
Pony Express
Week of February 19-25, 2024
In this Issue
Newest Updates in BOLD
- Principal's Update
- Happening This Week at O. Henry
- Mustang Talent Show Flyer
- Mustang News- Episode 19
- Counselor Corner- 6th Gr- Breatkthrough Sign Up, 24-25 Transition SMORE
- Athletic and PE News-Tennis News, Track and Field News, Golf News, Thank you to Canes
- Fine Art News-Theatre News-Help Needed
- PTA Updates- Directory Spot Live, Save the Date,Mustang Spirit Wear, Randall's Rewards
- Other Campus and AISD News: Enrollment for 24-25 School Year, Bell Schedule, AISD Calendar, Transportation, AISD Health Services, Weather Guidelines
Principal's Update
Weekly Principal Update
2/19/24
Dear Mustang Families,
I wanted to follow up this week with commending our students who saw something on campus and spoke up about something they knew was not safe. As part of our commitment to keeping our community safe, we want to remind you about the importance of the phrase "see something, say something." This means that if you or your child notices anything suspicious or concerning, it's crucial to report it to the appropriate authorities-- This can be reported to the School Resource Officer, Security, Administration, or any Campus Staff. We will review again this week our campus safety protocols with all students.
In addition to review of safety protocols on campus, adults are also on duty each passing period at their classroom doors. Other staff are positioned throughout the campus at common junctions and doors. We also welcome our second security guard who will be starting on Wednesday of this week. Tiffany Strawn will be joining Andrew Flores and Sargent John Green.
By being vigilant and proactive, we can work together to create a safer environment for everyone.
Thank you for your cooperation and support in keeping our community secure. Please reach out to me if you have other specific concerns or questions I can answer. We hope you will meet with other O. Henry Parents and Guardians at our General PTA meeting this Wednesday morning.
Being a part of the Mustang Community is also an important developmental journey. Getting involved in activities is crucial for middle school students for several reasons:
Social Development: Activities provide opportunities for students to interact with their peers, develop friendships, and learn how to work as part of a team.
Skill Development: Participating in activities helps students develop various skills such as leadership, communication, time management, and problem-solving.
Self-Discovery: Activities allow students to explore their interests and talents, helping them discover new passions and strengths.
Health and Well-being: Engaging in physical activities promotes a healthy lifestyle, reduces stress, and improves overall well-being.
Academic Performance: Research shows that students who are involved in extracurricular activities tend to perform better academically, as they learn valuable skills that can be applied to their studies.
College and Career Readiness: Involvement in activities can enhance a student's college or career application, as it demonstrates their commitment, leadership abilities, and diverse interests.
Overall, getting involved in activities can have a positive impact on a middle school student's personal growth, social skills, and academic success. Mustangs should check out our Talent Show tryouts, Golf Team, Tennis Team, Track and Field Team, and our Club listings.
Make it a great week to be an O. Henry Mustang!
☮❤️&🐴's,
Marlo Malott
Happening This Week Around Campus
Monday, February 19--No School- Presidents' Day Holiday
Tuesday, February 20- C Day
- 7:00 6th Grade Girls Fitness Club, Orchestra Rehearsals
- 5th period ACES- Leader In Me Lesson
- 4:00-HW Club, A Team Soccer, BBB--7-CTeam, Theater
Wednesday, February 21 - A Day
College Shirt Day
- B Lunch-7th Grade Book Club
- 11:30-- 7th and 8th Grade Band eat A Lunch-Pre UIL 2-4
- ACES-6th- Indoor Games, Study Hall, 7th Outside Time; 8th Outside Time
- ACES-- Track and Field Meeting
- 4:00-HW Club, A Team Soccer, BBB, Theater
Thursday, February 22- B Day
- 7:00 FCA Huddle- Student Meeting
- C Lunch- 6th Grade Book Club
- ACES-ACES-6th-Outside Time; 7th--Indoor Gamess and Study Hall; 8th-Indoor Gamess and Study Hall
- 4:00-HW Club, Soccer, DND, 7/8-C Team, Theater
- 6:00 Orchestra PreUIL Concert and Ice Cream Social
- 6:00/7:30 Boys BB OHMS vs Keasling , 8th @OHMS, 7th @Kealing
Friday, February 23-C Day
- Field Trip- O. Henry Stories Performance-Long Center
- 5th ACES- Mustang News
- 4:00 Orchestra Rehearsal Full Group
- 6:30- African American Heritage Celebration at AISD PAC
Saturday, February 24
- 8:00 Saturday School
- 9:00 Girls Soccer vs. Kealing @OHMS
Attendance and Absence Reporting
Feeling Sick?
