Pony Express
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF O. HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL
Principal Update
Dear O. Henry Students, Families, and Caretakers,
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving Break and were able to enjoy the rest and recovery that this time away provides. Breaks like these are so valuable—they give us the opportunity to recharge, reconnect with loved ones, and reflect on the things we are most grateful for. Personally, I am thankful for each of you and the incredible work you do every day to support our students, families, and one another. As we return, I hope everyone is feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the final stretch of the semester.
MAP Testing is Here!
This week marks the beginning of our MAP testing window. These assessments are an essential tool in measuring and supporting student growth across all subject areas—not just in ELAR and Math. The data we gather helps us identify what our students are ready to learn next, informs our instructional strategies, and ensures we are fostering progress for every Mustang.
Makeup Testing: The following week, we will hold makeup sessions to ensure every student has the opportunity to demonstrate their growth.
Final Exams: For students enrolled in high school credit courses, we will also prepare for final exams. This will require focus, preparation, and support as we work together to finish the semester strong.
Fine Arts Holiday and Winter Concerts
We are thrilled to celebrate our talented Mustangs in the Fine Arts programs as they showcase their hard work and creativity in the following holiday and winter performances:
Band: Monday, December 9th at 6:00 PM @ OHMS
Orchestra: Wednesday, December 11th at 6:00 PM @ AHS
Choir & Guitar: Monday, December 16th at 6:00 PM @ OHMS
We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy these wonderful performances. They’re a great way to get into the holiday spirit and show your support for our Mustang musicians and performers!
Holiday Spirit Days
As we countdown to winter break, we’ll add some fun and festivity to our days with themed dress-up opportunities for students and staff. Stay tuned for more details about these special days—encourage your Mustang to join in the fun!
Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to make this semester’s final weeks productive, meaningful, and memorable. Wishing you a joyful December!
☮️, ❤️, and 🐴’s,
Marlo Malott
Happening This Week
7:15 -- Jazz Band
9:00-10:00 Elementary schools visit OHMS-- OHMS student performances
5th period STIR time- always have a book with you
Tuesday, 12/3-C Day
9:00-10:00 Elementary schools visit OHMS-- OHMS student performances
Wednesday,12/4--A day
Support AVID- Dress in college, career, or military t-shirt
MAP Testing In Math
12:00-7:00 AISD Dance Spectacular
1:45-2:15 ACES
4:00 Beginning Band Rehearsal and Pizza Party
5:30- Prospective Parent Night in Cafe
6:00/7:00-- Girls Basketball Game versus Lively
- @OHMS--6:00 8A Game only-- no B team game
- 7th @Lively
Thursday, 12/5- B Day
7:30 Student FCA in Big Gym
8:30 Principal Coffee in Library
MAP Testing In Math
1:45-2:15 ACES
Friday, 12/6-- C Day
MAP Testing In Math
2:25 Evacuation Drill
Saturday,12/7
8:00-12:00 Saturday School
9:00/10:30 OHMS Boys Soccer vs Lively at OHMS
Mustang News
Reminders- MAP testing this week-- Why it is important
MAP Testing
We want to share important details about the upcoming NWEA MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) testing. This computer-adaptive assessment is designed to measure academic growth over time in subjects like reading, mathematics, language usage, and science. MAP testing provides valuable insights to help students succeed.
Math-- Wed 12/4 and Thu 12/5
ELAR- Wed 12/11 and Thu 12/12
Key Features of MAP Testing:
- Adaptive Design: The test adjusts in real-time based on the student’s responses, providing a personalized assessment experience.
- Focus on Growth: Unlike traditional tests, MAP focuses on individual academic progress over time.
- RIT Scores: Students receive a RIT score, a consistent measurement of achievement and growth across grade levels.
- Quick Feedback: Test results are available immediately, enabling timely support and goal setting.
- Flexible Testing Windows: MAP tests are administered multiple times a year to track progress and adjust instruction.
How MAP Data is Used:
- Individualized Instruction: Teachers use MAP data to identify what students are ready to learn next.
- Targeted Support: Scores help identify students needing extra assistance and guide intervention plans.
- Goal Setting: MAP data assists in setting and monitoring personalized academic goals.
