Pony Express

• Principal's Update
• Happening This Week at O. Henry
• Mustang News- Episode 29
• Counselor Corner- 6th Grade Reminder for Immunizations, Think College for Students with Disabilities, AVID Summer Bridge, Updated 24-25 Transition Newsletter
• Athletic and PE News- Track and Field Celebrations, SY24-25-Cross Country, Athletic Physicals, 8th gr CC at AHS
• Fine Art News- Fine Arts Night, Art in Action, Freshman Band
• Lego By Back Event
• PTA Updates-8th Grade Save the Date
• Other Campus and AISD News: Attendance, Enrollment for 24-25 School Year, Bell Schedule, AISD Calendar, Transportation, Charger Replacement
  AISD Health Services, Weather Guidelines
• Summer Camps and Summer Enrichment

Mustang Families,

As Teacher Appreciation Week approaches, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate and honor the incredible educators who dedicate themselves to nurturing, educating, and inspiring our children every day.

Our teachers are the heart of our community, and their passion for teaching shines through in everything they do. They not only impart knowledge but also instill values, build confidence, and foster a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. They go above and beyond, often sacrificing their own time and resources to ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed.

This past year our teachers have shown incredible resilience, creativity, and dedication in adapting to new ways of teaching and supporting students. They have truly been a source of strength and stability for our children, providing them with the guidance and support they need to navigate these uncertain times.

As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, we invite you to join us in showing our gratitude to our teachers. Whether it's a simple thank you note, or a kind gesture, your words and actions can make a world of difference and show our teachers just how much they are valued and appreciated.

Thank you for your continued support, and thank you to our amazing teachers for all that you do.

Make it a great week to be an O. Henry Mustang!

☮❤️&🐴's,

Marlo Malott

Monday, May 6-A Day

• ELA Map Tests
• 5th Period- STIR Time
• 4:00 HW Club

Tuesday,- May 7--B Day

• 7:15 6th Grade Girls Fitness Club
• ELA Map Tests
• CTE Field Trip to ACC
• 5th Period Leader In Me Lesson 12
• 4:00- HW Club
• 4:30 Fine Arts Showcase- Art, Music, and Dance. Performances start at 5:00

Wednesday, May 8- A Day

• Math MAP Test
• ACES- 6th Indoor Games, 7th Competitions in Gym, 8th Outside Front
• 4:00- HW Club

Thursday, May 9-B Day

• 7:30 FCA Huddle- Student Meeting
• Math MAP Test
• ACES-6th-Outside Front, 7th Outside Back, 8th Competitions in Gym
• 4:00-HW Club, DND
• 6:00 Information Session about Japan Trip

Friday, May 10-C Day

• 5th Period-Mustang News

• 5/15: NJHS Induction Ceremony

• 5/17: 8th Grade Dance at OHMS

• 5/20: EOY FT **

• 5/21: Grades Due at 5:00

• 5/22: Athletics Ceremony

• 5/23: 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony at 10:30 AM, Mustang Day for all students

Think College for Students with Disabilities Learning Opportunity

Think College for Students with Disabilities Learning Opportunity Event Details Title: A Family’s Guide to Think College for Students with an Intellectual DisabilityPresentation Description: Did you know there are now 332 higher education options for students with intellectual disabilities (ID) in 49 U.S. states, including 17 in Texas? With this expansion of programs, there's a growing need for families to learn more about college options and how to prepare.

ohenry.austinschools.org

Event Details

Title: A Family’s Guide to Think College for Students with an Intellectual Disability

Presentation Description: Did you know there are now 332 higher education options for students with intellectual disabilities (ID) in 49 U.S. states, including 17 in Texas? With this expansion of programs, there's a growing need for families to learn more about college options and how to prepare. In this presentation, we will review higher education options and share with families the resources to help prepare their child with the skills needed for college.

