
Pony Express
Week of April 1-7, 2024
In this Issue
Newest Updates in BOLD
- Principal's Update
- Happening This Week at O. Henry
- Library News- Author Visit
- Charger Replacement
- Plastic Bags Collection
- Bonjour Tour le Monde
- Mustang News- on pause this week
- National Junior Honor Society- Application for 7th Grade and New 8th Grade
- Counselor Corner-AVID Summer Bridge, Updated 24-25 Transition Newsletter
- Athletic and PE News- Track and Field
- Fine Art News- Freaky Friday Performance, Dance Team Clinic and Auditions
- PTA Updates-Leadership Openings, Save the Date for Cornhole, Directory Spot, AHS Parent Mingle
- 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 April 1-7, 2024
Understanding the Dangers of Vaping
Dear Mustangs,
We hope this newsletter finds you well and that your family is enjoying a safe and healthy start to your week. Please join me if you are able on Thursday, April 4th for Principal Coffee at 8:20 a.m.. I will provide spring updates, discuss ways in which you can serve, support our campus with upcoming committee and school events, and discuss the dangers of vaping. Guests are slated to join us for these relevant and important topics.
As we navigate through the challenges of raising teenagers, it's crucial to stay informed about issues that directly impact their well-being. One such issue that has gained significant attention in recent years is vaping.
Vaping, or the use of electronic cigarettes, has become increasingly popular among teenagers. While many perceive vaping as a safer alternative to smoking, it's essential to understand the potential dangers and risks associated with this trend.
One of the main concerns surrounding vaping is its impact on adolescent health. E-cigarettes contain harmful chemicals, including nicotine, which can have adverse effects on the developing brains of teenagers. Nicotine is highly addictive and can lead to long-term health problems, including respiratory issues and heart disease.
Furthermore, vaping devices can be easily disguised, making it challenging for parents and educators to detect if their child is engaging in this behavior. The discrete nature of vaping has contributed to its widespread use among teenagers, highlighting the importance of open communication and education about the dangers of these devices.
As parents, it's crucial to have conversations with your teenagers about vaping and its potential risks. By educating them about the dangers of vaping, you can empower them to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
In addition to discussing the risks of vaping, it's also essential to be aware of the signs of vaping use in teenagers. These may include increased thirst, nosebleeds, irritability, and coughing. If you notice any of these signs in your child, it's important to address the issue calmly and compassionately.
At O. Henry Middle School, we are committed to promoting the health and well-being of our students. We encourage you to continue the conversation about the dangers of vaping at home and to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns.
Together, we can work to educate our teenagers about the risks of vaping and empower them to make healthy choices for themselves. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in keeping our students safe.
Make it a great week to be an O. Henry Mustang!
☮❤️&🐴's,
Marlo Malott
Happening This Week Around Campus
Monday,April 1- C Day
- 4:00 HW Club, Theatre, Track
- 4-5:15 Track Practice
Tuesday, April 2- C Day
- 7:15 6th Grade Girls Fitness Club
- 5th period ACES- Leader in Me Lesson
- 4:00- HW Club, Theatre
- 4:30--Dance Team Prep Workshop- Meet in Portable 3
- 4-5:15 Track Practice
- 6:30- Information Session about France and Italy Trip
Wednesday, April 3 - A Day
College Shirt Day
- B Lunch-7th Grade Book Club
- 4:00- HW Club, Theatre
- 4-5:15 Track Practice
- 4:30--Dance Team Auditions
Thursday,April 4- B Day
- 7:30 FCA Huddle- Student Meeting
- 8:25-- Principal Coffee in Cafe-
- C Lunch- 6th Grade Book Club
- 4:00-HW Club, DND, Theater
- 6:00 Track vs Small and Covington @Small
Friday, April 5-C Day
Library News
Author Visit- April 4
The OHMS library and BookPeople are excited and proud to host bestselling author Lyla Lee this Thursday, April 4th, promoting her new book. The publisher describes Gigi Shin Is Not a Nerd as:
"This first book in a sparkling middle grade series giving a fresh take on The Baby-Sitters Club follows a young Korean American girl who starts a business with her best friends to support her artistic dreams."
All students are invited to attend but they must sign up in the library in advance. If you would like to receive a personalized, signed copy of Gigi Shin Is Not a Nerd please use the this link: https://www.bookpeople.com/school-events/spring-24/event/BWE/lyla-lee
Get Your Charger!
Mustangs,
Do you have a charger? Mustangs will need a charger for the STAAR test and to keep their computer charged for learning.
Need a replacement?
Here is the link for the chrome book chargers if you want to purchase from OHMS
https://austinisd.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/34984/63/False/True
To purchase on Amazon
Bring Us Your Plastic Bags!
HEB Plastic Bag Challenge: Between now and April 11th HEB will be picking up plastic bags. Schools will be awarded $150 just by participating.
Bonjour Tout le Monde!
Ms. Morgan, French teacher, is excited to invite you to next summer's trip to Europe. It is one of her dreams to experience France, especially the French Riviera, with my students. She has lived in Nice for two years and she fell in love with it! Please join her to find out more this FASCINATING experience!
This trip is open to O.Henry students and their friends and family. This includes students from other middle schools, high school students and adults.
Parents, if you are interested please join us for our informational meeting in the O.Henry library next Tuesday, April 2nd at 6:30. Register via the link below or the QR Code in the Flyer.
Registration Link (Use this link if you can't use the QR Code)
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.
APPLICATION due April 15th- No exceptions
Counseling Corner
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
Monday 4:00-5:15
Tuesday 4:00-5:15
Wednesday 4:00-5:15
*Please remind you athletes to be on the track dressed and ready to warm up at 4:00!
We have a meet on Thursday, April 4th, at Small Middle School! Please see an email from the coaches with meet details.
FINE ARTS NEWS
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.
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.
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!
AUSTIN HIGH PARENT/CAREGIVER MINGLE
All current and future AGS parents and caregivers are invited to an adult mingle for the AHS Academy for Global Studies evening on Wednesday, April 17, 6-8 p.m. at St. John Studios, 705 W. St. John Avenue. This casual event is a great way to meet other parents, staff and student ambassadors of Austin High Global Studies.
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