
It is with great pleasure and no surprise that I announce that our very own Cynthia Diaz is one of 4 finalists for AISD Counselor of the Year. We are so excited that the fine folks of AISD finally recognized her passion and professionalism and can see that she is one of the, if not the main reason for our school’s success. She is the heart of our school and ensures every person she comes in contact with is better off for meeting with her. Whether it be students, staff, or families, she listens with her heart and offers tools and techniques to help others deal with the doldrums of the day. Unlike most counselors, who are reactive, Mrs. Diaz is proactive and leads the creation of our SEL lessons so students are armed with emotional intelligence and a sense of stability each week. She crafts the lessons based on our students' needs and works with teachers to ensure everyone is comfortable with their delivery.
We are who we are because she is who she is. We wish her the best of luck at the awards ceremony on May 10th, and regardless of the outcome, know we have the best counselor in all the land. If you want to send her your best, since she always gives us her best, please email her at cynthia.diaz@austinisd.org
Ban of Squirting Water Bottles:
Spring fever and the disruption of normalcy due to testing have led to some consistent misbehaviors that we would like to see end. That’s right, I’m talking about students squirting one another and objects with their water bottles in classes, lunch, the halls, and anywhere else they tread. Effective Monday, May 1st, we will no longer allow water bottles that squirt on campus. Please plan accordingly.
Thanks, and have a great weekend.
Matthew Nelson
Principal
matthew.m.nelson@austinisd.org
(512) 841-6705
Support the Hudson family
Cougar families! We have had a tragic loss in our school community. If you would like to donate to help this family in this trying time, linked below is a Meal Train to support the Hudson's.
Attention 6th grade families,
Hi Parents of 6th graders!
This is a reminder to make sure you start early to get an appointment at your doctor’s office for immunizations required for starting 7th grade. The immunizations required for entering 7th grade in the school year 2023-2024 are the T-dap booster and the MVC4. These are mandated by the State of Texas. Once your student has received the immunizations, please submit the immunization record via email or paper copy to the Nurse Office at Small Middle School.
Immunization Requirements
Quick Reference: 2023-2024 School Year
Seventh Grade
- 3 doses of DPT, DTaP, DT, Td, Tdap with one dose given on/after the 4th birthday.
- 1 dose of Tdap is required within the last 5 years. (Td acceptable if pertussis is contraindicated)
- 3 doses of Polio with one on/after 4th birthday
- 2 doses of MMR with first dose on/after the 1st birthday
- 2 doses of Hepatitis A
- 3 doses of Hepatitis B*
- 2 doses of Varicella on/after 1st birthday (if the child has NOT had chickenpox)
- 1 dose of Meningococcal (MCV4 or MenACWY) on / after the 11th birthday**
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.
All the best,
Catherine Bedell, RN
Small Middle School
512-841-6716
Splashfest
Wristbands/Tickets on sale now!
(online only this week)
Learn more and buy your wristbands and tickets on-line here
Wristband/Ticket pick-up & Sale in person
You can also buy or pickup wristbands and tickets during lunch the week of May 8th.
Bundle deals are only available online.
How to get involved
VOLUNTEER: We need a lot of adults to help sale tickets, setup, supervise and tear down this event. Sign up to volunteer here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0f45afa628a1f58-small#/
SPONSOR: We are still looking for sponsors to help underwrite the cost of this event. Please consider becoming a sponsor. Learn more here: my.cheddarup.com/c/splashfest
DONATE: We are looking for
- Drinks (Water bottles, Soda cans & Sport Drinks of any kind),
- Snacks (prepackaged snack items of any kind)
- Candy (Any kind of Candy)
- Cupcakes (for cupcake walk, wait until next week to donate these)
- Pop up Shade Tent (To borrow)
Please feel free to purchase and send in to the main office starting now through May 12th
Thanks for your support for Splashfest!!!!
This is a rain or shine event
More Splashfest support
Cougar Spirit For Sale
Cougar Spirit For Sale
GOT MUNCHIES? Here's how to help for Splashfest! You may drop off pre-packaged snacks at the office CARE OF MRS. EARLY, or order from AMAZON and ship directly to Small!
Check out our Amazon list! https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3DSVIFZLSJ931?ref_=wl_share
STAAR Tests are coming
Chargers
Every chromebook comes with 1 charger. If your student loses that charge, you must purchase a new one. We do not have extra chargers in the office to loan or give out.
Click here to purchase or see what charger you need for the school chromebooks.
Click on image below to enlarge it.
