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Pony Express
Week of September 18th-24th
- Principal's Message
- Happening This Week at O. Henry
- Incident Report
- Gifted and Talented Nominations
- Athletics News
- Mustang Club Membership Flyer - Support for Athletics
- Band News
- Library News- Book Clubs at Lunch
- Club Announcements
- PTA Updates: Round Up, PTA Membership, Call for Volunteers, Secret Pals, Thank You's
- Roundup Full Feature - Details and Volunteering Opportunities
- Photos Around O. Henry
- Previously Posted Logistical Resources: Bell Schedule, AISD Calendar, Absence Reporting, Transportation, AISD Health Services
Principal's Update
We had a strong week filled with wins from our Volleyball and Football teams, Cheerleader on the coustangs,
We had a strong week filled with wins from our Volleyball and Football teams, Cheerleader on the court showing Mustang Pride, and many fans in the stands at our local events and at the AHS Vertical Team Night.
Our Mustangs have also been doing what they do best which is learning and collaborating in the classroom. Many projects, experiments, and published writings are underway. One of the ways our Mustangs can continue to be successful is by coming with a fully charged Chromebook to school everyday. At this time all of our students have been issued their device as should be an essential part of their daily school supplies.
Our 8th graders will be taking the PSAT on October 11th and we will be offering a brief information session about test, format, and the benefits of getting connected on the College Board account. Please join us on Tuesday evening via Zoom.
Just two weeks away is our biggest event of the year: Round Up! Our school carnival and dance is a great way to support our school and we hope all Mustangs and their families will volunteer and join us at our games, food court, inflatables, and school dance. Our PTA will be fundraising for school field trips, guest speakers and assemblies, program needs, technology, and campus improvement projects. We are so grateful for this huge support from our community.
Let's Make It Another Great Week to Be An O. Henry Mustang,
Marlo Malott
Photos Around O. Henry - Sports, Academics, and More!
Happening This Week Around Campus
Monday, September 18th:
- 7:00 A - Cross Country and Running Club Practice
- 4:00-- HW Club in Library
- 4:00-4:40 - Mustang Jazz Band Rehearsals
Tuesday, September 19th:
- 4:00-- HW Club in Library
- 5:00-- 8th Grade PSAT Information Session via ZOOM
- 6:00 - 7A OHMS vs. Lamar Football at House Park
- 7:30 - 8A OHMS vs. Lamar Football at House Park
Wednesday, September 20th:
- Wear a College/Career Shirt Day
- 7:00 A - Cross Country and Running Club Practice
- 4:00-- HW Club in Library
- 6:00 - 7B Football @ OHMS, 8B Football @ Murchison MS
Thursday, September 21th
- 4:00-- HW Club in Library
- 6:00 - 7th Grade Volleyball vs. Paredes
- 6:00 - 8th Grade Volleyball @ Paredes
Friday, September 22th
- Wear OHMS Spirit Shirt Day
- No HW Club after school on Fridays
Million Bazillion Live! “Who Wants to be a Bazillionaire?” Sponsored by Greenlight
Parents and Guardians, we are thrilled to announce that our school has been awarded the opportunity to host a new tour focused on financial literacy on our campus at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, September 27th.
Presented in a fun and entertaining game show format, Million Bazillion Live! “Who Wants to be a Bazillionaire?” Sponsored by Greenlight is an immersive experience with personal finance trivia and challenges. During their day of performances on campus, students will cheer on their classmates while learning about real money matters such as budgeting, saving, investing and interest rates. To learn more, please visit millionbazillionlive.com.
American Public Media’s® (APM) Marketplace®, the most widely consumed business and economic news programming in the country, has partnered with Greenlight® Financial Technology, Inc. (Greenlight), the fintech company focused on helping parents raise financially smart kids, to launch this dynamic financial literacy tour.
The show is based on Million Bazillion, a Webby award-winning podcast from Marketplace® that inspires families to talk about money. Described as “a godsend for anyone who knows a little kid with big questions about money,” by the New York Times, the podcast tackles questions from “What is a credit card” to “How do I save money?” and “How does inflation work?”
