Cougar News

Cougar Nation!

Seeing as this is Friday the 13th, I refuse to mention how smoothly everything is going in 2023 for fear that it may alter the course of the good tidings. I’m not superstitious, but I have seen too many good principals (redundancy 🙂) sabotage the goodwill and joy of campus by jinxing it and saying all is well on this most evil of holidays. Even though our kids bolted through the doors Tuesday morning, immediately got to work in their classrooms, and did it all with kindness and care, I shall pay it no mind.

Don’t get me wrong; I want to say to all within earshot (or eyeshot, actually) that the only persons in the building more stoked to be here than the staff, is the students, but again, today is not the day to add ripples to the potential waves this day produces. As much as it pains me to keep the fact that we added more students after the break and that our community embraced them lovingly from the get-go, I will not, and I cannot risk the sanity and sanctity of Smallville for a few small, albeit humble, boasts.

Ever hear the story of the school running like a top, where all stakeholders were as pleased as punch, only to have the proverbial rug of good tidings pulled out from underneath them, causing the entire community to descend into a campus of normalcy? That’s right. You haven’t. It’s because we principles know a good thing when we see it and will never thwart the campus's accomplishments by crowing on Friday the 13th. It’s something we learn in grad school, and we only hope we one day get the opportunity not to brag about it in the future.

Me? I’ve been waiting all my life not to say anything about how good we are doing.

I’m just thankful you, our staff, and our exceptional students have allowed me to remain silent.

Happy Friday the 13th.

Matthew Nelson

Principal

matthew.m.nelson@austinisd.org

(512) 841-6705

Based on Louisa May Alcott's life, Little Women follows the adventures of sisters, Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March. Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication, but the publishers are not interested – her friend, Professor Bhaer, tells her that she has to do better and write more from herself. Begrudgingly taking this advice, Jo weaves the story of herself and her sisters and their experience growing up in Civil War America.

Little Women embodies the complete theatrical experience, guaranteeing a night filled with laughter, tears and a lifting of the spirit.

January 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 at 7:00 pm

January 22 & 29 at 2:00 pm

Tickets on sale at www.RedDragonPlayers.com

If you are interested in running the Cap10K this year, sign up to be a part of Small's team! The race takes place on April 16th. You can register at www.cap10k.com and select "School Team Member" to receive a discounted rate. When it asks for details, be sure to select "Small Middle School" as your team. Contact caitlin.laughlin@austinisd.org with any questions. Happy running!

The Oak Hill Parkway project will be closing the crossover between Old Fredericksburg Road and Harper Park Drive beginning as early as December 12. Drivers will be routed to the next U-turn. This closure is expected to last about six weeks. I understand the disruption this may cause Small Middle School staff and parents. I apologize for the short notice.

On February 17th, 2023 Small Middle School students will participate in our school’s first Kindness Day. Through a survey given by Small Counselors, students shared their interests in showing kindness to our community by helping animals, the environment, children and families in need, and in many other ways.

On Kindness Day, Small MS will partner with over 20 non-profit organizations to provide students with the chance to learn about these organizations, and then

do an activity or project that will support them. As we prepare to make this an awesome

experience for our students, we are asking for help from our amazing Small Middle School

family. If you are able, here are the ways you can support Kindness Day:

• Donate funds thru Venmo - You can donate to Cynthia Diaz, the Lead Counselor for Small MS, here - please make a note for Kindness Day so she can keep track well. @ Cynthia-Diaz-67

• Purchase items from our Amazon Kindness Day Wishlist for use in Kindness Day projects.

• Donate clean fabric/old clothes, paper towel and toilet rolls - for cat toys.

• Donate magazines for making recycled gratitude gifts.

• Donate NEW travel-size toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes,etc.) This is a great way to put hotel or sample toiletries to good use!

Thank you for your help!

Our yearbook is a full color celebration of everything that makes Small special; it's a great fun way to preserve all your student's fond memories of Small. The price is now $40. Get your yearbook today!

Click here for the easy link: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/2369067/Small-Middle-School/2023-Yearbook/2022092615150740089/CATALOG_SHOP/

If you have any yearbook questions, please email Mr. Shoptaw at thomas.shoptaw@austinisd.org.

Every chromebook comes with 1 charger. If your student loses that charge, you must purchase a new one. We do not have extra chargers in the office to loan or give out.

Click here to purchase or see what charger you need for the school chromebooks.

Home of the Cougars and the Green Tech Academy!

Email: jennifer.newell@austinisd.org
Website: https://small.austinschools.org/
Location: 4801 Monterey Oaks Boulevard, Austin, TX, USA
Phone: 512-841-6700
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057069836221

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! With your help we were able to support almost 80 families. They were able to purchase dinner for their families and gifts for their children. We appreciate you!