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Clint Small Middle School
Weekly Newsletter Week of: February 16th, 2026 |
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A Letter from Principal Bedford |
Hello Smallville,
Although it was a short week on campus and we made sure it was a meaningful one. On Tuesday, we had our parent conference day. We appreciate the time so many of you took to connect with our teachers to discuss student progress, celebrate growth, and set goals for the months ahead. These conversations are an important part of ensuring every student is supported academically and socially. When we work together, our Cougars benefit in powerful ways. In the fall, I shared the exciting news that we were awarded an Austin Ed Fund Grant to support an outdoor learning initiative. I’m thrilled to say that we have been hard at work bringing that vision to life by creating engaging outdoor learning spaces for all of our Cougars. We are developing three unique areas where students and staff will be able to learn, collaborate, and create in meaningful ways.
What makes this initiative especially meaningful is the involvement of our Cougars in the Green Tech Academy. Our students are not only helping design the spaces, but they are also collaborating and helping to build them. Their voices and ideas are central to this process, ensuring that we intentionally create environments that truly support and promote student learning. We are excited to continue developing these areas and look forward to sharing the final designs later this school year.
Wishing you a restful weekend! Stay Present,
Bedford |
Get ready, because Splashfest is coming in HOT! ☀️💦
Believe it or not, we are already planning our HUGE end-of-year celebration and wanted to give you a sneak peek at how you can be part of the fun!
🎉 What is Splashfest?
Splashfest is our epic after-school carnival packed with: |
- Inflatables
- Giant water slides
- Food & sweet treats
- Carnival games
- Raffles (student FAVORITE!)
- And so much more!
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It’s the perfect way to celebrate an amazing school year together. |
1️⃣ It’s an absolute blast for our kids.
2️⃣ It raises important funds to help us kick off next school year strong. Every dollar raised goes right back to supporting teachers and classrooms. Truly a win-win! |
🛟 Volunteer (Especially Around the Inflatables!)
We need LOTS of adult supervision — especially near the inflatables and water slides. The kids are excited, the sugar is flowing, and we need watchful eyes to keep everything safe and smooth. Now, I know what you’re thinking… “Someone else will sign up.” That’s exactly what everyone thinks — and that’s how we end up short on volunteers! Please consider saving the date:
📅 May 8th (afternoon)
📝 Sign-ups will open in April. If you’ve ever thought about helping, this is your moment! 🎟️ Donate a Raffle Prize The raffle is always a HUGE hit. Students earn tickets by playing games, then enter them to win amazing prizes.
At the end of March, we’ll ask students what big prizes they’re hoping for and create an Amazon Wishlist for easy donations. Last year’s favorites? |
- A life-size cutout of LeBron James
- The viral Pink Palm sweatshirt
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🌟 Become a Sponsor Do you own a business? Know someone who does? We are looking for sponsors to help fund inflatables, activities, or general event costs. In return, we’re happy to promote your business to our school community! The more successful Splashfest is, the more funding we can put directly into classrooms next year. 🚀 Bring Something NEW & Exciting! Have a connection to something unique? In past years we’ve had: |
- A drone obstacle course with giveaways
- A virtual reality dodgeball experience
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We would LOVE to bring in something fresh and unexpected that gets kids buzzing with excitement. If you have a cool connection, let us know! Let’s make this year’s Splashfest the best one yet! 💦🎉 If you have questions or connections, please reach out to Jennifer Rich at jennifer.rich@austinisd.org
Together, we can make magic happen! ✨ |
Green Camp info coming soon... |
"Green Academy Summer Camp 2026 will be June 1-4 and June 8-11, from 9-5. Spaces will be limited. Registration will begin March 23. Any questions please contact Mr. Jeansonne at jack.jeansonne@austinisd.org." |
📌 Student Registration for the 2026–2027 School Year |
Time for all Parents/Guardians to take ACTION - It is now time for Registration Round 2
General Registration opening 2/16/26. Remember all students must register for next school year. it is important to register each year because... |
- ✔️ Keeps your student’s records updated with current information
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✔️ Tells the district and the school where your student will attend next school year
- ✔️ Helps schools plan for staffing and available student seats for transfers
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Students currently in 6th grade will need two vaccines before starting 7th grade: Meningococcal and a Tdap booster. Whether your student has had them already, or are planning to get them soon please email a copy of the record to me once you have it. If you have any specific questions for your student, do not hesitate to call or email.. |
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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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!
