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Pony Express
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF O. HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL
In this Edition
NEW featureed items will be in BOLD
- Happening This Week- calendar of events and announcements, Save the Date campus events
- Coats for Kids sponsored by NJHS and ACES contest
- NEW-Sponsored by Student Council News- Food Drive and ACES Contest
- NEW-- Fall Testing, Final Exams and Project Calendar
- Mustang News-Episode 12
- Art In Action- Each week we will feature student Art
- Athletics-8th Grade Boys Basketball Tryouts, 7th Grade Boys Basketball Tryouts, Cap 10K OHMS Team,
- Counselor Corner-Summer Job Opportunity, Donations Needed, How to Contact Your Counselor, Grading Period Dates
- Fine Arts News-
- PTA News--Virtual Academy Coaching
- From AISD--Dance Across Austin
HAPPENING THIS WEEK
SAVE THE DATE-
High School Credit Parent Session
If your child is enrolled in a high school credit class or if you will have a first time high schooler, then join the counselors for "Understanding High School Courses". This will help you understand the basics of grade point average, high school requirements, four year planning, and classes to consider in high school. Join us in the cafeteria on Wednesday, November 30th from 5:30pm - 6:15pm.
Health Drop Deadline
If your 8th grader is enrolled in High School credit Health this semester, you have until Dec. 2nd to drop the course for high school credit. Dropping the course means that the student's grade and credit will NOT appear on the high school transcript. They can retake it in the spring (if room is available), in high school, or over the summer online. We want students to have the best GPA possible moving forward to high school. If you have concerns about your child's grade, please contact our Health teacher at macie.cohen@austinisd.org. Not sure what it means to be high school credit or how GPA is impacted? The make sure to attend the counselor parent session on Understanding High School Courses.
Austin High School Academy Survey
ALL students interested in going to Austin High School (zoned students, transfers, or applicants) should plan to fill out the Academy Preference Survey. It will open on Friday, December 2nd. Links will be available on the Counselor Blend page and on the Austin High website.
Counselor Blend Page/High School Central (must be logged into the portal):
https://aisdblend.instructure.com/courses/227758/pages/high-school-central
Austin High Application Website: https://austin.austinschools.org/academy-admissions
Wednesday, December 7th--OHMS Course Fair-- 5:30-6:30
Prospective and All Current Student- Join us for a night of discovery and fun to find out about the 23-24 Course Offerings.
Human Sexuality and Responsibility (HSR) Permission Form
During the two weeks prior to Winter break the Science department will be presenting the district Human Sexuality and Responsibility curriculum to our students.
We have sent letters home that need to be returned and emails with google forms for you to fill out that need a response. Please check your email or Childs backpack for the letter from your students science teacher.
This year you will have to “Opt In” for your child to receive the information. If you would rather not have your child receive the information, then you will need to let us know you are Opting them out so we can plan for alternative lessons.
If you would like to view the curriculum before deciding, you can see it here: https://www.austinisd.org/pe-health/health-education/hsr
Which ever you decide, we will need the information as soon as we get back from Thanksgiving break.
If you have any questions, please contact your child’s Science teacher.
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Monday,11/28 A Day1,2,3,ACES, 4
MAPS testing ELA and Math Starts this week-- middle of the year assessements
4:00-5:30 Twilight Grade Recovery, Homework Club, Science Club
Tuesday, 11/29 B Day---5,6,7, ACES, 8
4:00 CAC Meeting in Library
Wednesday, 11/30--B Day---5,6,7, ACES, 8
1:00 Dance Specatatular at PAC
4:00-5:30 Twilight Grade Recovery, Homework Club, History Club, GSA Club
4:00-5:00 Cheer Practice OHMS
4:00-5:00 8th grade girls BB practice
4:00 Boys Soccer Practice
*6:00 and 7:00 Girls Basketball vs Murchison 7th-Away at Anderson HS, 8th-Home
*5:30 Understanding High School Credit Classes and GPA- Parent Meeting in Cafe
Thursday, 12/1-B Day-5,6,7, ACES, 8
ACES: AHS Pals, Con Mi Mardre, AHS Essay for 8th graders
2:20-- Evacuation and Bomb Threat Drills
4:00 Boys Soccer Practice
4:00-5:30 Twilight Grade Recovery, Homework Club, Math Club
6:45-8:15 Cheer Practice WAYA
Friday, 12/2-C Day periods 1-8
AISDFuture Ready Days: Dress in college, career or military t-shirts/uniforms or CTE program uniform
Special Education Appreciation Day
Saturday, 12/3
9:00 Boys Soccer vs Lamar at OHMS
Coats for Kids-- NJHS Community Service Drive
Hey O.Henry, do you have a gently used coat sitting in the back of your closet? Well, dig it out and bring it to school to donate it! O. Henry MS has joined The Junior League of Austin’s Coats for Kids Coat Drive Competition! Help us keep Central Texas children warm by dropping off a new or gently used coat in the collection bin between Nov. 14 and Nov 30th! The grade level with the most coats will win an extra outside day. The top collecting ACES in each grade level will win a surprise.