We are so excited to have this tour at our school and look forward to watching our students gain critical life skills while enjoying a live performance with their peers.
Gifted and Talented (GT) Information
Gifted and Talented (GT) Information
The nomination windows for GT identification will be open from September 18th - October 6th for middle school. This will be the only nomination window for this school year. If you are interested in nominating your child to be evaluated for GT services, please complete the referral form using the link below. If your child has already been identified as GT in AISD, they do not need to be reevaluated. Any questions can be directed to our campus GT Advocate, Casi Cook. (casi.cook@austinisd.org)
If you would like more information about GT services in AISD, there are two Virtual Gifted & Talented Information Sessions coming up on September 19th at 6pm or September 20th at 12:00pm. Use the Zoom link below to attend. Contact advancedacademics@austinisd.org with questions or for more information.
Costa Rica and Panama Spring Break 2025 - Informational Meeting Sept 21
O. Henry students have an opportunity to take an incredible journey to Costa Rica and Panama with parents and students in the spring break of 2025! Our 9-day tour will allow students to connect more deeply with a foreign culture and history and will showcase a glimpse of so much of what these two unique countries have to offer. You’ll snorkel in the Caribbean Sea, zipline through the tops of the jungle, participate in a traditional cooking class, and so much more!
This trip will fill up quickly, so please join our informational meeting where we’ll discuss:
● Where and when we’re going
● What we’ll see and do
● Travel logistics
● How your child can earn academic credit
● Flexible payment options that keep the tour affordable
All trip details (price, dates, travel partner, safety), will be revealed at the meeting on September 21st at 6:30 in the cafeteria. We have many students expressing interest, so we expect the trip to fill up quickly. I truly hope you and your student will be there!
If you plan to attend our informational meeting, please take 30 seconds to register here: https://bit.ly/3OOCHaZ.
Thank you,
Amber Bass Patterson
BAND News
Tuesday, September 19 - AISD Marching Band Jamboree
Please join us on Tuesday, September 19, at the Tony Burger Stadium, 3200 Jones Road, Austin, TX 78745, for the 50th Annual AISD Marching Band Jamboree. It features marching bands from each high school in the district, and showcases their unique styles, talents, and hard work. Performances begin at 6:30 PM. This is an optional enrichment activity for O.Henry Band members and their families. Band members should wear their Mustang Band T-shirt to this event for free admission. Tickets are $3 for adults and are only available online. Children 12 and under are free. Purchase Tickets
Jazz Band News
We are starting after school rehearsals on Monday, September 11. Rehearsal will be from 4:00 until 4:40 in the Jazz Room (Room 701). Jazz band is for experienced students who play Saxophone, Trombone, Trumpet, Piano, Guitar, Bass, and Drums. If you're just starting an instrument, you'll be able to join in the fun in the future when you have a few more skills. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Ms. Boltz at jennifer.boltz@austinisd.org
Jazz band will be an ongoing ensemble throughout the school year. We will be playing both swing and rock style songs. Come and play along!
Mustang Club
Sign up with the Mustang Club and help support athletics at OHMS!
Please consider the following contributions to help support our program:
$30 Mustang Club membership
$100 contribution for each sport your child is participating in
($200 for two sports; $300 for three sports)
Scholarship donation of any amount that will support another student
JOIN THE MUSTANG CLUB
The Mustang Club supports all athletics at O. Henry Middle School by providing funds for coach stipends, new equipment, and equipment maintenance, as well as promoting school spirit and organizing volunteers. AISD does not provide funding for all of O. Henry’s athletic needs, and we appreciate the support of parents and the community to help fund the financial gap and maintain our high level of athletic offerings to students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades.
Please consider the following contributions to help support our program:
$30 Mustang Club membership
$100 contribution for each sport your child is participating in ($200 for two sports;$300 for three sports)
Scholarship donation of any amount that will support another student
Questions?
