|
Clint Small Middle School
Weekly Newsletter
Week of November 10th, 2025
|
|
|
Letter From Principal Bedford |
Hello Smallville!
It’s been an exciting week here at school, and we have so much to celebrate! Our girls' basketball teams and boys soccer teams continue to impress on the court, showing outstanding teamwork and Cougar pride. Even Fine Arts teams are jumping into the action. Our Theatre students are heading to UIL today, ready to showcase their incredible talent and dedication. We’re cheering them on as they take the stage! Our Orchestra also performed at the Monster Concert last week, and our Jazz Band recently held its concert! I love to see our Cougars outside of the normal classroom environment sharing their talent and love for their extracurricular activities.
We’re also gearing up for one of the most anticipated events of the year, Cougar Adventure Time, or better known as C.A.T. Day! This special day is all about community, creativity, and connection. Each teacher designs a unique lesson based on their personal interests or talents, and students will soon have the opportunity to sign up for the activities that interest them most. Whether it’s crafts, sports, games, or exploring new hobbies, there’s something for everyone. CAT Day gives students a chance to see their teachers in a different light and to try something new outside the regular classroom routine. It’s a highlight of our school year!
We’ve been rocking and rolling here on campus and continue to make sure our students feel the Cougar love every single day!
I hope you have a wonderful and restful weekend!
Stay Present,
Bedford
|
Touching Base: Picture Retakes & Absentee Photos
Wednesday, November 12th — During Lunch
📸 Retakes and absentee photos will take place on the stage during lunch periods.
⏱ Students may go at the beginning or end of their lunch to avoid missing meal time.
✅ If a photo package was already ordered:
Students must bring and turn in their original picture packet to the photographer
A new photo will be taken and the package will be reprinted
✅ If a student ordered digital only and wants a retake:
They will still need to get their photo taken again
No physical packet required to return
✅ If a student wants retakes but forgot their picture packet:
They can still take a new picture
However, no new order will be placed until the original packet is returned
|
We’re excited to bring back one of our favorite Smallville traditions — CAT Day (Cougar Adventure Time) — on Friday, November 21st! This is a special day where we hit pause on our regular schedule and explore new adventures together.
Our amazing teachers have created a huge variety of CAT Day sessions where students can try new activities, have fun with friends, and even see their teachers in a whole new way!
Students will get to choose from activities like:
✅ Nature walks & outdoor sports
🎨 Creative arts — extreme dot-to-dots, flip books, poster making for foster dogs
🎭 Performing arts — comedy improv, music studio
🧠 Skill-building — braiding hair, drawing realistic people, logic puzzles
🌏 Cultural fun — Japanese language & art
…and SO much more!
This day is all about:
✨ Having fun
🤝 Building community
🎯 Trying new things
💚 Celebrating what makes Small special
Students will receive a preview of classes and session codes this week so they can plan their favorites. Official sign-ups happen next week, and we can’t wait to see what adventures everyone chooses.
Thank you for helping us make CAT Day another unforgettable tradition at Smallville! 🐾💚
|
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.
McCallum Presentation
📅 Wednesday, November 12, 2025
📍 On campus
🧾 Students must sign up with their 8th-grade counselor to attend.
|
Student Council Canned Food Drive |
Hello Cougar Families,
Given the increase of food insecurity, Small wants to both ways to support families facing food insecurity and share direct resources for families seeking assistance.
1. How to support
Donate to Austin Ed Fund’s Crisis Fund, which goes directly to support families’ basic needs.
Donate to Small's Student Council Food Drive. Historically Student Council donations went to the Central Texas Food Bank, but students expressed interest in direct support for families in our community.
Hola Familias de Cougar,
Dado el aumento de la inseguridad alimentaria, Small quiere apoyar a las familias que enfrentan inseguridad alimentaria y compartir recursos directos para las familias que buscan ayuda.
1. Cómo apoyar
Dona al Fondo de Crisis de Austin Ed, que va directamente a apoyar las necesidades básicas de las familias.
Donar a Small's Student Council Food Drive. Históricamente, las donaciones del Consejo Estudiantil fueron al Banco Central de Alimentos de Texas, pero los estudiantes expresaron interés en apoyar directamente a las familias en nuestra comunidad.
|
|
|
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:
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
|
|
|
CSMS Annual “Pie-Giving Thanks” Drive for Teachers and Staff!
We’re continuing a favorite Small tradition—help us thank our amazing teachers and staff by donating a non-refrigerated pie, Nov 17–21! Drop off donations at the Front Office during the week or at car dropoff lines Friday morning (11/21).
SIgn Up For A Pie: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044DA5A92CA0F5C34-60312928-csms#/
Your generosity and kindness make this possible every year—let’s show our staff how much they mean to our community!
|
Flix on the Field
It’s time for Flix on the Field! Join the Small Middle School PTA for a magical movie night under the stars as we show Wicked!
Saturday, November 15th | 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Small Middle School Football Field
Free! No ticket for entry.
Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and your favorite picnic dinner! We’ll have free popcorn and local food trucks to make the night extra special. Don’t miss this spellbinding evening with our school community!
|
Pre-order your NEW CSMS Cougars hoodie! -image attached
Get ready for hoodie season! The Clint Small MS PTA is excited to announce our Hoodie Presale Event—order your school hoodies by Friday, November 14th HERE.
Starting December 11th, students can easily pick up their pre-ordered hoodies at the Cougar Cage during their lunch time.
Please note: This is a PTA-run sale and all sales are final. We’ll do our best to help with any issues, but please review the size guide carefully before purchasing. Thank you for supporting our school!
|
VIA 313 Spirit Night
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!
|
Join the PRIDE!
It's not too late to join the PTA and help us reach our goal of 400 members. Click HERE to join today!
|
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
|
|
|
Info from AISD High Schools |
Austin High Maroon and White Night
|
Nothing to share at this time |
|
|
|