Help us reach our goal of collecting 1000 coats for this year’s Coats for Kids Drive competition. Some ways you can help us reach our goal are to donate your coat in your ACES class for the contest or the front office collection, purchase a coat from the Coats for Kids Gift Registry, donate via text (text GIVEATX to 243725) or donate online by visiting jlaustin.org/coats and clicking “DONATE.” $20 buys a new coat. And don’t forget to indicate O.HENRY in order for us to receive credit.
Thanks for helping us reach our goal!!!!!
NJHS is needing a sponsor or 3.
We are seeking a family or business that can donate to supply the funds or cupcakes for the top 3 “Coats for Kids” donating ACES classes. (25ish cupcake for each class)
If you could be a sponsor please contact Mrs. White (Becky.White@austinisd.org)
Student Council Food Drive
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ohenryms?newPage=True
Student Council is raising money for the Central Texas Food Bank this fall. We are challenging each ACES class to raise $25. You can also donate online.
Raising Meals for Families During the Holidays
Help O. Henry Middle School raise money to support Central Texas Food Bank Inc
ART IN ACTION
Annie Bettis-6th GR
Melanie Campos-7th GR
Owen Aspinwall-8th GR
ATHLETICS
8th Grade Boys Basketball Tryouts
8th Grade Boys Basketball Tryout Information:
Monday, November 28th - Friday, December 2nd
Monday: After School until 5:15
Tuesday: During Athletics Period
1st Cut Posted Wednesday Morning
Wednesday: After School until 5:15
Thursday: During Athletics and After School until 5:15
Friday: During Athletics until 4:30
Final Cut Posted Friday After Tryouts End
Any player that is not on the final list will begin the year on the C-team (assuming we have enough players committed). A & B Teams will not be decided until the first week of the second semester.
7th grade Boys Basketball Tryouts
7th Boys begin Basketball Tryouts on Wednesday Nov. 16th at 7am in the small gym. Parents please drop off students on Exposition and not in the parking lot.
Counselor Corner
Donations needed in the counseling office
The counselors are looking for any donations of healthy snacks for students and gently used clothing. Clothing needed: boys and girls athletics shorts, tshirts, sweatpants/joggers - all adults sizes needed. We are so grateful for your help!
AHS Essay Sessions
Good Afternoon Future Maroons!
Please take a minute to review the Austin High School website for information about the academy preference survey for students that are zoned to AHS and the curriculum transfer process for students that want to transfer to AHS.
Students that plan to transfer to AHS will need to complete an essay as part of the admission process. We are heading to local middle schools and hosting a session at AHS.
Essay Sessions:
Small Middle School-November 18, 2022 @ 1:40 PM
O.Henry Middle School- November 17, 2022 @ 1:45 PM
Austin High School- Saturday, December 10, 2022, @ 9 AM
No sign-up is required to attend a writing session.You are all invited to join us at Maroon & White Night to see what Austin High School can offer your future Maroon! Maroon & White Night is our annual showcase event for incoming 9th graders. Hope to see you all there on December 1st! The event starts in the PAC at 6 PM.
8th Grade Students and Parents: It is almost MAROON AND WHITE NIGHT TIME!
8th Grade Students and Parents:
It is almost MAROON AND WHITE NIGHT TIME!
