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Pony Express
Week of March 18-24, 2024
In this Issue
Newest Updates in BOLD
- Principal's Update
- Happening This Week at O. Henry
- Mustang News- Episode 23
- NEW- National Junior Honor Society
- ACES and GSA- Pride Week Activites
- Counselor Corner- Course Verification, AVID Summer Bridge, Updated 24-25 Transition Newsletter
- Athletic and PE News- Track and Field Schedule Golf News
- Fine Art News- Art in Action, Band News- Sweepstakes and Tryouts
- PTA Updates-
- Other Campus and AISD News: Attendance, Enrollment for 24-25 School Year, Bell Schedule, AISD Calendar, Transportation, AISD Health Services, Weather Guidelines
Principal's Update
Weekly Principal Update--Week of March 18-24
Dear Mustang Families,
Welcome back, everyone!
We hope you had a wonderful spring break, filled with fun and relaxation. As we return to school, let's bring back with us the memories of our break and the excitement for the new adventures that await us in the classroom.
Please check out the Spring Assessment Calendar below. We ask our families to not schedule appointments during the testing days. All students will need to remain in the testing rooms until the break at lunch times starting at 11:30.
We are excited to announce that our school will be celebrating PRIDE Week. PRIDE Week is a time for us to come together as a community to celebrate diversity, promote inclusivity, and support all students regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
During PRIDE Week, we will be hosting a variety of events and activities to educate students about LGBTQ+ history, promote understanding and acceptance, and create a safe and welcoming environment for all. We have listed these activities for families to review and choose to participate in some additional after school and weekend activities.
We believe that it is important for our school to be a place where every student feels valued, respected, and supported. PRIDE Week is an opportunity for us to reaffirm our commitment to creating a positive and inclusive school culture where everyone can thrive.
We encourage you to talk to your child about the importance of PRIDE Week and the values of diversity, inclusivity, and acceptance. Together, we can create a school community where everyone feels safe, respected, and proud to be themselves.
We will be celebrating the Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8th with various activities focused on this once in a life-time event. All Students will be provided with Eclipse Glasses. If you or someone in your family would like to be a guest speaker or outside chaperone for the event, please email marlo.malott@austinisd.org.
Again--Welcome back, and let's make the rest of the school year amazing together!
Make it a great week to be an O. Henry Mustang!
☮❤️&🐴's,
Marlo Malott
Happening This Week Around Campus
Monday, March 18- C Day
- Course Verifcation Starts
- 2:25-- Fire Evacuation Drill
- 4:00 HW Club
- Track 4-5:15
Tuesday, March 19- C Day
- 7:00 6th Grade Girls Fitness Club
- 5th period ACES- PRIDE week Lesson (see below)
- 4:00-HW Club, Theater
- Track 4-5:15
Wednesday, March 20 - A Day
College Shirt Day
- B Lunch-7th Grade Book Club
- ACES-NEW NJHS Meeting in cafe
- 4:00-HW Club, Theater
- Track 4-5:15
Thursday, March 21- B Day
- 7:00 FCA Huddle- Student Meeting
- C Lunch- 6th Grade Book Club
- 4:00-HW Club, DND, Theater
- 5:45-Cheer Information Meeting
Friday, March 22-C Dayl
- 5th ACES- Mustang News
- 1:35- Hazmat Dril
National Junior Honor Society
NEW NJHS Applicants
NEW NJHS Applicants-- Please join Mrs. White and the NJHS officers on Wed. March 27th in the cafe during ACES for a general information session about NJHS and on how to complete your NJHS application.
ACES and GSA- Pride Week
AISD Pride Week is March 18-22!
The OHMS GSA and Student Council have a full week of activities to show Pride and promote acceptance of all.
The following activities are planned:
Monday: All Lunches - Pin Making
Tuesday: All Lunches - Bracelets, Pride mini lesson (slideshow link)
Wednesday: ACES- Snowglobes
Thursday: ACES - Stress Balls, Social in the Library 4-5:30
Friday: Wear your PRIDE colors!, All Lunches - Bingo
Austin ISD Pride Week
Every year, to celebrate LGBTQIA+ students, staff and families Austin ISD hosts its own Pride Week, a time to highlight the district's commitment to creating a safe, supportive and inclusive environment.
This year's weeklong celebration is March 18-23, 2024, which aligns with the National LGBT Health Awareness Week.
Austin ISD Pride Week Themes
- Monday, March 18 - All Are Welcome
- Tuesday, March 19 - Differences are Awesome
- Wednesday, March 20 - Austin ISD Shows Respect
- Thursday, March 21 - Pride and You - Creative Expression
- Friday, March 22 - Local Pride and Spirit Day
- Saturday, March 23 - Pride Community Event - Educational and interactive activities for students, families and staff, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. - Austin ISD Performing Arts Center (1500 Barbara Jordan Blvd.)
- Event Schedule
- 10 a.m. - Food Trucks and Lobby Doors Open
- 11 a.m. - Special performance
- 12:30 p.m. - Student Dance and Social
- Event Schedule
Counseling Corner
Course Verification Forms
Please be on the lookout this week for an email containing a 24-25 course verification form from the counselors. This is NOT your child’s schedule for next year. It is a list of the courses we will try to turn into a schedule over the summer months. This is your opportunity to check for errors, make changes, or see if applications were accepted for special courses.
