Cougar

Cougar News

Clint Small Middle School
Weekly Newsletter

Week of October 27th, 2025

Parent Info Button

Letter From Principal Bedford

Hello Smallville! 

I hope you had a great week! As the cooler weather rolls in, this time of year is always special as our fine arts programs start showcasing the incredible creativity and talent of our students. All of the performances highlight our Cougars and help them and their dedication and passion for the arts. These events remind us just how many ways our students make our community vibrant and inspiring.

We also want to take a moment to celebrate our fall sports teams for an amazing season. Our volleyball, football, and cross country athletes have represented our school with great effort, teamwork, and pride. Their accomplishments on and off the field are a testament to their hard work and commitment. As we wrap up those exciting seasons, we’re thrilled to shift our focus to our winter sports of girls' basketball and boys' soccer. The energy and anticipation are high, and we can’t wait to see what this next season brings!

Lastly, we want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who took the time to attend and participate in our PTA special meeting with Lynn Boswell. Your positive comments, thoughtful engagement, and continued support mean so much to our campus. It’s this kind of community involvement that makes our school such a strong and welcoming place for everyone. Thank you for all you do to help our students and staff thrive!


Stay Present,
Bedford

Halloween Spirit Week - 10/27 - 10/31

🎃 Get Ready for Halloween Spirit Week! 👻

It’s almost that time of year! Halloween Spirit Week is next week of October 27–31!

Let’s make it a spooky, spirited, and fun week for everyone! 🧡🖤

Halloween Spirit Week
Halloween sp

Heads Up DL Families: Event Cancelled

DL

Attention 8th Grade Parents

Upcoming High School Presentations at Small

We wanted to share some important dates with you! Representatives from Austin High, LASA, and McCallum will be visiting Small to present information about their high schools. Please mark your calendars so students don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about these schools.

LASA Presentation
📅 Wednesday, November 5, 2025
📍 On campus
🧾 Students must sign up with their 8th-grade counselor to attend.

McCallum Presentation
📅 Wednesday, November 12, 2025
📍 On campus
🧾 Students must sign up with their 8th-grade counselor to attend.

SportsYou

Important Update:

Pending District Consolidation Plan

Due to the district consolidation draft plan, we are temporarily pausing all transfer information, tours, and transition events until after the official school board vote on November 20.

Once the district’s plan is finalized, we will update our website with all the details you’re looking for — including open house dates, campus tours, and our traditional events such as Cougar Camp, the Scavenger Hunt, and our online Parent Camp.

We want to ensure that no family is left out of the process, especially since attendance zones may change depending on the final plan.

➡️ Stay tuned! Our updated website with all event and enrollment information will launch after the November 20 vote.

For the most current details about the district’s consolidation plan, please visit the District Consolidation Information Page.

🗓️ Upcoming Transition Timeline (as of today)

  • November 20, 2025 – AISD School Board Vote on Consolidation
    We’ll solidify our plans after the district’s final decision.

  • TBD January 2026 - Virtual Welcome Parent Meeting for newly zoned families to learn all about Small and to welcome them into the Smallville family.

  • TBD January 2026 – Feeder School Student Tours
    Elementary students zoned to Small (Patton, Oak Hill, Mills & Baldwin) visit campus during the school day.

  • 1/27/26 - 2/6/26 – Counselor Visits to Feeder Schools
    Counselors introduce the 2026–2027 course selection process.

  • 2/10/26 – Smallville Discovery Fair
    Feeder and prospective transfer families explore campus, classrooms and chat with elective teachers at Small.

  • Mid February – Choice Sheets Due for Feeder Students

  • Mid-January–Mid-March – After-School Family Tours
    For families zoned to Small or considering a transfer.

  • Early Spring – Application-Based Transfers Open
    Limited spots in Dual Language and Green Tech Academy programs.
    Feeder student application process TBA.

  • Late March – Transfer Choice Sheets Due
    and General Transfer Requests Open in Enroll Austin (lottery-based).

  • 🌞 Summer Events

    • Cougar Camp – Two-day camp for new students.

    • Scavenger Hunt – Families explore campus before school starts.

    • Parent Camp – Virtual session to learn about policies and procedures.

Community Ofrenda

Ofrenda

Girls Basketball Schedule

8th Grade
7th Grade

Library Bookfair is coming...

Bookfair

LASA Presentation, November 5

lasa

On Wednesday, November 5th, the Liberal Arts and Science Academy will have a presentation for students interested in applying for LASA next year. Students must sign up with their grade level counselor to attend. Please contact Mr. Gonzalez, the 8th grade counselor, with any questions." 