- Curriculum Insights: Results highlight areas for focused improvement across grades.
- Parent Communication: Families receive clear updates on their child's progress.
Preparing for MAP Testing:
- Practice and Familiarity: Encourage students to become comfortable with adaptive testing tools.
- Stay Positive: Remind students that MAP tests are a tool for growth, not pass/fail exams.
- Testing Environment: Help ensure students have a quiet and focused space during testing.
We appreciate your support in preparing for this important assessment. If you have questions about MAP testing logistics, preparation, or results, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Together, we can make this a valuable opportunity for our students' success!
Final Exam and Project Calendar- Fall 2024
Art In Action
Athletics News
Change in Game Days for Girls Basketball
Games are now on Wednesdays
AISD has moved Girls Basketball Games to Wednesdays in order to secure referees for events. We look forward to seeing our fans in the stands cheering us on for our wins and great hoop playing.
UPDATES FOR THIS WEEK
Our 8th grade B Team game on Wednesday 12/4 has been cancelled. Lively MS does not have enough B team players who are able to play due to another AISD event.
A Team will still play on Wednesday 12/4 at 6:00 PM at O. Henry. B Team girls and managers are encouraged to stay for team dinner and to cheer on A Team.
7th Grade Boys Basketball Tryouts
7TH GRADE BOYS' BASKETBALL TRYOUTS
Week of December 2-6, 2024
M,12/2 & TU,12/3 @ 8:15am sharp (regular 1st period)
W,12/4 & F,12/6 @ 7am sharp (PLEASE NOTE EARLY START!). Doors @ 6:45am.
NOTHING on Thursday.
Interested players must:
- have a CURRENT AISD physical (dated after April 15th, 2024).
- complete all Rank One UIL Online Forms
- attend all tryout sessions.
- be dressed and on the court @ scheduled start time
- dress in athletic wear (basketball shoes recommended).
- bring school clothes, towel, and toiletries.
Counselor Corner
Grief and Loss
Mustang Families, we are planning to host a grief and loss group for O. Henry students beginning on Friday, December 6th. If you would like your student to be part of this group, or would like more information, please email ivy.claflin@austinisd.org (OHMS counselor).
Fine Arts News
Orchestra Spotlight
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Georgia Pac and Alexa Serrano for their extraordinary efforts and performance at the Region 18 Middle School Symphony Clinic and Concert! These two students underwent a competitive audition process to get to the intensive 3-day clinic and concert right before the well-deserved Thanksgiving break. Bravo tutti!
SAVE THE DATE-- Winter Concert
Please join us for the Winter Orchestra Concert! We will be sharing the stage with the Austin High Orchestras.
All O. Henry orchestras will be performing at this event. We will be playing some familiar holiday tunes, so join in with our festivities!
Where: Austin High - Gymnasium
When: Wednesday, December 11th
The performance will begin at 6:00 PM.
Campus News and Updates
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
How To Become A Campus Volunteer
Become a Campus Volunteer
Austin ISD now directly manages all volunteers through the Voly platform, including running background checks.
School-Based Volunteer
School-based volunteers help address campus needs throughout the school year. From field trip chaperones to volunteering to organize a school-wide event, numerous opportunities exist to help Austin ISD schools achieve their goals.
Interested in volunteering at an Austin ISD campus? Visit our volunteer management platform to get started with your background check.
Meet Our Mustangs
In this section
Meet our Mustangs- You will have a chance each week to meet two members of our Mustang Family.
Yearbook Sales
O. Henry Middle School Yearbook Sale!
Don't miss out on capturing the memories of the school year—our yearbook is on sale now for just $40, the lowest price of the year! These keepsakes are incredibly popular and tend to sell out every year, so act fast to ensure you get your copy. Order yours today at jostens.com and relive all the special moments of this unforgettable year!
PTA News
VOLUNTEERS - WE NEED YOU!
Parent involvement is what makes a school GREAT!
We have NEW office volunteer opportunities on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons between 1:30 and 3:30!! The staff would love any amount of time you are able to help out! SIGN UP HERE TO VOLUNTEER IN THE OFFICE or email Brooke
REPEAT INFORMATION
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: