Cougar Nation-

Better safe than sorry. It is an excellent adage to live by today, whether about schools, homes, traffic, or even social gatherings. When you err on the side of caution, few can argue with what you plan, postpone, or prevent.

Enter yesterday’s cancellations regarding the Storm of the Century. We canceled all afterschool activities, indoor and outdoor, as a precautionary measure influenced by the threat of severe thunderstorms and even a tornado warning. Well, depending on what area of town you live in, you might have thought it a tad much to postpone so many events and activities for what amounted to a 45-minute rainstorm. However, if there is even a tiny chance that any community members could be harmed, we will do everything we can to keep them safe. So, sectionals got canceled, soccer games were postponed, basketball games were rescheduled, and a slew of clubs were scratched, but everybody was safe and sound and able to watch the light show from the safety of their back porch.

Green Tech/Dual Language Meet n’ Greet:

On Wednesday, we welcomed about 475 families and students to campus for sundaes, good vibes, and choice sheet instructions. We had no idea how many to expect and were completely overwhelmed by the turnout. It is a tremendous testament to what we are doing here in Smallville and an even larger testament to what all of you are saying about us. Because of you and your student’s experience here in the hallowed halls of Smallville, we had an unprecedented year regarding applications for our Green Tech and Dual Language programs. The word on the street, and from your mouths, is that we do a good job taking care of kids and making sure they feel happy, like they have worth, and are thriving. We know this is the most challenging time of a young person’s life and have the staff and skillset to help them navigate it successfully. However, the secret to our sauce is that we know it is not us who guides them to be better humans exclusively; it’s you. You have crafted the kid and empowered us to help you teach them.

We thank you, and the recruits of Smallville Nation also thank you.

Spring is in the air. Seven more days until we say “Tag, you’re it” and then you can have all the adolescent Spring Fever you want in spades.

Matthew Nelson

Principal

matthew.m.nelson@austinisd.org

(512) 841-6705

Tryouts are open to all 7th and 8th grade students.

Must be passing all classes

Students must have had a physical before tryouts.

All online paperwork must be filled out. https://www.austinisd.org/athletics/forms

Students must wear appropriate clothing, including tennis shoes.

A limited number of rackets will be available.

7th Grade - March 6 and 7 - Plan to attend both days

8th Grade – March 8

When: 4.00 – 5.00

Where: Small tennis courts

If you have any questions, please contact

Jill Burgess - jburgess@austinisd.org

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, zahra.asadi@austinisd.org

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

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.

Our yearbook is a full color celebration of everything that makes Small special; it's a great fun way to preserve all your student's fond memories of Small. The price is now $40. Get your yearbook today!

Click here for the easy link: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/2369067/Small-Middle-School/2023-Yearbook/2022092615150740089/CATALOG_SHOP/

If you have any yearbook questions, please email Mr. Shoptaw at thomas.shoptaw@austinisd.org.