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Pony Express
Week of February 12-18, 2024
No School Monday, February 19th- Presidents' Day
In this Issue
Newest Updates in BOLD
- Principal's Update
- Happening This Week at O. Henry
- Mustang Talent Show Flyer
- Mustang News- Episode 19
- Counselor Corner- 8th Grade--Eastside HS Meeting, 6th Gr- Breatkthrough Sign Up, 24-25 Transition SMORE
- Athletic and PE News-Track and Field News, Golf News, Thank you to Canes
- Fine Art News-Theatre News-Help Needed
- PTA Updates- Directory Spot Live, Save the Date,Mustang Spirit Wear, Randall's Rewards
- Other Campus and AISD News: Enrollment for 24-25 School Year, Bell Schedule, AISD Calendar, Transportation, AISD Health Services, Weather Guidelines
Principal's Update
Weekly Principal Update
Mustang Families,
As we enter the month of February, we embark on a significant journey of celebration and reflection: Black History Month. This annual observance is a time for us to honor the rich contributions, struggles, and triumphs of African Americans throughout history.
Black History Month serves as a poignant reminder of the pivotal role African Americans have played in shaping our world, from their enduring resilience in the face of adversity to their countless achievements in art, science, politics, and beyond. It's a time to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable individuals who have paved the way for progress and social justice.
As a community, we are committed to fostering an environment of inclusivity, diversity, and respect. Black History Month provides us with an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the African American experience and to amplify the voices of those who have been marginalized or overlooked.
Throughout this month, we will be engaging in various educational activities and discussions to honor the legacy of African Americans and to recognize the ongoing fight for equality and justice. We encourage you and your family to join us in these endeavors, whether it's through reading influential works by black authors, watching films that highlight important moments in black history, or engaging in meaningful conversations with your children about the significance of this month.
Let us take this time to not only celebrate the achievements of the past but also to reaffirm our commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive future for all. Together, we can continue to build a community that embraces diversity and empowers every individual to thrive.
Thank you for your support and participation in celebrating Black History Month with us.
Make it a great week to be an O. Henry Mustang!
☮❤️&🐴's,
Marlo Malott
Happening This Week Around Campus
Monday, February 12--C Day
5th period- AHS PALS
5th period ACES-All Grades-Mustang News and STIR
4:00- HW Club, Twilight Credit Recovery, Orchestra UIL practice
Tuesday, February 13- C Day
- 7:00 6th Grade Girls Workout Club
- 5th period ACES- Leader In Me Lesson
- 4:00-HW Club, A Team Soccer, GBB, 7-CTeam, Theater
Wednesday, February 14 - A Day
College Shirt Day
- B Lunch-7th Grade Book Club
- ACES-6th- Intramurals, Hallway Decorating, Counselor Notes; 7th Outside Time; 8th Outside Time
- 4:00-HW Club, A Team Soccer, GBB, Theater
Thursday, February 15 - B Day
- 7:00 FCA Huddle
- C Lunch- 6th Grade Book Club
- ACES-ACES-6th-Outside Time; 7th--Intramurals, Hallway Decorating, Counselor Notes; 8th Intramurals, Hallway Decorating, Counselor Notes
- 4:00-HW Club, Soccer, DND, 7/8-C Team, Theater
- 6:00/7:30 Boys BB OHMS vs Lamar, 8th @OHMS, 7th @Lamar
Friday, February 16-C Day
5th ACES- Mustang News
Saturday, February 17
- 9:00 Girls Soccer vs. Murchison @MMS
Attendance and Absence Reporting
Feeling Sick?
Counseling Corner
8th Grade News
On February 14th and 15th, Counselors from Eastside Early College High School will be coming to O. Henry to support future Eastside students in selecting their classes for 9th grade.
We will pull all 8th grade students zoned for Eastside out of class. If your student is applying to transfer into Eastside, please email ivy.claflin@austinisd.org so that we can make sure they attend this opportunity. Thank you!
What: Eastside High School Counseling and Registration
Who: Students zoned to go to Eastside, and students transferring into Eastside
Where: O. Henry Library
When: Feb. 14 and 15, 1:45-3:00 PM
6th Grade News
Breakthrough will be coming to O. Henry to meet with 6th grade students on Wednesday, February 21 during school. If you would like your 6th grader to have the opportunity to join Breakthrough, please email ivy.claflin@austinisd.org.
Athletics News
Track and Field
SAVE THE DATE
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.
Thank you
Thank you fot Cane's for sponsoring meals for our Athletics programs.
Fine Arts News
Art In Action
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Theatre News
Help Needed
Yearbook Pre-Orders Starting Now at Balfour.com!
O.Henry Middle School peeps! 🎉 Guess what? The 23-24 Yearbook is packed with all our crazy moments, and awesome memories. Grab yours now for just $35! But heads up, if you snooze and wait till after December 1st, it's gonna cost ya $40. So, why pay more later when you can snag it for less today? Let's make this year unforgettable! Don't miss out! Go to balfour.com and click the "Shop My School" tab or go directly to this O. Henry hyperlink to pre-order your copy.
2024 Nominating Committee Voting Notice
The following have been recommended by the PTA Executive Board as 2024 Nominating Committee members, and proposed members will be presented for a final vote at the PTA General Meeting on Feb 21. Proposed members are: April Allen, Rebecca Hatcher, Kirsten Matetich, Jen Kolerich and Heather Willison.
Alternates: Pam Kelly and Ashley Koenings
Questions should be directed to Rachel Elder, PTA Parliamentarian, at rachelreit@gmail.com.
Save The Date!
The February PTA General Meeting & Coffee will be Wednesday, Feb 21, 8:30 a.m. in the O.Henry Library. All members are welcome and encouraged to attend.
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! Questions: Email Kathleen Loughlin at Kathleen.irvin@gmail.com
Show your Spirit with Mustang Wear!
Let's show our spirit in 2024. Mustang Spirit wear for students and all ages can be purchased here: https://ohenrypta.org/market/spirit-wear/
Other Campus and AISD News
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
Spring 2024 Club Basketball Tryouts!
Spring 2024 Club Basketball Tryouts!
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, our mission is dedicated to provide players with on and off the court development, exposure, and life building characteristics through the game of basketball.
- Tryouts Registration Link: https://www.hoopgeneration.org/spring-2024-tryouts
- Reduced Fees Application for Underprivileged Students: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5cb6d8b89d414962d009ecd7/t/656ea6c38f22c247cd7a6be2/1701750467868/HG+reduced+fee+program+application+-+2.pdf
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