Prices are now $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" |
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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LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS - We Need a Nominating Committee Clint Small MS PTA is forming this year’s Nominating Committee and we’re looking for three members and one alternate to help identify candidates for next year’s PTA leadership. The committee is a short‑term group that reviews nominations, may seek additional candidates, and recommends a slate of officers. PTA membership is required, but experience is not—training and support are provided.
We are also beginning recruitment for 2026–2027 PTA roles, including: |
- President
- Spirit Nights Representative
- Advocacy Representative
- Projects & Goals Chair
- VP of Memberships (we might have a taker)
- Volunteer Coordinator (we might have a taker)
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If you are interested in serving on the Nominating Committee, serving in a role next year, or nominating someone, please email president@clintsmallmspta.org. |
BE INTERNET AWESOME FAMILY NIGHT - WEDNESDAY FEB 25
Be Internet Awesome is a program sponsored by Google and YouTube, designed to help parents and caregivers support their middle schoolers in being smart, kind, and safe online. During this interactive session, families will “Meet LEO” (Learn and Explore Online) and learn about helpful safety tools like SafeSearch and Family Link. ADDED BONUS: Giveaways + Refreshments Provided!
Please RSVP so we can plan materials and refreshments. |
COUGAR SONIC SPIRIT NIGHT
Join us soon for Spirit Night at Sonic Brodie Ln – Thursday, Feb 26, 2026, 4–8 PM! Eat Sonic, give back: 40% of sales benefit the Clint Small Middle School PTA when you order and pay at the stall or drive-thru at 9916 Brodie Ln in Austin. Orders placed through the Sonic app or delivery services are not eligible, so be sure to mention you’re supporting Small when you order. |
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 |
"E G Y P T" in Spring Break 2027!
"J A P A N I N N O V A T I O N" & "THE A L P S & the MEDITERRANEAN GRAND JOURNEY" in SUMMER 2027! GLOBAL COUGARS FLY Program Learn about all international trips at our online meeting on Thursday, March 5th, at 6:30 PM.
Register: https://rsvp.eftours.com/w8wgxyb Imagine your student… Exploring futuristic Tokyo, seeing real robotics labs, visiting Japan’s famous bullet trains, and experiencing the cultural wonder of Mount Fuji. Riding high into the Swiss Alps, cruising crystal-clear lakes, walking through the colorful villages of Cinque Terre, and ending in the artistic energy of Barcelona.
Stepping into the pages of ancient history in Egypt, as they explore Cairo, the Great Pyramids of Giza, and the Sphinx. They will sail the Nile River aboard a cruise ship, explore the Valley of the Kings, stand inside the temple of Luxor, discover the treasures of King Tutankhamun at the Grand Egyptian Museum, and more!
These are not ordinary tours but once-in-a-lifetime journeys students will remember forever. Led by Mrs. Early, Small MS long-time ESL Teacher and Founder of Global Cougars Fly, focused on safe, structured, and meaningful international student travel.
ONLINE INFORMATION MEETING Thursday, March 5 at 6:30 PM RSVP HERE TO RECEIVE THE LINK
https://rsvp.eftours.com/w8wgxyb
Because the world is a powerful classroom, and travel helps students grow in confidence, curiosity, and understanding in ways no textbook can. |
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Info from AISD High Schools |
Dear incoming Bowie families,
We are excited to invite incoming students and their families to our Incoming 9th Grade Bowie Showcase! This is a wonderful opportunity to explore everything that Bowie has to offer and get a closer look at the programs that make our school special. Event Details Date: February 19, 2026 Time: 5:30PM-7:00PM
Before you attend, we encourage you to visit our scheduling website and watch the videos on our showcase flyer to learn more about our electives and programs. This is a casual come-and-go event. There will be no formal presentation, so feel free to arrive at your convenience. Parking is available in any school parking lot or the student section of the parking garage. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing what makes Bowie a great place to learn and grow!
Bowie 2025 Showcase Flyer Thank you, Bowie Counselors |
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