When: Tuesday, May 7th

Time: 12-1:00 pm or 6:00-7:00 pm

Where: Virtual Meeting

• https://austinisd-org.zoom.us/j/84725210712

• Meeting ID: 847 2521 0712

If you have questions, please contact the transition services coordinator, Regina.Earls@austinisd.org, or specialists, Judith.LeBlanc@austinisd.org, Courtney.Gregori@austinisd.org.

Attention Current 6th Grade Families

This is a friendly reminder to Parents/Guardians of upcoming seventh grade students to turn in proof of the following vaccinations before the beginning of the 24/25 school year. State law requires one dose of the meningococcal conjugate (MCV4) vaccine and one dose (booster) of the tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine for all students. More information can be found at School and Childcare | Texas DSHS. Please reach out to the school nurse at if you have specific questions regarding your child's immunization records.

O. Henry Track & Field Families, thank you for an amazing track season!

Please take a look at all of our athletes who placed in the Zone Championship meet this week. We have announced these athletes' names at school, but please share with them at home, too. We are so proud! You can check final times and scores here - https://milesplit.live/meets/602881

Zone Meet Highlights:

• Annie Bettis broke the O. Henry 7th-grade girls' mile record with a 5-minute 57-second run
  
• Annie Burpo broke the O. Henry 7th-grade girls' 100-meter hurdles record with an 18.17-second run
  
• Anna Kime broke the O. Henry 7th-grade girls' shotput record with a throw of 25 feet 8 inches
  
• Isabella Alvarez broke the O. Henry 8th-grade girls' shot put record with a throw of 28 feet and 10 inches AND the 8th-grade girls' shot put record with a throw of 68 feet and 4 inches
  
• Hatch Borth broke the O. Henry 7th- grade boys' 110 meters hurdles record with a 19.50 second run
  
• Peter Hadlock broke the O. Henry 7th-grade boys' 400 meter dash record with a 59.21 second run
  
• Jude Wilson broke the O. Henry 7th-grade boys' mile record with a 5-minute and 16-second run
  
• Kam Sang, Omare Dawson, AND Iggy Ferry all 3 broke the O. Henry 8th-grade boys' 110 meter hurdles record, and Kam will be the new record holder with a 17.77 second run
  

• Iggy Ferry broke the O. Henry 8th-grade boys' 300 meter hurdles record with a 46.3 second run

• Peter, Jude, and Kam are our district champs this season!!

Families and supporters, we could not have had a successful track season without all of you. Thank you for your flexibility, pick-ups and drop-offs, snacks and drinks, voices on the sidelines, support for our athletes, and so much more. We appreciate it more than we can say!

***Please return your track uniform to Coach Cohen as soon as possible!​​​***

We are so proud of each and every single one of our O. Henry track kids' hard work and dedication to practicing and growing as athletes. We can't wait until next season. Way to go Mustangs!!

Coach Cohen, Coach Gray, Coach Miller, Coach Stewart, and Coach Brouillard

Attention 7th and 8th Graders:

Join the Cross Country team this fall! The 2024 season starts in mid-August and ends in early October. We practice at 7 AM at the OH track 2 -3 days per week. If you are interested in running this fall, start now by running over the summer. Run middle to long distances with a friend, family member, or on your own. Please email Ms. Parker for more information or to be added to the mailing list. jenny.parker@austinisd.org.

Athletic Physical Information

2024 Free Physicals

Upon request, Coaches will hand out packets on Monday.

Packets due on Monday, April 29th . Participating student athletes must return the medical forms to the coaches. The parents and the student athletes must sign forms in ALL the appropriate places before the coach will accept the form. This includes a completed medical history, athlete contact information, and both parent and student signatures.

