Pony Express
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF O. HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL
PRINCIPAL UPDATE
Dear Mustang Families and Caregivers,
Celebrating Our Students: Art Youth Month 🎨
March is Art Youth Month, and we are thrilled to celebrate the creativity and talent of our young artists! Our students’ artwork will be showcased at the AISD Performing Arts Center (PAC)—a wonderful opportunity to see their hard work and artistic expression come to life. We encourage all families to support our artists and attend the exhibit! Be sure to check out the list of students whose Art is featured this year from Ms. Lilie's and Ms. Parker’s Classes.
Honoring Women’s History Month 🌟
This month, we recognize the countless contributions of women throughout history. Students will engage in classroom activities and discussions that highlight influential women in history, science, literature, politics, and more.
AISD & O. Henry Pride Week 2025 🏳️🌈
O. Henry will join AISD’s Pride Week 2025, celebrating inclusivity, respect, and belonging in our school community. Students will participate in activities that promote unity and the Mustang spirit. Learn more about AISD Pride Week here: insert link
Spring Sports Are Here! 🏃♂️🎾
Spring athletics are in full swing for our 7th and 8th-grade students! Check out the Athletics Section for details on:
✅ Track & Field – Practices and meet schedules
✅ Spring Tennis – Team tryouts and match information
Keeping Our Campus Clean 🚯
We take pride in keeping our campus clean and welcoming for all students. As we approach spring events, we kindly ask for your support in avoiding confetti eggs (🎊🥚) and not bringing open food or drink 🥤🍩containers onto campus. Thank you for helping us maintain a clean and safe school environment!
Save the Date: Spring Break! 🌸
Mark your calendars—Spring Break is from Friday, March 14 – Sunday, March 23. We hope all our Mustangs have a restful and fun break!
April STAAR Testing – Attendance Matters! ✏️
State testing is just around the corner. Please review the STAAR testing calendar and make every effort to have students present and on time for their testing days. We ask families to avoid early checkouts or scheduling appointments on testing days to ensure students can focus and perform their best.
Thank you for your continued partnership in making O. Henry a great place to learn and grow!
Let’s make it a great week to be an O. Henry Mustang!
☮️, ❤️, and 🐴’s,
Marlo Malott
HAPPENING THIS WEEK
CCABC Week
Monday, 3/3 C DAY
- 2:25/7th Period- Evacuation Drill
- 4:00 1st Track Meeting- meet in the library to start
Tuesday, 3/4 C Day
- 7:00 AM- 7th and 8th Tennis Tryouts
- 4:00 Track Practice-7th and 8th grade
- 5:30-7:00- Trustee Lynn Boswell will be hosting a Community Conversation about Lone Star Governance
Wednesday, 3/5 A Day
Support AVID- Wear a College or Military Shirt
- 7:00 AM- 7th and 8th Tennis Tryouts
- 4:00 Theater Rehearsal
- 4:00 Track Practice
Thursday, 3/6 B Day
- 7:30 Student Led FCA in Big Gym
Friday, 3/7C Day
- 6:00 7th and 8th grade Band Social
SAVE THE DATE-- STARR Testing Dates in April
Families- We wanted to give you plenty of time to look ahead to the dates slated for state testing. Thank you for not planning for early pick up or appointments on these days.
ELA 6-8: Thurs 4/10, Makeup Fri 4/11
Science 8: Thursday 4/17, Makeup Thurs 4/22
No School 4/18 (Holiday)
Social Studies 8: Weds 4/16, Makeup 4/21
Math and Algebra: 4/24, Makeup 4/25
MUSTANG NEWS
ATHLETICS NEWS
Tennis Season Starting Soon!
Track and Field Starting March 3
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O. Henry Golf Club
Please fill out the form below if your student athlete is interested in participating in the O. Henry Golf Club.
The club is open to any student at O. Henry regardless of skill or grade level. The season typically starts right after Spring Break and goes on until early May.
