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Clint Small Middle School
Weekly Newsletter
Week of November 3rd, 2025
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Reminder: No School Tuesday 11/4/5 |
Letter From Principal Bedford |
Hello Smallville!
Can you believe we’re already at the end of October? The days are flying by! As I visit classrooms and interact with our Cougars, it always brings me so much joy to see how our teachers have created learning environments that are full of energy. It’s also been neat to see them grow more confident and comfortable in their routines and learning. As we head into another short, four-day week, I’m looking forward to keeping that same momentum going.
I might be saying this as a reminder to myself while managing my own teenagers, but I want to encourage you to give yourself some grace during this stage of raising teens and preteens. Middle school is a whirlwind for both our Cougars and us as parents. The mood swings, sudden silence, and those dramatic eye rolls are all part of the process as they learn to navigate emotions and independence.
I’m definitely not an expert, but my one piece of advice is to stay present in it all and cherish these years, even when they feel a little bumpy. It truly does go by so quickly; we will blink, and suddenly they’re off to high school. Every shared laugh, car ride conversation, tearful moment, and small victory along the way is worth savoring.
Stay safe out there if you are participating in Halloween festivities! I hope you have a wonderful and restful weekend!
Stay Present,
Bedford
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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.
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Green Tech Academy 26-27 Application Information |
UPDATE: We will be opening the Green Tech Academy Campus Application next week. Check our Green Tech Academy page AFTER Wednesday 11/5for more information.
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. Mid-November–Mid-March – After-School Family Tours
For families zoned to Small or considering a transfer. -
November - Green Tech Academy "CAMPUS" Application Opens.
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 Early Spring – District 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.
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Girls Basketball Schedule
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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." |
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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:
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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.
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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.
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November 5, 2025 – Advanced Opportunities Night
Explore options like Dual Credit, CTE, Fine Arts, Multilingual, AP, OnRamps, and Early College programs.
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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
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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 Schoolwill visit on October 29thto 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.
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No Hassle Fundraiser LAST DAY!
Today is the final day to donate to our easy-peasy No Hassle fundraiser. We are OVERWHELMED by the support of our community smashing all our goals and raising $7,160!!! 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.
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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.
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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!
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Upcoming General Assembly Meeting-Save the date
11/5 - Wednesday @ 5:30pm
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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!
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Cougars Traveling the World
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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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Austin High Maroon and White Night
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Nothing to share at this time |
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