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, 8th Grade Pictures, 6th Annual Sur-Pies, OHMS Business Class Selling Hoodies, Save the Date campus events
- Access to Healthy Food During Thanksgiving Break
- NEW--Coats for Kids
- NEW-Student Council News- Food Drive
- Mustang News-Episode 11
- Art In Action- Each week we will feature student Art
- Athletics-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-Congratulations All Region Band
- PTA News--Virtual Academy Coaching
- From AISD--Dance Across Austin
Website Link
Access to Healthy Food During Thanksgiving Break
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Access to Healthy Food During Thanksgiving Break
With many AISD students living in food insecure households, access to healthy food may be challenging when the district is closed.
We encourage families to use the community resources below to find free meals in their area while AISD offices and schools are closed from Nov. 21-25.
With many Austin ISD students living in food-insecure households, access to healthy food may be challenging when the district is closed. Families can use the community resources below to find free meals in their area while Austin ISD offices and schools are closed for the fall break November 21-25:
Texas Health and Human Services - Call 2-1-1 or (877) 541-7905 to speak to a live operator.
El acceso a los alimentos puede resultar difícil para muchas familias cuando el distrito cierra. Las familias pueden usar los recursos de la comunidad para encontrar comidas gratis en su área, mientras que las escuelas de Austin ISD están cerradas por las vacaciones de otoño del 21 al 25 de noviembre:
Salud y Servicios Humanos de Texas - Llame al 2-1-1 o al (877) 541-7905 para hablar con un operador
HAPPENING THIS WEEK
SAVE THE DATE-
Wednesday, Noverber 30th5:30-6:30-- Understanding GPA and High School Credit Courses
Join the counseling and adminstration team in learning about the different high school credit courses offered at O. Henry and how these courses are calculated for high school credit and grade point average (GPA).
OHMS Business Class Selling Jibbitz and Hoodies
Hello O. Henry Mustangs! It's finally time to get your limited-edition croc jibbitz and hoodies. You can purchase online or buy in person. Be mindful though, as this sale is limited and the jibbitz will sell out quickly! The sale starts Friday, November 4th, and ends November 18.
Show your Mustang spirit and keep warm this upcoming winter!
Click on this link to fill out your hoodie and jibbitz form!!!
Link to hoodie and jibbitz form -
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.
6th Annual Sur-PIES-- Still time to donate
Now is the chance to sign up for a faculty and staff holiday tradition. Sign up HERE to drop off a homemade or store bought dessert.
8th grade
Yearbook Baby Pictures-8th Grade: if you're in 8th grade remember to send in your baby pictures for the yearbook! You can email them to gerad.castillo@austinisd.org
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Monday,11/14 A Day1,2,3,ACES, 4
4:00-5:30 Twilight Grade Recovery, Homework Club, Science Club
6:00 McCallum Night
Tuesday, 11/15 B Day---5,6,7, ACES, 8
Wednesday, 11/9--B Day---5,6,7, ACES, 8
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
Thursday, 11/10-B Day-5,6,7, ACES, 8
ACES: AHS Pals, Con Mi Mardre, AHS Essay for 8th graders
4:00 Boys Soccer Practice
4:00-5:30 Twilight Grade Recovery, Homework Club, Math Club
**Change**
6:00 7B vs 8B scrimmage Basketball at OHMS
6:00-- 7A and 8A Girls Basketball vs Bedichek at Bedichek
6:45-8:15 Cheer Practice WAYA
Friday, 11/11 C Day periods 1-8
Satursday, 11/12
9:00 Boys Soccer vs Kealing at OHMS
Thanksgiving Break- week of November 21-25
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
Girls Outside Field Trip to McKinney Falls
Girls Outside took their first field trip on Thursday to Mc Kinney Falls. Everyone had a great time! O. Henry has been paired with Guerrero-Thompson Elementary so each of our girls has a 2nd grade partner to explore nature with!
At McKinney Falls, the girls went on a hike where they got to see Old Baldy, a cypress tree that is over 100 feet tall and 550 years old. They also learned how to cast a rod and reel and spent some time trying to catch fish. We didn't catch anything, but we all loved watching the fish and turtles together.
Girls from both schools had a lot of fun!
ATHLETICS
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.
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!
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!
Summer Job Opportunity
Summer Job Opportunity
Great paid internship opportunity for current 8th graders the summer before high school. Read more about the program here: https://www.traviscountytx.gov/health-human-services/children-and-youth/employment-program
Sign up on the attached flyer!
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.
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!
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
Congratulations Band
Congratulations to the following O.Henry Band members for earning spots in the prestigious Texas Music Educators Association All-Region Band.
Will Achtermann
Justice Holley
Miles Puthoff
Will Rhoden
Ethan Stern
went through a rigorous two-week audition process competing against the top band students in Austin ISD, Hays CISD, Dripping Springs ISD, and Bastrop ISD.
These talented musicians will now get to represent O.Henry at the All-Region Band Concert on Saturday, December 3 at the Austin ISD PAC.
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
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).