We work closely with AHS Golf and Lions to create our season schedule. More information will go out as sessions are organized.
COUNSELING CENTER CORNER
March Austin ISD Tools for Success Virtual Education Series
School Year 2025-2026 Choice Sheets
Check our our School Year 2025-2026 Transition Newsletter.
We will keep this updated until August 2025. Linked here are copies of Course Sheets, Course videos, and more information about O. Henry.
Austin ISD Pride Week 2025
Pride week is one of the many ways we highlight the district's commitment to creating a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for all.
Why it matters: When students feel safe and can show up as their full selves at school, they’re better able to engage in learning and thrive academically.
What to expect: This year's celebration is March 24–28 and the theme is beYOUtiful. Campuses may participate in Pride-themed spirit activities outside instructional time:
- Monday - All are welcome! Post, share, or display student work, pictures, and items that represent your family, things you're proud of, and what makes you feel connected.
- Tuesday - Differences are beYOUtiful! Wacky socks day! Wear something fun that expresses your unique and awesome self.
- Wednesday - I am beYOUtiful! Wear something that makes you feel beautiful, confident, and proud of who you are.
- Thursday - Our community is beYOUtiful! Mix It Up Lunch! Take the opportunity to sit with new people and celebrate our diverse community.
- Friday - All the colors! Each grade level wears a different color or school spirit gear. Don’t forget to snap a picture of all your beYOUtiful colors!
Families should hear from their schools by March 10 about the activities they have planned. If you have any questions, please reach out to your campus principal.
What’s new? This year, pride-themed activities will take place outside instructional time such as before or after school, during lunch, morning meetings or advisory.
- This means the district will not provide a Blend course with suggested classroom activities as in years past.
- Activities will be voluntary in nature for students and staff.
- While district-purchased swag will not be provided this year, PTAs and other organizations can still fund and distribute materials to celebrate. Contact your campus if you wish to donate.
Why in March? Both National Pride Month and the Austin Pride Parade take place in the summer when students are not in school.
- Austin ISD hosts Pride Week during the school year to show support for our diverse students, staff and families.
Go deeper…with the Pride 2025 FAQs
FINE ARTS NEWS
ART IN ACTION- Art Youth Month
March is National Youth Art Month. Congratulations to the following students, who have their artwork on display at the AISD Performing Arts Center during the month of March.
Ms. Lilie's students:
Will N.
Janice N.
Hendrix K.
Emily G.
Victoria M.
Anna B.
Paige E.
Matthew H.
Cora N.
Dillon D.
Kendall N.
Kaia R.
Drew D.
Teddy B.
Mateo G.
Ms. Parker's students:
Madelyn H.
Charlie L.
Clementine S.
Tori R.
Raven K.
Sofia V.
Alessandra M.
Sloane T.
Arianny L.
Hatch B.
Mila B.
Beck A.
Jessica A.G.
Morgan L.
Charlotte G.
Maddie G.
Katie F.
Kiara A.
Adysen P.
MEET THE MUSTANG
Each week we will feature a member of our faculty and staff. Thank you for being a part of our Mustang Family!
PTA News
2025 Nominating Committee Election Notice
The following have been recommended by the PTA Executive Board as 2025 Nominating Committee members. Proposed members are: Eric Ford, Whitney Fraser, Jessica Hershey, Allison Jackson, Anna Smith, along with two alternates: Pam Roberts and Laura Lee Daigle.
Questions should be directed to Laura Lee Daigle, PTA Parliamentarian, at lauraleedaigle@gmail.com.
Volunteers needed in the office:
Sign up for a quick 2-hour shift in the office. It's a great way to be involved and get to know the staff. They will appreciate any help they can get! SIGN UP HERE!
