Letter from Ms. Bedford
Hello Smallville,
As the new school year begins, I can't help but feel a rush of excitement and anticipation! We are only a few short days away from kicking off a year full of fun and new experiences. I know that starting fresh can be a little daunting, especially for our new Cougars, but I promise it's going to be an incredible year filled with learning and growth. Let’s embrace this adventure with a positive mindset and remember, that staying present in each moment will help us make the most of every opportunity and turn challenges into triumphs.
Below I listed a few reminders, to ensure that we have a smooth start.
Morning Drop off and Afternoon Pick up Procedures
Please adhere to all signage and directions from staff during drop-off and pickup. For the first week, I suggest that you add about 10-15 minutes to your morning commute to accommodate all families learning the drop-off and pick-up routines.
We have a new crossing guard at the intersection of Staggerbrush, please follow all of his directions, so that our Cougars are able to use the crosswalks safely. When dropping off, please make sure that your students have all of their belongings ready to go with them. This will ensure that drop-offs are efficient and we can get the line moving as quickly as possible.
Remember that we want our Cougars to have a peaceful and amazing start to their day. In order to maintain this calm environment, we need everyone to model appropriate behavior in our school zones. We ask that everyone follows all driving regulations including speed and crossing guard directions. Please do not utilize your horn in our school zones. This alarms our students and causes anxiety. Failure to follow staff members' directions or posted signage may result in our campus SRO or Austin PD contacting you to review our policies or issuing citations.
Please review our specific expectations for drop off and pick up in the pictures below. Thank you!
Cougar Athlete Information - Updated
Excitement is in the air because football and volleyball season is almost here! Here’s everything you need to know to get your kids ready for the action-packed season ahead. Let’s dive in!
🏈 Football Fun Facts:
Equipment Distribution: Pick up football gear in the Small Gym using the back stairs by the Dance Portable/Tennis Courts on these dates:
- Monday, 8/19: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
- Monday, 8/19: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Tryouts: The big day is the first day of school! Meet in the locker room right after school.
Stay in the Loop: Download the Sports You App to get all the latest football updates and schedules. Note that the schedule might change, so keep an eye on the newsletter!
Important: Please bring your child’s physical and Rank One forms to the coach on the first day of tryouts. Avoid dropping them off at the main office.
🏐 Volleyball Vibes:
8th Grade Tryouts: After school on August 21st until 5:30 PM. First practice kicks off on 8/22/24 after school.
7th Grade Tryouts: Bright and early at 6:45 AM on August 21st and 22nd. Meet the coaches in front of the school.
Practice starts on Friday, 8/23/24.
Important: Please bring your child’s physical and Rank One forms to the coach on the first day of tryouts. Avoid dropping them off at the main office.
7th Grade Volleyball Game Schedule - 8th Grade Volleyball Game Schedule
We can’t wait to see your kids out there giving it their all! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
Here’s to an incredible season of sports and fun!
Best,
Small Athletic Team
Calling all CSMS Volunteers!
AISD is asking all volunteers to get a background check and have hours logged for reporting purposes. Luckily, they have provided a new software program called "VOLY" that is easy and simple to use.
If you plan on volunteering at Small in any aspect this year (workroom, cage, chaperone dances, splashfest, field trips, etc. ), please register to volunteer with Voly at https://austinisd.voly.org. Volunteer opportunities will be posted in our newsletters soon.
From here down...
Hey Cougars!
Guess what? The juicy details below are hot off last week’s press and packed with must-know info! If you’re already up to speed—high five, you’re a superstar! If you missed it or need a refresher, don’t fret—dive in and get ready to get excited!
Let’s keep the good vibes rolling and make sure you’re in the loop with all the awesome stuff we’ve got in store. Ready, set, scroll!
Back to School Night
Hello Parents,
Back to School night is scheduled for Wednesday, August 28th. You will be following your students schedule across campus starting with your students Pride Class (9th Period Advisory) at 6:00 pm. we will post the schedule in when we get closer to the date. Please plan to come to the PTA meeting at 5:30 in the cafeteria.
Parking: Please park at Austin Oaks church on the west side closest to the street. There will be a bus that will shuttle you back and forth. See the map. Bus shuttle start at 5:00 pm.
Schedules: Please have your students schedule with you when you come. You can write it down, or pull up the Parent Portal and use your phone to go from class to class. You will spend 7 minutes in each class where you will meet the teacher, learn what that class is about and hear about what to expect this year.
Back to School Tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Print a copy of your students schedule, or have it up on your phone from the portal
- Please leave your students at home if possible due to space
- Park in the shuttle parking - Austin Oaks Church 4220 Monterey Oaks Blvd, Austin, TX 78749
- Please don't ask questions that just pertain to your child. There are only 7 minutes per period so let the teacher talk, you can email them directly for more personal conversations.
