• Principal Update
• First Day of School-Where Do I Go?
• Special Schedule-First Week
• Regular Bell Schedule
• We Are A Cell Phone Free Campus
• Chromebooks and Technology Agreement
• General School Supply List
• Attendance Office News
• Important Message from Nurse Spiller
• Transportation and Traffic
• Breakfast and Lunch Procedures, What Lunch Do I Have?
• Athletics News
• • Join Cross Country
  • 7th Grade Football
  • 8th Grade Football
  • 7th Grade Volleyball
  • 8th grade Volleyball
  • Dance News
  • NEW-- Physical Forms and Information for 24-25
• PTA News
• Community Information
• SAVE THE DATE- Back to School Night- Wednesday, August 28th
• Community Updates
  

As the new school year begins, I’m filled with excitement and anticipation! We’re just a few days away from starting a year brimming with fun and new experiences. For our new Mustangs, this fresh start might feel like an adventure, but rest assured, it's going to be an amazing year full of learning and growth. Let’s welcome this journey with a positive mindset, stay present in each moment, and make the most of every opportunity. Together, we’ll turn challenges into successes and create lasting memories!

Our newsletter this week is LOADED with many important and helpful information to get you started for the SY 24-25. Please don’t forget that we will have a Principal Coffee on Thursday morning! We hope to see you on the front lawn at 8:20.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our amazing office staff should something you need help with not get covered this week. We are here to help.

Let’s make it a great year to be an O. Henry Mustang!

☮️,❤️,and 🐴’s,

Marlo Malott

All students will report to their ACES or Homeroom Advisory first thing in the morning. ACES lists will be posted on the outside and inside of the cafeteria window by Grade Level and Last Name. There will also be Mustang Staff with paper copies of lists.

All students will receive their official, final schedule on the first day of school when they report to their ACES Class.

If you notice any errors in the schedule—such as two of the same courses, you can request a schedule change. Schedule changes will not be accommodated for reasons such as a change of mind, teacher preference, or wanting to be with friends. Our counselors have worked diligently to place students in the classes they selected on their choice sheets. If a class was full, they enrolled students in the next available option based on the priority indicated.

Tuesday will be an A Day- we will spend the first two hours and last hour in ACES. The other periods will be 1,3,5,7

Wednesday will be a B Day-we will spend the first two hours and last hour in ACES. The other periods will be 2,4,6,8.

Thursday and Friday will be C Days-- Students will follow periods 1-8 with no ACES

CELL PHONES and Technology Expectations ON CAMPUS

1. Students will review appropriate cell phone use and digital citizenship at the beginning of each school year or upon enrollment.

2. Students are required to have teacher permission to use cell phones and other technology inside the building between 7:55 a.m.-3:50 p.m. Phones should stay out of sight and not in use.

3. Not allowed: social media; pictures/videos of students/teachers that are not class related.

4. Phones should remain in backpacks during hallway transitions, restrooms, cafeteria, and ACES outside time. Headphones, airpods, or speakers are not allowed on campus.

5. Should an Administrator or Security Guard be called to a classroom to retrieve a phone, then the student’s cell phone will be confiscated and held for a two day waiting period, fine, and a discipline consequence for insubordination.

Consequences

A staff member will collect the device and give it to the student’s Assistant Principal in the Front Office. The campus will contact the parent by email notifying them of the first offense.

1st offense - Documentation by front office, notify the parent/guardian, review of policy and consequences, student may retrieve the device at the end of the day at 3:40 pm in the front office and take it home.

2nd offense - Documentation by Admin., phone call home, review of policy and consequences, 48-hour hold, parent/guardian will need to pick up the device. Devices picked up on a Friday will be released to the parent/guardian the following Monday at 3:50 pm.

3rd offense - Documentation by Admin., 48-hour hold, parent conference, $10 pick-up fee*. Devices picked up on a Friday will be released to the parent/guardian the following Monday at 3:50 pm. The Student will be put on a phone contract.

*The $10 fee will go toward activities and resources that promote student learning.

• Computer Pick-Up -

  Chromebook will be distributed during within the first three weeks of school. Students who are returning will be issued their Chromebook from last year. New to O. Henry students will be issued a new computer. Students will bring home the Technology Agreement for a student and adult signature.