Tuesday, May 7th, CommUnity Care SE Health & Wellness Center

Free Physical Date for South Schools

Items to Double Check on Completed Physicals

• Form Completed in Ink
• Contact Information Complete
• Next Years Grade Level
• School Name on Top
• Student ID # on Form
• Top Line of Physical Page Completed
• Medical History Questions Answered-BY PARENT
• Yes Answers Explained Thoroughly-Contact Parent if Necessary
• Signature of Parent and Student
• TCMS Form Signed

• Coach/Trainer Sign Form on School Official Line

Are you interested in running cross country at Austin High? If so, please come out and train with us this summer. The best time to train for fall cross country is June, July, and August! Many students will travel and be in and out of Austin, but developing your aerobic base is important. Come when you can. We will meet at the sand volleyball courts in Zilker Park at 7:30- 9 am Monday through Thursday. There will also be an optional long run on the weekend for those who want to build endurance. We will have fun doing drills, running, core work, getting to know other athletes, playing volleyball, and jumping in Barton Springs. Training starts Monday, June 3rd.

There will be a free camp for middle school athletes (incoming 6th, 7th, and 8th graders) from 7:30-9 am Monday through Thursday during the week of June 17-20. Come run with us!

ALSO- get your physical for next year out of the way for $20 by coming to Austin High on Tuesday, May 7th. Please complete the forms link (flyer is attached)

Questions? Contact brandon.batiansila@austinisd.org

If you are an 8th grader coming to AHS, join our BAND APP for updates, practice info, and meets. See QR code.

Austin HS Band Marching Camps for Incoming Freshmen

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ODKxBRWeauxkuY74Z2ZxobfctVHEv7Um&usp=drive_fs

Congratulations to the 2024-2025 PTA Board of Officers who were elected at last week's annual PTA meeting:

President - Alison Darnell

President-Elect (First VP) - Jessica Hershey

Secretary - Leslie Newberry

Treasurer - Lindsay Hadlock

Treasurer Elect - Andy Birge

VP Fundraising / Ways and Means (Second VP) - Holly Lanham

VP Support / Services (Third VP) - Pam Roberts

VP Communications (Fourth VP) - Jennifer Skloss

O.Henry PTA Scholarships for High School Seniors

Do you know a senior in high school who has fond memories of their years at O.Henry Middle School? In recognition of the outstanding students that O.Henry produces, our PTA offers two college scholarships for graduating AISD seniors who attended O.Henry Middle School for at least two years. The one-year scholarships are paid directly to the college that the two awardees will attend. Details on how to apply for the two $500 OHenry PTA Scholarships can be found HERE. Applications are due by May 1, 2024. Questions? Please contact Melanie Dow at mdow722@gmail.com

8th Grade Graduation Luau is next week!

Please mark your calendars for the end of year celebration for the 8th Grade Class on Friday, May 17, 7-8:30 p.m. at the O.Henry Gym. We also need parent volunteers, please sign up to help make this celebration a success. Sign up below, or

contact 8th Grade Recognition Chairs Jahnna Peeler and Dalton Young

Thank you to Anne Henderson and Sara Trantham for providing Breakfast Bites for teachers during STAAR testing.

Gratitude to the Loughlin Family for providing Easy Tiger pastries at the April PTA General Meeting last week!

Friday, May 17, 8:30 a.m.

For current and incoming Mustang parents - all are welcome!

O.HENRY NEW PARENT WELCOME COFFEE

Please join on Friday, May 17, 8:30-9:30 am to meet and welcome new families to O.Henry for the 2024-25 school year.

Upcoming Events for Parents & Students

AUSTIN HIGH NEW PARENT COFFEE

AHS PTA welcomes incoming 9th grade parents on Thursday, May 9, 9:30 a.m. at the AHS Library for a Coffee & Connection meeting to learn more about connecting with other families at Austin High.

MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL SUMMER CAMP WITH LADY MAROONS

June 24-27 Austin High coaching staff will offer elementary (3-6th) and middle school camp (7-9th) skills and fundamentals camp. All equipment provided, $150 for the week. To learn more and register, go to https://austinisd.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/34842/63/False/Trueand search for Lady Maroons Summer Camp.

