Cougar News
Week of August 29, 2022
Letter from Principal Nelson
Smallville-
We are now firmly ensconced into two weeks of your student’s best year in school, and things can only improve! We have kinda-sorta figured out the days of the week (CABAB) and are beginning to get the gist of the stairs (Silo stairs go down, North stairs go up). There’s been some confusion afoot, especially on C-days and lunches, but the worst-case scenario we experienced was a handful of kids having two lunches. And yes, true to middle school fashion, they did not bring this scheduling snafu to our attention :)
Now is the perfect time to sit down with your middle schooler and ask them how they feel about school this year. Now that we’ve taught the systems and routines for each class, teachers are sharing the curriculum, and students should be working on various projects and activities. Our staff specializes in creating engaging activities that not only challenge students but ones that also require group effort. Individuals made very few things of merit, so we like to use the hive-mentality whenever possible to produce miniature masterpieces. We want students to work collaboratively whenever they can and hope they see the “big picture” of how this is real-world work and the best way to solve any problem.
Listen to their successes, pratfalls, and wonderings and offer counsel. Assure them that good things happen to good people and that any problem they are experiencing can quickly disappear by speaking to another about it.
When it Rains, it Pours: We had some of the worst, yet welcome, weather in recent memory during pick-up this week, and we need to make sure we are all on the same page on how to behave so our students remain safe. Firstly, please ensure you follow the same systems and procedures we do when the weather cooperates. This is not the time to go off script. Of all the persons who were not following the rules (running across the street without being summoned, not using the crosswalk, encouraging kids to get in cars nowhere near the pickup spot), 100% of the infractions were committed by adults. We need you to be the voice of reason and calm during these times and let your student know that pick up, and drop off, for that matter, will run just as it usually would, albeit with a tad more water. Oh, and as for kids, please explain how we are not to stand under trees or flag poles when there is lightning. We’ve been making announcements about it daily, but it never hurts to hear from another trusted source.
Public Service Announcement About Rock n’ Roll/Band T-shirts: Please let your students know that if they are seen wearing a Classic Rock T-shirt here on campus, they may be asked to name at least two songs by the group. The songs do not have to be from the B-side, but bonus points will be given for obscure answers. Whether it’s the hits, the misses, or songs from the vault, your student will need to produce at least two or risk being labeled an imposter or, even worse, a poser. Before you even email me the question, the answer is “Yes.” Of course, students will be allowed to sing, whistle, or hum the songs if the name escapes them.
Keep rocking, Cougars; we love you!
Matthew Nelson
Principal
Clint Small Middle School
(512) 841-6705
Important Info from AISD
Please click the link below for important letters from our District.
Picture Day
September 7th & 8th during social studies. What ever day you have social studies that week is your picture day. The order forms have been given to the social study teachers they will send them home.
Back to School Night
Wednesday, Sep 7, 2022, 05:30 PM
Small Middle School, Monterey Oaks Boulevard, Austin, TX, USA
Join PTA
We have an enthusiastic team of Parents heading up the PTA this year. We are excited to partner with these amazing volunteers. If you have any questions regarding PTA, be sure to email our president Celeste Schooley celesteschooley@gmail.com with any questions.
In the mean time show your support for Small by joining the 22-23 PTA at
https://membership-donate.cheddarup.com
Did you know as a PTA member, you have access to discounts for car rentals,
hotels, theme parks and more? Check out this link for more perks
Ballet Folklorico
A shout-out!
Give Ms. Rodrigue's ELA parents a high five! Her classroom project "Smiles, Laughs, and Aahs for All" was recently funded. Because of your Smallville supportive community, students will share your generous gift of kindness by growing in a nurturing and thriving place.
News and Info from the Small Library
22-23 Clubs!
to see a list of the clubs we have so far,
don't see the one you want, find a teachers sponsor and make your own!
CAC Application
- Looking for a way to get involved at Small?
- Willing to give up less than an hour once a month for a zoom meeting?
- Want to hear the behind the scenes things that are going on at Small?
- Want to help Mr. Nelson make some critical decisions regarding our campus?
Then the CAC is for you! Click here to learn more about what a CAC does for campus across the district and when you are ready, Click here to fill out an application to become a member of the 22-23 CAC Committee at Small Middle School!
Fall Athletic Schedules
Volleyball Schedule
2022-2023 Bell Schedule
You will notice we are doing something new with both!
New to Small?
Carpool
Cougar Club
Clint Small, Jr. Middle School
Email: jennifer.newell@austinisd.org
Website: http://www.smallmiddleschool.org/
Location: 4801 Monterey Oaks Boulevard, Austin, TX, United States
Phone: (512) 841-6700