The Spear
October 4-8 | 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 4-8 @ AUSTIN
Monday, October 4
Tuesday, October 5
- Football: 5:00 pm 7th Grade vs. Santa Fe @ Courville Stadium
- Football: 5:30 pm 8th Grade vs. Santa Fe @ Santa Fe High School
Wednesday, October 6
Thursday, October 7
Friday, October 8
- Spirit Shirt & Jeans Dress Day
Weekend
October 9th: Cheer Camp (see flyer below for details)
NO SCHOOL MONDAY, October 11th
COMING UP IN OCTOBER:
- October 11th: No School/Parent-Teacher Conference Day (by appointment only)
- October 13th: PTO meeting @ 5:15 in Austin's Library
- October 14th: Picture Retake Day
- October 15th: End of 1st nine weeks grading period
- October 19th: 1st A+ Student choice class begins. 7:30-8:00 Tue/Thu
- October 18-22nd: Homecoming Week
- October 22nd: Glow Party 5:00-7:00 pm
- October 25-29th: Red Ribbon Week
- October 27th: 8th Grade takes the PSAT 8/9
- October 27th: Early Dismissal Day. School ends at 11:30 am.
- October 27th: ARTober Night 5:30-6:30 pm at Austin Middle School
- October 29th: PTO Free Dress Day (NO Halloween Costumes) $2 at the door
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.
Help us fund the A+ Program
Hey parents! I’m sure you have all heard about the new A+ periods starting up in October for our students. We have some awesome teachers with some super fun passions that they want to pass on to our children! This program is exclusive to Austin and we are so proud of it. BUT, in order to make these classes a success we need lots of supplies! Which means we need your help! Please use the link below to donate. Remember, even a little goes a long way! P.S. The grade level that donates the most money will get some awesome incentives! We are still working on the details of that but I promise it will be something they enjoy! PTO President
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.
INTRODUCING OUR AUSTEM AMS FACULTY
Mrs. Deona Guajardo, Spanish Teacher & TOR Prep After School Site Coordinator
I grew up in Arlington, Texas and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2005 and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Lamar University in 2010. I began teaching at Euless Junior High in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District in 2005. I taught Spanish at EJH for eight years before moving to Nichols Junior High in Arlington to teach 7th grade Math for 2 years. My family and I moved to Galveston in 2015. I have been at Austin Middle School since 2016. I am not a native Spanish speaker; I chose to learn it because I am fascinated by other cultures. I love learning about all the different people and places in our world.
B.A. in Spanish from UTA, M. Ed. in Educational Leadership from Lamar University, Certifications: 6-12 Spanish, EC-6 Generalist, 4-8 Math, Principal
Mrs. Bailey Shinn, Choir Teacher and Elective Team Leader
I started my teaching career in 2013 right here at Austin MS, and have loved getting to be part of the island teaching community ever since! I enjoy watching students grow as singers both individually, and in a choral setting, and especially love the feeling of accomplishment they have after a concert or UIL competition performance. When I am not at school, you can find me spending time with my husband and four beautiful children- probably at the beach, or on a walk. I am looking forward to another AUSTEM year of learning and singing together!
Bachelor of Arts in Music at University of Texas Austin, certified Music K-12
Mrs. Brandi Swann, Band Director
I am originally from Marksville, LA and received my Bachelor of Music Education from Northwestern State University in 2010. While at NSU, I was a Section Leader in the Spirit of Northwestern marching band for one year and Assistant Drum Major for one year. I also performed with the Demon Heat Colorguard and Winterguard for two years.
Bachelor of Music Education from Northwestern State University
Salvation Army Angel Tree
Registration for The Salvation Army's annual Angel Tree Christmas assistance program begins Wednesday at the Center of Hope, 601 51st St. in Galveston.
The program is for qualified families seeking assistance for children ages 12 and younger.
Registration will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Oct. 9 in Galveston and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 21 through Oct. 23 at 4801 Emmett F. Lowry Expressway in Texas City.
Residents can sign up at either location. Families also must take proof of address, income, including any government assistance and birth certificates for all children.
The Angel Tree program matches sponsors with children of families in need of Christmas assistance for toys and/or clothing. Families also will receive a food voucher to assist them with their Christmas dinner.
For qualification information, visit www.SalvationArmyGalvestonCounty.org or call 409-763-1691.
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 Awareness
Self Efficacy
Self-efficacy is defined as “an individual’s belief in his or her capacity to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments.” Self-efficacy reflects confidence in exerting control over one’s own motivation, behavior, and social environment. Various studies suggest that for adolescents to get good academic results, they need to believe in themselves.
Check out this video [Importance of Self-Efficacy, 4 min]
Students with a good sense of self-efficacy demonstrate the following:
Seeing challenges as opportunities for improvement.
Refusing to become discouraged by defeat or failure.
Showing emotional stability with the ability to cope with frustration.
Displaying motivation and commitment when it comes to obligations.
Strategies for developing self-efficacy in adolescents:
Model: Show that you can achieve your goals through hard work.
Encourage: Convince them of their abilities through verbal encouragement.
Support relaxation & reflection: Give them time to contemplate the challenges they face or mistakes they made.
Model and support Growth Mindset: Analyze poor results and learn from them
Goal Setting: Set realistic short-term goals that create motivation and enthusiasm
Affirmations: (ex) "I can do it!"
https://youaremom.com/parenting/self-efficacy-in-adolescents/
Activity: Flip
Have your student(s) make a list of their mistakes and obstacles in life, but after doing so, they must “flip” them to be positive. The idea is for students to self-evaluate, problem-solve, and improve themselves. For example, a student might list “I failed a math quiz.” Flipping this could be: “I will ask the teacher for help understanding the material to do better next time.” A classroom variation on this activity could also be placing them in groups. Each group will brainstorm ideas to help each member flip their listed obstacles. Teachers or parents model the lesson by making their own lists and discussing positive changes for better outcomes. https://teach.com/blog
Amy Argubright
Social Emotional Learning Specialist
Email: AmyArgubright@gisd.org
Principal's Corner
Time is flying by. October is filled with tons of activities for students to get involved and have fun including A+ classes, Homecoming, and Red Ribbon Week.
Full steam ahead!
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
Gifted & Talented Resources
I recently came across a collection of quality resources for providing enrichment to your GT child at home. Check these out when you have time!
RENZULLI LEARNING HOME EDITION
Every child has unique talents and strengths that can be cultivated. Renzulli Learning is an interactive online teaching system that provides a personalized learning environment for children and leads to higher academic performance. The goal of Renzulli Learning is to increase a child's engagement in learning by focusing on their strengths.
Thrively is a personalized learning platform that uncovers student's strengths and interests and then helps students find their purpose, build skills, and create personal impact to unleash their full potential! Try it for free!
DIY.org is a safe online learning community of kids with 1000s of courses & projects on music, painting, photography, science, cooking, art and craft, and many more. Our educational videos are paired with projects that kids can do at home and earn badges while they learn new skills. Join for Free!
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/