The Austin Buzz May 2024

Registration for the 24-25 School Year :

Please make sure to finish your online registration by May 10th and submit two proofs of residence for the next school year. This is necessary for the school to assign your child to a class in PowerSchool for the upcoming year. If you encounter any difficulties uploading documents and questions in the online portal, please reach out to Mrs. Breland, our registrar, for assistance or to schedule an in-person appointment. (More Information is Posted at the end of the Newsletter)

Mark Your Calendar for the 23-24 School Year for the following events (Tentative)

• Meet the Teacher: August 2nd from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• First Day of School: August 7th
• Kindergarten First Day of School Pictures: August 7th at 9:00 a.m.
• Kindercamp: July TBA

Parking Reminder: During school events, please be mindful and do not block the resident's driveways or mailboxes. Thank you so much for your cooperation.

Intent to return and address verification letters are being sent home this week. Please complete the form and return to your child's classroom teacher. Thank you so much.

• April 29 - May 3: Student Council/Red Ribbon Sock Drive
• April 30 - Strings Performance
• May 1: 5th Grade Field Trip
• May 2: 3rd Grade Field Trip
• May 6-10: Teacher Appreciation Week (see information below)
• May 8: Kindergarten Fashion Show PBL Showcase
• May 9: 2nd Grade Fairytale Market PBL Showcase
• May 10: Spring Fling
• May 14: Experience Day from Art from the Heart Fundraiser (Teacher of the Day)
• May 15: Field Day during PE (No Parents)
• May 17: 5th Grade Honors Day at SHPC
• May 22: 5th Grade vs 5th grade parents/teachers Kickball game; Passing of the Chain; ART from the Heart Silly String Event
• May 22: End of the Year Class Parties - K-4 1:00-2:00; 5th Grade after kickball game
• May 23: Last Day of School

Starting April 29th, the entire school is encouraged to donate NEW socks for the homeless in Mobile. Every person that donates will earn an out of uniform day on Friday, May 3rd. Flyers were sent home last week. Please consider donating next week to this great cause!

Our school was well represented at the 2024 MCPSS Film Festival held on Friday, April 26th. We submitted 47 videos and had 18 finalists along with the elementary winner of the digital poster design contest. Out of those 18 finalists, we had 5 category wins as well as 2 Best in Show! You can see the results below:

Elementary Digital Poster Design: Destinee Barnes

Animation 3-5: The Invasion by Charlie and Lyle Smith

Commercial K-2: Visit Brazil by Harrison Fisher and August McWhorter

Documentary 3-5: All About Us by Addalyn and Emmalyn Chappell

How To K-2: How to Make Your Own Creative Gems by Jariah Rothschild K2 Best In Show

Short Film 3-5: Golf Cart Stereotypes by Addalyn and Emmalyn Chappell, Elizabeth Hooper, Lilli Kelsoe, Nyla McCall and Nina Rodriguez 3-5 Best in Show

See below for a list of all teachers and staff at Austin.

MBA Teacher Appreciation Week 2024

(May 6-10)

It’s no secret that Mary B. Austin is filled with the most amazing teachers, faculty, and staff! Join us as we show our gratitude to these men and women who work so hard for our kiddos. We've been told that notes are the most treasured gift by far, so please do not feel the need to spend a lot of money. Hugs are priceless!

Kindergarten

Ms. Browning (Teacher), Ms. Whigham (Principal), Ms. Shipp (Paraprofessional)

Ms. Burch (Teacher), Ms. Trotter (Counselor), Ms. Shelby (Custodial)

Ms. Lynch (Teacher), Ms. Breland (Registrar), Ms. Hardy (Custodial)

Ms. McDonough (Teacher), Ms. Spelton (Bookkeeper), Ms. Martin (Custodial)

1st Grade

Ms. Beck (Teacher), Ms. Sane (Nurse) (better known as Ms. Olivia), Ms. Williams (Cafeteria)

Ms. McGuff (Teacher), Ms. Johnson (Attendance), Ms. Nguyen (Cafeteria)

Ms. Roe (Teacher), Ms. Ardizone (ARI Reading Specialist), Ms. Jones (Cafeteria)

Ms. Bouler (Teacher), Ms. Miller (Math Lead/Test Co/PST), Ms. Anderson-Adams (Cafeteria)

2nd Grade

Ms. Bessonen (Teacher), Ms. Carter (Intervention), Ms. Stewart (Music)

Ms. Golden (Teacher), Ms. Gronowski (Innovative Lab), Ms. Westover (EDC)

Ms. Jackson (Teacher), Ms. Lambert (Media Specialist), Ms. Hudgins (EDC)

Ms. O’Toole (Teacher), Ms. Oetken (LEA), Ms. Bassett (Intervention)

3rd Grade

Ms. Buhmann (Teacher), Ms. Lee (Self-Contained), Ms. Deas (Intervention)

Ms. Hadley (Teacher), Ms. McClain (Resource), Ms. Hicks (PTA Art)

Ms. Haywood (Teacher), Ms. Galloway (Gifted), Ms. Hooper-Praytor (PTA Art)

Ms. Rose (Teacher), Ms. Hooper (Speech/Language Pathologist)

4th Grade

Ms. Pope (Teacher), Ms. Regan (PE Coach)

Ms. Reed (Teacher), Mr. Burt (PE Coach)

Ms. Jackson (Teacher), Ms. McDonald (Paraprofessional)

5th Grade

Ms. Dawson (Teacher), Ms. Agee (Paraprofessional)

Ms. Johnson (Teacher), Ms. Murphy (Paraprofessional)

Ms. Squires (Teacher), Ms. Winkler (Paraprofessional)

Mary B. Austin

Counselor’s Notes

Mrs. Trotter (251) 221-1015 / ctrotter@mcpss.com

Getting Close!

The end of the year is almost here. We have done so much this year with different activities, topics covered in guidance, and school-wide events. May is a busy time, so mark your calendars for any important dates. You do not want to miss out! Let's finish STRONG!

Solve the riddle! Let Mrs. Miller know the answer at school and get a sweet treat!

I’m an odd number. But if you take away a letter from my name, I will become even. What number am I?

📢 Attention Parents and Guardians,

Registration for the upcoming school year is officially open for both new and returning students! To begin the process, simply visit the MCPSS website at mcpss.com.

We kindly urge you to complete registration at your earliest convenience. Doing so will allow us to create class rolls promptly, ensuring that students are appropriately placed.

Exciting news! This year, the class with the highest number of registered students by May 12th will be rewarded with a popsicle party!

Should you have any inquiries regarding enrollment, please don't hesitate to contact Ms. Breland in the office at 221-1015.

Let's get registered and set the stage for a fantastic school year ahead!

Best regards,

Mrs. Whigham

Email: mswhigham@mcpss.com
Website: marybaustinelementary.com
Location: 150 Provident Lane, Mobile, AL, USA
Phone: 251-221-1015
Twitter: @MaryBAustin