Q. Can my student use their own laptop?

A. No. All OHMS students will need to use an AISD Chromebook. Some laptops have trouble connecting to the district wifi, your student will not be able to use personal laptops for district official testing, and the wear and tear of a student going to 8 classes a day are just a few of the reasons.

COMPUTER EQUIPMENT

Students are expected to care for the school computers and peripherals. If students cause any damage to school property, willfully or through negligence, they may be charged with a criminal offense. As a result of damage, consequences and/or restitution may be recommended. Access to school computers is a privilege and therefore, students will lose the opportunity to use them. When students vandalize or otherwise damage school computers, the discipline matrix will be as such:

1st. offense: conference with student and parent contact

2nd offense: fee depending on the severity of the damage, starting at $20

3rd offense: loss of computer privileges

Fee matrix:

Destroyed or Lost Charger $30

Damaged Keyboard $80

Cracked screen $215

Water Damage - Keyboard and Screen replacement $287

Destroyed or Lost Device $500

Additional/Miscellaneous Damage-varies $20-200

Get a Leg up on Basic Back to School Supplies to Start School: These supplies will be used throughout the school day in your core and elective classes. Replenish as needed, students will learn of additional needs mid August

• Athletics and PE Uniform Shirt--$5; students may wear any black shorts, leggings, track pants, skorts and a pair of rubber soled shoes.
• Lock for Physical Education/Athletics locker
• Pencils - No. 2
• Hand-held pencil sharpener
• Erasers (NO stretchy/kneaded rubber erasers please)
• Pack of colored pencils
• Pens
• Highlighters
• Pack of markers - variety of colors
• Pair of Scissors
• Glue sticks and/or small tape dispenser
• Optional: small container/bag to store these items
• Notebook paper (loose leaf/filler paper - college or wide ruled)
• Composition Books (100 pages) - Spiral bound notebook is acceptable, but not recommended
• 2 COLLEGE RULED Composition notebooks - one for each class - Science & Social Studies
• 2 WIDE RULED Composition notebooks- one for each class - Math & English Language Art

• Need to report an absence? Please do so within 2 days. All student absences are to be emailed to ohenry@austinisd.org
• Need to check out your student early from school? Please bring your ID to the office for check out. You may call ahead (512-414-3229) for us to send a pass, however an in-person check out is still required. NOTE: No early check outs will be accepted after 3:30 p.m.

Welcome back Mustangs,

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

We will be collecting medications and immunizations at Derby Day

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.

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.

There are 2 breakfast options - 1 hot and 1 grab & go quick option.

• Students may bring money for snacks during lunch.
• There is an allergy-free designated space available in our cafeteria. Please encourage your student to communicate with the adults supervising lunchtimes.

• View breakfast, lunch, and after-school menus, as well as allergens and nutritional information at www.SchoolCafe.com/AustinISD, or download the SchoolCafé mobile app on Apple or Android devices.
• AISD menus are subject to change due to nationwide supply chain issues and food service worker shortages.
• For additional information contact AISD Dietitian at 512-414-0250.

Lunches Periods are attached to the 5th Period Course on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Lunch Periods for Thursday are attached to the 6th Period Course.

There are some advanced level courses during 5th and 6th period which will have 7th and 8th graders enrolled. We will alternate between A and B lunch each 9-weeks so students may mingle with other grade level peers.

6th Grade has C lunch.

We are not able to accommodate food delivery for students. Please do not send Favor, DoorDash, or pizza deliveries to campus. All food deliveries will be turned away. Students are not permitted to leave campus and cannot meet delivery drivers to receive food. The cafeteria has limited capacity to heat up meals. The outlets in the cafeteria will not allow for multiple microwaves running at the same time. While we do have one microwave in the cafeteria, it is best for students to bring a lunch that does not require a microwave or eat the hot school lunch provided in the school cafeteria.

All 7th and 8th graders are welcome to participate. Our first practice is on Wednesday, August 21st at 7:00 AM at the OH track. Come ready to run in your running clothes and running shoes. Bring a change of clothes for school and a full water bottle.

All practices are on M-W-F from 7 - 8 AM at the OH track. You must have a physical to participate. Email Jenny Parker for more information at jenny.parker@austinisd.org.