Heather Davis hmcusack@yahoo.com (512) 799-1759
Martha Dyess martha@marthasmallhomes.com (512) 587-0308
Shannon Grethel shannon_mullen@yahoo.com (832) 370-7960Stock up on Spirit + Athletic Wear at BSN Team Store by 9/28
The Mustang Club is selling spirit wear and athletic wear through BSN and 10% of proceeds will benefit O.Henry! All items can be purchased online and will ship directly to your home. The deadline to place an order is 9/28/2023. Shop HERE: BSN
Please Contact Shannon Grethel with questions at shannon_mullen@yahoo.com
FYI: Homework Club Continues This Week!
What: An opportunity to work on any homework in a quiet environment.
When: Mondays-Thursdays from 4-5 pm.
Where: Library
If you have questions, please contact our main sponsor Mr. Jurkovic in room 208.
Library News and Continued Book Clubs
The OHMS library has now seen every ELA class and all students have had a chance to check out over 800 books in total!
Students can visit the library before school from 8-8:15 and during lunches with a pass. Students must eat lunches in the cafe before coming to the library.
Student book clubs start next week! We'll select our first books and meet new friends. Students can stop by the library to learn more.
- 8th grade (A lunch) meets Tuesday
- 7th grade (B lunch) meets Wednesday
- 6th grade (C lunch) meets Thursday
It's Round Up Time!
WANTED: Sponsors, Donors and Volunteers
We need YOU and EVERY dollar counts!
Click HERE to make a donation or find out more!
The O. Henry PTA depends on donations from families and community partners to make the Round Up fundraiser a success. The money raised will be used this school year to fund supplemental department budgets, staff stipends and the teacher wish list grants that enhance the learning experience for every student. The deadline for sign and banner recognition is Friday, September 22nd. Don’t let the levels make you think smaller donations don’t matter…whether it’s $5 or $5,000 or any amount in between, we welcome EVERY family to give ANY amount to show support for our amazing school!
THANK YOU to our generous sponsors as of Thursday, September 14th:
Thoroughbred
Harrell Investment Partners
Jennifer & Jimmy Murchison
Tarrytown Pharmacy
Stallion
Emily and Clayton Chandler
Marjann and Michael Cooper
Horizon Bank
Natalie and Trent Kelly
The Person Family
Dalton and Victor Young
Appaloosa
Austin Radiological Association
Barksdale Family
The Dow Family
The Grethel Family
The Hadlock Family
Kindred Realty Group
The Kolerich Family
The Majors Family
Hunter & Robert Norris
The Pac Family
The Seiler Family
The Shirk Family
The Wittenbraker Family
Clydesdale
The Campbell Family
Annie Downing Interiors
Anne and Charlie Henderson
Lynn and Ryan Kasten
The Koster Family
Kelley and Joe Newberry
Kit Purdy
The Thomas Family
Quarterhorse
Heather and Bobby Chesney
The Edmonds Family
The Elder Family
James Gonin, LLC
Xio Goss
The Jester Family
Meredith and Alan Marks
Mary Emma Partain
Dave and Amber Reed
The Vertuno Family
Palomino
The Beavers Family
CHA Law Group, PC
Allen & Alison Darnell
Jeter-Myers Family
Ross & Joyce Purdy
MORE WAYS TO HELP ROUND UP!
Volunteer
Volunteers make Rounds Up possible and we have almost 200 shifts to fill! There are many opportunities to help including supervising game booths, chaperoning the dance, working drink stations and providing supplies. Sign up HERE or email Jenni Shirk at shirkyfamily@yahoo.com
- Be a Mane Man (or Woman)
The OHMS Mane Men need volunteers for set up before and tear down after Round Up. Sign up HERE or email Will Majors at wmajors6980@gmail.com
- Donate Drinks
Please donate drinks for Round Up now through September 29th. We need cans of Sprite, Coke, Diet Coke and Dr. Pepper and 12 or 16-ounce bottles of water in 6-packs, 12-packs or cases. Drop off donated drinks in the office and mark them “For Round Up.”