- Be sure to stop by the Cougar Cage to buy some Cougar Swag and join the PTA!
Important message from the Nurse
Welcome back Cougar Families,
We are quickly approaching the first day of school. Now is a great time to bring in medical forms, talk about your child’s medical needs, and ask questions. Here are some reminders.
To attend school, Texas law requires all students to be immunized or have a valid exemption on file. If your child is not up-to-date:
Bring an updated immunization record after receiving necessary vaccines
Attached is a list of FREE vaccine clinics if needed
Texas minimum vaccine requirements are found here Texas Vaccine Requirements
If your child will be in 7th grade:
Tdap and MCV4 vaccines are required starting at 7th grade
Bring an updated immunization record after receiving these vaccines
For more information go to Immunizations | Austin ISD
If your child has a medical condition that requires care at school such as (but not limited to) Seizures, Asthma, Anaphylaxis/Severe Allergic Reactions, Diabetes:
Schedule an appointment with me to go over provider orders and meds
Bring a recent copy of the doctor’s order, school time instructions, or action plan
Bring a completed Provider/Parent Medication Permission Form (physician and parent signature)
Forms are here Medical Forms | Austin ISD
If your child has a medication that needs to be administered at school:
Bring a completed Provider/Parent Medication Permission Form (physician and parent signatures required)
All medications on campus must have a doctor’s order- a signature on the AISD medication authorization form or a signed order on office letterhead for the current school year.
Forms are here Medical Forms | Austin ISD
Please check expiration dates on all medication, expired medications cannot be accepted.
Please provide the labeled prescription bottle (you can request that your pharmacy print an extra one when you pick-up your prescription).
Students are not permitted to self-carry medication on campus with the exception of epi-pens, diabetic supplies, and asthma inhalers with signed parent and doctor permission on file with the school nurse.
Upcoming Health Screenings Fall 2024:
7th grade girls will have vision and hearing screening, spinal screening, and acanthosis nigricans screening
7th grade boys will have vision and hearing screening, and acanthosis nigricans screening
8th grade boys will have spinal screening
For more information go to https://www.austinisd.org/health-services/screenings
This school year I am requesting that you bring in your student's medications to be administered on campus no later than August 16th. Remember to bring the medication authorization form with the doctor’s signature to ensure there is no delay in your child’s care. We cannot accept medication on campus without a parent authorization AND signed doctor’s order.
You can find all the forms you need here: https://www.austinisd.org/health-services/forms, I can also mail them to your home upon request.
Here’s the scoop for the first two days
Where to Go:
- Find Your Spot: When you arrive, check out the name lists posted all around campus. They’ll show you who your Pride teacher is and where to go.
- Before 8:10 AM: 8th graders, head to the Cafeteria for some chill time. 6th and 7th graders, hang out in the Gym.
- After 8:10 AM: It’s time to meet your Pride class! On the first day, get your final schedule here. For the rest of the year, go straight to your 1st period (A Days) or 2nd period (B Days).
- Day 1 is an A Day: Start with Pride class to grab your schedule, then rock the A day lineup (1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th). On Wednesday, 8/21, jump straight to 2nd period for a B day. Pride class is just on Day 1. Check out the A/B calendar for the rest of the year.
What to Bring:
- Backpack: Pack a spiral notebook and pen/pencil if you like jotting down cool stuff.
- Lunch: Bring it if you can! The lunch lines are a bit crazy at first.
- Water Bottle: Stay hydrated with your refillable bottle.
- Good Vibes: Don’t forget your best attitude!
- Instruments/PE Clothes: Leave them at home unless your band or PE teacher says otherwise. Your teachers will fill you in on what you need during the first class.
What to Expect:
- Friendly Faces: There’ll be plenty of folks around to help you find your way.
- School Supply Lists: Teachers will give these out per class so you know what to bring to your next class.
- Fun Times Ahead: It’s going to be an awesome start with lots of fun and a smooth transition!
Carpool
If you live outside of our attendance zone, the odds are there are other cougars nearby. If you would like to connecting with other families that want to form carpools. Please fill out this form. I will email the results to anyone who signs up so you can work amongst yourselves to form carpools.
Carpool Sign up: https://forms.gle/CMeZHBZgYRLmcPhr7
Sprinkler in the rain
Small Middle School fun fact!
Every year we get calls from parents regarding the sprinklers being on in the rain. Please know that when it rains the retention pond in front of the school collects all the water and then there is a sprinkler system that helps distribute the water out of the pond and into different areas of the campus. So, if you see the sprinklers on during the rain, they are doing their job. No need to call and let us know. Thanks!
Clint Small Middle School
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