Our first XC meet is Friday, September 6th at St. Andrews

All other meets will be on Saturdays and all races are 2 miles. We will have 4 - 5 meets this season. Our season is from 8/21 through early October.

Coaches:

Coach Richter 7A: ryan.richter@austinisd.org

Coach McNally 7A: patrick.mcnally@austinisd.org

Coach Gray 7B: scott.gray@austinisd.org

Before trying out:

• -You must have a CURRENT AISD physical (dated after April 15th, 2024) in order to try out. PHYSICAL FORMS (click me) or are in the front office, and they must be filled out in their entirety (students and parents must sign the Participation Form and explain any “yes” marked questions).

• -You must complete all Rank One UIL Online Forms before participation

Rank One Instructions (click me) (if needed)

Early Equipment Handout:

If you have all physical forms and rank one complete, we will issue football equipment and locker on Derby Day (Friday, August 16th from 3:30PM-6PM)Equipment handout will start 30 minutes prior to Derby Day If you don’t have the forms completed, you must wait to get your locker/equipment once completed. We will issue equipment on Monday after school as well.

7th Grade Practice times: Our first practice day will be Wednesday, August 21st promptly at 7am (doors to locker room will open at 6:45am). We will practice every day for the first two weeks (in order to get our UIL required practice dates in). After the first two weeks we will practice early only on days we have our 1st period Athletics class, so no practices on Thursdays (for 7th grade).

7th grade STACK TEAM app: Please download the Stack Team app for the latest communications concerning practices, game changes, etc. We will use this for quick communications once we begin.

2024 7th O.Henry Football now has their own smartphone app which is 100% FREE to join. It will keep you updated with all the latest news and events plus much more.

To get the full features of this app please go to the App Store or Google Play and download Stack Team App onto your mobile device, then follow these simple steps:

1. Sign-up to Stack Team App. You'll be sent an e-mail to activate your account.

2. Log-in and search for 2024 7th O. Henry Football, then request to become a member.

2024 A Football Schedule (click)

2024 B Football Schedule (click)

7th A Football Jersey Roster

7th B Football Jersey Roster

Items you’ll need to start: forms completed, O. Henry athletic tee and shorts, cleats (please initial somewhere), mouthpiece if you have braces, a towel and any items needed for showering. Any personal football equipment must be two years or newer and approved by coaching staff.

Games: -7th grade games will start at 6:00pm for both A and B groups unless otherwise stated

Tickets to games at Burger/House Park: (A team games)

Purchase tickets online via the Austin ISD Athletic app or from the GoFan website. Tickets will not be sold on campus or at the event. (this ticket info may change as it was last seasons information)

All visitors are required to follow the clear bag policy:

• ​​Approved bags must be clear and not exceed 12 in. (by 6 in. by 12 in.) or be a clear one-gallon resealable plastic freezer storage bag.

• One per person. Bags must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and have a maximum of one logo imprint not exceeding 4.5 in. tall x 3.4 in. wide.

Gamedays: We will keep all players playing with us for HOME/AWAY games and do a study hall and have a light snack (that each student will need to bring if we don’t have team meals) before we get ready for the game.

Uniform: Players will receive a game jersey before the game starts and will return the jersey after the game is over to be washed. We will wear our black practice pants as our game pants.

Transportation: There will be buses provided, any students wishing to leave with their parents after the game must check out with the coach prior to doing so.

Water: Athletes are expected to bring their own personalized water bottles to practice and to games. Please encourage them to hydrate throughout the school day!

Injuries: Throughout the season there will be injuries that happen. Please communicate any injuries that your student athlete gets with us (assuming it’s not a serious injury) so we can direct you to the Athletic Trainer at Austin High School for best possible treatment.

If you go to a doctor, your student athlete must have a doctor's clearance letter before returning to practice/games.

Please feel free to contact us through email or the Stack Team app if you have any questions.

Before trying out:

• -You must have a CURRENT AISD physical (dated after April 15th, 2024) in order to try out. PHYSICAL FORMS (here) or are in the front office, and they must be filled out in their entirety (students and parents must sign the Participation Form and explain any “yes” marked questions).