- Buy Tickets
Kids will need tickets ($5 for a card with 10 tickets) or a wristband ($30 for all-access to booths & games plus the dance) to participate in the booths and games at Round Up. Food and drinks will be cash only. Tickets and wristbands will be for sale at the event and during lunch the week of Round Up. Bypass the lines by preordering HERE to pick up at the event. The deadline to pre-order is Friday, September 22nd. Questions? Email Leslie Newberry at leslienewberry@yahoo.com
- Middle School Dance
OHMS students and their middle school friends are invited to a dance in the gym during Round Up from 4:30-6:30. The $30 Round Up wristband will cover entry into the dance. There will be an option to purchase a $10 dance only wristband at the event. The dance will have staggered end times by grade level:
6:10 for 6th graders
6:20 for 7th graders
6:30 for 8th graders
Questions? Email Joy Speer at joymarshallspeer@gmail.com
QUICK ROUND UP LINKS
BECOME A SPONSOR by Friday, September 22nd
PREORDER TICKETS and WRISTBANDS by Friday, September 22nd
VOLUNTEER for a 1-hour shift (or two!)
VOLUNTEER to help set up in the morning or clean up after the event
PTA Strong: Join O. Henry PTA Today!
Please consider joining O. Henry PTA for the 2023-24 school year. Your membership in the PTA helps support the many valuable programs and activities that occur throughout the year at O.Henry Middle School. We are committed to nurturing every student’s well-being and providing opportunities to show appreciation for our hard-working staff. Please help us reach our goal of 275 members and join today!
September PTA Events:
Wednesday, Sept. 27th at 6 p.m. for an informative parent session financial literacy for children. Students will have sessions during the day and parents will be able to learn more in the evening. These sessions were made possible by a grant from NPR. Parent education is part of our PTA mission so please make plans to attend!
Friday, Sept 29, 3:30-6:30 p.m. for Round-Up! Students, parents and the entire community look forward to this community-wide event. Don't forget to pre-order student wristbands and we need more parent volunteers. Find out more here: ohenrypta.org/round-up/
We need PTA Volunteers!
Parent involvement is what makes a school GREAT!
Please consider giving your time and talent to the Mustang Family. We have volunteer opportunities that accommodate a wide variety of interests and availability from front office staff, Mustang Mall, library, Honor Roll assemblies and more! Please sign up for volunteer opportunities HERE
MUSTANGS CARE! - Community Support Program
O. Henry Middle School is excited to once again provide our community with the Mustangs Care program.
Mustangs Care addresses specific staff, student and family needs as they arise, such as a student who needs school supplies or a family who is experiencing financial difficulties and needs grocery money or a staff member who has experienced a loss. We have a wonderfully diverse community and are fortunate to have many resources and a fabulously generous group. Please join us in helping our Mustang community - if you want to be on the email list to receive these special requests to help, please email Jessica Hershey at jesshershey@gmail.com. Thank you!
Grateful for a Teacher? Be their Secret Parent Pal!
Thank you to our amazing PTA Volunteers!
We appreciate Rachel Price and Ivy Claflin, OHMS Resource Officer Green Sergeant Juarez from Austin ISD PD, and representatives from Austin ISD Crisis Intervention Team for speaking at our September Parent Coffee.
Thank you to Melanie Dow, Alison Darnell and Principal Malott for representing O. Henry PTA at the Austin High Vertical Team meeting for the Austin Council of PTAs!
News In Review - Previously Published, Reposted For Your Reference
ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCE REPORTING
Regular Bell Schedule 2023-2024
Transportation and Traffic
Car Riders: To keep traffic flowing, follow the arrows on the map below. Be patient, student safety is our most important priority. To keep our Mustangs safe, do not drop off in back bus lot. If pickup is altered due to bad weather, a Schoolmessenger alert will go out from the Principal.
Bus Riders: Bus riders may only ride their assigned bus. Use the Bus Finder page to check which route you are assigned. Buses leave promptly at 3:57 PM each day - information about late buses will be available in coming weeks. Buses drop off and pick up on the east side of campus. For additional questions about transportation see AISD's website here.
Walkers/Bike Riders: If walking or biking to school please be safe and use crosswalks to get across streets. Bike racks are available for student use.
O. Henry Middle School
Website: https://ohenry.austinschools.org/
Location: 2610 West 10th Street, Austin, TX, USA
Phone: 512-414-3229
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ohenryms
Twitter: @Ohenryms