Counseling Corner
6th Grade News
Breakthrough will be coming to O. Henry to meet with 6th grade students on Wednesday, February 21 during school. If you would like your 6th grader to have the opportunity to join Breakthrough, please email ivy.claflin@austinisd.org.
Athletics News
Tennis News
Click here for more information about Tennis for the Spring 2024 Season: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSelllfxDKKZd7uO3gm1CwV1XUYEiep1QBEI_Pi_Jsm7G3pnrg/viewform?usp=sf_link
Track and Field
SAVE THE DATE
Golf News
Mustang Golfers!
Please fill out the form below if your student is interested in playing golf this year at O. Henry. The season starts after Spring Break and goes on until Mid-May. We don't have an exact practice schedule yet as we coordinate with Lions to maximize the space they have available.
Thank you
Thank you fot Cane's for sponsoring meals for our Athletics programs.
Fine Arts News
Art In Action
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Band News
Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble performances this Wednesday & Thursday – Feb. 21- 22
Our 7th/8th grade Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble members will perform at the AISD Pre-UIL Band Festival this week. Both performances will take place at the AISD Performing Arts Center (1500 Barbara Jordan Blvd. 78723). Symphonic Band will perform on Wednesday, February 21 at 3:00 PM. Wind Ensemble will perform on Thursday, February 22 at 3 PM.
After the concert performances on stage, parents are invited to follow the bands into the sight-reading room. During the sight-reading process, band members (and their director) will have 7 minutes to learn a new piece of music. At the conclusion of the 7-minute study period, the band will perform the piece for the judges. This is a great opportunity for parents, family members, and friends to watch our talented young musicians in action. Both bands will be finished by 4 PM. We hope you can join us!
Theatre News
Help Needed
Yearbook Pre-Orders Starting Now at Balfour.com!
O.Henry Middle School peeps! 🎉 Guess what? The 23-24 Yearbook is packed with all our crazy moments, and awesome memories. Grab yours now for just $35! But heads up, if you snooze and wait till after December 1st, it's gonna cost ya $40. So, why pay more later when you can snag it for less today? Let's make this year unforgettable! Don't miss out! Go to balfour.com and click the "Shop My School" tab or go directly to this O. Henry hyperlink to pre-order your copy.
PTA General Meeting this Wednesday
The February PTA General Meeting & Coffee will be Wednesday, Feb 21, 8:30 a.m. in the O.Henry Library. All members are welcome and encouraged to attend.
2024 Nominating Committee Voting Notice
The following have been recommended by the PTA Executive Board as 2024 Nominating Committee members, and proposed members will be presented for a final vote at the PTA General Meeting on Feb 21. Proposed members are: April Allen, Rebecca Hatcher, Kirsten Matetich, Jen Kolerich and Heather Willison.
Alternates: Pam Kelly and Ashley Koenings
Questions should be directed to Rachel Elder, PTA Parliamentarian, at rachelreit@gmail.com.
Other Campus and AISD News
NEW AISD Enrollment System
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.
Weather Guidelines for PE and Athletics
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.
Regular Bell Schedule 2023-2024
Transportation and Traffic
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.
Local Enrichment Opportunities
Spring 2024 Club Basketball Tryouts!
Spring 2024 Club Basketball Tryouts!
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, our mission is dedicated to provide players with on and off the court development, exposure, and life building characteristics through the game of basketball.
- Tryouts Registration Link: https://www.hoopgeneration.org/spring-2024-tryouts
- Reduced Fees Application for Underprivileged Students: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5cb6d8b89d414962d009ecd7/t/656ea6c38f22c247cd7a6be2/1701750467868/HG+reduced+fee+program+application+-+2.pdf
O. Henry Middle School
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