Mustangs,

Do you have a charger? Mustangs will need a charger for the STAAR test and to keep their computer charged for learning.

Need a replacement?

Here is the link for the chrome book chargers if you want to purchase from OHMS

https://austinisd.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/34984/63/False/True

To purchase on Amazon

https://a.co/d/bQVHCOE

https://www.austinisd.org/health-services/public-health

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.

Mustangs-

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.

CLICK HERE for the AISD Guidelines

2023-2024 General School Supply List

Attendance Laws and Regulations

Chromebook Distribution Questions

Enrichment/ACES Supplies We Are Looking For!

Foodservice Information: Breakfast and Lunch Menus, Meal Drop Off Guidelines

Safety Planning - Temperature and Weather Health Guidelines

Teacher Wishlist Items

Have a question or concern for the district, or aren't sure who to ask? Submit a Let's Talk at the button above.

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.

Austin High coaching staff will offer elementary (3-6th) and middle school camp (7-9th) skills and fundamentals camp. All equipment provided, $150 for the week. To learn more and register, go to https://austinisd.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/34842/63/False/Trueand search for Lady Maroons Summer Camp.

Austin High would like to invite any 8th grade mustangs interested in water polo to a Meet and Greet event on 5/19.

Future Maroons! Are you interested in water polo? Austin High has a girls and boys team and is always looking for new players.

No experience necessary, just strong swim skills. Please join us for a Meet and Greet event on May 19 (Sunday) from 5 pm - 8 pm to learn more about the exciting sport of water polo and the AHS teams. E-mail Coach Drew Calver drew.calver@austinisd.org or parent Michele Murphy michelemooremurphy@gmail.com for more details/location.

Austin High Feeder Schools,

My name is Nick Lebo and I'm the Head Golf Coach at Austin High. Each year we offer a golf camp for our elementary feeder students. The camp is an official AISD event and all funds raised go directly to the Austin High Golf Team. Would you be willing to send out the following information in your campus newsletter or PTSA communications?

Loyal Forever!

Nick Lebo

Calling all future Maroons to join us this summer at Jimmy Clay Golf Course for AHS Mini-Maroons Golf Camp. This camp is open to all K-5th grade students and is intended for golfers of all skill levels from beginners to advanced. The dates of the camp are 5/28-5/30 from 9am to noon.

Please RSVP and make payment using one of the methods below. If you have any questions, please see the attached flyer and/or email Head Golf Coach Nick Lebo at nick.lebo@austinisd.org

RSVP: bit.ly/MiniMaroonRSVP

Payment:

• Venmo $250 to MaroonsGolfers

• Request a Credit Card invoice through Square by emailing Lauren at ahsgolfbooster@gmail.com

• Bring a check made out to Austin High Golf Boosters to the first day of camp

Sincerely,

Coach Lebo

Performance Course visited with O.Henry Middle School Athletics recently about an upcoming opportunity for athletic development that will be taking place this Summer! This program was developed by Performance Course to offer athletes the opportunity to develop both physically and mentally.

PC takes a goal-oriented approach to develop speed, agility, mobility, functional strength and power. Performance nutrition, character development, mental preparation and goal setting techniques are also included in the curriculum to develop the whole athlete!

We want to ensure all athletes have the opportunity to participate. To receive more information from Performance Course, please fill out this link:

http://info.performancecourse.com

and select “SUMMER” and “AUSTIN”. This will ensure you receive information about the summer!

LINK TO REGISTER: https://www.performancecourse.com/school-district/austin-isd

If you have any questions or need help with registration, please contact the Austin High Performance Course Director, Dylan Hall (mail to: dhall@performancecourse.com) and he will be glad to assist you.

Thanks and we hope your child has the opportunity to participate!

ATTN: Baseball Players

If you are a rising freshman and would like to play baseball next year at Austin High School - please fill out this form and a coach will be in touch with you soon.

Please contact Sherrill Deering with questions. Sherrilldeering@yahoo.com

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