Upcoming PTA Dates:
March 14 - Student Holiday
March 17-21 - SPRING BREAK
OHMS Headed to Italy!- Summer 2027
Explore Italy Summer 2027
Are you interested in going on a trip to Italy in June of 2027? If so, please contact Jenny Parker for more information about the Explore Italy trip. Some of our stops will include Venice, Florence, and Rome. jenny.parker@austinisd.org
REPEAT INFORMATION
Enroll Austin School Year 25-26
Annual Registration
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
Attendance Reminders/Updates
**90% rule what does it mean?**
**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:
2024-2025 Bell Schedule
Community Information
Battle of the Bands
Last Shot! Don’t Let Your Students Miss This! 🎸🔥
Hey Boss, This. Is. It. 🚨 The FINAL day to sign up for Band Aid Battle of the Bands is here! If your students want to rock the legendary Stubb’s stage, the time to act is NOW. There are NO second chances. NO do-overs. Just one shot to step up, plug in, and show Austin what they’re made of. 🎸 March 2 – Video audition deadline. No submission = no stage. 🏆 What’s on the line? This isn’t just another gig. It’s the biggest stage for young musicians in Austin. The ones who step up will walk away better, bolder, and ready to own the music scene. DON’T let them sit this one out. 👉 REGISTER HERE – FINAL DEADLINE: MARCH 2 The clock is ticking. The stage is waiting. Let’s make history. Here’s to makin’ dreams come true! James Mays P.S. If your students don’t sign up now, they’ll be waiting another year for this shot. Let’s make sure they don’t miss their moment. 🚀
🎤 March 9 – Live auditions at Band Aid South. The best bands get industry feedback.
🔥 April 5 – The Final Battle at Stubb’s. The ultimate showdown for the crown.
✅ A recording session at Band Aid Studio for the winners
✅ A spotlight on Austin’s next big thing
✅ A chance to rock a legendary stage
✅ Bragging rights for a year (priceless, let’s be real)
✅ A once-in-a-lifetime experience that will push them to the next level
🚀 Forward this to your students & parents NOW.
📌 Print & post the attached flyer—get it in front of them!
🎸 Tell them straight: “If you’re serious about music, this is YOUR moment.”
Band Aid School of Music
Questions: info@bandaidschoolofmusic.com
Junior AUSMUN Summer Camp Interest Form OPEN!
Hello!
My name is Mia Ansel and I am the Undersecretary of Registration for Austin High School Model United Nations. If you are receiving this email, you have either participated in past Jr. AUSMUN Summer Camp programming, AUSMUN Fall Conference, Middle MUN, or you have caught the attention of our program as a school, group, or individual who would be a good fit for this summer experience.
On behalf of Austin High Model UN, I would like to personally invite students from your school to our fourth annual Junior AUSMUN Summer Camp for rising 7th-9th grade students, taking place this Summer from July 7-10! Junior AUSMUN Summer Camp is a four day immersive experience and preview of high school Model United Nations, designed for rising 7th through rising 9th grade students. Campers will gain critical research and writing skills, public speaking confidence, global awareness, and long-lasting friendships through participation in Junior AUSMUN Camp!
The interest form for this program has officially opened and students are encouraged to fill it out if they are at all interested! This form is not official registration; it will simply add students to our email list for further updates (and priority registration) about Junior AUSMUN Camp and provide our staff with a rough estimate of campers. Please click HERE to fill out the interest form. (https://forms.gle/wwdiTZZ3mNCZRQoF8)
If your students have not yet experienced the magic of Austin High MUN programming, we invite you to explore our Junior AUSMUN Camp website. Please visit our website for more information on who we are and the communal impact we strive to make as a program. Please share this email with them and their families!
If you or your student has already entered high school, please feel free to "unsubscribe" from our list by responding to this email. If you have any questions regarding group registration, you are also welcome to reach out and we are happy to provide more information. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions; we look forward to hearing from you.
Best wishes,
Mia Ansel
Undersecretary of Registration
Hoop Generation- Select Club Team Tryouts