• -You must complete all Rank One UIL Online Forms before participation

Rank One Instructions (if needed)

Early Equipment Handout:

If you have all physical forms and rank one complete, we will issue football equipment and locker on Derby Day (Friday, August 16th from 4-6:00pm) if you don’t have the forms completed, you must wait to get your locker/equipment once completed. We will issue equipment on Monday after school as well.

8th Grade Practice times:

Due to new UIL Standards we will not be able to have afternoon practices with our pads on. 8th Grade will now practice in the mornings and then have walkthroughs (helmets only) during 8th Period Athletics.

Our first practice day will be Wednesday, August 21st in the morning at 6:45am (Locker Room opens at 6:30am)

1st 3 Weeks Practice Schedule: Practice Schedule

8th Grade Team Remind App:

We will be using Remind for communication regarding practices, games, etc. Please use the information below to sign up for the 8th Grade Football Remind.

Send a text to: 81010

Text this message: @hckhdc

8th Grade Football Schedule 2024

Items you’ll need to start: forms completed, O.Henry athletic tee and shorts, cleats (please initial somewhere), mouthpiece if you have braces, a towel and any items needed for showering. Any personal football equipment must be two years or newer and approved by coaching staff.

Games: 8th Grade A-Team games start at 7:30 (10 Minutes after 7th Grade Ends)

8th Grade B-Team games start at 6:00pm

Tickets to games at Burger/House Park/Nelson Field: (A team games)

Purchase tickets online via the Austin ISD Athletic app or from the GoFan website. Tickets will not be sold on campus or at the event. (this ticket info may change as it was last seasons information)

All visitors are required to follow the clear bag policy:

• ​​Approved bags must be clear and not exceed 12 in. (by 6 in. by 12 in.) or be a clear one-gallon resealable plastic freezer storage bag.

• One per person. Bags must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and have a maximum of one logo imprint not exceeding 4.5 in. tall x 3.4 in. wide.

Gamedays: We will keep all players playing with us for HOME/AWAY games and do a study hall and have a light snack (that each student will need to bring if we don’t have team meals) before we get ready for the game.

Uniform: Players will receive a game jersey before the game starts and will return the jersey after the game is over to be washed. We will wear our black practice pants as our game pants.

Transportation: There will be buses provided. Any students wishing to leave with their parents after the game must check out with the coach prior to doing so.

Water: Athletes are expected to bring their own personalized water bottles to practice and to games.

Injuries: Throughout the season there will be injuries that happen. Please communicate any injuries that your student athlete gets with us (assuming it’s not a serious injury) so we can direct you to the Athletic Trainer at Austin High School for best possible treatment.

If you go to a doctor, your student athlete must have a doctor's clearance letter before returning to practice/games.

Please feel free to contact us through email or the Remind Team app if you have any questions.

Monday, August 19th

Open Gym

10am-11:45am

*This is not mandatory and not coached

Tuesday, August 20th

1st period athletics tryout meeting (collect physicals)

Wednesday, August 21st

7:15-9:50

(Before school through 1st per athletics)

Thursday, August 22nd

7:15-9:05

(Before school through 1st per athletics)

*1st cut will be posted by 4:00*

Friday, August 23rd

8:20-9:05

(1st period athletics)

*A/B roster will be posted by 4:00*

All athletes must have an AISD physical dated after April 15th to participate in tryouts!

Questions? Email crystal.gaffney@austinisd.org or kristine.kobs@austinisd.org

8th Grade Girls A and B Volleyball 20248th Grade Girls Volleyball

Coach Cohen A Team macie.cohen@austinisd.org

Coach Borders B Team luke.borders@austinisd.org

Volleyball Tryout Information

• You must have a current physical in order to tryout for volleyball. The entire physical packet must be completed with signatures in order to be valid. The physical must be turned by the first day of tryouts (Wednesday, 8/21)

• 8th grade tryouts will be held Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (Aug. 21,22,23).

First week of school volleyball schedule:

Monday, August 19th

Open Gym 10:00-11:45 AM

Coaches will have the nets up and balls out for 7th and 8th grade girls to come play! Please pick up your girls no later than 11:45.