Plan to attend the highly engaging Maroon and White Showcase Night at Austin High on Thursday, December 1st! This one-of-a kind event will allow future Maroons to explore all of the amazing programs that Austin High has to offer. Tour the Culinary Arts Kitchen, our Film Studio, or learn more about the exciting opportunities in sports and clubs. Visit with teachers and students about our Academies and learn about their signature experiences. The event will begin at 6:00pm in the Austin High Performing Arts Center, with a special performance featuring the many award-winning programs that Austin High has to offer. Families will then have time to visit with teachers and students representing all aspects of Austin High academics, electives, sports, and clubs. Mark your calendars for this exciting night! The event will be ending at 7:30pm.
Need to Reach Your Counselor
You can email at ohenry.counselors@austinisd.org
Grading Periods and Progress Reports
Progress 1-- Closes 9/2
Progress 2- Closes 9/23-- student eligibilty check
1st Nine Weeks- closes 10/7-- student eligibilty check on 10/13, lost or gained 10/20
Progress 3- closes 11/4--student eligibilty chek on 11/4, lost or gained 11/11
Progress 4- closes 12/2-student eligibilty chek on 12/2, lost or gained 12/9
2nd Nine Weeks-closes 12/20, lost or gained 1/17
Fine Arts News
PTA News
PTA News Updates
The Virtual Academic Coaching program supporting O. Henry students is back! This program provides parent/community member volunteer-led, free, VIRTUAL ACADEMIC COACHING for students!
Students nominated by their family will receive free, after-school or weekend one-on-one virtual support to reach their academic goals. Academic coaching support includes managing schedules, planning and prioritizing school work, turning in missing assignments, coaching on executive functioning skills and more!
This program is supported by O. Henry parents and community members for O. Henry students and we need more volunteers to support more students! Interested in volunteering one hour per week from home or interested in nominating your student for the program? Learn more here:
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!
OTHER AISD SCHOOL NEWS
Captial 10K Mustang Team
Hey Everyone,
Please join the O. Henry team and run the Cap10K with us! Click the link below to register. You can find our team under "O. Henry Middle School." School teams are comprised of staff members and students. I know some of our cross country runners plan to run with us. Please extend the invite to any students you think may be interested in joining the team. The price is currently $35 and it will increase on 12/5. Let me know if you have any questions!
Save the Date - Pre-Med Summit at UT
The University of Texas' American Medical Student Association, a pre-medical student organization at UT Austin, is planning to hold the second annual Pre-Med Summit on Saturday February 18, 2023. Please save this date in your calendar! This event is primarily for students interested in going to medical school, but it is open to most any student interested in the biomedical field. As we plan, I will be sending updates with more detailed information, so keep an eye out for them!
Dance Across Austin
Through a district and city-wide effort called Dance Across Austin, free and reduced-price dance classes are available for all school-age students in November and December. Please spread the word!
Lannaya Drum & Dance: Intro to West African Dance Basics (Nov. 3 - Dec. 15) — This class is open to beginners of all ages. It focuses on dance movement and vocabulary. Parents are encouraged to attend with their kids.
When: 4:30-5:30 p.m. Thursdays, Nov. 3 - Dec. 15. No class Nov. 24.
Where: Carver Museum & Cultural Center, 1165 Angelina St.
Registration: The series of six classes is $30 ($5 per class). Scholarships are available. Please register and pay for the series via Eventbrite before classes begin.
B*TRU Arts: Boombox Hero (Nov. 9 - Dec. 21) — This class for all school-aged children focuses on the fundamentals of Hip Hop dance and philosophy.
When: 6-7 p.m. Wednesdays, Nov. 9 - Dec. 21. No class Nov. 23.
Where: South Austin Recreation Center, 1100 Cumberland Rd.
Registration: The series of six classes is $30 ($5 per class). Scholarships are available. Please register and pay for the series via Eventbrite before classes begin.
Blue Lapis Light: Aerial Silks (Nov. 14 - Dec. 19) — This class focuses on silks technique, strength, and communication through movement. Best for teens (secondary students).
When: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Mondays, Nov. 14 - Dec. 19. No class Nov. 21.
Where: South Austin Recreation Center, 1100 Cumberland Rd.
Registration: The series of five classes is free and has limited capacity. Registration via Eventbrite is required to reserve a spot.
Questions? For more information about the classes, including scholarships, contact Lydia Nelson (lydia.nelson@austinisd.org) or MINDPOP Program Associate Julia Vunderink (julia.vunderink@mindpop.org).