AVID Summer Bridge
AVID Math Summer Bridge Opportunity
- 7th Grade Accelerated Summer Bridge -This course is designed for rising 7th graders who would like to be part of the pathway to take Algebra I in 8th grade. 7th Grade Accelerated sign up form
- Algebra Readiness Summer Bridge - This course is designed for rising 8th graders who were not on the pathway to take Algebra I in 8th grade. Students will need to show mastery of 8th grade math at the end of the camp in order to take Algebra I in 8th grade. Algebra Readiness sign up form. This opportunity is only for rising 8th graders
AVID Summer Bridge is designed to strengthen students' math skills over the summer to prepare for Algebra. Deadline to register with transportation is April 21, 2024. Registration for students who do not need transportation is open until May 10, 2024. Please note: Students must be enrolled in Austin ISD in Spring 2024 to participate in summer programs.
June 3- June 20 (No Fridays or June 19th) (Please note the flyer listed May 29 incorrectly as the student date)
8:30 am -1:00 pm
It is important that students make a commitment to attend all 11 days. Space is limited please fill out this Google form.
ATHLETICS NEWS
Track and Field
Below is our practice schedule for the Pont Express and here is our meet schedule for your calendar. Thank you!
Practice this week:
Monday 4-5:15
Tuesday 4-5:15
Wednesday 4-5:15
No meet this week
Golf News
Mustang Golfers!
Please fill out the form below if your student is interested in playing golf this year at O. Henry. The season starts after Spring Break and goes on until Mid-May. We don't have an exact practice schedule yet as we coordinate with Lions to maximize the space they have available.
FINE ARTS NEWS
Art in Action
Band News
Band UIL Sweepstakes
Congratulations to the members of our Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble for earning Sweepstakes trophies. They recieved superior ratings in Concert and Sightreading at UIL. All six judges were unanimous in their decision. Both bands received lots of positive feedback and tips on how to continue growing musically. Thanks to all the band members for their hard work and dedication!
Information for New Band Recruits
It’s time for 2024 - 25 Beginning Band Instrument Selection. If your child is interested in learning to play a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument, we would like to invite them to join our award-winning O.Henry Mustang Band. No previous music training is necessary. The band is open to all incoming and returning O.Henry students. In most cases, instruments can be provided by the school. Students who attend one of our Instrument Selection sessions will be able to try out instruments under the supervision of a music teacher. Our goal is to help students choose a musical instrument that they will thrive on and enjoy playing.
Instrument Selection Dates
Tuesday, March 26 4:15 – 6 PM
Wednesday. March 27 4:15 – 6 PM
Thursday, March 28 4:15 – 6 PM
Please use the link below to sign up for a 15-minute time slot on one of our instrument selection days.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044FAFA829A6F85-48290156-spring
Spring 2024 OHMS Beginning Band Instrument Selection
Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up for a 15 minute time slot on March 26, 27, or 28 (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday) Our goal is to help students select an instrument that they will thrive on and enjoy playing. Students are encouraged to try at least three different mouthpieces, even if the student is heavily interested in one particular instrument.Please note that percussion includes drums AND keyboard instruments such as xylophone. Therfore, it is highly recommended that percussion students have some prior piano experience.
Feel free to contact Mr. Pinkney at sedric.pinkney@austinisd.org if you have any questions about joining band.
PTA IS LOOKING FOR 2024-25 LEADERSHIP
The PTA Executive Board is happy to congratulate 2024 nominating committee members: Rebecca Hatcher, Jen Kolerich, Heather Willison, April Allen and Kirsten Matetich, with alternates Pam Kelly and Amy Koenings.
Committee work begins this week, and we welcome nominations from all members for the following positions: President Elect, Treasurer Elect, Secretary, VP Communications, VP Support and
VP Ways and Means
Serving on the PTA Board is a great way to support our teachers and administration, and serve the greater OHMS community. Please email Rachel Elder, parliamentarian, at rachelreit@gmail.com if you would like to nominate someone, or for job descriptions and questions.
DIRECTORY SPOT IS LIVE!
The much-anticipated Directory Spot app and online program is live! Use Directory Spot to contact parents of your student's friends, or to contact an O. Henry teacher.
Directory Spot is an opt-in school directory, so you will only be listed if you provided permission at the beginning of the year. To use: download the app or go online to directoryspot.net and use the same email that you registered with to log in, then create a password, and start searching!
SAVE THE DATE:
Friday, April 19 Mark your calendar for the 2nd Annual Cornhole Tournament & Mixer at Zilker Sunshine Camp in Zilker Park. This adults-only event is a great way to see friends and meet OHMS parents, caregivers and staff.
Other Campus and AISD News
Attendance and Absence Reporting
Feeling Sick?
NEW AISD Enrollment System
All families should enroll in school for next year.
Why is matters?
School budgets are based on enrollments. For O. Henry this impacts the number of courses we can offer and the number of teachers and staff members we can hire.
For students applying to high schools, an application may be necessary, This is due on February 6th.
Weather Guidelines for PE and Athletics
Please plan on dressing for the ever changing Texas weather. We expect students to be prepared to be outside. We encourage sweatpants, hoodies, coats, beanies, etc whatever else is needed to feel comfortable.
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.
Local Enrichment Opportunities
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