Cougar News

Hello Smallville,

We are about one week away from a much anticipated Fall Break! I love November because it is a time to show our gratitude for all of the amazing things occurring in our corner of the world. Next week during our live announcements, I will be kicking off a gratitude challenge where students will tell me what they are thankful for in their lives. I’m looking forward to hearing all of their thoughts on showing gratitude. I would also like to wish everyone a happy Diwali that brings happiness, prosperity, and joy to your families.

Before we head into next week (Tuesday, remember Monday is a student holiday), I wanted to update you on a few things occurring on campus:

Campus Air Conditioning Update

We have been experiencing AC outages on campus, due to a faulty pipeline that runs through our courtyard. The project is extensive and we have had a full crew of technicians actively working on the system since Monday. They have currently dug a trench and have begun the detailed work of fixing the overall project. This may take up until the end of Christmas break to be fully repaired. In the meantime, a temporary pipe has been placed above ground to get daily use out of our AC system. Our courtyard is currently closed until we get the heavy machinery out of the area. During this time, we have relocated students to spaces that are cooler and have ordered fans.

Security Fencing

Our security fencing is almost complete! The crew is finishing up the last remaining holes for the gate posts and will be constructing the final gates within the next week or two depending on the weather. This fencing not only increases our campus security measures, but it also allows us to expand our space for our Green Tech classes.

As always if you have any questions please feel free to reach out.

Have an amazing weekend, we will see you on Tuesday!

Stay Present Cougars,

Bedford

About this time every year we get many phone calls and/or comments in the drop off/pick up line about our sprinklers being on in the rain.

Your "Small" scoop for this week is...

When you see the sprinklers on in the rain, it is because they are distributing the water from the retention pond. The water collects in the retention pond from the rain, and the sprinklers spread the water to other areas of campus to empty the pond so it can collect more rain water.

This has been your "Small" scoop of the week!

Dear parents and students, we are excited to invite you to join us in the next chapter of your academic journey. Our new registration and transfer enrollment system streamlines the enrollment process and enables us to allocate our resources efficiently.

As a current 6th or 7th grader, visit the Enroll Austin tile to secure your place at Small Middle School for next year. If you will not be joining us next year, please indicate your plans accordingly as there is a waitlist for seats for 7th and 8th grade next year.

For our 8th graders, the Enroll Austin tile is your gateway to deciding your academic future. Whether you plan to attend your home high school or explore new opportunities, let the high schools know your intentions. Find the Enroll Austin tile in your parent portal.

Attention all incoming 6th graders, If you're interested in joining our Green Tech Academy, we encourage you to navigate Enroll Austin and initiate the application process. This adventure requires two teacher recommendations, grade evaluations, and an essay. For more details, please refer to our website.

The clock is ticking, and the stars are aligning. Embrace the magic of Enroll Austin and let us join you on your educational journey. Deadline for School choice requests (transfers) is February 6, 2024

Visit https://www.austinisd.org/enroll for more info and as always, if you have any questions, please email Jennifer.newell@austinisd.org

If you feel you can donate money, please do so through this GoFundMe campaign because the money collected will be distributed to both families affected by the fire.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/austin-high-monster-concert-fire-accident

This is an amazing community full of caring people, and it shows in how you're all rallying this weekend. Keep taking care of each other.

-Joy Lobb

Austin High Booster President

Come to a benefits concert on Nov. 7th so support those affected in the Austin High fire. See info in flyer below.

Ensemble concert
Members of the Symphonic Band & Symphonic Winds will be performing chamber ensembles (small groups) and the Jazz Bands will perform.
Where: Small MS cafeteria & band hall
When: Wednesday, November 15

• SB/SW Students arrive 5:15 pm
• Chamber concert begins 5:30 pm
• Students who are only in Jazz Bands arrive 6:15 pm
• Jazz band concert begins 6:30 pm

For those of you considering transferring to Small for the 24-25 School year, know that the district is changing how transfers are done for next year.

All tranfer requests and applications will open on November 8th, in the parent portal. Look for the Enroll Austin tile. The transfer request/Application deadline is February 6th.

Zoom events and tour dates are open. Go to our Green Tech page to learn more: https://small.austinschools.org/our-programs/green-tech-academy

All Incoming 6th Grade info can be found here: https://www.smore.com/4dct6

SMALL MS is going to PUERTO RICO in Summer 2025, and YOU are invited!

Our parents asked, and we listened! JOIN US at the ONLINE INFORMATION MEETING on December 6th at 6:30 pm to learn EVERYTHING you need to know to travel to THE ISLAND on Small's first domestic trip! NO PASSPORT NEEDED!

From UNESCO World Heritage sites to rainforest hikes, to fortresses and colonial architecture, salsa dancing, snorkeling, beach time, and more - this is YOUR chance to spend the best Caribbean Summer experience ever, Cougars!

Incoming, current 6-7-8th graders, and graduating - and their family members, all are welcome to join us!

🔴RSVP needed to attend the ONLINE MEETING.

👉SIGN UP HERE: https://rsvp.efexploreamerica.com/cvjye2n

Email Mrs. Mariel Early with questions: mariel.early@austinisd.org

Can't wait to share the amazing itinerary on December 6th!

Last year many of our students waited until yearbooks were distributed in May to decide that they wanted to buy one. By then it is too late and we had lots of disappointed kids.

Yearbooks must be preordered.

They are expensive to print and although we do order extra's knowing people forget, we can not guarantee you a yearbook if you do not PRE-ORDER your yearbook.

Order your yearbook today!

$35.00 (until winter break)

How do I order a 2023-2024 Yearbook?

1. Have your student take cash or a check for $35.00 to Mr. Shoptaw's classroom, Room 300. He will provide a receipt, please keep for your records OR.....
2. Click here to Order online

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