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Clint Small Middle School
Weekly Newsletter
Week of December 9, 2025
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A Letter from Principal Bedford |
Hello Smallville!
We’re rocking and rolling into a busy and exciting stretch on campus as our Fine Arts winter concerts are just around the corner. Our Cougars have been working hard this semester to show off their skills.Please join us next week to celebrate their accomplishments.
Next week we’ll also be kicking off our MAPS assessment testing. Please help us by reminding students to get a good night’s sleep, charge those devices, and come in ready to do their best! MAPS reading and math assessments assist our staff in creating curriculum plans tailored to our Cougars individual needs.
I also want to send a huge thank you to our amazing community for the generous food donations and the delicious pies for Staff. Seriously, you all know how to make us feel appreciated, and we’re grateful. Overall, we’re working hard and keeping the energy positive as we head into the winter season.
Thanks for being such a strong partner in everything we do.
Wishing you all a week filled with gratitude!
Stay Present,
Bedford
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It’s that time of year when we donate the boxes and boxes of water bottles, jackets, random shoes, and other miscellaneous items that have collected in our Lost and Found.
This year, Ms. Bedford has asked us to move the Lost and Found to the front of the school so parents can easily stop by and take one last look. Your child’s long-lost jacket or water bottle might just be in the pile!
Feel free to come by anytime Monday–Thursday to take a peek.
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Our amazing custodians work tirelessly all year to keep Small looking great, and we’d love to show them our appreciation with a holiday cash bonus. This is a tradition our teachers have cherished for years, and now we’re inviting you to join in!
You can contribute by:
Sending cash to the main office
Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/Jennifer-RichOG
All donations will be divided five ways and presented to our custodians along with a heartfelt holiday card.
Deadline to contribute: Midnight, December 17th
Let’s make sure our hardworking custodians feel the love this holiday season! ❤️
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We will be hosting two winter dances this Week!
6th Grade Dance: Tuesday, Dec. 17 • 4:00–5:30 PM
7th & 8th Grade Dance: Wednesday, Dec. 18 • 4:30–5:30 PM
🍕 Food is included with every wristbands! - Dance with Pizza, Candy and a Drink - $15
🎟 Tickets will be sold during lunch starting Monday.
There will be no ticket sales at the door, so make sure to grab yours early!
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It’s that time of year again—our amazing parents ask "How can we spoil our teachers!" 🎁 This year, we asked the teachers to update their Teacher Favs list, so you can see exactly what will make them smile (and maybe keep them fueled through grading 😅). Check it out and help spread some holiday cheer! |
Girl's soccer tryouts will take place every day from Tuesday, Jan 6th to Friday, Jan 9th. We will meet by the soccer fields behind the school at 4pm and end at 5:15pm. All players will need to have a physical and it should be uploaded to the Rankone portal: austinisd.rankone.com. |
Green Academy’s Market Days – Gifts That Give Back! |
Support young entrepreneurs and find perfect holiday gifts at Green Academy’s annual Market Days! Our creative students have upcycled, designed, and built special items that will bring joy to your holidays. From decorated apparel and personalized water bottles to festive crafts, every purchase helps our students learn, grow, and fund future Green Academy projects.
Plus: Shop early for the best selection! Stop by after school to grab gifts that make a difference for both the planet and the students. A Celebration of Student Makers – Sustainable, Upcycled, and Full of Holiday Cheer!
Join us Dec. 9–11, 4:00–5:15 PM, at the front of Small Middle School. Market Days are open to families, friends, and the entire Austin community. Spread the word and support our amazing student makers!
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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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Parenting rarely comes with quick fixes or perfect timing. More often, it calls for words that reset the moment, rebuild trust, and help children feel truly understood. Intentional phrases can strengthen connection even in the hardest seasons—and many work across ages and personalities.
Teenagers, especially, aren’t trying to make life difficult. Their brains are rapidly rewiring as they navigate identity, intense emotions, and social pressure. What they need most is connection, yet it can be the hardest thing for them to ask for.
Here are supportive phrases parents can use to reach even the most challenging moments with teens:
“I’m listening, and I won’t interrupt.”
“That sounds really hard.”
“I need a minute to calm down before we talk about this.”
“What do you need from me right now?”
“I was wrong about how I handled that.”
“We’re on the same team, even when it doesn’t feel like it.”
“I love you, and nothing you do will change that.”
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Staff Luncheon Donations & Volunteers Needed
On Monday, December 15th, your PTA is hosting a winter holiday luncheon to celebrate and thank our amazing staff and teachers before the long break, and we need your help to make this a success! Please sign-up to volunteer and donate goodies to help show a whole lot of love to those who take such great care of our students!
Donations may be brought to the front office throughout the week before and by 11am on Monday (12/15) morning.
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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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Hoodie Pick Up
Reminder! Hoodie pre‑sale orders will be ready for pickup at the Cougar Cage during lunch on 12/11 and 12/12—students just need to show their confirmation.
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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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