Pony Express

As we embrace this week, we want to share some important updates and reflections that resonate with our community, especially for our middle school students.

Reflecting on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

This week, we honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a time for reflection and understanding. For middle schoolers, this day represents the importance of equality, justice, and the power of standing up for what is right. We encourage discussions at home about Dr. King’s dream of a world where everyone is treated fairly, regardless of their background. This is an opportunity for students to reflect on their own values and the impact they can make in our community.

Counselors in the Classrooms for Choice Sheets

As we plan for the upcoming school year (SY 25-26), our counselors will be visiting classrooms to assist students with their course choice sheets. This is a valuable time for students to think about their interests, strengths, and what they would like to pursue in the future. We encourage families to engage in conversations about course selections and help students feel confident in their choices.

Weather and School Closure Reminders

Please stay tuned for updates regarding weather changes that may impact school schedules. As we navigate winter weather, it’s important to stay informed about potential school closures or delays. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring the safety of our students.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. Together, we can inspire and guide our children towards a bright future.

Let's make it another great week to be an O. Henry Mustang!

☮️, ❤️, and 🐴’s,

Marlo Malott

• 27 (Mon)Austin HS Choice Sheets
• 29 (Wed) Staff Development / Student Holiday / Lunar New Year (Grade Level/Parent Mtg)
• 31 (Fri)7th/8th Grade Band O Rama@ Austin HS

No School

Tuesday, 1/21 C Day

Camp O. Henry Starts

Wednesday, 1/22 -A day

6:00 Austin High School Rising 9th Graders Scheduling night

Thursday, 1/23- B Day

6:00/7:00 Boys Basketball versus Bedichek

Friday, 1/24- C Day

6:00 Beginning Band Bowling at Westgate Lanes

Saturday, 1/25

AISD TMEA Choir auditions

9:00 OHMS Girls Soccer vs Gorzycki at GMS

Who: Small & O. Henry rising ninth graders and parents

What: Finalize your course requests for the 24-25 school year

Where: Virtual event through Google Meets meet.google.com/poe-edks-cvt

When: Wednesday, January 22 at 6:00 pm

To have handy: Chromebook and completed course selection handout

Additional scheduling information can be found on our website: https://austin.austinschools.org/student/course-scheduling

The Austin High School Counseling Team be at Small MS 1/23 and O.Henry MS 1/27 to assist students in entering their course requests into self-serve. This student/parent event is an alternative for families who wish to be present with their student when they finalize their course requests for the upcoming school year. The AHS counseling team will review scheduling guidance specific to Austin High School and provide 1:1 support via the chat for families with questions.

Incoming 9th Grade AHS Course Selection 2024-2025 (Small MS) - Google Docs

Incoming 9th Grade 2024-2025 This is a tool for students and families to begin planning for the upcoming school year. Name Cohort (Grad Year) ID Middle School . English Social Studies Science...

Incoming 9th Grade Course Selection Form

WE are excited to announce that we have decided to open up the O. Henry NJHS chapter to 7th graders (and eligible 8th graders) this year. We are going to have a mid-year application process for interested students.

NEW NJHS Applicants-- check out the Link about NJHS and the application OR Students can self-enroll in the Blend course Application at this URL: https://aisdblend.instructure.com/enroll/D9EBFT

SAVE THE DATE

NJHS induction ceremony will be Thursday, Jan 30th at 6:00pm

If you have any questions please contact Mrs. White - Becky.White@austinisd.org.

Save the date!!!

O. Henry volleyball and girls basketball camp will be held June 2nd -5th, 2025

Registration will be open in February. Stay tuned!

Girls Athletics is in need of gently used sweatpants, leggings, shorts, and sports bras. We are in need of all sizes. Please bring donations to the front office. Thank you!

Mustang Families, we are planning to host a grief and loss group for O. Henry students beginning on Friday, December 6th. If you would like your student to be part of this group, or would like more information, please email ivy.claflin@austinisd.org (OHMS counselor).

OFFICE VOLUNTEERS - WE NEED YOU!

Parent involvement is what makes a school GREAT! A great way to help and get to know the staff is to volunteer in the front office. SIGN UP HERE TO VOLUNTEER IN THE OFFICE!

Mustang Mall

The Mustang Mall now has a dedicated square credit card reader, so the kids are able to use watches, Apple Pay and cards to pay!!

We are always looking for volunteers to work the store during the 2 hour lunch period. CLICK HERE to sign up for Mustang Mall!!

• January 28 - Mustang Council (CAC) Meeting - 4pm
• January 29 - STUDENT HOLIDAY

Dear Parent or Guardian,

We hope your child has had a fantastic year so far at O. Henry! We appreciate your partnership this year and are thrilled to begin preparing for the upcoming year.

We wanted to announce that our annual registration process is now open. To ensure your child is all set for next year, you will need to register your child using the AISD Portal by mid-May.

Registering online will only take a few minutes and ensures your child has a smooth transition into the following year. This process allows us to make sure all of your information is up to date.

If you have any questions about the registration process, please call 512-414-7328 or our front office at 512-414-3229.

Lizbeth Rodriguez-Loza

Registrar/ PEIMS Clerk

**90% rule what does it mean?**

If a student drops below 90% in a course, an "NC" is entered instead of a grade. The grade may be passing – but the student did not attend at least 90% of the time. Please contact your student’s Assistant Principal to see what corrective steps must be taken.

Notices are going out to families this week whose students are dropping below 90% attendance and we will be required to attend "Attendance Matters" workshop:

Future Maroon Night will be held next Tuesday at the game against Westlake HS. Please help us spread the word at OHMS. Students get free admission if they wear a school shirt. Thanks for your support and good luck to all of the boys’ basketball teams tonight!!

Varsity 7:30pm

JV- 6:00pm

9A- 5:15pm

9B- 6:30pm