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Clint Small Middle School
Weekly Newsletter
Week of: January 12th, 2026
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A Letter from Principal Bedford |
Hello Smallville!
Welcome back! I hope you had a great winter break. As we step into the spring semester and the new year, I’m excited to see that our entire school community has a sense of renewed energy and purpose. Spring is always a busy and exciting time and it is filled to the brim with recruitment efforts, state testing, special events, and plenty of fun learning opportunities for our Cougars. Each of these moments plays an important role in shaping our Cougars’ experiences and helping them grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
As the pace picks up, it’s important to remember that we are a team working together toward the same goals. By working together, supporting one another, and staying connected, we can keep our Cougars at the center of everything we do. We value our partnership with families and appreciate your continued support as we move through this semester. Please stay connected through school communications and reach out with any questions or concerns.
Thank you for your continued dedication, collaboration, and commitment to making this spring semester a successful and meaningful one for all.
Wishing everyone a restful weekend!
Stay Present,
Bedford
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We have updated our A/B Calendar for the second semester. Please print this one and put it on your fridge as there have been some changes in March and we added the Staar Dates. |
ARE YOU ONE OF OUR BEST AND BRIGHTEST COUGARS?
We are looking for students who exemplify what being a Small Cougar is all about! Help make Small a better place to learn as a member of NJHS. Applications for Clint Small Middle School’s National Junior Honor Society are open through February 24, 2026. Students must access the link through an AISD account. The link can be found on the school website. The application is editable, so it does not need to be completed at a single time. The committee will make determinations by spring break. Please direct any questions to shelby.ottleybujan@austinisd.org
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****Help us help you!!!**** |
Hello Families,
After more than 25 years with AISD, one of our beloved front office clerks and substitute coordinator has retired. While we are excited for her next chapter, due to district budget cuts we are unable to re-hire for her position. This means our front office team is now operating with one fewer staff member.
Our phones and front desk are very busy all day, and your support truly makes a difference. Here are a few simple ways you can help keep things running smoothly:
✔ Save the Parent Info Center on your phone - Shortcuts to everything you may need from “ordering your student” to “what's for lunch” can be found here. Before calling the office, look here for your answers. Better yet, make a shortcut on your phone for easy access. https://small.austinschools.org/parents/parent-info-center
✔ Pre-order early pick-ups. - If you need to pick up your student early, please complete the ‘Early Student Pick-Up’ form linked here and in our Parent Info Center on our website or call the front office well in advance so that we can have your student ready when you arrive. Your student may not be in a classroom. They may be outside for PRIDE, Green-Tech, other electives, at lunch, or outside for PE. It can take up to 30 minutes to locate them if we are not notified in advance.
✔ Reporting an Absence - Submit all doctor’s notes and report all absences via the district form linked here and on our website.
✔ Drop off forgotten items on the shelf outside the office. - Lunches, Chromebooks, chargers, cleats, PE clothes, etc. can be left on the black shelves in the secured vestibule. There’s no need to come inside and tell us they are there — the shelf is monitored by staff, cameras, and trained student aides. Just make sure the name is written clearly on the item and we will take care of getting those items to students.
✔ No DoorDash or other food delivery services due to campus safety and security protocols!
✔ Please avoid pick-ups after 3:15 PM. - Late pick-ups are difficult due to dismissal procedures and traffic. If you arrive after this time, you will experience delays.
✔ Student confidentiality is our priority. - If your student is in the nurse’s office, counselor’s office or in an administrator’s office, front office staff are unaware of the details. Private information is not shared with front office staff due to student confidentiality. We are happy to transfer your call or notify the appropriate person that you have arrived to collect your student.
✔ Parking - PLEASE DO NOT park your vehicle in the spaces labeled ‘Reserved’ in our front parking lot. Those spaces are assigned parking for our office staff and campus administrators.
Thank you for helping us support our amazing front office team and keep our school running smoothly!
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Don’t Miss Out — Pre-Order Your Yearbook! |
If you’re new to Small this year, you may not know just how coveted our yearbooks are. This is something you must pre-purchase! We only print the number of books that are ordered in advance, and there is no option to print additional copies after delivery. Every year, students and parents wait until the last minute and are disappointed when they miss out — we don’t want that to be you!
Buy your yearbook before Winter Break to get the Early Bird price of $35.
After the break, the price increases to $40, and all purchases must be made by the end of February to guarantee your copy.
Order online at: 2026 Small Josten's LInk
Our yearbooks are created by our Yearbook classes, who spend the entire school year capturing the memories, moments, and magic of Small. Their work is truly something special!
Check out the artwork this year designed by one of our yearbook students because she said "Each student is a piece of a puzzle and at Small they can always find where they fit in"
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Attention 8th Grade Parents |
Calling all proud 8th grade parents
If you would like to purchase ad space in this years yearbook to congratulate your 8th graders middle school success, You can buy your add here: Josten Yearbook Ads
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Cougar Cage 2026 Dates
January and February dates have been added to the Cougar Cage sign up. This is a fun volunteer opportunity if you love to observe middle school students in the wild!
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January Spirit Night @ P. Terry's
Mark you calendars for our first Spirit Night of the new year on Tuesday, January 20. P. Terry's is always a crowd pleaser so join us for a night of community and fundraising! 15% of sales will be donated to Small PTA!
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Save the Date- 9th Grade Next Steps Night
Join the discussion for academics, campus life, and insider tips for rising 9th graders and their families. Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 5:30 PM in the Clint Small Middle School Cafeteria for a special PTA meeting featuring representatives from Bowie High School and Crockett High School. We’re planning to provide refreshments and would really appreciate your RSVP so we can plan food and seating.
Panelists will answer questions about unique academic programs and electives, clubs and sports for freshmen, student support services, important deadlines and forms, and their best advice for incoming 9th graders and parents.
Austin High Families: If your student is headed to Austin High, this panel night will focus on Bowie and Crockett only. Austin High will host a separate event just for Small families. Small Course Selection Parent Night for Austin High will take place at 6:00 PM in the Austin High Library on Thursday, February 19. Please mark your calendar for that date as well.
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Cougars Traveling the World |
Educational Travel Programs at Small
At Clint Small Middle School, we are proud to have multiple teachers who sponsor Educational Travel Programs each year. These programs are structured group trips for students, organized in partnership with professional travel providers. The providers take care of the big details—like flights, hotels, meals, guides, and safety—while our teachers lead the learning side of the experience.
What is an Educational Travel Program?
An Educational Travel Program is more than just a trip. It’s an opportunity for students to step outside the classroom and experience history, culture, and language firsthand. Whether exploring another U.S. city or traveling abroad, students gain independence, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the world.
Why might families be interested?
Students experience hands-on learning tied to classroom topics. Travel builds maturity, problem-solving, and independence. Professional travel companies provide safety, structure, and support 24/7. Payment plans and group arrangements make these experiences more accessible than traveling on your own.
👉 With multiple teachers sponsoring programs, families can choose from a variety of destinations and opportunities that best fit their student’s interests.
Here is a list of upcoming opportunities
Trips in 2026
Trips in 2027
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Info from AISD High Schools |
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