*NOT required and NOT coached

Tryouts:

Tuesday, August 20th

(first day of school)

No tryouts–no athletics class period (8th period) today

Wednesday, August 21st

8th period tryouts prep - 1:25-2:10

(We will collect physicals and set expectations, no need for athletes to dress out)

After school tryouts - 3:50-5:00

Thursday, August 22nd

3:05 (8th period) - 5:00

*1st cut will be posted by 5:00*

Friday, August 23rd

3:05 (8th period) - 3:50

*A/B roster will be posted by 4:00*

• Come to tryouts dressed in your gray OHMS athletics shirt - $5 at the Mustang Mall in the cafe and sold on Derby Day on August 16th

• If you do not have your shirt on day 1, it’s ok. Let coaches know if you cannot buy one.

• Wear court/athletic shoes and knee pads (we have extras if you do not own any)

• Bring a water bottle

• Be on time!

Physical Forms are available in the Main Office at O. Henry and will be handed out to all interested students who are currently on campus.

Please make sure this is the form that is used when the physical is received. If it is not on the current form, it will not be accepted.

Steps to take to make sure Physical Form is complete and ready to be turned in:

• The physical is on 2024-2025 Participation Form (green form in OHMS main office)

• all information on the front page of form is filled out completely (all "yes" marked answers have a brief explanation on space provided).

• BOTH STUDENT and PARENT SIGNATURES are completed (electronic signatures will not be accepted).

• All students participating in athletics, marching band, cheerleading, drill team, and dance will be required to obtain a new physical dated after April 15, 2023 prior to participating in any practice or activity for the 2023-24 school year.
  

• FORM IN ENGLISH

• FORM IN SPANISH

• AISD Required Online Participation Forms

  All athletes must complete Forms found in the parent portal at RankOneSport.

Parents can drop off completed Physical Forms on Friday, August 16th (DERBY DAY) from 4-6 pm or on the first day of school.

Dancers: You will need the following items by the second week of class at the latest! Not having proper dress out will affect your grade, if you have questions or concerns/ or can't get these items please reach out to me ASAP :)

We will do different styles of dance but will start off the year with Ballet. You will wear the same thing all year. These things can be bought from anywhere, but some places I have found are Amazon, Discount dance (website), or any proper dance store.

Dance class students

Black dance leotard

Black leggings

Basic ballet dance slippers (canvas or leather is fine)(split or full sole is fine)

Notebook/ Journal

Hair ties, brush

Extra fun stuff (not required)

Ballet tights

Ballet skirts

Ballet cover ups

Leg warmers

Hair spray/ bobby pins

Comfortable work out shorts/ sweats

Dance Team/ Dance team class

Black dance leotard

Any color or style of comfortable dance bottom of your choice (leggings, sweats, tights, etc…)

Basic ballet slippers (leather or canvas is fine) (split sole preferred)

Notebook/ Journal

Hair ties/ hair brush

Extras (Not Required)

Jazz Shoes

Dance cover ups

Leg warmers

Hair spray/bobby bins

Ballet skirts

All dance team members must be in the dance team class (1st period) and will have to buy a dance team shirt

If you are interested in trying out for dance team please contact me via email

Sarah.Tavarez@austinisd.org

The biggest factors in student success are active and engaged families, educators, and a supportive community. Your membership helps support the many valuable programs and activities that occur throughout the year at O.Henry. Please help support our efforts and click to JOIN THE PTA TODAY!

WE NEED YOU!

Parent involvement is what makes a school GREAT!

There are many ways to stay involved at OHMS and our school leadership and staff enthusiastically encourage you to be involved. We are in particular need of volunteers for teacher/staff appreciation, office volunteers and 8th grade recognition assemblies (honor roll, etc.). Click here for the volunteer form:

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Thank you to Laura Cross and Lynn Kasten for providing breakfast tacos for the faculty. Derby Day Volunteers: Ann Cardenas, Eric Ford, Holly Lantham, Lindsay Hadlock, Jenna Silvers, Jenni Shirk, Jen Kolerich, Leslie Laverty, Heather Granato, Lissa Anderson, Lindsey Majors, Dalton Young, and Shannon Grethel.

August 20 - FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

August 22 - PTA COFFEE

August 28 - BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT - beginning with 5:30pm General PTA meeting for all parents and then at 6pm following your students schedule and meeting their teachers!