Austin Park and Pizza
Online Payment
https://austinisd.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/30233/63/False/True
Permission Slip:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfwZZcBZG8JieKEVHJyijUoBIg2Aere44XzpVBdojOPMzvPHw/viewform
AISD School Family Survey
Spring Break 2023
Small Middle School had the BEST time Spring Break 2023: Germany, Italy & Switzerland. Check out more photos on Instagram: @smallschool.bigworld
For more information on how you can be a part of next year's trip: Spring Break 2024: Italy & Greece, please contact sarah.dietz@austinisd.org
Volunteers:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050C49A8A82FABFE3-csms
Concession Donations:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050C49A8A82FABFE3-spring
Counseling Corner
Incoming 5th Grade Info
Choice Sheets: It is time to turn in your choice sheet for next year. Please go to our Counseling Choice Sheet Page. There you can learn more about what we offer, print a choice sheet and fill it out. Please turn it in asap to our front office. If you have any questions about the choice sheet, contact our counselors cynthia.diaz@austinisd.org, zahra.asadi@austinisd.org, brilina.pursche@austinisd.org
Registration:
Don't forget to register your student every year. Please visit https://small.austinschools.org/parents/registration to register your child(ren) for the 23-24 school year. You will be able to access step-by-step instructions to newly register your student or to confirm your family’s current information. Please remember that registering your child is essential for appropriate funding and staffing at our school. Feel free to contact our Family Support Line at 512-414-9187 or parenttechsupport@austinisd.org if you encounter any technical issues.
Note: Don’t worry if it says your home school and not Small. Go ahead and complete the registration, once the Transfers are completely processed, It will change to Small.
Band Instrument Selection: If your student plans to join our amazing band this year, please go to https://clintsmallmsband.weebly.com/beginning-band.html to sign up for a band instrument selection date.
Transition Events: We are offering some summer transition events to make sure your student is very comfortable coming to Small next year. Save the date...
- Cougar Camp: (Kids only) July 31st & August 1, 2023 This is a 2 day, 1/2 day camp
- Scavenger Hunt: (Parents and Kids) August 3rd, 2023 11 - 1 PM
- Parent Camp: (zoom) August 3rd, 6 to 7:30 pm - Sign-ups TBD
Communication Tools: You can get lots of information in the following places.
- This newsletter ;) - If you want to get it in your in box every week, Click here
- Our Website - Keep an eye on the Calendar and take a look at our FAQ for incoming families. It needs a little updating, but there is a lot of good info there.
- Parents of Small Facebook - Join here, Ask questions and get answers from other families from Small.
Before/After School:
- Carpool - If you would like to find others in your neighborhood that go to Small, sign up for carpool
- Cougar Club - If you would like to have your student supervised after school, Join Cougar Club here.
Austin Community College Summer Camp - FREE
We are excited to announce that we are providing our AISD Middle School Students with the opportunity to attend a FREE all day (Monday thru Friday ) summer camp during June 2023, sponsored by Austin Community College. Please share while space is available!!!!! See links below for online application, in English and Spanish. Students may choose 1, 2 or all 3 camps.
There will be (3) choices for our AISD Middle School Students to choose from, which include:
- Health Sciences - June 12 - 16, 2023, at ACC Eastview Campus, 3401 Webberview Road, Austin, TX
- Advanced Manufacturing - June 20 - 23, 2023, at ACC Highland Campus, 6101 Highland Campus Dr, Austin, TX (*note: 6/19 is a holiday - camp will be closed on this day)
- Information Technology - June 26 - 30, 2023, at ACC Highland Campus, 6101 Highland Campus Dr, Austin, TX
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057380592586
We're returning July 10-14, 2023 and Applications are out! Use the QR code on the flyer to apply today for Camp NAWIC 2023. We will be accepting 24 first year campers and 16 returning campers. Applicants will receive notice of acceptance or waitlist status by the end of April. Apply today!
All Bowie Camps
Baseball Camp
June 6-8, 2023
9:00-12:00
$175
Boy’s Basketball Camp
June 19-23, 2023
9:00-4:00 Daily
Ages: Incoming 3rd-9th graders
Price: $200
Lunch is offered for $10 Day
Link to sign up: https://forms.gle/AnUxBwUydcvffg3Y9
Cheer Camp
July 10-13, 2023
7:30-4:30
$250
Cross Country Camp
Mon-Thurs, June 5-July 31, 2023
7:00-10:00
$100
Football Camp
July 24-26, 2023
8:00-12:30
$150
Silver Star Dance Camp
June 12-15, 2023
8:00-5:00
$130 half-day / $220 full day
Softball Camp
June 5-8, 2023
9:00-12:00 or 9:00-3:00
$135 half-day / $185 full day
Bowie Lacrosse Girls Summer Camp June 5-8
For girls in rising 3rd-12th grades. This athletic camp for girls is a great way for beginners to get introduced to the fast-paced game of lacrosse and for experienced players to improve their skills and be introduced to the Bowie High School Lacrosse program.
Clint Small Middle School
Email: jennifer.newell@austinisd.org
Website: https://small.austinschools.org/
Location: 4801 Monterey Oaks Boulevard, Austin, TX, USA
Phone: 512-841-6700
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057069836221