AustinISD Parent U

Parent U as a districtwide initiative designed to equip families with the tools and knowledge to actively support their child’s postsecondary journey. Through engaging monthly virtual sessions, parents and guardians gain practical strategies on topics such as navigating college applications, understanding financial aid, exploring advanced academic opportunities, preparing for college entrance exams, and supporting students through key school transitions. 2025–2026 Parent U Sessions:

  • September 3, 2025 – Senior Year Success: College Apps & More

    Overview of key senior-year milestones, college application steps, and important dates. Learn how to guide your student through the process. 

  • October 1, 2025 – Paying for College: What Parents Should Know

    Financial aid, scholarships, FAFSA/TASFA, and budgeting strategies to support your student’s college plans. 

  • November 5, 2025 – Advanced Opportunities Night

    Explore options like Dual Credit, CTE, Fine Arts, Multilingual, AP, OnRamps, and Early College programs.

  • January 7, 2026 – Testing for College: SAT, ACT, TSIA2, and AP Explained

    Learn the purpose, timelines, and preparation strategies for key college entrance and placement

Coats
Counseling Corner

Next week, Mr. Gonzalez, the 8th grade counselor, will be visiting classrooms to share important updates and guidance on the transition to high school.

Upcoming High School Visits to Small:

  • Austin High School will visit on October 29th to present high school information for incoming 9th graders. - Cancelled

  • LASA (Liberal Arts and Science Academy) will visit on November 5th to speak with students interested in applying.

Students who wish to attend the LASA presentation must sign up with their counselor in advance. 

Sponsor - Thank you

Soccer

Interested in Playing SOCCER?

Join Lonestar Soccer Club

(512) 336-5425

 www.lonestar-sc.com/start-soccer

PTA News

AISD School Consolidation Plan

The last day to submit comment cards to the district is next Tuesday, October 28th. The comment card is an official opportunity for families to submit feedback about how the consolidation plan and boundary proposal would affect your family/student. You may submit a separate form for each topic/impact to your family. Students are encouraged to submit cards as well! 

Click HERE to submit yours.

No Hassle Fundraiser- One Week Left!

We did it, Cougar fam!!!  We hit our goal of $6,000 but now we're wondering- can we raise even more?  Our stretch goal is $7,000 and we need just $970 to get there.  If you haven't donated yet we make it super easy for you. No selling, baking, or laps needed. Every donation goes straight to supporting Small Middle School’s programs, staff, and campus.

A $50 contribution per family helps so much—but every dollar makes a difference. Thank you for helping us make Smallville a fantastic place to learn and grow!

Just donate. That’s it.

NHFR

Cougar Cage

We have lots of volunteer shifts to cover in the coming weeks.  This is a fun volunteer opportunity if you love to observe middle school students in the wild!  If it’s your first time volunteering be sure to sign up for a “trainee” shift.

train

VIA 313 Spirit Night- new image attached

That delicious Detroit-style pizza never tasted better than when it's supporting a great cause- our school! Come in for pizza, stay for the community building!

Don't forget to mention Small so we get the credit for all that yummy pizza you eat!

sp

Upcoming General Assembly Meeting-Save the date

11/5 - Wednesday @ 5:30pm. 

meeting

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

  • Costa Rica - Spring Break 2026

  • Spain - Summer 2026

  • Japan - Summer 2026

  • Italy & Greece - Summer 2026

Trips in 2027

  • SOUTH KOREA Summer 2027

  • PORTUGAL Spring Break 2027

Costa Rica

Costa Rica

Spain

Spain

Portugal

PORTUGAL

South Korea

 SOUTH KOREA

Japan

Japan

Italy & Greece

Italy & Greece

Info from AISD High Schools

Austin High Info

Monster Concert

Austin High Maroon and White Night

AHS

Austin High Maroon and White Night - November 19. There is more information on the link below. 

https://austin.austinschools.org/academy-admissions

AHS
Mountain Bikes

Bowie Info

Nothing to share at this time

Akins Info

Get Ready for a Night of Fun!

Looking for something exciting to do this Tonight?
Come join us October 24th at 6:00 PM for the Badgers Homecoming Celebration on Old San Antonio Rd (behind Akins HS)!

Bring your appetite — we’ll be grilling up juicy burgers and hot dogs!
Enjoy great music,
Play games,
and have an unforgettable night with friends and family!

Don’t miss out — it’s going to be a blast!

sdf

Crockett Info

friz
Family

Clint Small Middle School

Home of the Cougars and the Green Tech Academy!

Email: jennifer.newell@austinisd.org
Website: https://small.austinschools.org/
Location
: 4801 Monterey Oaks Boulevard, Austin, TX, USA
Phone: 512-841-6700
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057069836221